11.0 - 1918 Newning Ave — original pdf

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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts November 4, 2026 PR-2026-125072 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 1918 Newning Avenue 11 – 1 Proposal Demolish a ca. 1930 house. Architecture This structure is a single-story house with Craftsman influences. It is compact and rectangular in plan, and it features a modest front porch at the center of the primary elevation. There are three original wood windows at this façade, along with a wood door, all of which appear to be original. The roof is a side gabled form, with a small front gable projecting above two paired windows at the front wall. Though the building appears to have been neglected for some time, it retains excellent integrity and has seen little, if any, alterations since original construction. Research After construction in 1931, and for the next few decades, this property saw a great deal of turnover of owners and occupants. Many of these were employed locally, including the Texas School for the Deaf, the Austin fire department, and at an Ice & Cold Storage facility. By the 1950s, the property was owned by Louis & Florence Riffe, who raised at least one son at the address. Louis Riffe was employed as a driver at Austin Transit during this time. 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 March 22, 2027. Property Evaluation The property contributes to the Travis Heights-Fairview Park 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 have evaluated the property and determined that it does not meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of intact modest Craftsman design. 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. Location Map 11 – 2 Property Information Photos 11 – 3 Occupancy History City Directory Research, October 2026 Demolition application, 2026 1959 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 1929 Louis & Florence Riffe, owners; driver at Austin Transit, with Louis Riffe Jr., student Same owners as above Same as above Jason Whitaker, owner; captain at fire department Cecil & Rachel Needham, owners; foreman at SW Ice & Cold Storage with Kenneth & Geraldine Needham, owners; salesman at Angell Distributing Same as above Marshall & Eunice Morrison, owners; teacher at State School for the Deaf Carl & Belle Bennett, owners; rigger Harry & Helen McKee, owners Emmett & Elba May Shelton, owners; attorney Address not listed Historical Information 11 – 4 The Austin American (1914-1973); Austin, Tex.. 30 Aug 1931: 12. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 29 Sep 1947: 5. The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Austin, Tex.. 19 Feb 1964: A20. Permits 11 – 5 Sewer tap permit, 1931