Application for Tax Abatement for Rehabilitation of Property in a Local Historic District City of Austin Historic Preservation Office Austin, Texas 512-974-2727 Adopted December 2012 City of Austin Local Historic District Tax Abatement To encourage preservation and maintenance of the architectural character of local historic districts, the City makes available property tax abatements to the owners of contributing and potentially contributing properties who have completed substantial rehabilitation or restoration projects. The program abates 100% of the city property taxes assessed on the added value of a property that results from the rehabilitation or restoration project for a designated number of years. Improvements must comply with the local historic district’s preservation plan. ABATEMENT AVAILABLE BY PROPERTY TYPE: Category of property Duration of abatement Ownership type Amount of abatement Residential Owner occupied Residential located within Revitalization Area** Owner occupied Commercial Income- producing property Commercial located within Revitalization Area** Income- producing property Minimum % that must be spent on exterior improvements 5% 5% 5% 5% Required minimum expenditure Equal to 25% of pre- restoration value* of structure Equal to 10% of pre- restoration value * of structure Equal to 40% of pre- restoration value * of structure Equal to 30% of pre- restoration value * of structure 100% of the city taxes assessed on the added value of the property 100% of the city taxes assessed on the added value of the property 100% of the city taxes assessed on the added value of the property 100% of the city taxes assessed on the added value of the property Frequency abatement may be granted 7 years Once every 10 years 10 years Once every 15 years 10 years Once every 15 years 10 years Once every 15 years *Pre-restoration value means the most recent appraisal of the value of the property by the appraisal district before an application is submitted for abatement. **Revitalization Area is the area bounded by Interstate 35 from Manor Road to Riverside Drive, Riverside Drive from Interstate 35 to Highway 71, Highway 71 from Riverside Drive to Highway 183, Highway 183 from Highway 71 to Manor Road, and Manor Road from Highway 183 to Interstate 35. APPLICATION PROCESS: The program involves a three (3) step application process that requires approval by the Historic Landmark Commission and the Historic Preservation Office. Approval of Part I is required prior to starting any work. Part I – Application for Certification of Eligibility …
Application for Tax Abatement for Rehabilitation of Property in a Local Historic District City of Austin Historic Preservation Office Austin, Texas 512-974-2727 Adopted December 2012 City of Austin Local Historic District Tax Abatement Part I - Application for Certificate of Eligibility PART I - APPLICATION CHECK LIST: ___ Completed Application for Certificate of Eligibility signed by owner. ___ Estimate of costs for eligible work. ___ Completed Certificate of Appropriateness Application signed by owner. ___ Proof of pre-rehabilitation value from the Travis County Appraisal District. ___ Signed authorization for City Officials to inspect the property, and affidavit stating all property taxes are current and no city fees, fines, or penalties are owed on property owned by a business association in which the applicant has an ownership interest. ___ Current tax certificate providing proof no property taxes or City fees, fines, or penalties are delinquent on the property. ___ Proforma and development budget, if an estimated abatement is over $100,000. ___ Letter of intent from a financial institution or potential investors, if applicable. City of Austin Application for Historic Area District Tax Abatement Adopted December 2012 N/AN/A City of Austin Local Historic District Tax Abatement Part I - Application for Certificate of Eligibility Address of property: ______________________________________________________________ Name of Local Historic District:______________________________________________________ (cid:0) Contributing property (cid:0) Non-contributing property Legal Description of Property: _______________________________________________________ Tax Parcel ID Number:____________________________________________________________ APPLICANT/PROJECT CONTACT: Name:____________________________ ____________ Telephone: (____) _________________ Mailing Address:_________________________________ Mobile phone: ( ____ City:___________________ State: ____ Zip:__________ Email: OWNER: Name:_________________________________________ Telephone: Mailing Address:_________________________________ Mobile phone: City:___________________ State: ____ Zip:__________ Email: _ _ Proposed Use of the Property:_______________________________________________________ Proposed Scope of Work: _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Projected Construction Schedule:______________________________________________ Has the property received any other property tax relief under § 11.24 of the Texas Tax Code?: _____________________________________________________________________________ Describe all City Code violations, if any, on the property within the previous five years: _______________________________________________________________________________ For Historic Preservation Office use only: ____ Property is not a contributing or potentially contributing structure ____ Certificate of Eligibility approved by Historic Landmark Commission ____ Certificate of Eligibility not approved by Historic Landmark Commission ____________________________________________________ Historic Preservation Officer ________________ Date City of Austin Application for Historic Area District Tax Abatement Adopted December 2012 1105 Castle Court Austin, TX 78703Castle Hill Local Historic DistrictLOT 7 LESS N 5FT OLT 5 DIV Z CASTLE COURT0109010708512 751-13743908 Avenue B, Room 309Austin78751TXPeter Pincoffsp221 W. 6th Street, Suite 1400AustinTX78701Commercial OfficeNoneN/ASpring 2021O'Connell Architecture, LLC/Tere O'Connell, AIASite work to …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: James Barr Friday, April 29, 2022 2:35 PM HPD Preservation Attn: Amber Allen, Re: Case No. HR 22-036714, 4314 Ave H Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** My name is James Barr. I am the owner of the property at 4110 Ave H. I am in favor of the applicant’s request. I’m an Architect and have practiced for 41 years in Austin. I’ve lived at this address for 25 years. More than half of my time in practice has been in Historic Preservation, both on my own and working for Bell, Klein and Hoffman, Sheffelman and Nix, Page Southerland Page, The Barr Company and Travis County Facilities Management Department. I believe that in order for Hyde Park Neighborhood to flourish we must allow and even encourage additions, remodels and, where appropriate, allow demolition/replacement. There are certainly exceptions for some of the structures that have social or physical historic significance. Sincerely, James Barr 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: Ila Falvey Monday, May 2, 2022 8:22 AM HPD Preservation Case number: GF22-047398-2002 Scenic Dr *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Attn: Amber Allen Thank you for your research on the property. In addition to the attributes that you mentioned, this building contributes to the neighborhood of rock houses that are common in the area and represent an era of Austin's past. This neighborhood's importance was emphasized as it and several of the rock houses were included on Preservation Austin's Home Tour in 2010. I strongly oppose destroying an historic house, the long two story rock house with the whimsical carved keystones, and the bridges and paths that meander through the property. This property is a treasure and should be respected for its beauty not destroyed to maximize wealth. Ila Falvey 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
Laura Des Enfants 3706 Stevenson Avenue Austin TX 78703 x During this period of rapid growth Austin needs to be vigilant and preserve its architectural history or risk losing both its character and history. 5.2.2022
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Nabil Rahman Sunday, May 1, 2022 10:08 PM HPD Preservation 1100 E 5th St demolition *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I live on 1109 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702 and I object to this request. This neighborhood is being fully wiped out of anything with any historical significance and this change is absurd. There is currently a wedding happening in this venue and it is an example of how viable this space is for events in the area. Thanks! Nabil Rahman Chief Product Officer Spot Insurance 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
ROSEWOOD COURTS U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e 05/04/2022 LOCATION G G D E ROSEWOOD HISTORIC DISTRICT RC F F F F U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e HISTORY 1 2 RC ORIGINAL DESIGN ORIGINAL DESIGN U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e HISTORY RC ORIGINAL DESIGN U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e CURRENT CONDITION BLDG D BLDG D BLDG E RC BLDG F BLDG G BLDG G U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e SITE WORK HVI UNIT F NEW RAMP FULLY ACCESSIBLE UNIT RC NEW RAIN GARDENS U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e PROPOSED WORK BUILDING D BUILDING E U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e PROPOSED WORK BUILDING F BUILDING G U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e PROPOSED WORK *No addition is being proposed BUILDING D BUILDING F RC BUILDING G U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e PROPOSED WORK *No addition is being proposed BUILDING F RC BUILDING E BUILDING G U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e PROPOSED WORK BUILDING F BUILDING F RC *No addition is being proposed BUILDING G BUILDING G U r b a n F o u n d r y A r c h i t e c t u r e DOORS ORIGINAL DOOR TYPES PROPOSED DOOR TYPES WINDOWS BUILDING F BUILDING G U r b a n F o u n d r …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Meredith Dreiss Monday, May 2, 2022 2:07 PM HPD Preservation case # GF22-047398-2002 Scenic Dr *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Case # GF 22‐047398‐2002 Scenic Dr Dear Amber Allen, I am writing in hopes that a hold can be put on demolition plans for 2002 Scenic Drive, Austin, TX 78703 until further research can be completed by the city’s historic preservation department. I currently live down the street from 2002 Scenic Dr at 3002 Scenic, but before moving I lived across the street from 2002 Scenic at 3805 Stevenson Avenue for 29 years. I’ve been inside 2002 on a number of occasions during the years that Whit and Allison Hanks rented the house from owners C.H. and Mildred Slator. 2002 Scenic is extremely unique with whimsical nooks and crannies, spectacular stone fireplaces and a stone façade that seems more “rustic stone vernacular” than Spanish Colonial revival. What’s more important to think about is its contextual setting: Where Stevenson Avenue dead ends into Scenic Drive right at the cliff overlooking Lake Austin, there are 7‐8 adjacent stone house built in the 1930s and early 40s that are similar and may have been designed by the same architect. For example, I know the fireplaces at both 2002 Scenic and 3805 Stevenson (across the street) were probably built by the same stone mason, both are highly unusual and quirky with similar elements. I believe this grouping of houses could be considered an historic district and should be assessed accordingly. Having walked Scenic Drive for 43 years I’ve also noticed traces of archaeological chert‐working where Scenic and Stevenson streets meet. I know this kind of evidence does not necessarily halt demolition permits, but just wanted to mention it. I’ve read that the earliest city records date to 1946 when the architectural firm of Fehr and Granger were hired by the Slators for renovations. I’ve had trouble finding out who the original architect was and what the house may have looked like before renovations, but tax records indicated construction date may be 1930. Arthur Fehr worked for architect Harvey P. Smith of San Antonio during this time. Smith was renowned for mission and restoration work and some of Smith’s Spanish Colonial style architecture is reminiscent of 2002 Scenic and also next door at 2008 Scenic (built in 1935) as well as across the street at 2005 Scenic …
To: Amber Allen, Historic Preservation Office, City of Austin Re: Demolition of 2002 Scenic Drive (GF22-047398) Dear Ms. Allen 2 May 2022 As a former resident across the street from 2002 Scenic Drive, I would like to write a letter protesting its proposed demolition. While the building complex has fallen into disrepair in recent years, it is a unique surviving element of a small 1930s neighborhood anchored around what is today the corner of Scenic and Stevenson. While some of the early buildings are now gone or heavily remodeled, portions still remain of this once vibrant little block of dwellings. Built mostly in a rustic, limestone-based style, those remains are quite distinctive from the more recent contemporary styles being erected around it. The houses of that early era in West Austin had a warm, charming and almost magical feel to them, in direct contrast to the harder lines of the newer surrounding structures, and they bring a feeling to the little neighborhood that will be lost when 2002 Scenic and its still surviving early twentieth century neighbors are removed. I understand that 2002 Scenic was remodeled by Fehr and Granger in the late 1940s, a fact that supports its importance, and the need for preservation. Undertaken by two well-known veterans of Depression-era National Park Service construction, the 2002 Scenic remodel incorporates elements of Fehr’s earlier work at Bastrop State Park and seems to represent a stage in the transition of his own career from a more historical beaux arts/eclectic style to his later mid-century modern designs. Born in Austin, Fehr was important in introducing the mid-century modern design into Texas, and aspects of his historical oeuvre of structures should be considered important for protection in our rapidly changing world. I am an archaeologist with considerable experience in the historical era and some knowledge of historic structures. Though retired, I am still a research fellow at UT Austin. I have worked with the documentation and preservation of early buildings in Austin for decades and have sadly seen so many fine examples of past architectural styles demolished. We are too rapidly losing the anchor of our historic, architectural past, and it would be sad to see these once elegant structures removed. I am strongly in favor of refusing the demolition permit and seeking preservation partners to protect these impressive buildings. Thank you for your consideration in the matter. Sincerely, David O. Brown, …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: t wise Monday, May 2, 2022 5:07 PM HPD Preservation 2002 Scenic *** External Email ‐ Exercise Caution *** Dear Ms Allen, Thank you for your work in assessing the historical/architectural significance of this beautiful property. Please count me, neighbor since 1989, as one who strongly supports saving the home. Sincerely, Tracy Wise 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
2002 Scenic Drive The original house (not the 1940s renovation portion) is a stone structure with many wonderful stone carvings. The construction and stone carvings are similar (but much more elaborate) than the other remaining stone “fishing cabins” built at the same period. The photos below show some of this beautiful work on the exterior of the home. 2002 Scenic Drive case # PR-2022-032448 2002 Scenic Drive Photos of some of the stone work in the interior of the home. Carvings are placed randomly throughout the stone portions of the home. 2002 Scenic Drive case # PR-2022-032448 2002 Scenic Drive Photos of some of the stone work in the auxiliary building. 2002 Scenic Drive case # PR-2022-032448
