08.a - 706 E Monroe St - public comment — original pdf

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architectural elements that lend themselves in scope and size to many of the homes on our street and in this historic district.  Like so many homes in the Travis Heights-Fairview Park District and on E. Monroe street, this 1920s Craftsman bungalow being considered for demolition is a contributing structure within the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District and appears to retain strong architectural integrity.  We are concerned that demolition of this contributing structure would remove an important piece of the historic fabric of the neighborhood. As you know, historic districts derive much of their character from the collection of individual buildings that remain in place. Once a contributing house is demolished, its contribution to the district cannot truly be replaced by a new structure, regardless of how well designed that new structure might be. As direct neighbors to this property we value the historic character and continuity of E. Monroe and our neighborhood. The loss of 706 E. Monroe would affect not only the property itself but also the surrounding streetscape and the historic district as a whole. What will that mean for future development of our neighborhood? Will it set a precedent to raze any “old” structure? Our neighborhood's culture was built upon contributing structures like this one, where front porch conversations with fellow passersby are frequent and critical for community connection among our neighbors.  We believe Austin has an obligation to protect the historic resources that make these neighborhoods distinctive - that make this city distinctive, and that cannot be recreated once gone. We respectfully ask the Historic Landmark Commission to: 1. Deny the requested demolition of the contributing structure at 706 E. Monroe Street, and 2. Request the applicant to continue exploring feasible alternatives to demolition. We truly hope this letter gives the Commission pause before allowing the permanent loss of this contributing structure. Perhaps walk the several blocks of E. Monroe and see for yourselves.This home, like many similar homes in our neighborhood, is a treasure to our local heritage and warrants protection and preservation for future generations and for the city of Austin. Sincerely, Kim-Marie and Dermot O’Driscoll *Photos of home in consideration for demolition attached below.  View looking east from 706 E Monroe  708 and 710 E. Monroe: Contributing structures next to 706 E. Monroe. CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".