911‐09‐07 Congress Avenue Grandberry Building and Mitchell‐Robertson Building, 911 Congress Avenue Historic District Congress Avenue Historic District July 26, 2021 Timeline • Fall 2020: Complaints made to Building and Standards Commission (BSC) • March 24, 2021: BSC ordered Landowner to finalize all necessary permits with HLC by June 22, 2021 • March‐April 2021 Meetings: Applicant team provided evidence that keeping building facades in place is not practical or practicable • May 2021 Meeting: Applicant team received guidance that (1) 907 be demolished and reconstructed in its original configuration, (2) 909 be preserved as it stands today, and (3) 911 may be demolished July 2021 Meeting: Applicant team brings Certificate of Authority applications with deconstruction and reconstruction plans in line with above but without keeping 909 preserved in place • 2 BSC Order Requires All Permits, including HLC, by June 22, 2021 3 Updates • • • • • • • • Continued onsite investigation and conditional assessment of the buildings Continued structural assessment Continued safety plan for work, neighbors and public Contacted Austin History Center to locate any additional photos or documentation of the properties Scans of the building interior and exterior (Missing Complete digital 3D model finalized Survey updated Acceptance of Restrictive Covenant by City Legal to require reconstruction within three (3) years Scope of Work updated 4 Restrictive Covenant 5 Laser Scan Assessment Update 6 Structural Assessment Conclusion: “Attempts at suspending the 2nd story façade of 909 Congress Avenue greatly the chances of increases more extensive damage to façade during the brick construction…” 7 Community Outreach • Nelsen, owner of 905 Congress Avenue: applicant has • offered to shore and waterproof the party wall. Joel Sher, owner of 1005 Congress Avenue: supports deconstruction and reconstruction plan. • Others have given verbal support. 8 Next Steps • • Site Plan Exemption and Demolition Permits Bring forth design plans so that facades can be replaced within required three (3) year window • Ongoing communication with Historic Preservation Office, neighbors, and community 9 Requests We respectfully request the following: Granting of the Certificates Appropriateness applications for the two sites zoned historic—909 and 911 Congress Avenue—with the above‐mentioned deconstruction and reconstruction plans. 10
907 – 909 – 911 CONGRESS AVENUE AUSTIN, TEXAS FAÇADE DECONSTRUCTION / RECONSTRUCTION SCOPE OF WORK / OUTLINE TO COMPLETE A. OVERALL PROJECT ORGANIZATION (OVERVIEW – SEE BELOW FOR DETAIL) a. Research and documentation search on existing construction b. Visual and non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) and testing c. Confirmation of structural integrity and ability to withstand documentation and deconstruction as planned. d. Deliverable 1 – Abstract and Bibliography of information used to inform reconstruction (photographs), summary of mortar, brick composition and condition testing e. Review of deconstruction Scope of Work based on Information gathered in a, b & C above f. Finalized Scope of Work and sequence of implementation. g. Deliverable 2 – Safety plan for documentation and deconstruction including pedestrian protection, neighboring building and selective access for design and deconstruction team. h. Preparation of specifications, drawings and other elements required for contract/bid documents for deconstruction work i. Deliverable 3 – Final drawings and documentation of existing conditions. j. Deliverable 4 – Deconstruction Phase: Confirm document accuracy based on profiles, details and other site collected information. k. Document, number and record materials pallets as part of deconstruction. l. On‐site observation of work in progress m. Final Documentation of deconstruction, material inventory and proper storage n. Deliverable 5 – Reconstruction documents and coordination with redevelopment design team o. On‐site observation of work in progress p. Final documentation of historic materials in place B. DOCUMENTATION preparation. Work. a. Review of existing photographic documentation to inform deconstruction and reconstruction plan b. Review all building inspection reports. c. Review all environmental documents and incorporate any outstanding items into final Scope of d. Photograph current conditions prior to any additional demolition. e. Document stone construction to same extent as brick construction for archives. Due to safety concerns and current protections, documentation scans cannot be completed until the bracing required for deconstruction is in place. f. Recommendation: Laser scanning of the existing construction. Provide point cloud to be used in documentation and to assist in the deconstruction and reconstruction activities. g. Coordinate with Austin History Center and City Preservation Officer on existing documents that may be available to use as resources for the reconstruction or representation of unknown elements. CARTER ● DESIGN ASSOCIATES ‐‐ 21 July 2021 ‐ REVISED 1 | P a g e Coordinate with Austin History Center to determine final document preparation and retention requirements for archival purposes. C, D & E ARE DONE …
July 20, 2021 Donna Carter Carter Design Associates 817 W. Eleventh Street Austin, Texas 78701 RE: Structural Assessment of Historic Masonry 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue Dear Ms. Carter: At your request, representatives of our office performed a structural assessment of the three existing storefront buildings located at 907, 909, and 911 N. Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas on July 7, 2021. The purpose of this report is to assess the existing masonry elements of all three structures and provide a rendered opinion regarding their structural integrity and options for preserving the historic front façades of the existing buildings. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you with this structural assessment. Please contact our office at (512) 499-0919 if you have any questions or further needs. Sincerely, Jerry Garcia, P.E. Founding Principal License #67435 21.153 Firm No: F-3323 6926 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752 | T: 512.499.0919 | F: 512.320.8521 Page 1 of 8 www.structurestx.com Introduction All three buildings were constructed at or around 1881 and have experienced a myriad of uses and modifications throughout their history. The superstructure of each building includes a mixture of wood stick framing and structural masonry elements that bear on a concrete slab- on-grade foundation. Existing wood-framed roof and upper floor systems have been observed to have extensive structural damage that has created potential life-safety concerns. The existing slab-on-grade foundation systems appear to be performing adequately with no major concerns noted at the time of observation. These buildings have been vacant and neglected for an extensive period of time. As such, the buildings have become dilapidated due to the accelerating exposure to the elements and a lack of basic maintenance to both the interiors and exteriors. For the purposes of this report, our office will be limiting our scope and recommendations primarily to the front brick facades and the load-bearing limestone side walls as it is our understanding that all structure behind the front façades will be demolished as part of the forthcoming development of the property. Masonry Preservation and Restoration Efforts It is our understanding that the Austin Historic Land Commission requires the preservation of all three existing façades facing Congress Avenue in order to retain the historic fabric of the area. On May 24th, 2021, the Commission made the recommendations that the front façades of 907 and 911 Congress Avenue shall be carefully deconstructed and then reconstructed in its original configuration …
July 23, 2021 City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Re: Agenda Items B2 and B3 Historic Landmark Commissioners, As a long-time property owner in the 1000 block of Congress Avenue, I write to you in support of the applicant’s proposal to deconstruct, and then reconstruct, the historic facades of 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue. These facades have long been in disrepair and I am happy to see a proposed solution that will lead us to proper facades along this historic frontage. My understanding is that this permit is the first step toward that vision, and that there is a proposed restrictive covenant that will require that the facades be replaced within 3 years. The proposed redevelopment will also come to this commission for review, and I look forward to seeing the design proposal when it is ready. I support this approach and timeline. Respectfully, Joel Sher Vice President, Ten O’ Five, Inc. General Partner Congress Holdings, Ltd 1005 Congress Avenue, Suite 150 Austin, TX 78701 512.478.1005 512.478.1077 (Fax)
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Bobby Friday, July 23, 2021 3:13 PM PAZ Preservation Historic Case Number: C14H-2000-0005; Review Case Number: HR 21-103182- 13300 DESSAU RD Bldg A *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Sir/Madam, As a member of the Dessau Lutheran Cemetery Association, I would like to express my support for relocating the historical Dessau Lutheran Church to Pioneer Farms. The group associated with Pioneer Farms has the resources and ability to move and restore the church to its original state. Sadly, the membership of the Dessau Lutheran Cemetery Association is dwindling and eventually there will not be anyone left to care for the church and its upkeep. My understanding is that Pioneer Farms has 50,000 to 60,000 visitors per year, so folks now, as well as many generations to come, could utilize and learn about its historical past. Thank you for doing what is right and granting the Certificate of Appropriateness so that the Dessau Lutheran Church can be relocated to the Pioneer Farms. Sincerely, Robert Naivar Director, Dessau Ltue 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: Mary Jackson Friday, July 23, 2021 3:55 PM PAZ Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness: Historic Case Number: C14H-2000-0005, Review Case Number: HR 21-103182 – 13300 DESSAU RD Bldg A *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission, I currently serve as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Dessau Lutheran Cemetery Association (DLCA). I have held this position since October 2014. Previously I served as Vice-President from October 2008 until October 2014. I have been actively involved with the Dessau Lutheran Church and Cemetery for over 30 years. My mother, Margaret (Nauert) Dickens was the daughter of Selma (Wieland) Nauert and William Nauert. Selma was the daughter of Martin and Carolina (Bastian) Wieland and William was the son of Carl and Caroline (Brachwitz) Nauert, all immigrants from Dessau, Germany to Dessau, Texas in the 1850’s. They were all members of Dessau Lutheran Church, with many being married in the church. They are all buried in Dessau Lutheran Cemetery except my Mom, and as you can see, the lineage runs very deep within my blood and also with my siblings, children, and grandchildren. We are one of the most active families with the church and cemetery. We have spent countless hours working on the church, maintaining the cemetery grounds and fellowship with the members. This has been instilled in me directly with my parents and grandparents. My mom, Margaret Dickens, played a vital role in the history of the church and she saved and maintained many of the historical documents that are so valuable to the history of the church. If needed, these documents are available at your request. She truly LOVED this church and it was a deep loss when she passed away September 21, 2016. As a child, I attended services at Dessau Lutheran Church with my grandparents, Selma and William Nauert. It was a magical place and the people were so respectful of the history of their community. I remember the pot belly stove in the middle of the church and the open windows when it was summer. And the well that was to the north of the building. It was just something else to be inside of the building, along with my Grandma and Grandpa. As the years have gone by, the church has lost many of the older generation, including my Mom, my Grandparents, and both sets of my Great-Grandparents that …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: noreply@coadigital.onbehalfof.austintexas.gov on behalf of City of Austin <noreply@coadigital.onbehalfof.austintexas.gov> Sunday, July 25, 2021 9:50 AM PAZ Preservation I support moving the Lutheran Church to Pioneer Farms This message is from Karl Weston. [ karlw1962@yahoo.com ] Hello, I recently heard about the proposed Church project from a friend a couple of weeks ago. I am supporting the move of the Lutheran Church to Pioneer Farms. It makes sense to me to do the move as more people will be able to visit and see the Church and it can be protected. I have been to Pioneer farms once or twice. It seems they do a good job at preserving and restoring the old buildings. There is a park in Dallas, I went to a few years back, and it was similar with the old houses and Churches. It is so nice to see and it can bring a peaceful feeling. Thanks so much for all the hard work by the Historic Landmark Commission, as I am sure there are many competing interests of how to develop and use property, and how to do so in the best interest of our beloved Austin/Travis County community. Sending you happiness and joy, Karl W. Weston PO Box 201924 Austin, Texas 78720 1
Richard Hill <hill@hpitx.com> Sunday, July 25, 2021 8:47 PM Mark Lakins; Richard Suttle Fwd: In support of 2210 Windsor Rd Mark Lakins From: Sent: To: Subject: A little late but support . Sent from my iPad Richard S. Hill Partner Direct: 512-538-0050 | Main: 512-835-4455 Address: 3700 North Capital of Texas Highway Suite 420 | Austin,Texas 78746 To help protect y ou r priv acy , Microsoft Office prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Visit the New HPITX.com → This e-mail may contain privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this message. Begin forwarded message: From: Ben Bentzin <ben@bentzin.com> Date: July 25, 2021 at 7:48:20 PM CDT To: Richard Hill <hill@hpitx.com> Subject: In support of 2210 Windsor Rd Richard, Hope this email reaches you in time for you hearing tomorrow. July 25, 2021 Austin Historic Preservation Office Planning and Development Review Department P.O. Box 1088 1 Austin, Texas 78767 Ladies & Gentlemen, In this letter, I express my support for the proposed changes to the Davis-Sibley House, 2210 Windsor Road, by owners Rae & Richard Hill. As an Old Enfield resident, I value preservation of our neighborhood's historic homes. After reviewing the modifications, including the carport, removal of the stairs, and overhang at the back of the house, I consider these changes to be much needed and consistent with the historical home and the character of our neighborhood. Having visited the Sibley home many times over the past 25 years, I am confident that Jane and D.J. Sibley would have enthusiastically supported these much needed changes if they were still with us today. Thank you in advance for your approval of the modifications proposed for the Davis-Sibley House. Ben Bentzin 2305 Windsor Rd Austin, TX 78703 512-750-9253 ben@bentzin.com [EXTERNAL] This email is from outside of HPI. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe 2
Richard Hill <hill@hpitx.com> Friday, July 23, 2021 12:16 PM Mark Lakins; Tim Cuppett; Richard Suttle Rae Hill Fwd: 2219 Windsor Renovation This is an email of support from the Oswalds, who live two doors down and have a Landmark Seal on their home. They also sent in the City’s letter of approval for the proposed changes. Richard Mark Lakins From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Sent from my iPad Richard S. Hill Partner Direct: 512-538-0050 | Main: 512-835-4455 Address: 3700 North Capital of Texas Highway Suite 420 | Austin,Texas 78746 To help protect y ou r priv acy , Microsoft Office prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Visit the New HPITX.com → This e-mail may contain privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this message. Begin forwarded message: From: john oswalt <chip.oswalt1@gmail.com> Date: July 23, 2021 at 10:02:22 AM CDT To: Richard Hill <hill@hpitx.com> Subject: Re: 2219 Windsor Renovation Richard Suttle, Karen and I who live at 2200 Windsor Rd are in full support of a landmark designation for the outstanding job the Hill’s have done on restoration of the Sibley house. We also have a historic designation and spend $$ per year to honor and maintain our house. We know the Hill’s will take exceptional care Of this historic home. Best regards, John D Oswalt,MD Proposed changes below. 1 Sent from my iPad 2
Richard Hill <hill@hpitx.com> Friday, July 23, 2021 6:38 AM Mark Lakins; Tim Cuppett; Richard Suttle Fwd: 2210Windsor_LandmarkPresentation_20210624.pdf I do not believe you have the Chandlers email of support below. Richard Mark Lakins From: Sent: To: Subject: Sent from my iPad Richard S. Hill Partner Direct: 512-538-0050 | Main: 512-835-4455 Address: 3700 North Capital of Texas Highway Suite 420 | Austin,Texas 78746 To help protect y ou r priv acy , Microsoft Office prev ented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Visit the New HPITX.com → This e-mail may contain privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient please notify the sender and immediately delete this message. Begin forwarded message: From: Rae Hill <raehill@me.com> Date: July 9, 2021 at 8:56:01 AM CDT To: June Chandler <june@chandler-family.com> Cc: Richard Hill <hill@hpitx.com> Subject: Re: 2210Windsor_LandmarkPresentation_20210624.pdf Thanks June!…There is a beehive of landscaping at your home this week….it will be beautiful when you return. Sent from my iPad On Jul 7, 2021, at 4:16 PM, June Chandler <june@chandler-family.com> wrote: Dear Rae and Richard, 1 You have Marks and my full support on your project. You are doing an incredible job of historically bringing back life into your new home. As a neighbor I am very happy to walk by something so lovely everyday. As a friend , I can’t wait to see it inside ! Best, June On Jul 7, 2021, at 5:14 PM, Rae Hill <raehill@me.com> wrote: Thank you June!!! Just reply all here and Richard will handle it. We did not lose power and sorry you lost a tree. See you soon. Rae On Jul 7, 2021, at 3:28 PM, June Chandler <june@chandler-family.com> wrote: Dear Rae, Y’all are working so hard and its going to look so good. We are happy to write a letter of support. Im not back in Austin until July 22 and Mark sometime in august. Can I send an email ? And how to do that? If they are sending one of their letters, I can have my asst go through the mail and find it and send something in. Hope we can get together when we get back. I also hope the tree we lost didn’t cause you to lose power. I know Ann did but not the others . xx, June On Jul 7, 2021, at 1:02 PM, Rae Hill <raehill@me.com> wrote: June- I hope you’re enjoying island life….it’s been reasonably cool …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Mary Reed Saturday, July 24, 2021 9:12 AM Allen, Amber; PAZ Preservation Requesting to speak on Monday night *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** On behalf of the Clarksville Community Development Corporation (CCDC), I would like to ask the Commissioners to delay making a decision on the demo permit request related to 1805 Waterston Avenue, a contributing structure in the Clarksville NRHD. It is Item C.2 on the agenda. Thank you. Mary Reed President, CCDC board of directors MR•PR Austin, TX 78703 Be Kind "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." MLK 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
Contreras, Kalan From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Mary Reed Saturday, July 24, 2021 10:09 AM Myers, Terri - BC; Wright, Caroline - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Featherston, Witt; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC Allen, Amber; Contreras, Kalan; PAZ Preservation Regarding 1805 Waterston Avenue, Item C.2 on your July 26th agenda *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** On June 3 representatives of the CCDC met with Jesse Nalle with Nalle Custom Homes to do what I would best describe as damage control. The company had purchased a remodeled upscale home in the Clarksville National Register District – a home that contributes to the Clarksville NRHD -- and wanted to demo it and build something bigger and more expensive. We knew the odds of convincing the company to not demo the home were dismal so we focused on suggesting changes to the plans Jesse Nalle shared with us in an effort to end up with a new home that would be more in keeping with Clarksville and less ”suburban.” Among other things, we asked that he either substitute a carport for the front-facing garages or relocate them at the back or side of the house; get rid of the exterior brick; and enlarge the front porch so that it could function as an out-door living space. We made other requests many of which reflected the same concerns about the compatibility of the new house design that are indicated in the backup materials prepared by Kalan Contreras for your meeting on the 26th. We also suggested that Mr. Nalle drive around Clarksville to get a sense of the neighborhood. We thought that seeing what other houses here look like would help inform his redesign process. Mr. Nalle was very open to our suggestions and said that he would send us new plans based on our comments. He seemed genuine and so we left the meeting hopeful that he had heard and respected what we had to say. However, here we are 53 days after that meeting, and despite six friendly email exchanges with Nalle in which he has repeatedly told me that "new plans will be coming soon" or that he has "nothing to share with me yet," we have not seen any revised drawings. In fact, the …
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Mary Reed Saturday, July 24, 2021 10:09 AM terrimyers@preservationcentral.com; Myers, Terri - BC; Wright, Caroline - BC; Little, Kelly - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC; Jacob, Mathew - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Featherston, Witt; Papavasiliou, Alexander - BC; Tollett, Blake - BC; Valenzuela, Sarah - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC Allen, Amber; Contreras, Kalan; PAZ Preservation Regarding 1805 Waterston Avenue, Item C.2 on your July 26th agenda *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** On June 3 representatives of the CCDC met with Jesse Nalle with Nalle Custom Homes to do what I would best describe as damage control. The company had purchased a remodeled upscale home in the Clarksville National Register District – a home that contributes to the Clarksville NRHD -- and wanted to demo it and build something bigger and more expensive. We knew the odds of convincing the company to not demo the home were dismal so we focused on suggesting changes to the plans Jesse Nalle shared with us in an effort to end up with a new home that would be more in keeping with Clarksville and less ”suburban.” Among other things, we asked that he either substitute a carport for the front-facing garages or relocate them at the back or side of the house; get rid of the exterior brick; and enlarge the front porch so that it could function as an out-door living space. We made other requests many of which reflected the same concerns about the compatibility of the new house design that are indicated in the backup materials prepared by Kalan Contreras for your meeting on the 26th. We also suggested that Mr. Nalle drive around Clarksville to get a sense of the neighborhood. We thought that seeing what other houses here look like would help inform his redesign process. Mr. Nalle was very open to our suggestions and said that he would send us new plans based on our comments. He seemed genuine and so we left the meeting hopeful that he had heard and respected what we had to say. However, here we are 53 days after that meeting, and despite six friendly email exchanges with Nalle in which he has repeatedly told me that "new plans will be coming soon" or that he has "nothing to share with me yet," we have not seen any revised drawings. In fact, …
1173 San Bernard Street – PR-21-093159 City of Austin – Historic Landmark Commission – July 26, 2021 1173 San Bernard Street – PR-21-093159 City of Austin – Historic Landmark Commission – July 26, 2021
Proposed Home at 3004 Lafayette Avenue The owners/occupants of 3004 Lafayette Ave have requested permission to demolish their home so they may build a home to better fit their family of four. As summarized in another document, the existing home is largely unoriginal, having been expanded and patched/repaired over the years in a haphazard way and unfortunately is just not cost effective to repair or expand. However, the owners are approaching the design of their new home in a very conscientious way, with a love for the Cherrywood Neighborhood, a desire to enhance it and fit into it, and consideration not only for their immediate neighbors but also those who live nearby and the greater City of Austin. From the start they have wanted to have their proposed new home fit in by keeping the driveway where it currently is, using a detached garage at the rear of the property in the location of the existing garage, and fitting the 18’ front home width within the footprint of the existing home to contain the massing and perception of size from the street. Height has been another consideration, creating a 1.5 story design with dormers to help keep the home height reduced, under 21 feet. The areas adjacent to each side neighbor are either one story on the right, or buffered by the driveway on the left. A neighborly, social, welcoming useable front porch was a must from the start. The desire is to make a home that feels like it has always been there. Additionally, much consideration has been given to exterior materials and details that are already found within the Cherrywood Neighborhood, including custom roof corbels, generous roof overhangs, classic window shapes and sizes, detailed window and door trims and siding details similar to that found throughout Cherrywood. Please see the streetscape below, showing how the new home would interact with its neighbors. Proposed House Shown in the Streetscape Proposed House Front Elevation
Allen, Amber From: Sent: To: Subject: Jen Graf Sunday, July 25, 2021 8:39 AM PAZ Preservation Case number PR21-095546 - 3004 Lafayette Ave *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To whom it may concern, I live in the Cherrywood neighborhood and want to express my support for the demolition of 3004 Lafayette Ave ‐ case number PR21‐095546. The property is in rough condition and the owner is a builder known for building high‐quality homes in a style that I believe will fit the neighborhood well. I expect the the home Jim will build will not only fit into the Cherrywood neighborhood well, but it will also add value the homes around it. Please reach out with any questions. Jen ‐‐ Jen Graf 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
Historical Commission Case: GF 21-103669 July 26th 2502 Park View Dr Joseph Reynolds 2611 West 49th Member Allandale Zoning Committee Commissioners, I’m writing to Oppose the demolition permit issued for 2502 Park View. The owner/applicant knew of the historic nature of the property when it was purchased. They communicated with the seller. The permit was issued by mistake, due to confusion with other property owned in 2500 block of Park View. Finally, 2502 Park View was one of the experimental houses used to determine how residences could/should be air-conditioned. The experiment was to try various ways to install air conditioning, to determine what life effects it would have, to measure the electricity used to cool the houses - A/C was a change that resulted in housing booms in hot climate. Let me share my perspective. First, I have experience with experimental housing. During the mid-1960s I was leading a software effort at Tracor [Austin’s first ‘technology’ star and first ‘native’ Fortune-500 company] to use computer graphics to show what a future house would look like when inside/outside. At the time architects drew sketches of a building, and made detail ‘mechanical drawings’ of the structural elements. The computer graphics would be a big improvement over just showing a client plan-view drawings, and much cheaper than the sketches, or cardboard models in use. Computer graphics could be interactive. Tracor had professors from UT Architecture School consulting. That work got me involved in a 1969-1970 project called Ice City. Life-size experimental buildings were more useful than cardboard models, and could have ‘organic’ shapes. But, they needed to be discarded, and that was expensive disposal. So, Ice City would build the life-size models from ice-foam, which would just melt when the weather warmed. In 1970 we were doing what is now called 3-D Printing, but on a life-size scale. We also worked on ‘responsive rooms’ which was an attempt to have the building support activity occurring inside. We built instrumented rooms at what is now part of the Pickle Research center. My second perspective is that I’m old enough to have lived ‘before’ and ‘after’ air- conditioning. I was born December 1941. Our milkman in Dallas drove a horse-cart to deliver. By 1945 mom had a Servel brand ‘gas’ refrigerator; a little ‘pilot flame’ 1 Historical Commission Case: GF 21-103669 July 26th 2502 Park View Dr Joseph Reynolds 2611 West 49th Member Allandale Zoning …
