15.0 - 2307 Rio Grande St — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Demolition and Relocation Permits November 4, 2026 DA 2026 132248; SP-2026-0269C 2307 Rio Grande Street 15 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1924 house. Architecture One-story Craftsman bungalow with double-hung wood windows, a cross-gabled roof with Craftsman-style form an detailing, and an external brick chimney. The partial-width front porch features decorative bargeboards and chamfered columns atop brick piers. Research The house at 2307 Rio Grande was built in 1924 for Eugene and Blanche Gatlin. Eugene Gatlin was a salesman who worked for both Deen and Walling and Nelson Davis and Sons, longstanding Ausitn establishments selling groceries and dry goods. The Gatlins constructed a garage apartment in 1934. After Eugene Gatlin and his grandson died in a tragic accident in 1951, Blanche Gatlin remained in the home until her own death in 1959. By 1965, the home had been converted into a salon by Daniel Clayton Allen, proprietor of Mr. Allen’s Beauty Salon. Allen had previously operated a thriving business on the Drag, but was forced to relocate when the building was destroyed by fire in 1964. Allen remained in business at the location until at least the late 1970s or early 1980s.1 Department Comments The application first appears on the November 4, 2026 agenda of the Historic Landmark Commission agenda. The Commission’s 75-day timeline for action will elapse on January 18, 2027. Property Evaluation The 2020 North Central Austin historic resource survey recommends the building as eligible for individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places, but ineligible for individual designation. 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 example of a Craftsman bungalow. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations; however, the Commission may wish to request more research into Mr. Allen’s Beauty Salon and the period from 1965 to 1976. 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 was not evaluated for its ability to convey 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. 1 Jenkins, Laura. “Old Austin.” July 9, 2013. https://laurajenkinswriter.com/blog/2014/4/21/old-austin 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. 15 – 2 Location Map 15 – 3 Property Information Photos 15 – 4 Historic resources survey, 2020 Occupancy History City Directory Research, October 2026 15 – 5 1976 1959 1949 1942 1937 1930 1924 1920 Mr. Allen’s Beauty Salon – Marsha L. Brandt and Richard Ponce, operators Mrs. Blanche C. Gatlin, owner Mrs. Blanche C. Gatlin, owner Eugene H. Gatilin, owner 2307-A: Laurie T. Callicutt, renter E.H. Gatlin, renter A: E.W. Rhodes, renter E.H. Gatlin, owner A: E.W. Rhodes, renter Eugene and Blanche Gatlin, owners – Salesman, Nelson Davis & Son Not listed Historical Information The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 Sep 1934: 10. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 13 Sep 1936: 16. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 30 May 1937: 11. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 03 Mar 1943: 6. 15 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 02 May 1951: A14. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 04 May 1951: 19. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 06 May 1951: A13. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 10 Jan 1959: 3. 15 – 7 Austin American-Statesman. Thu, May 20, 1954 ·Page 5 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 29 May 1960: E8. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 02 July 1961: 9. The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 13 Sep 1964: C14. 15 – 8 Permits The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 25 Oct 1964: A18. 15 – 9 15 – 10