20.0 - 5115 Avenue F — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits November 4, 2026 PR-2026-124284 5115 Avenue F 20 – 1 Proposal Partially demolish a ca. 1939 house. Project Specifications 1) Demolish portions of the front and side of the main house, and construct additional space in the same location. 2) Demolish the rear garage structure, and construct a two-story residence in the same area. Architecture The front house features a cross gable construction, with the front gable pushing out towards Avenue F and the roof set at a high pitch. The front door is at the side wall of this projection, accessed from a concrete pad that may have once been covered by a porch roof. There are few decorative elements, common in minimal traditional houses in the area. Two pairs of wood sash windows are present at the front façade and are in repairable condition. A rear addition projects towards the back of the property, where the two-story garage structure is present. This garage structure features two doors at the 52nd Street side of the property, as well as modest fenestration above. There is a one-story section of this rear building towards the back corner of the lot. Research This property was first owned by Albert & Marjorie Hite, who worked as a bookkeeper at a local music store. They remained at the address until the early-1940s, when it turned over occupancy several times before being purchased by Charles & Phyllis Buck, who lived there throughout the 1950s. Department Comments This application will time out on December 18, 2027. Property Evaluation The 2021 North Loop-Hancock-Boggy Creek lists the front house as a medium priority and retains integrity to contribute to a potential historic district. The rear garage structure is listed in the same survey as a low priority. 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 have evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The main house building is a good example of minimal traditional architecture in the neighborhood. The rear garage structure is an excellent example of secondary development and growth patterns in the area. 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 or deconstruction and salvage of historic material over demolition and disposal, but approve the permit application upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 20 – 2 Location Map 20 – 3 Property Information Photos 20 – 4 Google Streetview, 2014 Occupancy History City Directory Research, October 2026 20 – 5 1959 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 Charles & Phyllis Buck, owners Howard Johnson, owner Same as above Charles & Phyllis Buck, owners Same as above D.A. & Ruby Sampson, owners; conductor at South Pacific Lines Albert & Marjorie Hite, owners; bookkeeper at J.R. Reed Music Company Same as above Address not listed Historical Information The Austin American, May 23, 1945. 5. Austin American-Statesman, March 31, 1946. 16. 20 – 6 The Austin American, April 4, 1952. 15. Permits The Austin American, August 26, 1959. 7. Water service permit, 1943