15.0 - 2107 Hartford Rd — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts October 7, 2026 PR-2026-104861; GF-2026-111379 Old West Austin Historic District 2107 Hartford Road 15 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1938 residence. Architecture This single-story bungalow features Tudor Revival design elements including a steeply pitched roof, casement windows, and nested gable overhangs on the front elevation. To one side is an enclosed corner porch that is now clad in vinyl or wood siding, matching the gable walls. The remainder of the exterior walls are clad in multi-colored brick. Above the front door is a small gable overhang that slightly shields the entryway. Due to grade changes on the site, the front of the house sits several feet above the street and is accessed via a front stair and porch entry. The property has seen some alterations to character defining features and has lost some integrity, though this may be reversible. Research Long time owners and residents of the property were Louis Harvey and Lillian Kelly, who both lived at the address as widowers. During this time, Lillian Kelly worked as assistant director of the Texas State Teacher Retirement System until her own retirement around 1952. She and her late husband had one son together who served in World War II and continued his service afterwards. Department Comments Per city code § 25-11-213 (G)(4), the Historic Landmark Commission has 180 days to review demolition permits in National Register historic districts starting from the date the application was submitted. This period is set to time out on February 8, 2027. Property Evaluation The property contributes to the Old West Austin National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a decent example of Tudor Revival architecture in the district. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. The property does not possess a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, the neighborhood, or a particular demographic group. e. Landscape feature. The property is not a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. Staff Recommendation Encourage rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, relocation, or deconstruction and salvage over demolition, but approve the demolition permit application upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. The Historic Landmark Commission must review new construction drawings prior to permit release in National Register Historic Districts. 15 – 2 Location Map 15 – 3 Property Information Photos 15 – 4 Google Streetview, 2024 15 – 5 Demolition application, 2026 Occupancy History City Directory Research, September 2026 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 Louise Hervey (widow of Henry), owner Same as above Same as above Lillian Kelly (widow of John), owner; assistant director of State Teacher Retirement System Same as above Louise Hervey (widow of Henry), owner, with Lillian Kelly, renter; comptroller of accounts at State Teacher Retirement System Same as above Same as above, with Lillian Kelly now listed as a bookkeeper at State Teacher Retirement System Mannie & Bessie Silberstein, owner; Austin Rummage Store Address not listed Historical Information 15 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 27 Feb 1939: 5. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 30 June 1944: 7. 15 – 7 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 Jan 1960: 3. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 Mar 1965: 16. Permits 15 – 8 Sewer tap permit, 1938