May 27, 2025 Harthan Local Historic District Landowner’s Support of the Proposed Demolition at 600 Harthan Dear Chair Heimsath and Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, The undersigned landowners in the Harthan Local Historic District (LHD) support the proposed demolition of the structures located at 600 Harthan Street. The property has stood vacant and deteriorating for over a decade, posing significant obstacles to any meaningful preservation efforts. Importantly, the integrity and character of the Harthan LHD will not be materially adversely impacted by the proposed demolition of 600 Harthan. The landowners have met with representatives of the applicant and reviewed preliminary plans for the redevelopment of the site. We look forward to collaborating with the applicant on the proposed project to ensure it is compatible with the guidelines of the Harthan LHD and accretive to the district. Given the property’s prolonged state of disrepair and the thoughtful nature of the proposed redevelopment, the undersigned support the demolition of the structures at 600 Harthan Street. Sincerely, Harthan Local Historic District Landowners 602 Harthan 605 Harthan 60 7 Harthan 609 Harthan 1206 W 6th Street 604 Harthan 606 Harthan 6 08 Harthan 610 Harthan Map of Harthan Local Historic District Subject Property
June 2, 2025 RE: Whitehall Cooperative Historic Landmark Designation Dear Chair Heimsath and Members of the Austin Historic Landmark Commission, Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. We write to you today in support of historic designation for the Whitehall Cooperative building at 2500 Nueces for its Architecture, Historical Association, and Community Value. The Whitehall Cooperative has provided affordable housing in the West Campus neighborhood since 1949. Established as a women’s residence for UT Austin students, Whitehall began occupying the 1896 Queen Anne-style residence at 2500 Nueces in 1955. In 1956, when Black students were first admitted to UT, Whitehall was one of only two University co-ops to integrate racially. In 1960, when the opportunity to purchase the building arose, four of Whitehall’s female residents purchased the building for $25,000. The co-op became a co-ed residence for students and non-students alike in 1971. Over the decades, the home’s appearance has evolved, reflecting the cooperative’s spirit of communal involvement and individual creativity, all while maintaining its original Victorian character. As development pressures continue to intensify and the cost of living increases, Whitehall Co-op remains one of the very last affordable housing options in West Campus. Preservation Austin is proud to support Whitehall Cooperative in its pursuit of historic designation so it may continue its historic mission of providing affordable housing to the people of Austin. We thank you for your consideration and your service to the City of Austin. Sincerely, Melissa Barry, President
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office 1703 Alameda Dr--hearing scheduled for June 4 Thursday, May 29, 2025 3:24:18 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution hello, I am newer to this neighborhood, having purchased my house on Alta Vista a bit less than a year ago. My house was built in 1948; I love old houses, which is one of the main reasons I bought in this neighborhood--for the historic character of the houses. It seems a shame to demolish something that contributes to the charming older feel of the neighborhood. I would like to register my opposition to the demolishment of this house. Can the owners not add on in the back somehow? Yes, old houses deteriorate and need work. Houses are brought back all the time from very poor condition. That's what you let yourself in for when you buy one. I hope they will consider leaving the old structure and adding to it, thus respecting the atmosphere and feel of the historic area. sincerely, Annie Possis -- Annie Possis "Somebody needs to do something — it’s just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us.”--Jerry Garcia "Don't be good: Be fearless."--Sanford Meisner “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are.” --Carl Jung "One of the coolest feelings a human can experience is to feel so small in a world that’s so big."--Marc-Andre LeClerc "The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it – basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them."--Charles Bukowski 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".
May 30, 2025 Via Electronic Delivery Austin Lukes, Case Manager City of Austin Historic Preservation Office Permitting and Development Center (PDC) 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 RE: Historic Landmark Commission Meeting- June 4, 2025 - Demolition Applications: • PR-2025-045700 – 604 Copeland St. • PR-2025-044852 – 606 Copeland St. • PR-2025-049503 – 1004 S 1st St. • PR-2025-044914 – 1006 S 1st St. Dear Austin, The Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association endorses the demolition of these four structures. Given their severely dilapidated condition, relocating them seems unfeasible. We would like Habitat for Humanity to receive any materials that can be safely preserved. If the applicant is agreeable, we request that someone from Habitat for Humanity visit the properties with IntraCorp before demolition begins, so they can identify any items that can be salvaged and donated to Habitat. Sincerely, Greg Smith, President, Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association CC: Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov, Kim.McKnight@austintexas.gov, Melissa.Beeler@austintexas.gov, Zo.Qadri@austintexas.gov preservation@austintexas.gov, Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association, P. O. Box 3683, Austin, Texas 78764
604 West 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 604 W 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street (Penthouse Apartments) 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 – 604 W 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street (Penthouse Apartments) 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 ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - 1963-1964 ranch style apartment building - All doors and windows replaced 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. 604 West 18th Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 9 604 West 18th Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 10 604 West 18th Street Northeast view from side alley way 11 604 West 18th Street Northeast view from alley way 12 1801 Rio Grande Street Northwest view from Rio Grande Street 13 1801 Rio Grande Street Northwest view from Rio Grande Street 14 1801 Rio Grande Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 15 1801 Rio Grande Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 604 West 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin …
601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 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 – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 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 – 601 W MLK ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - “Commercial” style built in 1940 - Fenetration pattern altered - All windows replaced 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. ii. Historical Associations – 601 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. 1936 - Structure built 1938 to 1952 – Nau owned “Nueces Drugstore” 1955-1970 – Gilmore Studios at this location Staff Report “From 1938 to 1952, the drugstore served the surrounding residential area as a place to stop and eat, as well as a pharmacy—much like the Naus’ other famous Austin enterprise, Nau’s Enfield Drug.” Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey “Gilmore Williams ran Gilmore Studio and was an award-winning …
1800 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1800 Nueces 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 – 1800 Nueces 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 – 1800 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Classic Revival - Windows and doors replaced 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. 1800 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 10 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from alley way 11 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way 12 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street (Garage) 13 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from sidewalk (Garage) 14 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 15 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1800 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 17 18
1806 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1806 Nueces 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 – 1806 Nueces 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 – 1806 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Staff Report: Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Tudor Revival - Some exterior wall materials replaced - Front addition 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. 1806 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1806 Nueces Street Northeast view from parking lot 10 1806 Nueces Street Northwest view from parking lot 11 1806 Nueces Street Southwest view from alley way 12 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1806 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 13 14
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".
604 West 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 604 W 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street (Penthouse Apartments) 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 – 604 W 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street (Penthouse Apartments) 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 ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - 1963-1964 ranch style apartment building - All doors and windows replaced 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. 604 West 18th Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 9 604 West 18th Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 10 604 West 18th Street Northeast view from side alley way 11 604 West 18th Street Northeast view from alley way 12 1801 Rio Grande Street Northwest view from Rio Grande Street 13 1801 Rio Grande Street Northwest view from Rio Grande Street 14 1801 Rio Grande Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 15 1801 Rio Grande Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 604 West 18th Street and 1801 Rio Grande Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin …
From: To: Subject: Date: Attachments: Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: MLK/Rio Grande/Nueces/18th St. properties on HLC agenda Wednesday, June 4, 2025 1:22:56 PM image001.png One more for late backup Kalan Contreras Historic Preservation Officer Planning Department she/her | 512-974-2727 kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov From: Lori Martin Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 11:30 AM To: Lukes, Austin <Austin.Lukes@austintexas.gov>; Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: MLK/Rio Grande/Nueces/18th St. properties on HLC agenda External Email - Exercise Caution Hi Austin and Kalan, Hope you are both well! I see there are several demolition permits for the properties bounded by MLK, Nueces, Rio Grande and 18th Street. I don’t see any renderings for what is proposed for the site. Did I miss something or are the owners asking to tear down all these buildings without an indication of what will replace them? Is that typical practice for such a large expanse and significant number of buildings? The apartments are still occupied! As you may recall, we have a client with a property adjacent to this area. Not knowing what the plan for the area will be is quite unsettliing for her, as you can imagine. Do you know where I can find more information about the plans for this location? Thanks so much for your help. This is quite a swath of buildings to lose at once. I understand the Jack Brown corner is underutilized, but a huge empty block does with no clear plan does not benefit the neighborhood either. I appreciate any info you can provide! Lori Lori Martin, MSHP Architectural Historian O’Connell Architecture, LLC 3908 Avenue B, #309 • Austin • Texas • 78751 • 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".
601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 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 – 601 W Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 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 – 601 W MLK ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - “Commercial” style built in 1940 - Fenetration pattern altered - All windows replaced 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. ii. Historical Associations – 601 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. 1936 - Structure built 1938 to 1952 – Nau owned “Nueces Drugstore” 1955-1970 – Gilmore Studios at this location Staff Report “From 1938 to 1952, the drugstore served the surrounding residential area as a place to stop and eat, as well as a pharmacy—much like the Naus’ other famous Austin enterprise, Nau’s Enfield Drug.” Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey “Gilmore Williams ran Gilmore Studio and was an award-winning …
1800 Nueces Street Historic Landmark Commission 6/4/2025 1 Project Site 2 Demolition Applications 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 4 Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey 5 Landmark Designation Criteria – 1800 Nueces 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 – 1800 Nueces 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 – 1800 Nueces ARCHITECURE CRITERIA: √ Embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Classic Revival - Windows and doors replaced 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. 1800 Nueces Street Southeast view from Nueces Street 9 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street 10 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from alley way 11 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way 12 1800 Nueces Street Southwest view from West 18th Street (Garage) 13 1800 Nueces Street Northwest view from sidewalk (Garage) 14 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 15 1800 Nueces Street Northeast view from rear alley way (Garage) 16 Request We respectfully request your approval of the request for total demolition of the structures located at 1800 Nueces Street and release of the demolition permit upon receipt of a City of Austin Documentation Package. 17 18
