M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: Historic Landmark Commission Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department June 18, 2020 DATE: SUBJECT: Oakwood Cemetery Academic Partnership for DNA testing The purpose of this memo is to notify City Council that the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is in the early stages of exploring an academic partnership to conduct DNA testing of human remains exhumed at Oakwood Cemetery in 2017. As you may recall the remains were discovered during the Oakwood chapel restoration project and date from the mid to late 1800s. A May 14, 2020 memo to City Council provided a project update regarding recent reports from the archeological and bio-archeological analysis as well as community engagement and educational outreach activities. Since May 14th PARD entered into discussions with Dr. Deborah Bolnick, Associate Professor, University of Connecticut, about how the field of anthropological genetics may be applied to the Oakwood Cemetery archeological investigation. Dr. Bolnick is an anthropological geneticist and biological anthropologist who explores how forces, historical events, and social inequalities shape human genomic and epigenomic diversity, as well as human biology more broadly. While discussions are in the early stages, PARD is interested to learn if Dr. Bolnick’s research can shed more light on the lives of the 36 individuals who were discovered during the restoration of the 1914 Oakwood Chapel. Should the partnership move forward, the city would incur no costs associated with the research or analysis. The extraction and analysis of DNA from the remains offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the identities, familial connections, and life experiences of the exhumed people. DNA analysis may make it possible to shed light on (1) the genetic ancestry and genetic sex of each individual, (2) the individual’s diet and experience with disease, (3) experiences of stress and trauma and the way those lived experiences may have become embodied, (4) patterns of genetic variation and relatedness among these individuals, and (5) relatedness between individuals buried at the Oakwood Cemetery and individuals alive today. If the preservation of the DNA in the Oakwood Cemetery remains is sufficient to permit these analyses, living individuals who think they may have a familial connection may be able to submit a saliva sample to the Bolnick lab for DNA analysis, allowing relatedness to be assessed. All genetic data would be considered in conjunction with osteological, …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: Historic Landmark Commission Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department February 5, 2020 DATE: SUBJECT: Oakwood Cemetery Archeological Findings Update On December 13, 2019, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) sent a memo to Mayor and Council outlining the next steps for the reinterment, memorialization, and educational outreach related to burials that were discovered beneath the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel during its rehabilitation. To recount, archeologists monitoring the construction at the Oakwood Chapel halted work in late 2016 when human remains were discovered. After months of investigation, it was confirmed that the 1914 chapel had been constructed over grave sites. The chapel was constructed in a racially segregated section of the cemetery known as the “Historic Colored Grounds.” In March 2017, PARD informed the community of the discovered burials and announced community engagement events to help PARD determine next steps. Following outreach and public meetings with the community, it was determined that the burials would be exhumed. A May 1, 2017 memo to Austin City Council provided information about PARD’s determination and a staff report summarized the community engagement process and further explained the decision-making framework and criteria behind PARD’s recommendation to exhume the burials. The exhumation process began in late spring 2017 and took several months to complete. Under the requirements of the issued Antiquities Permit through the Texas Historical Commission (THC), a bio-archeological analysis is both necessary and appropriate for any exhumed burials. Following the careful exhumation of burials by the archeological team, the remains were transferred to Texas State University for professional analysis. The Texas State University burial context was provided by a non‐invasive analysis of the physical remains, which often provides demographic data, including race and ethnicity, gender and approximate age. In some cases, physical remains can also inform about cause of death and aspects of lifestyle, such as physical health, levels of nutrition or stresses endured. Further, artifacts may reveal aspects of material culture and possibly the cultural significance for those buried in this section. The process does not provide information about the individual identities of the people who were discovered. The archeological report is under review by the THC, and PARD is anticipating release to the public in March 2020. The next step in the process will be the reinterment of the remains within Oakwood Cemetery, which is anticipated to take …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: Historic Landmark Commission Kimberly McNeeley, CPRP Director, Austin Parks and Recreation Department May 14, 2020 Oakwood Cemetery Archeological Findings Update DATE: SUBJECT: The purpose of this memo is to update City Council on the completion of the Oakwood Cemetery archeological report and next steps for the reinterment, memorialization, and educational outreach related to burials that were discovered beneath the Oakwood Chapel during its rehabilitation. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is moving forward to the next phase, which was outlined in a December 13, 2019, memo to City Council. The analysis of the remains, which date to the mid to late 1800s, is complete and the report is posted on our project website. The report was developed by the archeological contractor for the Oakwood Chapel project, Hicks & Company Environmental/Archeological Consultants, and their sub-consultant, the Forensic Anthropology at Texas State University. The reports were also reviewed by the Texas Historical Commission. Of the individuals analyzed, the biological affinities of many could not be determined. Of the 20 individuals that could be determined, the findings demonstrate a likely diverse racial and/or ethnic representation including individuals determined to be Black/African American, Hispanic/Mexican/Mexican American, White/European-descent, and Asian, which supports historical documentation that an indigent burial ground may have been located adjacent to or overlapped a section historically referred to as the “Colored Grounds.” Oakwood Cemetery had segregated sections of burials based on race and ethnicity as well as socio-economic class. The section that includes the chapel was likely set aside for burials of people of color, out of town visitors, and individuals who suffered from extreme poverty. The next step in the process will be the reinterment of the burials within Oakwood Cemetery. PARD has executed a contract with Weston Solutions and their subconsultant, Amaterra Environmental, Inc., to provide professional archeological services associated with the next phase of work, which includes reinterment, community and educational outreach, and memorialization. While the timeline will likely be delayed due the COVID-19 public health emergency, PARD and the consulting team will work to identify areas in the vicinity of the chapel for the re-interment of remains, which is a recommendation from the 2017 community engagement process with stakeholders. PARD will communicate the reinterment plan to City Council and cemetery stakeholders. Following the reinterment, PARD will undertake a number of activities related to public outreach, and …
Click link to see the Oakwood Cemetery Archaeological Survey: link Survey provided by: Kim McKnight MSHP, AICP Program Manager Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism Austin Parks and Recreation Dept. (512) 974.9478 | austintexas.gov/parks
B.2 - 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION JUNE 22, 2020 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS C14H-2013-0003 801 W. CESAR CHAVEZ STREET SEAHOLM INTAKE BUILDING PROPOSAL Rehabilitate the building, including cleaning and restoration work; replace the main entrance; add a new entrance. ARCHITECTURE One-story rectangular-plan industrial building clad in concrete and capped by a gable roof with a parapet. The building features a roll-up metal door and multi-lite steel-sash windows covered by boards. The building is two stories high facing Lady Bird Lake; this elevation includes water intake gates. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS Proposed work to the building includes: 1) Replace metal roll-up door at primary entrance with new ADA-compliant entrance. The entrance will feature paired fully-glazed aluminum doors with multi-light steel- sash sidelights and a shallow profile. 2) Remove service entrance and low concrete wall adjacent to primary entrance; infill door opening with metal panel. 3) Add doorway on primary (north) wall. The entrance will feature paired metal doors and be accessed by concrete steps with a simple steel pipe railing. 4) Seal water intake gates on south wall from inside. The existing steel sluice gate stems will remain. 5) Remove existing parapet-mounted security lights and add simple modern sconces adjacent to the entrances on the primary wall. 6) Install rooftop ventilation units set back approximately 15’ from the north edge of the roof. The units will not be visible from the water (south side) and minimally visible (low and screened by foliage) from the north side. 7) Reconstruct roof. This change will not be visible due to the parapet. 8) Clean building and remove graffiti. 9) Restore historic windows, parapet copings, and steel railings. The copings will be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled. Historic windows will be re-glazed with new single-pane glass (the existing glazing compound and existing glass both contain asbestos). Proposed site work includes: 10) Install new signage. The sign is a standard Parks and Recreation Department design and will be replaced in a future phase of work. 11) Construct concrete porch in front of new primary entrance. 12) Construct new compacted gravel yard east of new primary entrance. 13) Add ADA-compliant parking stall; construct sidewalks between stall and building. 14) Remove existing sidewalk in front of building. 15) Replace gate between Intake Building (Building 1) and the smaller Building 2 to the east. B.2 - 2 16) Install a new metal security fence. The fence will be made of …
NORTHWEST CORNER SCALE: NTS 2019 WEST FACADE SCALE: NTS 2003 SOUTH FACADE SCALE: NTS 2020 SOUTHWEST CORNER SCALE: NTS CIRCA 1930 BOT OF MAIN RIDGE 120'-1" BOT OF FRONT RIDGE 118'-7" 2ND LEVEL 110'-2" CEILING 109'-3" 1ST LEVEL 100'-0" 2ND LEVEL 110'-2" CEILING 109'-3" 1ST LEVEL 100'-0" 2ND LEVEL 110'-2" CEILING 109'-3" 1ST LEVEL 100'-0" BOT OF MAIN RIDGE 120'-1" BOT OF FRONT RIDGE 118'-7" BOT OF MAIN RIDGE 120'-1" BOT OF FRONT RIDGE 118'-7" EXISTING EXISTING EXISTING NEW EXISTING NEW NEW DORMER WITH DIVIDED LIGHT WINDOWS 3 REPLACE MISSING DIVIDED WINDOW SCREEN, MATCH OTHER EXISTING SIMILAR SCREENS REPLACE SCREENS WITH 6 BY 6 DIVIDED WINDOW SCREENS REPLACE MISSING DIVIDED WINDOW SCREEN, MATCH OTHER EXISTING SIMILAR SCREENS WEST ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0" @ 22x34 | 1/8" = 1'-0" @ 11x17 04 4 4 EXISTING NEW EXISTING NEW 4 31 2" MAX PTD STEEL HANDRAIL BIKE RAMP WOOD DECK PROVIDE ONE OVER ONE WINDOW SCREENS AT WINDOWS ON ADDITION, TYP EAST ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0" @ 22x34 | 1/8" = 1'-0" @ 11x17 03 4 BIKE RAMP WOOD DECK BOT OF MAIN RIDGE 120'-1" BOT OF FRONT RIDGE 118'-7" 2ND LEVEL 110'-2" CEILING 109'-3" 1ST LEVEL 100'-0" BOT OF MAIN RIDGE 120'-1" BOT OF FRONT RIDGE 118'-7" 2ND LEVEL 110'-2" CEILING 109'-3" 1ST LEVEL 100'-0" 2ND LEVEL 110'-2" CEILING 109'-3" 1ST LEVEL 100'-0" REPLACE MISSING DIVIDED WINDOW SCREEN, MATCH OTHER EXISTING SIMILAR SCREENS NEW REPLACE MISSING DIVIDED WINDOW SCREENS ON THIS GROUP OF FOUR WINDOWS. MATCH OTHER EXISTING SIMILAR SCREENS EXISTING NEW EXISTING 4 SOUTH ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0" @ 22x34 | 1/8" = 1'-0" @ 11x17 02 BOT OF MAIN RIDGE 120'-1" BOT OF FRONT RIDGE 118'-7" LIMITS OF EXISTING CONSTRUCTION 4 6/16/2020 4 4'-0" MIN FROM OPERABLE WINDOW TANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALL PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND PROVIDE CONCEALED SERVICE CONNECTIONS. PROVIDE TRIM BOARD AT END OF ORIGINAL SIDING REPLACE MISSING DIVIDED WINDOW SCREENS ON ALL WINDOWS IN THIS AREA NORTH ELEVATION SCALE: 1/4" = 1'-0" @ 22x34 | 1/8" = 1'-0" @ 11x17 01
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Susan Benz <benz@benzresourcegroup.com> Friday, June 19, 2020 10:49 AM PAZ Preservation Historic Landmark Commission, June 22, 2020 Meetinh *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi there, I am writing in support of C14H‐1997‐008, The Norwood House at 1018 Edgecliff Terrace I am happy to speak to this project. I do think that Colleen Theriot is the best speaker as she has a high level of specific knowledge about the house's history. I will dial in and be available. Thanks, Susan Susan Benz | Benz Resource Group 1208 E 2nd St Austin, TX 78702 512‐608‐8025 cell 512‐220‐9542 benz@BenzResourceGroup.com Please note my new office address! Keep Calm and Carry On ... and wash your hands! 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Carolyn Croom < Friday, June 19, 2020 6:10 PM PAZ Preservation Hearing on 2502 Park View Drive, Austin, Texas (HDP-2020-0214) > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To the members of the Historic Landmark Commission: I oppose the demolition of the architecturally and historically significant house at 2502 Park View Drive. In attending the talk and the tour of the Air Conditioned Village offered by MidTexMod, I learned that it is the best-preserved example of the proposed Austin Air- Conditioned Village Historic District. I live a few blocks away in a similar ranch-style house built only a couple of years later and value the preservation of houses in this style. That this house also exhibits historical significance, as a part of a unique mid- century air-conditioning research project, is particularly compelling. Please vote for the preservation of 2502 Park View Drive. Sincerely, Carolyn Croom 2502 Albata Avenue Austin, Texas 78757 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Cynthia Keohane < Sunday, June 21, 2020 7:27 PM PAZ Preservation 2502 Park View Drive (HDP-2020-0214) > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Dear Historic Landmark Commission: I support the preservation of this historically and architecturally significant home, and hope you can save it from demolition. As a former President of Allandale Neighborhood Association, and an Allandale homeowner within a mile from this home, I attended the Mid Tex Mod's Air Conditioned Village program a few years ago. It's clear that this represents history worthy of saving. Please vote to preserve this landmark. All the best, Cynthia Keohane 5702 Wynona Avenue was very con and walk sponsored by Mid Tex Mod several eyars agohave that's less than a mileA 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1 Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: > miz_jen < Friday, June 19, 2020 8:20 PM PAZ Preservation allandale.neighborhood@gmail.com 2502 Park View Dr--HDP-2020-0214 *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** To the members of the …
. I I G N T T M R E P R O L A V O R P P A Y R O T A L U G E R , I N O T C U R T S N O C R O F T O N .Park - Aerial Rear 2 A-3.1 .Park - Aerial Front 1 A-3.1 .Park - Street View 5 A-3.1 c COPYRIGHT 2019, WITT ARCHITECTURE SCOTT L WITT, AIA .Park - Front Walk 3 A-3.1 Warning: It is a violation of the law for any person, unless acting under the direction of a the licensed architect of record, to alter an item in any way on these plans. Printing note: Sheet is formatted to 22" x 34". Scales are 50% of noted scale when printed on 11x17 paper. Architect Consultants: NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION, REGULATORY APPROVAL OR PERMITTING. Owner Consultants: . . . Cedar & Oak 2502 Park View Drive Austin, TX REVSIONS: Building Elevations Project Number: 2020-08 Project Phase: Drawn by: Checked by: SD SLW ... Date: June 18, 2020 A-3.1 5 OF 6 . I I G N T T M R E P R O L A V O R P P A Y R O T A L U G E R , I N O T C U R T S N O C R O F T O N c COPYRIGHT 2019, WITT ARCHITECTURE SCOTT L WITT, AIA " 0 - ' 0 4 " 9' - 9 " 0 - ' 0 4 " 0 - ' 0 4 ADJACENT GRADE LOW POINT EL. 706'-3" DEED RESTRICTION SIDE REAR SET BACK 10'-0" HIGH POINT EL. 708'-3" TENT ONE HIGH POINT EL. 708'-0" FINISH FLOOR EL. 708'-6" AVG. ADJ. GRADE EL. 707'-3" TENT ONE HIGH POINT EL. 707'-6" Warning: It is a violation of the law for any person, unless acting under the direction of a the licensed architect of record, to alter an item in any way on these plans. Printing note: Sheet is formatted to 22" x 34". Scales are 50% of noted scale when printed on 11x17 paper. Architect Consultants: NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION, REGULATORY APPROVAL OR PERMITTING. Owner Consultants: . . . DEED RESTRICTION SIDE YARD SET BACK 10'-0" Cedar & Oak 2502 Park View Drive Austin, TX DEED RESTRICTION FRONT YARD SET BACK 35'-0" REVSIONS: COMPASS NORTH PLAN NORTH 1 A-1.2 Site Plan …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: cara collins Monday, June 22, 2020 1:29 PM PAZ Preservation 2502 Park View dr. > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** I am a resident of Park View drive and we have already seen 3 historic houses get demolished over the past few years. 2502 is different. It has is all original inside with built‐in radio and original kitchen. A model for the first air conditioned village in Austin this house IS a historic landmark. It would be so sad to see a historic treasure with an iconic architectural style get demolished and replaced by an ugly, characterless McMansion that has plagued the neighborhood for the past few years. Please reconsider this demolition permit and designate 2505 historic to preserve some of Austin’s history. Sincerely Cara Taylor 2606 Park View dr. Sent from my iPhone 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Jonathan Monday, June 22, 2020 2:19 PM PAZ Preservation Against the demolition of 2502 Park View Drive > *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hello‐ My name is Jonathan Skaggs and I live near the house at 2502 Park View Drive. I wanted to put in my two cents regarding the proposed demolition of this house. It is my understanding that this house was a model house for the Air‐Conditioned Village, which is a great piece of history. I think this house should be considered a historical landmark. Thanks! ‐Jonathan 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
June 20, 2020 Emily Reed, Chair City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Re: 2502 Park View Drive Dear Ms. Reed, Cedar and Oak Homes is a family owned company creating beautiful homes in Austin. We are thoughtful in our design selections, considerate in the build process, and look to restore the community we grew up in and love. Whether improving an existing home, or restoring a neighborhood with a new build after a structure has deteriorated, we look to honor the period and design influences of each neighborhood and carry those influences through to an updated, efficient, and modern home. The structure at 2502 Park View is not a well-preserved structure. This property played a role in construction science in the 1950s and was innovative for its era. However, mechanical design and insulation of residential HVAC has advanced drastically. In its infancy, residential air conditioning engineering focused on the equipment. Since the central A/C unit’s invention (1902) and introduction to residential construction (1931), the technology has not changed much outside of the improvements made in refrigerant. What has changed and where we continue to innovate is in a home’s architectural and mechanical design for air quality, efficiency, and maintenance. The lack of an attic, characterized by the architectural design of the era, makes remedying the HVAC design near impossible for 2502 Park View. There is a path to preserving the neighborhood and architectural intent without investing in an unsound structure plagued by antiquated mechanical design. The history of demolition in the neighborhood should also be considered. Eight of the original 22 homes have been demolished due to their dilapidated condition, some of which were in better condition than 2502 Park View. That history coupled with years of deferred maintenance affecting the environmentally unfriendly tar and gravel roof, cast iron plumbing, failing foundation, and general livability of the house -- We do not see a path to restoration, and support the demolition of the structure. Even though this neighborhood is not historically designated, the goal is to honor the architectural style and design period of the neighborhood. This house was a fine example mid- century modern architecture when it was constructed. Like Fred Day’s original design, the new construction will be a stylized example of mid-century modern architecture - exposed beams, asymmetrical facade, courtyards, single story, north and south facing windows, and inherent efficiency. The neighborhood association deed restrictions have been …
Gaudette, Angela From: Sent: To: Subject: Erica Douglass <erica@erica.biz> Tuesday, June 23, 2020 8:26 AM PAZ Preservation Demolish the house at Park View Dr. *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi, As a property owner of one of the original 1950’s houses on Daugherty St., I say let the people on Park View demolish their house. Yes, our houses are part of history, but that doesn’t mean anyone should be forced to live in them. They have awkward layouts and aren’t really suitable for modern work‐from‐home families. Let them build something more suitable for their family, and keep the history in the library and photos where anyone can see it. ‐Erica 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 CSIRT@austintexas.gov. 1
