April 23, 2024 To The Historic Landmark Commissioners: I am a resident of the Grooms Addi�on in North University Neighborhood where 3205 Tom Green is located. I would object very much to this structure’s removal from the street. Regardless of the current survey of contribu�ng proper�es, this is a contribu�ng structure for an Historic District. (One of my neighbors worked for the Texas Historical Commission- she insists that this original structure from the 1930s is contribu�ng!) We tried to make a Historic District in the Grooms Addi�on some years ago; each property was surveyed, photographed and described. All of this informa�on rests in the Aus�n History Library. This structure would be contribu�ng to that effort and to any future effort. Repurposing this structure in a future development is doable. Not only that, the owner even stated publicly that he thought the house was “cute”. (“Cute” is also appealing to future renters or owners.) I mainly support repurposing the original structure for 4 reasons: 1. leaving a bit of history on the ground for others to admire and query about is a worthy cause; 2. repurposing is the most environmentally friendly op�on. 40% of all US waste is in construc�on materials and demoli�ons; 3. repurposing the original structure is the “greenest” architecture that there is; 4. this is a perfectly good home- why are we Americans so crazy? So wasteful? This is an affordable type of housing. The owner has said that “the house is not code. It has single pane windows, no insulta�on and pipes that freeze.” This sounds exactly like the house I live in and many others around me. It is a perfectly good house, and it is an older home. When one lives in an older home, one needs to cope with single pane windows (window treatments work well, like insulated curtains) and lack of insula�on- weatherstripping works wonders! We all know how to cope with freezing weather by dripping water from our pipes. The Grooms Addition was platted in 1880s and 1890s by Alfred Grooms, a former state land surveyor. 3205 Tom Green is in one of Austin’s early subdivisions. This area deserves to be preserved- if we wait long enough, nothing will be left! Please oppose this demoli�on. Preserva�on, environmentally friendly efforts for saving materials from the landfill, repurposing structures efficaciously for saving energy, providing affordable units should be foremost in your minds. The house …
From: To: Subject: Date: Importance: HPD Preservation RE: 7304 Knox Lane Sunday, April 28, 2024 1:19:58 PM High External Email - Exercise Caution Mr. Fahnestock, Below are my comments to the Historic Landmark Commission, May 1, 2024 Please confirm that they will be included in the materials to be reviewed by the Commission members. Thank you James Jarrett Dear Members, I object to the proposed relocation permit for the property at 7304 Knox Lane. James E. Jarrett 7301 Running Rope Austin, TX 78731 Comments: At the outset, I should say that I am indifferent about the proposed new subdivision. Austin needs more housing, although I wish fewer new houses were planned and more importantly, that a second entry/exit access were included on the Knox land. There is already considerable traffic on Running Rope and adding another 13 houses with two cars each going in and out of a single short lane onto Running Rope will increase hazards for those with children. My objection about relocation of the Knox house, however, is that relocation simply does not preserve the house which was the centerpiece of a large part of the nearby Northwest Hills land. This house has been a major landmark for several generations of Northwest Hills families and taking it elsewhere makes no sense at all. For instance, for more than 40 years it has been decorated during the holidays as a gingerbread house. Not only have nearby families come by on foot to view the spectacle but cars often were parked on Knox Lane so that children and their parents could view this special structure.. If the property owners allowed the residence to remain, I am sure that many of us nearby neighbors would decorate the house as in the past and continue to create a spectacle for future families. This house exemplifies the history of Northwest Hills and should not be relocated from its current location. Thank you for your consideration. James E. Jarrett From: HPD Preservation <Preservation@austintexas.gov> Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 10:05 AM To: Subject: RE: 7304 Knox Lane Good morning James, The new location is outside of city limits. Unfortunately, that’s all we know, as we are not privy to the new location. The preview list is available now, but the full agenda will be posted on Friday afternoon after 3 PM. Thank you, Sam Fahnestock Planner II City of Austin | Planning Department P: …
From: To: Subject: Date: Don Murdock HPD Preservation 501 Texas Avenue Friday, April 26, 2024 4:07:27 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Sam: Don I wanted to let you know that I am against the proposed changing of the structure at this address. Too many people will occupy an already crowded corner. I can barely park around the block now. I live at 3703 Duval Street. Don Murdock 512-584-3108. 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Sista Irie HPD Preservation Cile Montgomery Proposed changes to 501 Texas Ave Monday, April 29, 2024 10:17:35 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hi Sam, I live at 502 Texas Ave. and have big concerns with proposed renovatio at 501 Texs Ave. I bought my house in 1993 and worked closely with neighbors to keep our street safe and in line with the historical design. We maintained ambiance of the neighborhood with great effort. Texas Ave represents the finest of old Austin with mostly beautifully restored original houses. I am very concerned about the plans for 501 Texas Ave. I was here when it was owned by the original family. It is a beautiful historic house reminescent of the early construction when this street became a neighborhood. It should be a high priority for the City to support the special streets and neighborhoods that made Austin famous. My concerns are the following: 1. Cutting a driveway into Texas Ave is an increased danger to pedistrians and homeowners. This street is comprised mostly of long term homeowners who walk their dogs and take their babies for walks on this very sidewalk. It's bad enough the sidewalks are not maintained but adding more traffic by cars pulling into sidewalk space is an added danger and changes the current environment of our street. Almost all the houses use the back alley to build their garages. 2. The proposed design of the renovation does not fit into the carefully maintained historic aesthetics of the street. The materials will appear to be cheap cosmetics and not in line with the construction of the original house or equivalent to carfeul renovation that has been applied by other houses on this street. We are homeowners and we care! 3. The addition of 7-8 bedrooms gives the impression (along with the cheap design materials) that this will become a student type rental house with all the issues that come with renters who do not care about a long maintained neighborhood. Where will these people park? Texas Ave is already becoming a speedway with cars racing down our street to avoid the Duval/38th St light. Just this morning, a car turned down our street going at least 60 mph, not stopping at the stop sign and the car lifting in the air …
4109 Avenue F Austin, Texas 78751 USA Jon Wainwright, Ph.D. April 20, 2024 City of Austin, Texas Historic Landmark Commission Architectural Review Committee Re: Letter of Support for Case Number: HR-2024-043920 Dear members of the Historic Landmark Commission Architectural Review Committee: I am writing to express my support for the proposed project referenced in Case Number HR- 2024-043920. I’ve lived across the street at 4109 Avenue F since 2005. Having gone through the Historic Landmark Review process with my own property back then, I appreciate the City’s guidelines and believe they contribute positively to preservation and thoughtful development within our historic Hyde Park neighborhood. I have known Mike and Meggie, the owners of 4110 Avenue F, since they purchased their home about ten years ago. I’ve had an opportunity to review their architect’s proposed plan for the new back house and small addition to the main house. I appreciate the careful consideration Mike, Meggie, and their architect have given to maintaining the facade and overall street view. While the proposed additions introduce contemporary elements, it is evident to me that this project has been designed with care and regard for the architectural heritage of the neighborhood, while at the same time meeting the needs of Mike and Meggie’s family. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. Regards, Jon Wainwright, Ph.D.
From: To: Subject: Date: Jennifer Marsh Contreras, Kalan; HPD Preservation O"Quinn residence Monday, April 29, 2024 6:33:22 PM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello, I wanted to write in support of designating the house formerly at 2300 Windsor Road (now 2307, 2) a historic landmark. I lived next door to this property from 1999 to 2012. From the weekend we first moved in, the neighbors let me know that my house and especially the one next door (2307, 2) were steeped in history. I was told elements of both Kerry O’Quinn’s house and mine were salvaged from both the original State Capitol and the University of Texas historic buildings. I was also told that both the house and in particular the ornamental blue gate had significance in the LGBTQ+ community. According to the oral history passed on by my neighbors (who were mostly in their 80s) the gay community gathered at Kerry’s private home for parties where they could mingle freely and out of sight. This home served as a safe place for people who felt they had to hide their true selves from public view. I believe this place should be preserved and celebrated not only for it’s unique architectural heritage, but also it’s social heritage. Thank you, Jennifer Marsh designhouse 512 567 0889 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Mary Reed Contreras, Kalan; HPD Preservation; Fahnestock, Sam Castillo, Raymond - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; Larosche, Carl - BC; BC-Jamie.Alvarez@austintexas.gov; Evans, Roxanne - BC; Rubio, JuanRaymon - BC; Grogan, Harmony - BC; Dudley, Tara - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC Case Number GF 24-030562 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 9:50:29 AM External Email - Exercise Caution I am writing to urge you to vote against demolition of the O'Quinn House, 2307 Windsor #2. This significant mid-century modern home was designed by Arthur Fehr, Fehr & Granger, and contributes to the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. The hand-hewn dry- stack native limestone wall and the decorative metal fence and gate at the back of the property along East Windsor are unique and iconic. Whenever I walk in the area I make a point of going by them. They never fail to brighten my day. The destruction of Austin's history has to stop. We have lost so many structures already!! Please therefore, don't let the O'Quinn House become just one more sad statistic. Instead, please either initiate historic zoning for the property or invoke the 180-day demolition delay option, which is available to you. Thanks for your consideration. Mary Reed Mary Reed Austin, TX 78703 512 657 5289 "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." Martin Luther King, Jr. The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. Martin Luther King, Jr. 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan Candace Volz Fahnestock, Sam RE: 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:50:30 PM Good afternoon, Thank you so much for reaching out. Sam, please post Ms. Volz’s letter below as backup with the other letters. I did want to mention: the applicant did reach out to our former HLC liaison, who is no longer with the HPO. The staff member unfortunately did not distinguish between 2307 and 2307 #2 and told the applicant that the building was noncontributing (as 2307 is noncontributing). Had I known about this mistake, I would have worked quickly to correct it, but I was not aware of the exchange until I referred the project to the Historic Landmark Commission. Our department director allowed the case to be heard at HLC despite the staff error, and hopefully we will have some good discussion there tomorrow. Thanks again for your continued support of our historic properties, Best, Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Candace Volz < Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:28 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: 2307 Windsor Rd. #2 > External Email - Exercise Caution Kalan- I am opposed to the demolition of 2307 Windsor Rd #2, a wonderful modernist house designed by prominent Austin architect Arthur Fehr and constructed in 1950 for Judge Trueman O'Quinn. This is a contributing property in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. It has had only one owner family and is in near original condition. Yes it needs updating, which would not be not difficult, and it will continue to be an asset to our NRD and to Austin. The last thing any of us needs is another oversized, characterless new house in this historic old neighborhood. The developer who proposes to tear this contributing house down says that he was aware of the OWANRD, but could not find any information online. As one of the creators of this NRD twenty years ago (it is …
Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: 2307 Windsor Road #2 (Case No. GF-24-030562) - Opposing Demolition Tuesday, April 30, 2024 2:00:46 PM From: To: Subject: Date: Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Lori Martin < Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:33 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: 2307 Windsor Road #2 (Case No. GF-24-030562) - Opposing Demolition External Email - Exercise Caution Hi Kalan, I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed demolition of the O'Quinn House, a contributing structure to the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, the only Modernist structure listed in the district. The house was designed by Arthur Fehr, Fehr & Granger, and appears to be unaltered from its original design. In addition, the property contains amazing landscape elements, incorporating the natural landscape into the Modernist design. Its historic associations with Fehr and two generations of the O'Quinn family, Trueman O'Quinn (Member of Texas Legislature, Austin City Attorney, Judge, Chair of Travis County Democratic Party, O'Henry Historian) and Kerry O'Quinn, his son (Leader in Austin's Gay Community, Filmmaker, Publisher, Founder of Howdy Austin) make the property a perfect candidate for historic designation. I respectfully urge the HLC NOT to release a demolition permit for 2307 Windsor Road #2 and encourage the commission to initiate historic zoning or, at the very least, invoke a 180-day demolition delay to allow for further research or for potential purchase by a sympathetic buyer. Sincerely, Lori Martin Lori Martin, MSHP Architectural Historian O’Connell Architecture, LLC 3908 Avenue B, #309 • Austin • Texas • 78751 • 512.423.6841 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
From: To: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: Regarding Demolition of 2307 Windsor Road #2. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 2:02:07 PM Please post! Thanks Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Courtney Hoffman < Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 1:45 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: Regarding Demolition of 2307 Windsor Road #2. > You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Kalan, As a longtime Austinite and former president of Preservation Austin, I ask that the Historic Landmark Commission NOT release a demolition permit for 2307 Windsor Road #2 (Case No. GF-24-030562). Instead, it would be desirable to initiate historic zoning or invoke a 180-day demolition delay to allow for further research or for potential purchase by a sympathetic buyer. This house is a contributing structure to the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, is original to the lot, and is a unique example of Mid-Century Modern architecture, the only one of its kind listed in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District. Please allow Austinites the opportunity to celebrate their heritage by preserving this structure. With gratitude for your consideration, Courtney Read Hoffman 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
Contreras, Kalan Fahnestock, Sam FW: Demolition of O"Quinn House, 2307 Windsor #2 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 2:06:39 PM From: To: Subject: Date: Please post Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. From: Charles Peveto < Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 2:05 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: Demolition of O'Quinn House, 2307 Windsor #2 > External Email - Exercise Caution Kalan I am asking that HLC NOT release a demolition permit for 2307 Windsor Road #2 (Case No. GF-24-030562) and instead either initiate historic zoning or invoke a 180-day demolition delay to allow further research for potential purchase by a sympathetic buyer. We ask your help. Regards Charles Peveto, President Mid Tex Mod Central Texas Chapter, DOCOMOMO 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 "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov."
April 30, 2024 City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission P.O. Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 Re: 2307 Windsor Road #2 (PR-2024-018182; GF-2024-030562) Commissioners, Mid Tex Mod, the leading voice for the preservation of Modern architecture in our region, submits this letter of opposition to the proposed demolition of the house at 2307 Windsor #2. As the Central Texas chapter of DOCOMOMO US, Mid Tex Mod's mission is to raise awareness of buildings, sites, neighborhoods, and landscapes of the Modern movement and to advocate for their preservation, documentation, and sustained use. Mid Tex Mod strongly opposes the release of a demolition permit for 2307 Windsor #2 and respectfully requests that the Commission initiate historic zoning given that the property meets the following criteria for landmark designation: • Architecture. The O'Quinn House, built in 1950, was designed by Arthur Fehr of Fehr and Granger. The property predates and was likely influenced the design of the celebrated Charles Granger House in Judges Hill Historic District. The O'Quinn House is a contributing resource to the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, and is a unique example of Mid Century Modernist architecture. No other Modernist structures were listed in the entire Old West Austin National Register Historic District. • Landscape feature. The O'Quinn House contains original significant landscape elements, incorporating the natural landscape into the Modernist design, including decorative stonework procured from 1853 Texas Capitol, wrought iron fencing that graced the 1888 Texas Capitol, bricks and other elements from UT's Old Main, and an iconic dry stack limestone fence constructed of hand hewn stones salvaged from Anderson Mill, a local grist mill operating from 1861 to 1894. Our organization fully supports efforts to preserve the architecturally and historically significant residence. I have included photos below, and a 1953 article from the American Statesman ("History of Rock Walls of Hilltop Home") describing the house and the O'Quinn family. Regards Charles Peveto, Interim President Mid Tex Mod, Central Texas Chapter DOCOMOMO US
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Contreras, Kalan John Volz Fahnestock, Sam RE: O"Quinn House (Case No. GR-24-030562 Tuesday, April 30, 2024 3:26:30 PM Thanks so much for reaching out. Sam, please post as backup—thank you! Kalan Contreras MSHP | she/her | Historic Preservation Officer City of Austin Planning Department 512.974.2727 | kalan.contreras@austintexas.gov Please Note: Correspondence and information submitted to the City of Austin are subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) and may be published online. Por Favor Tome En Cuenta: La correspondencia y la información enviada a la Ciudad de Austin está sujeta a la Ley de Información Pública de Texas (Capítulo 552) y puede ser publicada en línea. com> From: John Volz Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 3:25 PM To: Contreras, Kalan <Kalan.Contreras@austintexas.gov> Subject: O'Quinn House (Case No. GR-24-030562 You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Kalan, I am writing to ask that the HLC NOT release a demolition permit for 2307 Windsor Road #2 (Case No. GF-24-030562) and either initiate historic zoning or invoke a 180-day demolition delay to allow for further research and potential purchase by a sympathetic buyer. Given the house’s contributing status in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, its unique Mid Century Modernist architecture, its architect, its original condition and integrity, its association with two generations of the O’Quinn family, their contributions to Austin and the state, and unique landscape features, I think that it should be an Austin Landmark. Sincerely, John John Volz, AIA Volz & Associates, Inc. / 1406 Preston Avenue, Austin, Texas 78703 / 512-476- 0433 / This e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Secs. 2510-2521 and contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us via e-mail and delete this e-mail from your system. Thank you. 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" …
PUBLIC HEARING INFORMATION Although applicants and/or their agent(s) are expected to attend a public hearing, you are not required to attend. However, if you do attend, you have the opportunity to speak FOR or AGAINST the proposed development or change. You may also contact a neighborhood or environmental organization that has expressed an interest in an application affecting your neighborhood. During a public hearing, the board or commission may postpone or continue an application's hearing to a later date or recommend approval or denial ofthe application. If the board or commission announces a specific date and time for a postponement or continuation that is not later than 60 days from the announcement, no further notice is required. A board or commission's decision may be appealed by a person withstanding to appeal, or an interested party that is identified as a person who can appeal the decision. The body holding a public hearing on an appeal will determine whether a person has standing to appeal the decision. An interested party is defined as a person who is the applicant or record owner of the subject property, or who communicates an interest to a board or commission by: e delivering a written statement to the board or commission before the public hearing that generally identifies the issues of concern (it may be delivered to the contact person listed on a notice); or • appearing and speaking for the record at the public hearing; and: occupies a primary residence that is within 500 feet of the subject property or proposed development. • is the record owner ofproperty within 500 feet of the subject property or proposed development; or is an officer of an environmental or neighborhood organization that has an interest in or whose declared boundaries are within 500 feet ofthe subject property or proposed development? A notice of appeal must be filed with the director of the responsible department no later than 14 days after the decision. An appeal form may be available from the responsible department. For additional information on the City of Austin's land development process, please visit our website: www.austint•exasøgov/abc Written comments must be submitted to the board or commission (or the contact person listed on the notice) before a public hearing. Your comments should include the board or commission's name, the scheduled date of the public hearing, the Case Number and the contact person listed on the notice. …
