17.0 - 2002 New York Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Demolition and Relocation Permits November 4, 2026 PR-2026-130461 2002 New York Avenue 17 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1940 house. Architecture The house located at 2002 New York Avenue is a modest 480 square foot, single story wood frame building in the National Folk style. It is elevated on piers, which are covered at the perimeter by a plywood and particle board skirt. The walls are clad in an irregularly-spaced board and batten siding, and the side-gabled roof is covered by corrugated metal with exposed rafter tails. A small wood front porch is present at the center of the front wall, which has been repaired as needed since construction. The front door has been replaced, and the narrow metal windows have replaced wood hung windows at some point after 2015. Despite decades without a full repair and rehabilitation campaign, the house is in decent condition and serves as an excellent example of a modest wood frame residence in East Austin. Research Not much archival information can be found for those that once lived at the property. The property was first owned by Ms. Sueilla Duke, who worked as a seamstress and had two other people, Sterling & Cecil Duke, listed as renters in city directories as living at the address. Soon after, the house was owned by Elijah & Theodora Brown for almost 20 years, and are listed in directories as having two children during this time. During the Second World War, two additional members of the Brown family were listed as renters. By 1964, the house was vacant, and soon after was occupied by Israel & Alice Jones. There are infrequent mentions of any of these residents in local newspapers, but funeral records for two of Elijah Brown’s immediate relatives can be found. Department Comments A previous relocation application was reviewed by HLC at the November 5, 2025 meeting, where it was approved pending a City of Austin documentation package. That proposal called for the structure to be moved outside of the city. This application will time out on December 18, 2027. Property Evaluation The 2016 East Austin Historic Resource Survey lists the property as eligible as a local landmark, as well as contributing to a potential Chicon-Chestnut-SL Davis-13th Street local historic 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 good remaining example of the National Folk style in East Austin. 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. 17 – 2 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. Location Map 17 – 3 Property Information Photos 17 – 4 Demolition application, 2026. East Austin Historic Resource Survey, 2016. Note wood frame windows present at time of survey. Occupancy History City Directory Research, October 2026 17 – 5 1969 1964 1960 1959 1954 1949 1947 1944 1942 1940 1937 Israel & Alice Jones, owners; mechanic at Clark Used Car Lot Vacant Elijah & Theodora Brown, owners; roofer at Halloway Same as above Same as above Same as above; employed as a plumber Same as above; employed as a roofer Same as above, with Georgie & Jodie Brown, renters Same as above; employed as a porter Sueilla Duke, owner; seamstress, with Sterling & Cecil Duke, renters; janitor at State Health Department Address not listed Historical Information The Austin American - Statesman; Feb 19, 1980. The Austin American; May 2, 1964. Permits 17 – 6 Water service permit, 1939 Building permit for a “box residence,” 1938