HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-063285; HR-2025-062422 OLD WEST AUSTIN HISTORIC DISTRICT 1606 WETHERSFIELD ROAD 18.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a contributing garage structure and construct a new residence on the lot. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS 1) Demolish a garage listed as contributing to the district. 2) Demolish a house listed as non-contributing to the district (not in this review, already approved). 3) Construct a two-story single-family residence is generally the same location as the non-contributing house. ARCHITECTURE The main house on this property is listed in the Old West Austin National Register nomination as being non-contributing to the district, and therefore not under this review for demolition. The garage at the rear, which is contributing, is a simple side gabled shed enclosure. The walls are clad in thin teardrop siding, which matches the main house. There is a single garage door at the front with a door to its side. Above, the roof is covered with corrugated metal showing signs of age and weathering. RESEARCH The property was initially occupied by Milda Lamar, later Milda Payne, during the 1930s. After this, it went through a series of renters during the 1940s before being bought by John & Wilma Jones until the mid-1950s. It does not appear that, for the first 30 years of its existence, the property housed any occupant for longer than eight years, with most living there for under five. DESIGN STANDARDS The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects in National Register. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location The proposed location of the new construction is in nearly the same footprint as the existing non-contributing house, and the setback will be generally equal to the neighboring houses on the block. 2. Orientation House is to be oriented towards the street, like others in the district. The proposed garage is attached to the house, which is not typical in the neighborhood, where garage structures are often detached and behind the house. 3. Scale, massing, and height While the existing house was originally a single story with a two-story rear addition (which likely removed its integrity when the district was inventoried and nominated), the proposed is two stories from the outset, which creates a more cohesive design. However, …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-041615; GF-2025-052681 607 EAST 38TH STREET 19.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1935 house. ARCHITECTURE The house at 607 East 38th Street is a side-by-side duplex set on an elevated foundation on a sloping grade adjacent to Hancock Golf Course. Unlike many homes in the nearby Hyde Park neighborhood, which were converted to duplexes during the Great Depression in the 1930s, this property appears to have been originally constructed as two units. This can be seen in the two entrances at the front corners, which are covered by small, decorated gables overhanging their respective stoops. The walls are clad in a narrow teardrop siding, and windows all appear to be original 1-over-1 hung units. A short metal rail is present at the perimeter of each stoop, which are accessed by stairs oriented parallel to the front elevation. A moderately pitched side gabled roof covers the house, with visible rafter tails at the front. RESEARCH Throughout its early history, the property was inhabited by a series of renters, none of whom appear to have lived at the address for longer than a few years. Records indicate that the north half of the property was largely vacant for most of the 1940s, which could possibly indicate that both sides were occupied by the same tenant. The house consistently had students living there throughout the decades given its proximity to the universities near to the south. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS Case history: A previous demolition permit for this address was heard by the Historic Landmark Commission at the January 24, 2022 meeting. At that meeting, the Commission voted to release the permit pending a City of Austin documentation package. However, that documentation package was never submitted to the Historic Preservation Office, and the permit was never released due to the approval requirements not being met. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2019 North Loop-Hancock-Boggy Creek historic resource survey lists the property as a medium priority. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high 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: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of Craftsman style residential duplex construction. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations. …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Attachments: Fahnestock, Sam 6-4-25 Landmarkk Commission Agenda Item #20 Wednesday, June 4, 2025 8:59:12 PM image001.png image002.png External Email - Exercise Caution Please let the commissioners know how much we appreciate their postponement of Item #20 so that the Hancock Neighborhood Association can vote on it as requested by Mr. Bradbury, and let them know that the current applicant to demolish 607 E. 38th is the same applicant who applied to demolish it two years ago, contrary to their discussion at the meeting. I think one of the reasons he delayed his demolition was that he could not find a way to reduce the costs of moving his water and wastewater line as required by the city, who told him he had to bring the water line to the front of the property and then along 38th St. to tie into a 6-inch line---and the cost just to bring it to the front of the property was $20,000. Barbara Epstein From: "Fahnestock, Sam" <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 11:19 AM To: "Fahnestock, Sam" <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Cc: "Contreras, Kalan" <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov>, "Lukes, Austin" <Austin.Lukes@austintexas.gov>, "McKnight, Kim" <Kim.McKnight@austintexas.gov>, "Wagner, Sofia" <Sofia.Wagner@austintexas.gov> Subject: HLC Call-In Information 6/4/25 Dear applicants and community members, In order to join the Historic Landmark Commission meeting virtually this evening, please call the highlighted number below: Phone Number: 1-408-418-9388 Webinar Number: 2497 118 7900 Webinar Password: 2456 This meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm. Please plan to call the number above at least 15 minutes ahead of time 5:45 pm. Initially when you call in you will hear music before being queued into the actual teleconference of the meeting. Once on the teleconference it will be silent prior to the start of the meeting (everyone is muted). Once the Commission is in session, participants will hear audio of the meeting and then shortly be joined live with the meeting. All participants should remain muted. When it is your time to speak, unmute your phone by entering *6. If you are also viewing the live recording of the meeting (http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live) while on the phone, make sure this is on mute while you’re speaking, or else everyone in the meeting will hear echoing feedback. Meeting Order: Roll call and reading of the agenda (Please remain on mute during this time). The Commissioners may ask clarifying questions about items on the consent agenda and/or …
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Historic Preservation Office Regarding Case Number: PR 2025-041615 Wednesday, June 4, 2025 2:26:50 PM image001.png You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern, as well as Sam Fahnestock, I am writing to oppose the demolition of 607 E 38th Street in Austin’s historic Hancock neighborhood. I live nearby on Texas Avenue, and it is vital that houses original to Hancock remain intact. Hancock is one of the few areas in Austin in which the majority of the original homes remain, and we must preserve Austin’s history as the city grows. This particular property contains a lovely duplex on a shady lot – it is absolutely worth preserving. Every time you permit the demolition of an original house, a bit more of the history that Hancock represents to our city disappears. I urge you to deny the demolition permit request. Thank you, Scott Brown - Scott Brown President 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".
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-058881; GF-2025-060225 1606 CEDAR AVENUE 20.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1924 house. ARCHITECTURE Very simple in layout and modest in size, the house is an elevated single-story bungalow with a porch at the front corner. The front gabled roof adds height to the front, and the recessed porch provides some outdoor seating space as well as a transition from the steps up from the front walk to the front entry. Hung 1-over-1 windows on all sides appear to be replacement metal units, and the walls have been covered with asbestos shingle, likely after original construction. Rafter tails are present at the sides, and the elevated foundation is covered with a concrete skirt. Though the building is modest and does not feature many, if any, decorative elements, the building form represents a common type of construction once present in this section of East Austin that housed renters and service workers for the past 90 years. RESEARCH Constructed sometime around 1924, the house at 1606 Cedar Avenue was first owned by Sarah, Pernie, and Carrie Suldon until 1935. After this time, it was occupied for renters for at least 30 years, all of whom worked in various services and labor industries in Austin. While some of these renters saw milestones such as birth of children while living at the property, none appear to have been associated with the address for longer than five years. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2016 East Austin Historic Resources Survey lists the property as contributing to both a potential local historic district and a potential national historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high 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: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of modest bungalow construction 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 …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 2, 2025 2025-051808 DA; GF-2025-059331 607, 611, AND 619 WEST MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BOULEVARD 21 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a commercial complex including a ca. 1939 warehouse building and ca. 1954 buildings designed by Austin architect August Watkins Harris. ARCHITECTURE Though the building now addressed as 611 W. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. is contiguous, it comprises three distinct parts. The earliest part of the building, addressed previously as 619 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., is a one-story masonry warehouse building with stuccoed slipcover, large multipaned windows, and minimalistic detailing suggesting Moderne stylistic influences beneath the stucco. The adjacent 1954 two-story portion of the building, originally addressed as 611 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and designed by Austin architect A. Watkins Harris, is a flat-roofed Modern two-part commercial block with metal hopper and multilight picture windows, a suspension canopy with original sign, and stucco over masonry cladding. The 1954 one-story section of the building, originally addressed as 607 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and also designed by Harris, is a flat-roofed Modern one-part commercial block constructed with concrete under stucco. It features an expansive metal-and-glass storefront assembly. RESEARCH The original laundry facility at Rio Grande and W. Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard, known historically as 615 W. 9th Street, was constructed in 1939 on a previously residential site. It was commissioned by Charles A. Burton, a dry cleaner, who slowly purchased and demolished the earlier houses on the block to create a large dry-cleaning complex over the course of fifteen years. Burton’s Laundry and Cleaners was an initial success, though labor shortages during and after World War II caused a good deal of upheaval among Austin’s textile cleaners. Burton regularly lamented to the Austin American-Statesman that the influx of dry-cleaning customers from the nearby University and the area’s bustling military installments--whose uniforms must be professionally cleaned and pressed--compounded with the accompanying shortage of laundry workers as Austinites joined the war effort to spell disaster for the dry-cleaning industry. Thus, Burton invested heavily in new textile cleaning technology. By 1954, he had commissioned architect August Watkins “Watt” Harris to design a new facility for his fully modern business. Prior to World War II, Harris had been a principal of Giesecke and Harris, a prolific firm whose PWA-funded projects spanned the state during the Great Depression. Notable projects included Russell …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-067016; GF-2025-068689 300 W 34TH STREET 22.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1935 house. ARCHITECTURE The single-story residence is nearly square in plan and is elevated on piers, with the crawlspace currently covered by sheet metal. There is a 1960s addition to one side, which is differentiated by its board-and-batten siding. The walls of the original house are clad in in narrow teardrop wood and covered with a hipped roof with a modest overhang. A front door is nearly centered on the main façade, with a decorative wooden covering providing shelter immediately at the entryway. There is a small concrete platform that serves as a porch, with stairs leading down to the front walk. RESEARCH From its construction until at least the 1960s, the property was used as rental housing for various tenants, most of whom were office workers or widows. These tenants typically lived at the house for no more than a few years before relocating or passing away. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2020 North Central Historic Resource Survey lists the property as contributing to a potential North University National Register district as well as a potential North University local historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high 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: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of intact early 20th century rental housing with National Folk influences. 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. COMMITTEE FEEDBACK Consider using the preservation bonus of the HOME initiative to retain the existing structure along with new construction. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Encourage rehabilitation, relocation, or adaptive reuse of structure, then salvage and reuse of historic material, but release …
300 34TH ST UNIT A DEMOLITION 300 34th St. Austin, TX 78705 Project No. 077 Client Exmouth Holdings TX LLC PO Box 300264, Austin, TX 78703 Tel (713) 330 8050 jkhedari@exmouthholdings.com Architect Saint Elmo Architecture Studio 211 Rowland Dr, Austin, TX Tel (917) 573 1747 sergey@saintelmoarch.com ) . . W O R . UNIT B EXISTING 2-STORY WOOD FRAME ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) TO REMAIN (SEE SEPARATE ACTIVE 2025-047342 PR R- 434 ADDITION AND REMODEL) E ELECTRIC METER K C A B T E S D R A Y R A E R ' 5 1 ) T O L H G U O R H T ( EXISTING POWER POLE +602' ' 5 1 ( Y E L L A EXISTING CONCRETE RIBBON DRIVEWAYS TO REMAIN ' 3 3 . 8 4 W " 8 5 2 3 ° 2 6 S ' LOT 14 +600' +601' N27°27'02"E 150.00' 32'-5" PROPERTY LINE 5' SIDEYARD SETBACK DEMO A/C 3 ' - 0 " 1 2 ' - 1 1 " ' 1 1 - 6 " 3'-0" DEMO METAL SHED 9'-8" LOT 15 7,249.5 SF UNIT A DEMO EXISTING 1-STORY WOOD FRAME SINGLE FAMILY HOME INCLUDING FOUNDATION 8'-0" " 6 - ' 2 DEMO A/C 2'-6" 2 5 ' - 3 1 2 " 1'-10" 3 ' - 0 " DISCONNECT GAS METER G 1 0 ' - 1 " 6'-1" DEMO CONCRETE STEPS EXISTING CHAINLINK FENCE TO REMAIN PORTA POTTY 18'-31 2" 5' SIDEYARD SETBACK PROPERTY LINE +601' EDGE OF ASPHALT +602' +603' S27°27'02"W 150.00' HOME LANE EXISTING WIRE FENCE TO REMAIN EXISTING A/C EX. CONCRETE RIBBON DRIVEWAY +603' OVERHEAD POWER LINES (SEE AE CLEARANCE DIAGRAM) EDGE OF ASPHALT N EDGE OF ASPHALT No Description 01 DEMO PERMIT Date 5/22/2025 T E E R T S H T 4 3 T S E W ) . . W O R . ' 0 6 ( +597' +596' +596' +597' +598' +599' I E N L G N D L I U B I W OVERHEAD POWER LINES DISCONNECT WATER METER REMOVE ELECTRIC METER E 7 ' - 2 " 6'-0" 8 ' - 4 " 1 2 ' - 7 " EXISTING CONCRETE WALKWAY REMAIN DEMO CONCRETE PORCH AND STEPS 6'-0" 2'-9" 18'-61 2" 9 " 5'-8" 3'-7" 5 " 7'-9" 5 " 5 1 2 " 4 1 2 " 18'-6" DEMO CONCRETE WALKWAY AND STEPS 2'-9" ' …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-067729; GF-2025-068701 5007 DUVAL STREET 23.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1949 house. ARCHITECTURE Defined in the 2020 North Central Historic Resource Survey as minimal traditional in style, the house at 5007 Duval Street is a simple L-shaped structure that features a small front entry porch at the center of the front elevation, which is covered by a nearly flat roof supported by a wood post. The larger roof structure is a moderately-pitched side gable with a projecting front gable and features exposed rafter tails. The 6-over-6 windows are covered with screens and may not be original frames, though their locations are the same. The walls have been clad in asbestos tile, which may cover the original siding material. RESEARCH Upon construction at the end of the 1940s, the house was occupied by a series of renters. Not much is known about any of these inhabitants, with the exception of some small or local social events occurring at the address. PROPERTY EVALUATION The 2020 North Central Historic Resource Survey lists the property as contributing to a potential North Hyde Park National Register District and a potential North Hyde Park local historic district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain moderate 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: a. Architecture. The building is a good remaining example of minimal traditional architecture in the neighborhood. 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, relocation, or adaptive reuse of structure, then salvage and reuse of historic material, but release the demolition permit upon completion of a City of Austin Documentation Package. LOCATION MAP 23.0 – 2 PROPERTY INFORMATION Photos 23.0 – 3 …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS JULY 2, 2025 PR-2025-071283; GF-2025-074521 4812 MOUNT BONNELL ROAD 24.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Remodel a commercial property to reflect residential use. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Convert a building most recently used as a restaurant and bar to a residential use. Alteration of existing materials and structure that does not meet code requirements, including: 1. Removal of current roof and replacement with a similar, though not exact, system 2. Replacement of upper-level cladding with similar materials, such as wood paneling in place of existing plywood 3. Safety requirements such as replacing handrails and adding vertical supports to once side of the exterior stair ARCHITECTURE The building, formerly known as the Dry Creek Cafe, appears as a two-story structure when viewed from the street at Mount Bonnell Road, but features a lower level to the rear as the site elevation rapidly descends. From the front of the property, the lower floor walls are clad in stone veneer, with a center door fitted with a decorative screen door. A side wood stair leads to the upper floor porch, which is covered with a metal sheet roof. The porch wall is wood framed and clad in shingles, with the full wall covered with plywood and punctured by aluminum windows. At the rear of this level is a large wood deck with a simple wood railing and pickets lining its perimeter. At this portion of the building, there are two floors visible below, covered by brick veneer. RESEARCH Operating for many years as the Dry Creek Cafe, the property was a well-known local hangout overlooking the Colorado River and west of Austin. Built sometime around or before 1950, it was owned and operated by Sarah Boyd Ransom for several decades from 1956 until her passing in 2009. In 2021, after 68 years of service, it ceased operations. Since that time, the property has been vacant. During its early years of operation until the 1984, the property lay outside the city boundaries, with minimal development occurring in the area. The café served as a social gathering space serving burgers, beer, and other refreshments. Live music acts would often perform in the space, and events such as the 1980 Mount Bonnell Hill Climb bicycle race used the café a starting point. The institution also attracted patrons of various species, with news articles publishing articles about a lost bird and a eulogy for …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ____________________________________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The mission of the Historic Preservation Commission is to encourage and support historic preservation in Austin. The HLC was created to prepare and periodically revise an inventory of the structures and areas that may be eligible for designation as historic landmarks. The Commission also prepares, reviews and proposes amendments to the Historic Landmark Preservation Plan. The Commission reviews requests to establish or remove a historic designation, and makes recommendations on the requests to the Land Use Commission, as determined in accordance with Section 25-1-46 (Land Use Commission). Section 2-1-147 of the City Code. The duties of the Historic Landmark Commission are to: • Promote historic preservation activities in Austin • Review applications for heritage grant monies • Review applications for historic zoning cases • Review certificates of appropriateness and tax exemption applications for city landmarks • Review sign and building permits in historic districts Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. In 2024, the Commission was deeply involved in the first update of City of Austin Preservation Plan in more than 40 years. The Equity-Based Preservation Plan provides direction for historic preservation policies, programs, and tools in Austin. It was created through an inclusive, community-oriented process and adopted in 2024. The vision for equitable historic preservation in Austin is to actively engage communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Effective preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all.The plan was adopted by the Austin City Council last fall. The Commission earned national recognition for its work on this plan. The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) awarded the all- volunteer body with a Commission Excellence Award in Best Practices: Public Outreach/Advocacy for its initiation and stewardship of the Equity Based-Preservation Plan. 2. Determine if the board’s actions throughout the year comply with the mission statement. The Commission’s actions throughout 2024 complied with the mission statement. 3. List the board’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year. (Make …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, June 4th, 2025 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, please use the QR code or link at the end of this document. For questions, please email preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair X Roxanne Evans (D-2), Vice Chair X Jeffrey Acton (Mayor) AB Harrison Eppright (D-1) AB X Kevin Koch (D-3) VAC Judah Rice (D-4) X AB X X X Harmony Grogan (D-5) Carl Larosche (D-6) Jaime Alvarez (D-7) Bat Taniguchi (D-9) Trey McWhorter (D-10) DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Meghan King spoke on Preservation Austin updates. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. May 7, 2025 – Offered for consent approval. MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Alvarez seconded the motion. Vote: 7-0. The motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION AND ACTION Historic Zoning Applications 2. C14H-2025-0022 – 1701 San Gabriel St. Graves House Council District 9 Proposal: Owner-initiated historic zoning. (Postponed May 7, 2025) Applicant: Sean Reynolds City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s request to postpone the public hearing to July 2, 2025. MOTION: Postpone the public hearing to July 2, 2025, per passage of the consent postponement agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Alvarez. Commissioner McWhorter seconded the motion. Vote: 7-0. The motion passed. 3. C14H-2025-0059 – 2500 Nueces St. Whitehall Cooperative Council District 9 Proposal: Owner-initiated historic zoning. Applicant: Whitehall Intentional Society City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Grant the proposed zoning change from multifamily-neighborhood plan (MF-4-NP) to multifamily-historic landmark-neighborhood plan (MF-4-H-NP) combining district zoning. Alessio Franko spoke in favor of historic zoning. Meghan King spoke in favor of historic zoning. …
Steering Committee Members: Stephen L. Amos, Chair Renae Alsobrook, Mark Ashby, Evelyn Fujimoto, Adrienne Goldsberry, Paula Hern, Nick Mehl, William Osborn, Charlie Rice, Paul Shattuck, Shawn Shillington, Erika Tatum, Meghan Yancy June 26, 2025 Historic Landmark Commission City of Austin RE: 600 Harthan Street - HR-2025-057874 – Harthan Street Local Historic District Dear Chair Heimsath and Commissioners, On behalf of the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association (OWANA), I write to express our support for the permit request for 600 Harthan Street (Case HR-2025-057874). This case presents a unique situation: the proposal involves demolishing non-historic additions within a Local Historic District (LHD). Several structures on the site have been significantly altered from their original form, making restoration impractical. The main house—built in the 1930s— features additions from the 1980s that do not reflect the property’s historic character and have compromised its integrity. The applicant proposes to preserve and restore the original street-facing Mediterranean-style structure, which retains a high degree of authenticity and can be sympathetically returned to its historic appearance. Furthermore, the applicant is working closely with OWANA and nearby neighbors to ensure the lot’s redevelopment—on commercially zoned land—is respectful and harmonious with the character of the Harthan LHD. For these reasons, OWANA supports this permit request and respectfully urges the Historic Landmark Commission to approve the demolition and preservation plan. Thank you for considering our position. Sincerely, Stephen L. Amos Steering Committee Chair Old West Austin Neighborhood Association
Historic Preservation Office City of Austin July 2, 2025 Subject: Request to consider initiation of historic zoning for Palm Park Shelter House We would like to include the 1933 Palm Park Shelter House, centrally located in the park that lies on the eastern side of downtown Austin between 1-35, Red River St., 3rd St., and Cesar Chavez St., on the Historic Landmark Commission's July agenda for consideration of initiation of historic zoning. The owner, the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), has been notified of this request and has agreed to historic zoning of the Shelter House's footprint. The historic shelter house is a key feature of the park and is being preserved during the Palm Park redesign process. Palm Park played an important role in the lower Waller Creek community in the 1930s and 1940s. Critical to the park's history is the Shelter House structure. The Shelter House is centrally located in the park and is strikingly similar to those constructed by Hugo Kuehne in other important city parks of the same era. Kuehne designed a series of shelter houses to provide restrooms and spaces for recreational programming, utilizing the dogtrot design in a reference to Texas folk architecture. Many were constructed in the Rustic style employed in parks nationwide and showcased local building materials in their construction. The shelters provided a focal point for programming, from dances to performances to athletics, and became central to the recreational missions of the neighborhood parks and playgrounds. The fieldstone shelter building in Palm Park, completed in 1933, is one of just examples still extant in Austin. Its Rustic design meets the City's Architecture criteria for local landmark designation. In the era of segregated recreation, Palm Park and its amenities-excluding the swimming pool became known for serving Austin's Mexican American community. Despite this, people of color were barred from using the pool due to discriminatory segregationist policies. Hispanic advocacy groups later described the park and pool as a symbol of their community within Austin. As a crucial structure in a pivotal Central Austin park during the era of extensive recreational green space development, the Shelter House meets the City's landmark designation criteria for Historical Associations with the development of Austin's parks program. As a gathering place for the Mexican American community and a symbol of their resilience in the face of discriminatory policies, Palm Park and its Shelter House meet …
Heritage Preservation Grant Heritage Tourism Division City of Austin Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment HOW WILL ACME BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY? Provide centralized support for creatives and cultural organizations. Enhance economic growth, tourism and civic engagement. Foster collaboration between artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses. Create open and accessible spaces that connect residents and tourists through arts and culture, strengthening community identity and promoting collective storytelling. Strengthens Austin’s identity as a global destination for creativity. TEXAS TAX CODE CHAPTER 351.101 SUBSECTION 5 In accordance with state statute (Tax Code Chapter 351) any expenditure of hotel occupancy taxes must meet two criteria: • The expenditure must directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry; and • It must fit into one of the state’s statutorily approved functions. For historic preservation and restoration projects or activities and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums, the project must be: • At, or in the immediate vicinity of, convention center facilities or visitor information centers; • Located in the areas that would be frequented by tourists and convention delegates. HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT Austin’s rich and diverse heritage is a key part of its identity, shaped by history and generations of creative and cultural leaders. The Heritage Preservation Grant supports historic places and safeguards the stories, values, and identities that make Austin unique. Through the use of this grant, we honor the past, empower the present, and ensure that future generations will inherit an Austin that remembers and respects its roots. The program aims to preserve and promote preservation projects; expand access to historic spaces and heritage resources; showcases local stories rooted in history; support the creative economy; and promote tourism and the hotel industries. REQUIREMENTS • Historic designated • Evidenced tourism marketing • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT OVERVIEW Agreement Term: 2 years Eligibility: Non-Profit / For Profit Funds project costs (no match) Project & Admin Management Fee: 10% of award Tourism Marketing Training Review and Approval: Historic Landmark Commission and Architectural Review Committee REQUIREMENTS • Historic designated • Evidenced tourism marketing • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ CAPITAL PROJECT FY26 UPDATES Local Historic Designation: 10 points for new local designation Bids: Single packaged bids (Lead, Preservation Architect, …
515 MARY STREET MARY STREET LOCAL DISTRICT Historical Landmark Commission MeetingJuly 2, 2025 HR-2025-070716 Presented by Jennifer Hanlen PER LDC 25-2- 352 NON-CONTRIBUTING FACTORS • ARCHITECTURE - The house was built around the 1930’s and although it does meet the criteria for being over 50 years old, the house is a bit undersized for the current owners. The house does not display high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; nor represents a rare example of an architectural style. • HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS - Historical association. The property does not have significant historical associations. • There does not appear to be any historical associations with the house nor significant associations with persons, groups, institutions, businesses, or events of historic importance which contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation, nor represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. • ARCHEOLOGY - The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning human history or prehistory of the region . The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. • COMMUNITY VALUE - The house does not possess a unique community location, physical characteristic property has a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the city, a neighborhood, or a particular group. Community value. The property does not possess a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the city's character, image, or cultural identity, the neighborhood, or a particular demographic group • LANDSCAPE FEATURES - The property does not have significant natural or designed landscape with any value to City of Austin. The property is not a significant natural or designed landscape with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city 515 MARY ST – EXISTING RESIDENCE / CONDITIONS 515 MARY ST – EXISTING RESIDENCE / CONDITIONS 515 MARY ST – CONTACT INFO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: Chase Dame Design Originals 512 845 2704 designoriginals@yahoo.com CONSULTANT: Jennifer Hanlen SiteATX, LLC PO BOX 161501 Austin, TX 78716 713 825 6271 aecsupinfo@gmail.com
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Acton, Jeffrey - BC; Alvarez, Jaime - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Larosche, Carl - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Rice, Judah - BC; Bat Taniguchi Historic Preservation Office; Lukes, Austin; 515 East Mary St. (Item 7. HR–2025–070716 on the Historic Landmark Commission agenda for July 2, 2025) Tuesday, July 1, 2025 12:25:05 PM ; Evans, Roxanne - BC; Grogan, Harmony - BC; External Email - Exercise Caution Dear members of the City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission: I am writing in support of an application for 515 East Mary St., in the Mary Street Local Historic District. This is listed as item 7. HR–2025–070716 on the Historic Landmark Commission agenda for July 2, 2025. I represent the South River City Citizens (SRCC) Historic Preservation Committee. Thank you for this opportunity to comment. The owners have requested approval for an addition to the rear of their existing home. The proposed addition would be two stories in height, and would be located to the rear of the existing home. The proposed addition conforms to the Mary Street Design Standards for the LHD. We support this application and urge you to approve it. Thank you, Clifton Ladd Co-Chair of the South River City Citizens (SRCC) Historic Preservation Committee 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".
CASTLEMAN-BULL AND TRASK HOUSE RELOCATION FOR AUSTIN ENERGY DISTRICT CHILLED WATER PLANT Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 TRASK HOUSE - THC RTHL BUILT: 1850s RELOCATED: 1990 RENOVATED: 1992 ORIGINAL ADDRESS: 105 Neches Street CURRENT ADDRESS: 217 Red River (sometimes listed as 211 Red River) Note, current site has Historic Zoning Trask House Today Notes From City Planning Commission Meeting on 5/3/77 Trask House at Original Location, Sanborn map from 1900 Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE – PROPOSED NEW AUSTIN LOCAL LANDMARK BUILT: 1873 RELOCATED: 2001 EXTERIOR RENOVATED: 2019 ORIGINAL ADDRESS: 308 E 7TH CURRENT ADDRESS: 201 Red River Castleman-Bull House Today Castleman-Bull House in its original location, THC Historic Resources Survey Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 EXISTING SITE TRASK HOUSE HISTORIC ZONING CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 EXISTING SITE TRASK HOUSE HISTORIC ZONING FUTURE AUSTIN ENERGY DISTRICT CHILLED WATER PLANT SUBGRADE FOOTPRINT CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 TRASK HOUSE – LIMITS OF DECONSTRUCTION LIMITS OF PORCH TO BE DETACHED AND MOVED LINE OF DETACHMENT MASONRY TO BE SALVAGED Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE – LIMITS OF DECONSTRUCTION LIMITS OF PORCH TO BE DETACHED AND MOVED LINE OF DETACHMENT MASONRY TO BE SALVAGED Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 HOUSE MOVING Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 TRASK HOUSE – POTENTIAL TEMPORARY LOCATION PROPOSED TRASK HOUSE PERMANENT LOCATION POTENTIAL TEMPORARY LOCATION EXIST. TRASK HOUSE LOCATION APPROX. PROPOSED MOVE PATH Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE – POTENTIAL TEMPORARY LOCATION APPROX. PROPOSED MOVE PATH PROPOSED CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE PERMANENT LOCATION POTENTIAL TEMPORARY LOCATION EXIST. CASTLEMAN-BULL HOUSE LOCATION Castleman-Bull/Trask E 3rd St & Red River St Project: Location: Phase: Date: HLC Review July 2nd, 2025 TRASK HOUSE – PROPOSED LOCATION PROPOSED LOCATION 50' WEST OF ORIGINAL LOCATION RELATIONSHIP TO …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Re: HR 2025-073763 Monday, June 30, 2025 3:58:26 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution We object to this development (3 story, 36 room hotel) at 811 W Live Oak St. We bought our home in 1998 (2107 S 5th St) and while the overall character of our neighborhood has changed, the small single family homes bordering this section of Mattie’s have not. Our neighborhood is quiet and peaceful. We are very concerned by the apparent lack of an appropriate set back from our property line as the plans make it look like it could be only 5-10 feet. We are worried about having an inadequate buffer/screening between the proposed hotel and our backyard. Our backyard is our oasis for 26 years and we are upset about a 3 story hotel overlooking our yard and disturbing our privacy. Thank you for considering our concerns when deciding on this matter. I plan to attend the meeting on Tuesday but wanted to send a few comments for you to include in review process. Thank you. On Jun 24, 2025, at 9:22 AM, Historic Preservation Office <Preservation@austintexas.gov> wrote: Good morning, Ms. Broecker, Thank you for getting in touch! Their plans are viewable online here: https://abc.austintexas.gov/citizenportal/app/public-search If you copy and paste the case number that you listed in this format: 2025-073763 HR It should show all the public documents, including the plans they submitted. Additionally, any updates to their drawings/presentation for the meeting will be uploaded here on Thursday: https://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/31_1.htm If you have any comments you'd like to submit to the Commission, please let me know by next Tuesday. Thank you, Sam Fahnestock (he/him) Planner II Planning Department, Historic Preservation Office 512-974-3393 sam.fahnestock@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. -----Original Message----- From: Michelle Broecker < Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 6:30 PM To: Historic Preservation Office <Preservation@austintexas.gov> Subject: HR 2025-073763 > [You don't often get email from important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] . Learn why this is External Email - Exercise Caution Dear …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office 607 E. 38th Street Monday, June 30, 2025 8:37:53 PM [You don't often get email from https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] . Learn why this is important at External Email - Exercise Caution Hi, We understand that a demo permit for the 607 E. 38th St is in front of the commission on Wednesday, and as a family who lives in the neighborhood we are concerned about the demolition of a potential historically significant house to maybe be replaced by a who knows what ugly box like those appearing all over Austin. That would be very detrimental to the character of this very historic neighborhood. We urge you not to approve this demo. A renovation and addition would be a much better way to utilize this site and preserve the historic nature of this house and neighborhood which is so important to our community. Regards, Steve and Deanna Nied 3501 Woodrow St Austin, TX 78705 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".
Barbara Epstein 701 Texas Ave Austin TX 78705 1 July 2025 Austin Landmark Commission (by email) Dear Sirs: As a nearby neighor, I oppose the demolition application at 607 E. 38th St. because it meets at least two of the requirements for historic designation: it is more than 50 years old, it retains distinct architectural characteristics of an architectural style since it was built originally as a Craftsman style duplex, unlike other structures converted into duplexes. Most notably, 607 E. 38th St. has community value because its location on a highly visible street, along with other intact original structures along 38th St., significantly contribute to the character and image of the neighborhood because 38th St. is a gateway to the neighborhood and its historic events and residents. The applicant did not appear at the previous hearing and has not indicted an intent to build anything architecturally compatible with the neighborhood. If this application is granted, and as previously proposed, a 4,000 sq. ft. structure takes its place, the properties along 38th St. will likely domino one by one, and our historic neighborhood will disappear forever. So we depend on you, the members of the Landmark Commission to value the significance of our historic architecture and our neighborhood, even if the structure in question is not a mansion or the prior residence of a famous person. Sincerely, Barbara Epstein
607, 611, 619 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Historic Landmark Commission 7/2/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 611 W MLK 607, 611, 619 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 1809 Rio Grande Street (Jack Brown Cleaners) LDC 25-2-352: 1. The property must be 50 years old and must represent a period of significance of at least 50 years ago; and 2. The property must retain a high degree of integrity, as defined by the National Register of Historic Places, that clearly conveys its historical significance and does not include an addition or alteration which has significantly compromised its integrity. Landmark Designation Criteria – 611 W MLK 607, 611, 619 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 1809 Rio Grande Street The property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archaeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture – 611 W MLK ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey Structure built over multiple years: 619 W MLK – Built 1939 (No stylistic influences visible) × Displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, 611 W MLK – Built 1955 (Mid-century modern) 607 W MLK – Built 1954 (Mid-century modern) 1809 Rio Grande Street – no current permanent structure architecture, or construction; × Represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; × Serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; × Possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or × Represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. Aerials 1940 Aerial 1958 Aerial ii. Historical Associations – 611 W MLK HISTORICAL CRITERIA: The property has long-standing significant associations with persons, groups, institutions, businesses, or events of historic importance which contributed significantly to the history of the city, state, or nation; or represents a significant portrayal of the cultural practices or the way of life of a definable group of people in a historic time. History: 1904 - Jack Brown’s grandfather, Z. Taylor Brown, an engineer and …
W ' . 3 3 8 4 W " 8 5 2 3 ° 2 6 N ' N27°27'02"E 150.00' 61'-0" 5' SIDEYARD SETBACK PROPERTY LINE 18'-3" EXISTING OAK TREE BATH PRIMARY BATH 7'-8" BEDROOM " 2 - ' 4 3'-10" BEDROOM PRIMARY BEDROOM " 1 1 - ' 6 2 FRONT PORCH FOYER 1/2 BATH K C A B T E S D R A Y T N O R F ' 5 2 LAUNDRY/ STORAGE KITCHEN DINING PROPERTY LINE SCREENED PORCH 12'-2" " 7 - ' 7 3 " 2 1 3 - ' 6 1 LIVING 5' SIDEYARD SETBACK S27°27'02"W 150.00' 300 34TH ST UNIT A RENOVATION 300 34th St. Austin, TX 78705 Project No. 077 Exmouth Holdings TX LLC Client Architect Saint Elmo Architecture Studio Structural Engineer HIGGINS DESIGNS UNIT B EXISTING 2-STORY WOOD FRAME ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) TO REMAIN (SEE SEPARATE ACTIVE 2025-047342 PR R- 434 ADDITION AND REMODEL) No Description - - Date - PLAN 1 These drawings are for review, design and scope description only. No representation is made to the accuracy of the drawings with respect to existing conditions or dimensions. All consultants and contractors must verify any and all conditions and dimensions in the field which are critical to their work as required. Do not scale drawings: written dimensions govern. PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN 0 2' 4' 8' N Scale: 1/4" = 1'-0" Date: 3/28/25 A-1.0 C:\USERS\SB53247\DROPBOX\BELOV TEAM FOLDER\_SEAS\_PROJECTS\0077_300 W34 ST UNIT A - JAMES KHEDARI\CAD\AUTOCAD\SITE PLAN PROPOSED UNIT A DRAFT 3 - NUNA.DWG DRAFT
Exmouth Holdings TX LLC Date: June 25, 2025 Historic Preservation Office Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 RE: Letter of Support and Project Intent for Redevelopment at 300 W 34th Street, Austin, TX Dear Members of the Historic Preservation Office, As the developer of the proposed redevelopment project at 300 W 34th Street, I want to express my full commitment to a project that enhances our neighborhood by revitalizing a long-neglected property and delivering much-needed housing in one of Austin’s high- demand areas. The existing structure at this address has been in poor condition and underutilized for some time. Preserving the structure is not economically feasible due to the deteriorated condition of the foundation. Please see the detailed report prepared by Higgins Designs. Furthermore, the dwelling does not currently sit in the right lot location, making restoration and redevelopment of the existing structure inefficient and impractical. Our plan is to thoughtfully redevelop the site with a new residence that is not only architecturally consistent with the character of the neighborhood, but also built with long- term sustainability, energy efficiency, and livability in mind. The proposed home will use modern, high-performance materials and systems to ensure low energy use, reduced environmental impact, and future-proofed design that meets the challenges of our evolving climate. We are committed to smart density, and while the site will retain a residential scale, it will introduce additional, well-designed housing capacity that aligns with the city’s goals of promoting infill development near transit, jobs, and services. Lastly, we are exploring options to salvage part of the building materials so that they could be repurposed or re-used. We have taken great care to ensure that the new design respects the fabric of the existing community. It will enhance the streetscape, improve public safety through better lighting and accessibility, and raise the overall standard of housing on this block. As a stakeholder in this neighborhood, we believe that this project represents responsible, community-centered development. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to contributing positively to the growth and vibrancy of this part of Austin. Sincerely, James Khedari Director, Exmouth Holdings TX LLC
