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1324 Alta Vista Avenue Demolition Permit Application Reasons for Needing to Demolish the Existing Duplex Structure at 1324 Alta Vista Ave. The 1968-built duplex structure has many major problems that cannot be resolved / repaired, despite now 30 years of costly efforts by the current owner, and reportedly major efforts also by previous owners. The downhill rental apartment is no longer inhabitable (vacant since 2021) due to building deficiencies and drainage issues that cannot be corrected. Water intrusion and mold / mildew a constant have been a worsening situation. Details of many of those issues are described below. The current owner has resided in the duplex at 1324 Alta Vista Avenue since early 1995. While some serious problems were revealed during the inspection performed prior to purchase, within a few months of residing in the main house, and responding to problems reported by the renters living there at that time, a number of major additional problems were revealed. One of the next door neighbors shared that the builder of the duplex did notoriously subpar work, and she wasn’t surprised by issues the owner was encountering. During the next 3 decades major repair work was done in efforts to correct those problems, but some of the most problematic conditions are simply not correctable. That determination was made over time through discussions with a number of builders /contractors (including one who previously lived in the main house), and many thousands of dollars in repairs. The 1968 –built duplex was constructed during a period when some construction practices were employed that were found over time to be problematic (e.g. aluminum wiring, cast iron sewer pipes having severe / sharp bends / mechanical joints under concrete foundations, and flat roofs). In a survey of buildings done in the neighborhood conducted by those working on historic preservation efforts this house was for reasons unknown categorized as “contributing”. Some key items of information noted for the house in the survey were in error, including “metal roof” and stucco. At no time did the house have stucco exterior (but rather inexpensive painted wood sheet siding with 2” painted cedar trim, with a portion of that replaced with cement board siding in 2014). The only metal portion of the roof was on the mansard trim areas that were installed in 2014 to replace the composite mansard roofing sections (see photo below). It is the owner’s and architect’s opinion …
SUSAN M. PARTEN, P.E. 1324 Alta Vista Avenue Austin, TX 78704 Ph: Email: HLC Board Members City of Austin, Texas March 17, 2025 Subject: Demolition permit application – 1324 Alta Vista Avenue Dear HLC Board Members: Hopefully you’ve had an opportunity to review the other information I’ve provided previously detailing and sharing photos for just some of the problems with the duplex structure at 1324 Alta Vista Avenue. I thought it might be useful to also provide some history, as related to the period during which I’ve owned the property, and efforts taken to try to mitigate problems and work with the existing structure. I know this is a lot of information to share with you, but I feel it’s important that the City understands the extent of the problems and major efforts and expenses undertaken to try to address those problems that have finally led to the decision that demolition is unavoidable. I purchased the property in early 1995, and it has been my primary residence since that time, which is at least about twice the tenure of any other owner. While the house was under contract for purchase, an inspection revealed many major problems, some of which hadn’t been disclosed in the real estate listing, and the purchase price was significantly reduced to try to cover at least some of those repair expenses. As a civil engineer who even then had substantial experience with surface runoff and groundwater intrusion management practices, as well as other types of construction repairs, I felt that the problems revealed with the structure could be managed and corrected. Those were things like rotted deck, aluminum wiring, leaking flat roofs(four flat roofs) needing repair/replacement, a very long and deep French drain needed uphill of the entire structure where moisture had been observed to be impacting the eastern wall of the lower level of the uphill side of the duplex (the portion buried into the hillside along Alta Vista), etc. Starting in 1995 I began making those major repairs to the structure. I had several French drains installed (four total, in various locations around the building), replaced the roof multiple times during the past 30 years, replaced the rotted deck, etc. etc. One of the previous residents is a local remodeling contractor who had worked with my brother to restore an old church that my brother had bought and donated to a meditation group near …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION DEMOLITION AND RELOCATION PERMITS APRIL 2, 2025 PR-2024-008236 4901 RIDGE OAK DRIVE 10.0 – 1 PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1951 house. ARCHITECTURE Believed to have been designed by Austin architect Barton Riley1, the house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive was constructed around 1951 for Edgar Perry III, grandson of Edgar Howard “Commodore” Perry. The single-story house is set on a triangular parcel that slopes towards the east, offering an optimal view of downtown. Clad in a combination white stone, concrete, and vertical wood siding, the house emphasizes its horizontality with two long wings in an L-shape. The north side of the lot features a driveway that curves around the house and terminates at a carport. There is an entry to the kitchen in this location, indicating that the doorway in the middle of the house, facing Ridge Oak Drive and opening onto the foyer and living room of the house, was designed to be the main entry. Arranging two doors in this way indicates that the automobile entry may have been seen as more of a service entry. The longer of the two wings extends to the north and includes living areas and bedrooms and features a rear door from the dining room to a broad deck that provides a view of downtown Austin. It also features ample swimming pool, which abuts a retaining wall. A flat roof covers the entire house, with moderate overhangs on several sides. Fenestration is generally not large but is grouped in several areas to create a ribbon window appearance. At the rear of the house, near the deck, is a large brick chimney that extends above the flat roof by a few feet. From the street, the exterior walls, windows, and doors are weathered but appear to be in fair condition. RESEARCH The Perry family has a long history in Austin that stretches across the city, both architecturally and civically2. The house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive was constructed for Edgar and Kathleen Perry to live in after their 1951 marriage and was completed when Edgar Perry III was in his early 20s. In the short years after their moving in, Edgar was involved in several family business ventures, including Southwest Ledge Stone Company, Terminix Termite Control3, and, most recently, the Perry Manufacturing Company, which produced plastics and other newly developed materials for domestic use4. He also became involved in, and …
Dear Historical Review Committee, My husband Reagan and I own the home in question so we appreciate the volunteered time and expertise that has gone into the review of the property. We have presented to the Architectural/Historical Review Board in another community and it was a much different experience so we can appreciate and revere the process for Austin and those that are active participants in it. That being said, I am no architectural expert, I am a family medicine doctor and like most docs when we are trying to understand or face an issue what we know how to do is research it so that is what I have done here. Thank you in advance for reading this packet as truly this decision in regard to 4901 affects no one more than my husband and myself. In the packet provided by your staff it mentions this house is thought to be designed by Barton Riley. He graduated from UT in 1950 and initially worked for several large firms before joining Emil Niggli and later going on his own in 1963. This home would have been in the works and built when he was basically fresh out of school and working for someone else. I would question his specific stamp on the design. I searched for Barton Riley online and there is a website which features his works and even has homes listed for sale. Mentioned specifically on the website with available pictures were 4515 Balcones, 4610 Crestway, and 5405 Western Hills. See thumbnail photos below – these homes exhibit exposed beams, unique fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows, asymmetry, short choppy staircases, beautiful wood paneling, exposed natural stone walls. In short, they are well kept, subjectively attractive, inhabitable, nearby in location and what I would say classify as excellent examples of MCM. As above, I am no expert, so what constitutes midcentury modern design? According to Architectural Digest: clean lines, floor to ceiling windows, open floor plans, indoor-outdoor living, built-ins, functionality. According to Wikipedia: wide homes with partially brick/glass walls, low footprint with floor to ceiling windows, exposed ceilings and beams, open floor plans, ergonomically designed furniture, short staircases connecting rooms throughout the house. Ironically our home in Corpus Christi is a 1970 Midcentury Modern home so we have no negative bias against the design in whole, I would just contend that 4901 Ridge Oak is not an ‘excellent example’ …
T.B.P.E. Registration # F-9361 February 26, 2025 Mr. Travis Habersaat, Architect Jay Corder Architect 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 309 Austin, TX 78757 RE: Visual Structural Assessment 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Austin, TX 78757 On February 25, 2025, Arch Consulting Engineers PLLC visited the above referenced project to assess the structural condition of the existing house and masonry retaining wall along the property line adjacent to Crestway Drive. Mr. Brad Farris, P.E. of Arch Consulting Engineers PLLC and Mr. Travis Habersaat of Jay Corder Architect were present at the site meeting. A home inspection report prepared by Power Check Inspections, PLLC dated February 21, 2025 was provided for our review. Structural drawings of the existing house were not available. It should be noted that the findings, opinions, and conclusions of this report are based on visual observations only and reflect only the accessible features of the property. Arch Consulting Engineers, PLLC has not performed any testing of the concrete or soils at the site which may or may not reveal defects that are not visible. Structural Systems Description: The existing structure of the single-family residence is a wood framed roof system supported by wood stud framed walls bearing on a concrete foundation. The foundation appears to be a combination of slab on grade and suspended concrete over a crawl space. The roof is flat with little to no slope. The exterior cladding consists of a combination of stone veneer and wood siding. General Evaluation: During the site visit, distress was noted in various locations including exterior stone veneer and interior flooring, walls, and ceilings. The cracking in the finish materials is likely a result of foundation movement. Additionally, there were various locations where the roof appears to be leaking as evidenced by wet spots in sheetrock ceilings and rotted exterior fascias and soffits. Response to Specific Areas of Concern: 1) Foundation Movement As noted above, various cracking at the interior and exterior walls, flooring, and ceilings were seen. Also, in numerous locations the existing soil appears to be higher than the foundation leading to rotten siding and possibly rotten wall framing. The soil should be lowered and graded away from the house to promote rapid drainage away from the house. In areas of rotted siding, the siding should be removed to expose the wall framing and determine the extent of necessary repairs and/or replacement. 2579 Western Trails Blvd. Suite 230 …
POWER CHECK INSPECTIONS, PLLC Http:www.pwrcheck.com COMPLETE HOME INSPECTION - POWER CHECK 4901 Ridge Oak Dr Austin, TX 78731 Inspector Chad Nemec TREC 24017 Certi ed Professional Inspector . . . PROPERTY INSPECTION REPORT FORM Michael Dickson Name of Client 4901 Ridge Oak Dr, Austin, TX 78731 Address of Inspected Property Chad Nemec Name of Inspector 02/21/2025 12:30 pm Date of Inspection TREC 24017 Certified Professional Inspector TREC License # Name of Sponsor (if applicable) TREC License # PURPOSE OF INSPECTION A real estate inspection is a visual survey of a structure and a basic performance evaluation of the systems and components of a building. It provides information regarding the general condition of a residence at the time the inspection was conducted. It is important that you carefully read ALL of this information. Ask the inspector to clarify any items or comments that are unclear. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSPECTOR This inspection is governed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice (SOPs), which dictates the minimum requirements for a real estate inspection. The inspector IS required to: use this Property Inspection Report form for the inspection; inspect only those components and conditions that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of the inspection; indicate whether each item was inspected, not inspected, or not present; indicate an item as Deficient (D) if a condition exists that adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component OR constitutes a hazard to life, limb or property as specified by the SOPs; and explain the inspector’s findings in the corresponding section in the body of the report form. The inspector IS NOT required to: identify all potential hazards; turn on decommissioned equipment, systems, utilities, or apply an open flame or light a pilot to operate any appliance; climb over obstacles, move furnishings or stored items; prioritize or emphasize the importance of one deficiency over another; provide follow-up services to verify that proper repairs have been made; or inspect system or component listed under the optional section of the SOPs (22 TAC 535.233). RESPONSIBILTY OF THE CLIENT While items identified as Deficient (D) in an inspection report DO NOT obligate any party to make repairs or take other actions, in the event that any further evaluations are needed, it is the responsibility of the client to obtain further evaluations and/or cost estimates from qualified service professionals regarding any items reported as Deficient …
PID 124674 | 4901 RIDGE OAK DR Property Summary Report | 2024 Online Services | Travis Central Appraisal District 124674 0129040301 R SF3 CVENGROS JENNIFER A LOT 10 *LESS NE TRI & +SW TRI LOT 11 BLK W HIGHLAND PARK WEST 4901 RIDGE OAK DR, TX 78731 OWNER Name: THARP6 LLC Secondary Name: Mailing Address: 1037 N SUGARTREE LN GALLATIN TN 37066-8565 Owner ID: % Ownership: Exemptions: 1998528 100.00 GENERAL INFO ACCOUNT Property ID: Geographic ID: Type: Zoning: Agent: Legal Description: Property Use: LOCATION Address: Market Area: Market Area CD: Map ID: X6000 012608 PROTEST Protest Status: Informal Date: Formal Date: VALUES VALUE HISTORY $1,218,000 $0 $0 $1,218,000 $182,000 $0 $182,000 $1,400,000 $0 $1,400,000 $0 $1,400,000 CURRENT VALUES Land Homesite: Land Non-Homesite: Special Use Land Market: Total Land: Improvement Homesite: Improvement Non-Homesite: Total Improvement: Market: Special Use Exclusion (-): Appraised: Value Limitation Adjustment (-): Net Appraised: VALUE HISTORY Year 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 $1,218,000 $1,176,000 $1,176,000 $588,000 $588,000 $182,000 $510,638 $433,000 $486,600 $371,798 Land Market Improvement Special Use Exclusion Appraised Value Limitation Adj (-) Net Appraised $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,400,000 $1,686,638 $1,609,000 $1,074,600 $959,798 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,400,000 $1,686,638 $1,609,000 $1,074,600 $959,798 Page 1 of 3 Effective Date of Appraisal: January 1 Date Printed: February 26, 2025 Powered By: <True Prodigy> Tax Rate 0.950500 0.477600 0.344445 0.000000 0.107969 0.101300 Net Appraised Taxable Value $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000 TAXING UNITS Unit Description 01 02 03 0A 2J 68 AUSTIN ISD CITY OF AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY TRAVIS CENTRAL APP DIST TRAVIS COUNTY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AUSTIN COMM COLL DIST IMPROVEMENT DO NOT PAY FROM THIS ESTIMATE. This is only an estimate provided for informational purposes and may not include any special assessments that may also be collected. Please contact the tax office for actual amounts. Improvement #1: State Code: A1 1 FAM DWELLING Description: Improvement Value: N/A Main Area: Gross Building Area: 3,248 9,192 Type Description Class CD Exterior Wall Number of Units EFF Year Built 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Year 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 SQFT 3,248 1 1,012 648 3,248 450 196 1 140 50 2 126 70 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1951 1ST 604 061 512 095 612 581 522 011 011 251 SO …
STORAGE LAUNDRY / UTILITY RM #1 FAMILY ROOM CARPORT POWDER OFFICE KITCHEN CEDAR CLOSET T E S O L C UTILITY ROOM #2 BEDROOM #2 BATH #2 CLOSET CLOSET CLOSET ENTRY BREAKFAST PRIMARY BATHROOM CLOSET PRIMARY BEDROOM BATH #1 BEDROOM #1 T E S O L C DINING ROOM LIVING ROOM DECK PRIMARY WALK-IN #1 PRIMARY WALK-IN #2 1 EXISTING- FIRST FLOOR PLAN SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0"
4901 Ridge Oak Drive, Austin Texas Building Code Analysis Current City Of Austin Building Codes International Residential Code - 2021 Edition International Building Code - 2021 Edition ● ● ● National Electrical Code - 2023 Edition ● Uniform Mechanical Code - 2021 Edition ● Uniform Plumbing Code - 2021 Edition ● ● ● ● ● International Wildland-Urban Interface Code - 2015 Edition International Existing Building Code - 2021 Edition International Energy Conservation Code - 2021 Edition International Fire Code - 2021 Edition International Pool And Spa Code - 2018 Edition International Residential Code - 2021 Edition - Non compliant Issues ● Grading of adjacent soils ○ Grade to be removed so that a minimum of 6” of exposed foundation is uncovered. Some of this removal may be within the ½ critical root zones of protected sized trees, which is not allowed per the City of Austin tree ordinance. ● Drip flashing at masonry ○ Install metal drip cap flashing at exposed masonry wall top and fascia connection ● Tree proximity to foundation ○ Trees to be removed and foundation to be evaluated by Structural Engineer and Foundation repair specialists. ● Window egress width - Current bedroom casement windows only allow for 14” of clear width opening, not the required 20” of clear width. ○ Windows to be replaced with historically accurate steel windows. Historic Permission will be required for alteration of existing window layout to meet egress width compliance requirements. ● Window egress sill located at 59” above finish floor ○ Historic permission will be required to remove a section of wall to lower the window sills to proper egress requirements of 42” max sill above finish floor. 1 ○ Windows to be replaced with historically accurate steel windows. Historic permission will be required for alteration of existing window layout to meet egress width compliance requirements. ● Guard rails missing or noncompliant ○ Property guard rails to replace existing non compliant rails or missing rails with adjacent vertical drops of 30” or more. ● Gutter drainage ○ Gutters are currently draining towards the foundation resulting in foundation and moisture issues ● Spawling of concrete joists leaving exposed rebar ○ Coordination w/ Structural Engineer and Foundation repair specialists to determine how to correct or replace ● Non ventilated crawl space ○ Cut through foundation walls underneath the Dining Room to install vented wall grills. Further study is required to determine how …
– JAY CORDER ARCHITECT – HLC Talking Points ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ● 31 years experience 10 historically significant projects of note: 1510 West Ave. 1209 Elm St. 804 W. 17th St. 3505 Mt. Barker (Stenger)-resto-mod 7 Sugar Shack (Stenger)-resto-mod 3703 Eastledge (Mckee)-remodel closer to original condition and intent 1700 West Ave. 1600 West Lynn 2403 Pemberton Place (either a fehr-granger or Riley)-resto-mod 2404 Pemberton Place (either a fehr-granger or Riley)-resto-mod ● The property has been vacant and unmaintained for many years, leaving it in a state of disrepair. The home's fundamental elements are beyond repair: Windows and frames would have to be completely rebuilt or restored Stone has been painted with lead paint. No suitable chemical solutions exist that would maintain integrity of the stone. Mechanical removal is also fatal to the original stone. Roof system is inadequate. It’s completely flat so it would have to be rebuilt including roof structural system most likely in order to provide adequate slope for drainage. Further, TPO, PVC, and rolled roofing are becoming problematic with insurance. I have personally had three recent projects with push back from insurance on this issue. Other architects I spoke with are starting to hear same. Foundation system is failing or has failed in several areas. Remediation is possible but incredibly time consuming and therefore costly All interior finishes are either in complete disrepair, riddled with mold. All exterior finishes would also have to be completely replaced due to leakage, rot, etc. Subsequently, it is highly likely that a good portion of the framing will need replacement Code issues exist in abundance: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Windows and doors do not meet current City standards Roof slopes etc are in adequate Electrical and plumbing systems are inadequate Wall sections are inadequate (R-value) Accessibility route does not currently exist ○ The building would essentially need to be rebuilt and would consequently truly be a new residence that is simply a replica of the original home. ● The guidelines and code explicitly require unique characteristics that go beyond a specific design. There are several more uniquely characteristic and better maintained residences by Riley in the area. This one is somewhat unremarkable in context: ○ Significant deficiencies in plan geometry exist: – JAY CORDER ARCHITECT – ■ ■ There is no view from this property on …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Please save 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Tuesday, March 4, 2025 1:56:11 PM [You don't often get email from https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Learn why this is important at External Email - Exercise Caution Hello, I am a resident of the beautiful neighborhood in Austin that’s home to 4901 Ridge Oak Dr. This house has served as a local landmark for me personally and my family for 15 years as we have lived in this area. We drive by the home and think what else could be done with this mid century time capsule? To honor and uphold and preserve our past is paramount to honoring our land and what it means to us. Because I live here, I matter, my voice matters. Thank you for reading this. Thank you for considering preserving and relegating historic status to the house at 4901 Ridge Oak Dr. in Austin, Texas. Thank you in advance for preserving the beautiful home on the corner lot with all the beautiful trees it contains. What a treasure we have in that home in our beautiful neighborhood. I can only imagine what is possible for such a gem. Thank you for not demolishing it. All the best, Jenna Smith 3607 Lucas Drive Austin, TX 78731 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".
The Austin Historic Landmark Commission and City of Austin City of Austin Planning and Zoning Department To: Austin, TX Subject: Protest Against the Demolition of the Historic House at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Dear Members of the Austin Historic Landmark Commission and the City of Austin and to whom it may concern: I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed demolition of the house located at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. As a resident of Austin and a passionate advocate for the preservation of our city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, I believe this house should be preserved, not destroyed. The house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive, constructed around 1951, stands as a remarkable example of midcentury residential architecture, believed to have been designed by renowned Austin architect Barton Riley. This home is a testament to both the architectural vision of its time and the significant contributions of the Perry family to the development of Austin’s civic and cultural life. Edgar Perry III, a former City Council member and community leader, and his family are central to the history of this property, and the house has deep historical ties to both the Perry family and the evolution of the city. As a member of the neighborhood in which this house is a part, I have always admired its mid-century design and low-profile aesthetic. It serves as a sentry to our neighborhood - giving one a taste of how the neighborhood will look and feel beyond it. We all moved here for its interesting architecture, mid-century feel, trees, and proximity to downtown. This home serves as a sentinel for the entire neighborhood due to its historic and beautiful architecture and cultural relevance. Additionally, the significance of the Perry family’s involvement in Austin's business, political, and charitable sectors cannot be overstated. Edgar Perry III, a former Austin City Council member and mayor pro tempore, left an indelible mark on the city’s civic landscape. Demolishing the house erases a key piece of this history, one that is not only valuable for its architectural merit but also for its connection to the city’s political and social evolution. While I understand that new development is inevitable in a growing city like Austin, I urge the commission to consider the lasting impact of erasing such an important part of our city's history. Demolition would be a permanent loss to our cultural and architectural landscape. …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office In support of 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Historic Zoning Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:51:45 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern, As a registered architect and a resident of the Highland Park Balconies West neighborhood, I would like to voice my support for designating the house at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive as "historic." The home anchors the prominent corner at Crestway Drive and Ridge Oak Drive, welcoming residents as they find their way home each evening. Even before moving to this neighborhood eight years ago, I recognized this house as among the most important in the neighborhood. In part, it was 4901 Ridge Oak that made me want to live in this neighborhood. It embodies the mid-century optimism upon which the neighborhood was founded. The long, low roof forms nestle comfortably beneath the prominent heritage oaks, while the home itself steps back respectfully from the street - acknowledging that this is an acute intersection demanding big, sweeping turns and long sight-lines for safety. The material palette is simple and native to central Texas: undressed limestone, wood siding and glass. It's unobtrusive scale is friendly, welcoming and utterly without pretention. Healthy cities and neighborhoods evolve, and our neighborhood is no different. New development in the neighborhood less attuned to the long-low structures of the mid-century modern movement. Not every older home in the neighborhood warrants historic designation. However, it would negatively impact the neighborhood to lose this gem at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive. The house is significant in what it represents to the history of the development of Austin as it slowly migrated out from the city center. To allow un-restricted development of the site could endanger the heritage trees on site and, more significantly, make the sightlines around this corner more difficult - jeopardizing pedestrian and vehicular safety. Thank you for your consideration, Talmadge Smith, AIA 3607 Lucas Dr. Austin, TX 78731 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".
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Demolition of 4901 Ridge Oak Drive Tuesday, March 4, 2025 3:54:31 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello I am writing regarding the potential demotion of the property at 4901 Ridge Oak Drive in Austin, 78731. I understand that there is a request to designate this a historic landmark based primarily on its relation to the Perry family in Austin and its mid-century modern architecture. Although the lot and overall appearance of the property is appealing, I do not believe that this house is unique, well-designed, or of high enough quality to receive a historic landscape designation. I’ve been inside and around that property on several occasions. The interior light fixtures, doors, cabinets and flooring appear to be standard builder’s grade - simple painted woodwork and carpeting typical of houses built before the 1970s. A previous owner described it as ‘living in a dorm’. The exterior of the house has had little to no maintenance for at least ten years. Without such maintenance, I’ve watched the exterior stone walls and deck slowly decay and fall apart. This house has been available for sale for some time with no buyers and has become an eyesore. I’m tired of looking out my window and watching it slowly decay further. Please approve the demolition permit. Thanks Melissa 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".
