Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Thomas Blank Friday, January 21, 2022 7:23 AM PAZ Preservation Case GF 22-001167 - 512 E Monroe St *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I am in favor of approving Ms. Allen’s demolition permit application at 512 E Monroe. This property belongs to her and she should be able to do with it as she pleases. Thank you, Tom Blank 1205 Bickler Rd, Austin, TX 78704 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
1700 Lavaca Item D.13 Historic Landmark Commission January 24, 2022 1700 Overview • Collectively 0.0317 acres, or approximately 1,380 SF • DMU (Downtown Mixed Use) Lot Size: Building Size: • Approx. 1,126 SF Zoning: Built: • Circa 1883 Current Use: • Restaurant Historic Use: • Grocery, Cleaners Photo Landmark Designation Criteria A property must meet at least two of the below criteria: i. Architecture ii. Historical Associations iii. Archeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature i. Architecture × Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; × Exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, 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. i. Architecture Missing original features: • Original porch with overhead metal awning • Metal cornices • Cobbler structure • 1900-1910 additions to grocer and cleaner’s structures • Associated frame residential dwelling • Doors and windows on back of structure may have been modified/reconstructed 1894 Sanborn ii. Historical Associations groups, institutions, The property has long-standing significant associations with events persons, 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. businesses, or ii. Historical Associations Long standing historic association: - Avid bowler - Active PTA and Capital Study Guild - Member of St. Martin Lutheran Church - One of several Cash Stores in Austin during the time Landmark Designation Criteria iii. Archeology iv. Community Value v. Landscape Feature The property has, or is expected to yield, significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region; The 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. The property is a significant natural or designed landscape or landscape feature with artistic, aesthetic, cultural, or historical value to the city. Request request the …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Molly White Friday, January 21, 2022 11:25 AM PAZ Preservation 1208 S 5 ST *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Amber Allen, I own 1206 S. 5th and received the Demolition application for PR‐2021‐193617 GF 21‐205522. The previous owner, Harriet Venable had lived in the house her entire life and inherited it from her parents when they died. Harriet was disabled, and I see on TCAD that she had a DP Disability exemption as well as a Homestead exemption. Both were correct. Harriet sold and moved in October 2021. TCAD shows the new owner as Joe L Velasco with a California address. TCAD's 2022 record for the property also shows the homestead and disability exemptions continuing to apply. It does not seem appropriate for Harriet Venable's disability exemption to carry over to a new owner. Please investigate the situation. Also, much as I dislike housing to be destroyed, I do not have any evidence of historic significance to 1208 S. 5th. I appreciate your attention to my question. Molly White CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Tony Beckwith Friday, January 21, 2022 11:32 AM PAZ Preservation Case Number: GF 22-001028 - 607 E 38th St *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I object to the demolition of the above listed property. The plan is to replace it with a 4000 sq ft duplex and detached garage. This structure is too large for the lot and does not maintain the neighborhood integrity. Thank you, Lillian Beckwith 602 Carolyn Ave. 78705 CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: David Guarino Friday, January 21, 2022 12:52 PM PAZ Preservation nancy lynch 2021 202292 PR *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Attention Amber Allen: I am the property owner at 605 East 38th Street, where I have resided with my wife, Nancy A. Lynch, for the past 36 years. I would like to offer comments concerning the proposed demolition permit for the property at 607 East 38th Street. While my wife and I are not taking a position in favor of or against the proposed demolition permit, we would like to share the following information: The property at 607 East 38th Street is a duplex, and both units are currently occupied, and have been for some time. I don't know how the current eviction moratorium affects the proposed application for a demolition permit, but it may be a consideration. We have good neighbors in both units, and would hate to lose them, and hate to see them have to seek alternative affordable housing in this market. To the best of my knowledge, the current renters have not been informed by the city of the proposed demolition permit, and we would like to see them have that opportunity. The current property represents one of a dwindling number of affordable rental units in Central Austin. The duplex at 607 East 38th Street is a fairly typical craftsman style structure dating from the 1920s or 1930s. To the best of my knowledge, it is largely intact and unchanged. As such, it may be a contributing structure to a future application for a Historic District designation. It was formerly owned for many years by Texas Regionalist Artist and University of Texas Art Professor Michael Frary. Continuously occupied by renters throughout its history, the property is something of a "living museum" to the University of Texas community and the surrounding Hancock neighborhood, one of the city's oldest. Tenants have typically been from the university and creative communities, and have been likely to pay the rent out of the tip jar. Because the rent has always been relatively affordable, the property has attracted renters with more talent and education than money, a living reflection of the old Austin. Over the years, our neighbors have included musicians, writers, chefs and waitstaff, at least one craft brewer and at least one commercial artist. Demolition of the property will likely put …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Barbara Epstein Friday, January 21, 2022 12:48 PM PAZ Preservation HNA; e Case No. GF 22-001028 607 E. 38th St. *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** This email serves as my protest to the demolition permit application for Case No. GF 22-001028 607 E. 38th St. I live within 500 feet of the property. Although this 1935 duplex is not a grand structure, it is representative of the modest multi-family housing built in the area at the time that continues to provide (badly needed) relatively affordable housing in our city core. When I looked online to search for photos (since I had never been inside), I was surprised to see what looks like remarkably well-preserved living space--- https://www.apartments.com/607-e-38th-st-austin-tx-unit-a/dv3k8rj/ The current owner is in San Antonio and according to his website https://habitathaus.com builds modern homes. When I spoke to the owner, Mr. Jorge Alzaga, he refused to commit in writing that any new structure he builds would blend in with the neighborhood’s historic architecture—or to put anything in writing at all before the demolition permit hearing. But anyone who looks at and purchases property in this neighborhood would see that it is predominately made up of historic architecture, so they either are interested in preserving it or only interested in making the most profit no matter what. If this demolition permit is granted, it will create a clear precedent to build much larger, incompatible housing to the lot line without adequate parking. (Mr. Alzaga has a permit on file to build a 4,004 sq. ft. two-story duplex, while the current one-story duplex is listed as having 1,582 sq. ft.) I am unaware of any duplex like the ones on the owner’s company website that have been proposed or built in this vicinity. This demolition permit would have a domino effect because the pressures are too great now to raze entire historic neighborhoods in the name of densification, while at the same time, our city has made it almost impossible for a homeowner to legally increase density by creating an affordable ADU in an existing detached structure.. (For example, by ordinance, [25-2-1463 (2)(b)] a detached garage cannot qualify as an ADU unless it is a second story unit, and is allowed only the one current driveway curb cut, even though an ADU requires an additional paved parking space.) This neighborhood is at a tipping …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 – 4:00 PM MEETING WILL BE HELD IN PERSON AT 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. COMMISSION MEMBERS: x x x x x x Terri Myers, Chair Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair Anissa Castillo Witt Featherston Kevin Koch Carl Larosche x x x x ab Kelly Little Trey McWhorter Blake Tollett Beth Valenzuela Caroline Wright SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – 4:12 PM CITIZEN 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 15, 2021 – Offered for consent approval MOTION: Approve the minutes, per passage of the consent agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Little. Commissioner Larosche seconded the motion. Vote: 9-0, Commissioner Castillo off the dais. 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION A. Recognition of Steve Sadowsky for his service to the City of Austin 1 MOTION: Send Commission sentiments in a letter to Mr. Sadowsky, on a motion by Commissioner Heimsath. Commissioner Valenzuela seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. B. Presentations, discussion, and possible recommendations to the Texas Historical Commission regarding National Register of Historic Places nominations on the January 15, 2022 State Board of Review agenda https://www.thc.texas.gov/sbrmeeting B.1. Clement’s Meat Market / The Sport Bar – 1200 E. 6th St. Council District 3 B.2. Chapel for the Children – 2203 W. 35th St. Council District 10 B.3. Parque Zaragoza – 2608 Gonzales St. Council District 3 Presenter: Kalan Contreras MOTION: Recommend all three Nominations to the Texas Historical Commission, on a motion by Commissioner Little. Commissioner Larosche seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Historic Zoning, Discussion and Action on Applications for Historic District Zoning, and Requests to Consider Initiation of Historic Zoning Cases A.1. No items. B. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness B.1. HR-2021-157034 – 3810 Duval St. – Consent (postponed November 15, 2021) Hyde Park Local Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Construct additions to contributing house and noncontributing ADU. Applicant: Michael Diani City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Committee Feedback: Make design changes to ensure …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: CLIFTON LADD Sunday, January 23, 2022 6:13 PM PAZ Preservation brenda Ladd Case number PR-2021-200516; GF 22-001167 for Demolition of 512 E Monroe; public hearing MONDAY, 1-24-22 at 6:00 PM Public Hearing Form Ladd.pdf; Untitled attachment 00035.htm; 512_E_Monroe_20220120-00 copy.jpeg; Untitled attachment 00038.htm; 512_E_Monroe_20220120-01 copy.jpeg; Untitled attachment 00041.htm Dear Ms. Allen ‐ I just left you a phone message a little while ago and would appreciate it if you could call me tomorrow. We received a notice of public hearing for an application for a demolition permit for 512 East Monroe St. while we were out of town January 16‐19, and I didn’t see it until Thursday the 20th. I don’t understand how the City of Austin could give less than one week notice before a public hearing for a demolition. I have made several attempts to find information about this proposed demolition at https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public‐search‐other using the case numbers listed in the notice (PR‐2021‐ 200516; GF 22‐001167), but it only returns the answer “No rows returned.” The sign announcing the public hearing was not posted on the property, as it was laying on the ground in the front yard when I went by to look on Thursday the 20th (see attached photo). This house is a good example of the architecture of the Travis Heights‐Fairview Park National Historic District. It is in very good condition and should be preserved as an important part of the neighborhood (see attached photo). I oppose the demolition of this valuable part of our historic neighborhood. Please contact me before the public hearing tomorrow night at 6:00. Thank you, Clifton Ladd 1509 Newning Avenue Please let me know if you have any information about this. ‐‐‐‐ Clif Ladd 1
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: John L Trowbridge Sunday, January 23, 2022 11:51 PM PAZ Preservation Review case number PR-2021-200516 | GF 22-001167 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Attn: AMBER ALLEN, Re: Review case number PR‐2021‐200516 | GF 22‐001167, I OBJECT to the requested demolition of the house structure @ 512 E Monroe St, Austin TX 78704. Public Hearing: Historic Landmark Commission, January 24th 2022 Review Case Number: GF 22‐001167 ‐ 512 E MONROE ST / PR‐2021‐200516 Contact: Amber Allen My name: John L Trowbridge My address: 508 E MONROE ST, Austin TX 78704 I reside within 500 feet of the property under review. I OBJECT to the requested demolition of the house structure @ 512 E Monroe St. My comments: I am property owner and resident of 508 E Monroe, the 2nd property west of 512. The former owner was my neighbor for 20 years. The current structure @ 512 is a charming bungalow with vintage architectural features, including exterior teardrop hardwood siding and interior shiplap walls. The house is structurally sound. It was built in 1928 with dense longleaf pine lumber, now almost 100 yrs old but with structural and aesthetic qualities superior to modern building materials. I oppose full demolition. I would love to see the new owner incorporate as much of the old structure as possible with whatever upgrade / expansion they need. A demolition at the property at the other end of the block @ 500 E Monroe was denied by this commission around 2008. After the builders completed the renovation, the house was designated as Austin’s 1st historic home to receive a 5‐Star green building rating. After renovations were completed the builder sent a letter of thanks to the very groups that opposed the demolition, as they received an abundance of praise and publicity and claimed that they ended up profiting more‐per‐square‐footage than they would have with an entirely new structure. The house next door at 502 E Monroe was later remodeled from 1 to 2 stories. I witnessed that home’s transformation which incorporated much of the original framing and enhanced the original charm still found in the dwindling number of older homes in the neighborhood. I’m also very concerned about the fate of 2 grand heritage Live Oak trees on the property, with trunk diameters of 53 & 44 inches. I’ve resided at my property in this neighborhood for 43 …
80 Rainey Historic Landmark Commission January 24, 2022 1 Project Team Developer: Architect: Landscape Architect: Civil Engineer: Agent: Lincoln Ventures Pappageorge Haymes TBG Partners Wuest Group Drenner Group 2 Current Use Food truck lot, bar and small office. 3 < 7 8 R a i n e y 8 4 R a i n e y > 4 5 Paseo Connection to MACC 6 Paseo Connection to MACC 7 8 < 7 8 R a i n e y 8 4 R a i n e y > 9 10 Project Facts Address: Lot Size: Zoning: 78-84 Rainey Street 0.66 acres / 28,814 square feet Central Business District (CBD) Rainey Street Entitled Height: DDBP Allowable Height: Proposed Height: 40 feet Unlimited 546 feet / 49 floors CBD Zoning Entitled FAR: DDBP Allowable FAR: Proposed DDBP FAR: 8:1 15:1 20:1 On-Site Affordable Square Feet: Affordable Housing Trust Fund Contribution: 16,435 SF $1,052,273 11 12 Paseo gateway art by local artist 13 14 15 16 NORTHWEST VIEW 17 WEST VIEW 18 SOUTHWEST VIEW 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
3621 Windsor Tarrytown Case 1 Tarrytown Case Summary The owner has requested a demolition permit for 3621 Windsor Rd., a Tarrytown residence. 2 Tarrytown Case Summary The owner has requested a demolition permit for 3621 Windsor Rd., a Tarrytown residence. Staff has argued that the structure may meet the architectural and historic association criteria. 3 Tarrytown Case Summary The owner has requested a demolition permit for 3621 Windsor Rd., a Tarrytown residence. Staff has argued that the structure may meet the architectural and historic association criteria. However, the structure has been meaningfully expanded and changed over time – and staff’s basis for historic association raises equity-related policy questions. 4 This Tarrytown residence was owned by oilwoman philanthropist Alma Thomas. It was built in the late 1940s for $52,500 – roughly 12 times the median home value at that time. This is the structure as it existed the year Alma Thomas passed – it included a main house and servants’ quarters. 6 This is the structure as it today – meaningful work has been done to expand and change it. 7 Historic Association Rationale: Equity Implications Staff argues that Alma Thomas’ status as an oilwoman and local philanthropist is sufficient to warrant historic designation for this structure. 8 Historic Association Rationale: Equity Implications Staff argues that Alma Thomas’ status as an oilwoman and local philanthropist is sufficient to warrant historic designation for this structure. However, adopting this rationale would disproportionately favor historic designation in affluent West Austin, where residents had a much greater capacity to participate in large-scale philanthropy. 9 Historic Association Rationale: Equity Implications Staff argues that Alma Thomas’ status as an oilwoman and local philanthropist is sufficient to warrant historic designation for this structure. However, adopting this rationale would disproportionately favor historic designation in affluent West Austin, where residents had a much greater capacity to participate in large-scale philanthropy. This would also provide these affluent areas with tax exemptions and abatements. In other words, past wealth would be used as a basis for shifting today’s tax burden onto less affluent Austinites. 10 Already, there are six historic landmarks with a half-mile of this property. 11 Supporting Conditions Alma Thomas Has Been Appropriately Honored by Southwestern University. Southwestern University has honored Thomas with the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, connecting her to the work she did and the causes she supported. Alma Thomas’ Granddaughter Opposes Historic Designation. Thomas’ granddaughter has …
