Item B-13 (C14H-2019-0148 - Edward and Connie Rendon House; District 3).pdf — original pdf

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ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET HLC DATE: PC DATE: August 26, 2019 September 23, 2019 October 28, 2019 November 26, 2019 December 10, 2019 January 14, 2020 CASE NUMBER: C14H-2019-0148 Council District: 3 APPLICANT: Historic Landmark Commission HISTORIC NAME: Edward, Sr. and Connie Rendon House WATERSHED: Lady Bird Lake ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1705 Haskell Street ZONING FROM: SF-3-NP to SF-3-H-NP SUMMARY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change from single family residence, neighborhood plan (SF-3-NP) combining district to single family residence – Historic Landmark – neighborhood plan (SF-3-H-NP) combining district zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: Historical associations and community value. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: August 26, 2019: Initiated historic zoning case. Vote: 7-0 (Reed, Valenzuela, Papavasiliou, and Tollett absent). September 23, 2019: Postponed on the Commission’s motion. Vote: 7-0 (Reed, Jacob, Hibbs, and Myers absent). October 28, 2019: Recommended historic zoning under the criteria of historical associations and community value. Vote: 10-0 (Reed absent). PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: November 26, 2019: Postponed to December 10, 2019 at the property owner’s request. Vote: 7-0 . December 10, 2019: Postponed to January 14, 2020 at staff’s request Vote: 10-0 DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The house was not recommended for historic preservation in the East Austin Historic Resources Survey (2016), most likely based upon its architectural modifications. ACTION: CITY COUNCIL DATE: ORDINANCE READINGS: 1ST 2ND 3RD CASE MANAGER: Steve Sadowsky NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Association BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: Architecture: ORDINANCE NUMBER: PHONE: 974-6454 1 of 47B-13 The house is a simple frame box house that has been modified with the application of a stone veneer and replacement windows. The changes to the house are significant but made by Edward Rendon, for whom this house is being commemorated. Historical Associations: The house appears to have been built in 1931 by W.A. and Lillian Darter, who lived here until around 1946. W.A. Darter was a welder who opened his own welding and radiator shop around 1934. After the Darters moved out around 1946, the house became a rental property through the early 1950s; the tenants were Paul G. and Ebba Lundell; Paul G. Lundell was a house painter. Theresa Martinez, an attendant at Austin State Hospital, is listed as the owner of the house in the 1959 city directory. Around 1961, the house was purchased by Edward B. and Connie Rendon, who lived here for the rest of their lives. Edward Rendon was in construction, but more importantly, was a very important figure in the East Austin Latino community, working for recognition of the Latino contributions to Austin’s community and culture. Edward Rendon Park at Festival Beach is named for him. Community Value: The house was the home of Edward and Connie Rendon from 1960 until their deaths in recent years. Edward Rendon was a prominent leader in the East Austin Latino community, and held many neighborhood and community meetings in this house. Family members relate that Carole Keeton McClellan, while mayor of Austin, met with Mr. Rendon and other members of the East Austin community in this house when planning Rendon Park at Festival Beach. Family members also relate other meetings at the house in furtherance of the rights of East Austin community. PARCEL NO.: 0201060403 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 3, Outlot 59, Division O, V.E. Taylor First Subdivision ESTIMATED ANNUAL TAX ABATEMENT: $6,414 (owner-occupied); city portion: $1,914. APPRAISED VALUE: $592,010 PRESENT USE: Vacant CONDITION: Good PRESENT OWNERS: Currently in the hands of a receiver appointed by the Travis County Probate Court to sell for distribution of proceeds to numerous heirs. The Travis Central Appraisal District lists Rose Rubio, one of the heirs, as the owner. DATE BUILT: ca. 1931 ALTERATIONS/ADDITIONS: The house has been significantly modified, but the modifications were constructed by Edward Rendon, for whom this property is being considered as a commemoration. The original frame house was veneered in the current stone around 1971; the addition to the left side of the principal block appears to have been constructed at the same time. The house appears today as Edward Rendon and family knew it. Edward Rendon was a contractor, and the stone veneer on the house may reflect his workmanship. ORIGINAL OWNER(S): William and Lillian Darter (ca. 1931) OTHER HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS: None. 2 of 47B-13LOCATION MAP 3 of 47B-131705 Haskell Street ca. 1931 4 of 47B-13OCCUPANCY HISTORY 1705 Haskell Street City Directory Research, Austin History Center By City Historic Preservation Office July, 2019 1930-31 1932-33 1935 The address is not listed in the directory. City records indicate a water service permit for this address dating from 1931. NOTE: W.A. and Lillian Darter are not listed in the directory. W.A. and Lillian Darter, renters Welder, Austin Machine and Grinding Company, 219 E. 5th Street. W.A. and Lillian Darter, owners Proprietor, Darter Welding and Radiator Shop, 408 San Jacinto Street. Walter A. and Lillian Darter, owners Proprietor, Darter Welding and Radiator Shop, 408 San Jacinto Street. 1937 1939 1941 1944-45 1947 1949 1952 1955 1959 1962 1965 W.A. and Lillian Darter, owners Proprietor, Darter Welding and Radiator Shop, 218 E. 5th Street. W.A. and Lillian Darter, owners Proprietor, Darter Welding and Radiator Shop, 218 E. 5th Street. Walter A. and Lillian Darter, owners Salesman, Darter Welding Company, 213 E. 6th Street. NOTE: Paul G. and Ebba Lundell are not listed in the directory. Paul G. and Ebba Lundell, renters Painter NOTE: Walter A. and Lillian P. Darter are listed at 709 E. 47th Street; he was the proprietor of Slim Darter Welding and Radiator Shop, 213 E. 5th Street. Paul G. and Ebba Lundell, renters Painter Paul G. and Ebba Lundell, renters Painter No return NOTE: Paul G. and Ebba Lundell are not listed in the directory. NOTE: Theresa A. Martinez is not listed in the directory. Theresa A. Martinez, owner Attendant, Austin State Hospital NOTE: Edward and Connie Rendon are listed at 2003 Canterbury Street; neither had an occupation shown. Edward B. and Connie Rendon, renters Construction worker Edward B. and Connie M. Rendon, owners 5 of 47B-13 1968 1973 1977 1981 Construction worker Edward B. and Connie M. Rendon, owners Construction worker Edward B. and Connie M. Rendon, owners Construction worker Edward R. and Connie M. Rendon, owners Construction worker Edward R. and Connie M. Rendon, owners Construction worker Edward and Connie Rendon, owners Retired Edward R. and Connie M. Rendon, owners Construction worker 1985-86 1992 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES: Walter A. and Lillian Darter (ca. 1931 – ca. 1946) Walter A. and Lillian Darter appear as the owners of this house in the 1940 U.S. Census. The house was worth $1,500. Walter A. Darter was 32, had been born in Texas, and was the owner and operator of a garage. Lillian Darter was 31, had been born in Texas, and had no occupation listed. They had 2 children: Betty Jean, 9; and Eugene, 7. The 1930 U.S. Census shows W.A. Darter as the 22-year old son of J.A. and O.B. Darter, who owned their home in Precinct 8 of Travis County. W.A. Darter is listed as a farm laborer. His wife, L.P. Darter, 21, had no occupation listed. W.A. Darter’s father, J.A. Darter, 59, was a Texas- born farmer. His mother, O.B. Darter, 54, had no occupation listed. W.A. Darter had a younger sister, Julia, 14. Walter Allen Darter died in Burnet County in 1985; Lillian P. Darter died in 1996. Edward and Connie Rendon (ca. 1960 – ca. 2018) This house was owned by Edward Rendon, Sr. from around 1960 until he passed away in 2018. Edward Rendon, Sr. was a community activist and the leader of the East Town Lake Citizens’ Association. Edward Rendon, Sr. Park (colloquially known as Chicano Park) at Festival Beach is named for him. He was a beloved member of the community and a prominent Hispanic contractor in Austin. 6 of 47B-13 7 of 47B-13 RENDON Sr., Edward Our beloved Edward Rendon, Sr., age 91, resident of Austin, Texas, was called to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 4, 2018. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Concepcion Martinez Rendon. Visitation will held from 12:00-9:00 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018 at Mission Funeral Home East Side, 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas. Recitation of Holy Rosary will begin at 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 2208 E. 2nd St. Austin, Texas (corner of Robert T. Martinez & 2nd St.). Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Assumption cemetery. Please visit www.missionmemorials.com for an extended obituary, offer condolences and send flowers. Obituary of Edward Rendon, Sr. Austin American-Statesman, February 8, 2018 8 of 47B-13City records indicate a water service permit dating from 1931; the permit is no longer extant. Building permit to Edward Rendon to construct a frame addition (1971) and to construct a rear An application for the demolition of all structures on this site was filed July 11, 2019. frame addition (1972) 9 of 47B-13 10 of 47B-13 11 of 47B-138/22/2019 Dear Historical Landmark Commissioners, My wife and I moved to the East Side in 2012, and were honored to have known the remarkable Eulalio Edward Rendon for the last six years of his life. During that period, we spent many hours at his home at 1705 Haskell Street, either at meetings or family functions. Our introduction to Welo’s (as everyone called Edward Rendon), home was an interesting one-- the house façade, porch and walkways created by Edward Rendon’s own hand labor, and remarkable masonry skills. Never had we been in one place so teaming with advocates and activism. We later learned the house had been a hotbed of activism for more than 30 years! • The Town Lake Boat Races were sent packing after community meetings at 1705 Haskell. • The East Town Lake Citizen’s Neighborhood Association, the first of its kind on the East Side, was founded at 1705 Haskell and continues on today. • A Town Lake Park Master Plan predating the 2014 Master Plan by 30 years was first conceived at 1705 Haskell. • The Holly Power Plant Decommissioning started here and ended in talks with the City leading to the dismantling and complete removal of the plant. • The East Town Lake Citizens Park Planning Committee convened at 1705 Haskell to craft a community response to the Festival 12 of 47B-13Beach/Edward Rendon Park Master Plan that led to Council adoption of a compromise plan the let all sides of the debate win. • Arte Texas launched at this location to begin restoration of local art murals. Countless community-based events including charities, home repair and elder education programs and so many others were born or found expression in this home. Many more such events occurred before our arrival in the neighborhood. The house often teamed with prominent community organizers and advocates. Most importantly, this home, though humble, a community found its voice and its strength. Community leaders emerged, now either respected or fondly remembered, from the front door of the home of Eulalio Rendon, and they helped Austin into a new era. We hope that you will honor this wonderful center of caring, of community involvement, wealth of culture and now history, with historical designation. If any East Austin home deserves it, this one does. Sincerely, Phil Thomas & Carol Stall Holly Neighborhood 13 of 47B-13Dear Historical Landmark Commissioners & Steve, 08/25/2019 Hello my name is Elisa Rendon Montoya the youngest daughter of nine children of my parents Edward Rendon Sr. and Conception Martinez Rendon also Vice President of East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association . I am writing you today to speak about the community value that my father has brought to our community in East Austin. My family migrated here in the 1920’s, a historical moment in the 1930’s when my grandfather Pablo Rendon shot and killed with his rifle a 180 pound panther. My grandfather stands next to former Mayor Tom Miller in front of our very own state capitol. We come from along line of victorious victories we are very proud of our last name Rendon. My father was instrumental on every level grassroot politics, community organizing, local business, and most of all he created a large family of six generations. I am a proud daughter that has followed my grandfather, my father’s footsteps becoming a community leader and activist in my barrio. I have lived three blocks from my father since 1989, it is very hard to see my neighborhood change so quickly , I am one of the few that continue to preserve my barrio. I pass by my father and mothers’ home every day its very emotional for me but I am grateful that our legacy of our home is still there today. I was beyond honored that my father selected his youngest daughter me as executor of his will and estate, I do support the Historical designation for my parents and my childhood home. Thank you for your time, thank for working hard to preserving the historical history of Austin. Sincerely, Elisa Rendon Montoya 2008 Haskell St. Austin, TX 78702 14 of 47B-13Dear Historic commission board: As a resident of East Austin and neighbor of the property 1705 Haskell St, I am writing to ask that you help to preserve this property in the East Austin community, by supporting the proposal of making the home historic. Edward Rendon Sr. was a great leader in the East Austin community that helped preserve and beautifying many areas in East Austin while raising his family of 8 in East Austin, Edward Rendon Sr. saw a need in his community and begin to work diligently with different community members in the area to make that change a reality. He was not given money nor asked for money to make that change come about, his reward was seeing his community become the beautiful landmark it is today, and that is why Chicano park which was named by residents that grew up knowing has changed to Edward Rendon Sr. Park in 2007. He believed that his children, grandchildren and his neighbor’s and their children deserved a place where families could go and enjoy themselves at their community park. He helped preserve Town lake which is now Lady Bird lake from the boat races in 1978, he locked arms with many others to help shut down the power plant, he helped house many families at Martin Middle school in 1966 when Cesar Chavez marched through Austin, so much more Mr. Edward Rendon did for his community but none of this would have been done without planning, meeting, outreach and organizing, these 4 things that I mentioned were all done in the 1705 Haskell st home. At the age of 90 years Mr. Edward Rendon was still present at city council for public hearings, regarding his neighborhood. He was a believer in using your voice and standing up for what’s right. Not only as a neighbor but also as his granddaughter, I ask that you honor my late grandfather by preserving the 1705 property in honor of his hard work and dedication in making the neighborhood a safe and beautiful place it is today. Thank you, Caroline Escobar 15 of 47B-13Dear Members of the Historic Landmark Commission: We support the designation of the family home of Mr. Eduardo Rendon, located at 1705 Haskell Street in East Austin, as a historic landmark. Mr. Rendon built the house at that address and raised his family in this home. Mr. Rendon was a hero to his family, his neighborhood, and the Mexican American community in general. Mr. Rendon was a leader in: • The struggle to preserve Austin’s Mexican American neighborhoods, • Protecting local parks (for which Edward Rendon Park at Festival Beach was named), • Mentoring several generations of youth living in ethnically segregated communities, and • Providing stability and wisdom to others in these communities. Due to Mr. Rendon’s importance to East Austin as a whole, we strongly support designation of his home as a historic landmark. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sincerely, Gilberto C. and Dr. Jane H. Rivera East Austin Resident 16 of 47B-13 July22nd,2019CityofAustinHistoricLandmarkCommissionAustinCityHall301W.2ndStreetAustin,Texas78701DearCommissioners:AsanativeAustinite,IwritetoexpressmystrongsupporttodeclaretheformerhomeandpropertyofthelateMr.EdwardRendon,locatedat1705HaskellSt.AustinTX78702,asahistoricalsiteinthecityofAustin.Mr.RendonplayedanimportantpartinthehistoryofAustin.Hewasoneoftheleaderswhofoughtforcivilrights,equality,andpropertyrightsineastAustin.Mr.RendonheldmanymeetingswithlocalneighborhoodleadersandAustinpoliticiansathishomewhichdealtwiththecivilrightsmovementinthe1960s,theAustinboatracesinthe70s,theHollyPowerPlant,andotherissuesthataffectedtheeastAustinarea.Indeed,Mr.RendonwashonoredbythecityofAustinwhenitnamedtheTownLakeparkareanearhishomeas"EdwardRendonPark."Duringthepastdozenyears,IhadthepleasureofmeetingMr.RendonandattendingmeetingsathishomewhichdealtwithissuesaffectingtheeastAustinarea.Mr.Rendonwasarolemodelforhisfamily,andhischildrenandgrandchildrenarecarryingonthetraditionofcommunityworkers.Mr.Rendonwelcomedfriendsofthefamilysuchasmyselftohishomeandhebeamedwithprideashewatchedhischildrenandgrandchildrencarryontheworkthathestartedinthecommunity.IhopethattheCityofAustinHistoricalLandmarkCommissionapprovesofthedesignationoftheEdwardRendonhomeasahistoricalsite.ItdeservestoberememberedandrecognizedasthehomeofoneofAustin'shistoricalleadersandasahistoricalmeetingsiteforcommunityleaderswhoworkedtocorrectinjusticesinAustin.Sincerely,LarryAmaro,MSW(Ret.)512-658-296217 of 47B-13 July 22,2019 ANC Exec. Committee City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission Daniel Llanes, member _ PODER, Raza RoundTable, To: From: Dear Commissioners, Please accept this letter of support for agenda item # 1705 Haskell St., Rendon House. The Rendon family and the Rendon House at 1705 Haskell are deserving of historic recognition. I encourage you grant the Rendon Family and their Partiack’s house with a historic designation. Thank you, Daniel Llanes 512-431-9665 18 of 47B-1319 of 47B-13People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources To: Historic Landmark Commissioners: Sarah Valenzuela, Alexander Papasiliou, Terri Myers, Emily Hibbs, Mathew Jacob, Kelly Little, Blake Tollett, Emily Reed, Emily Hibbs, Ben Heimsath, Kevin Koch, Witt Featherston From: Susana Almanza, PODER Date: August 26th, 2019 Subject: Support Historic Designation for 1705 Haskell Street – Edward Rendon Sr. house PODER is requesting that the Edward Rendon Sr. home located at 1705 Haskell Street be given the designation of Historic. Mr. Edward Rendon Sr. is recognized as an elder and leader of the Mexican American community of East Austin. His involvement in improving the East Austin community is recognized by so many. His home is recognized as the place where Mr. Rendon Sr and his family members participated and hosted numerous community events. From neighborhood parties to hosting political candidates. Mr. Edward Rendon Sr. was a former president of the East Townlake Citizens Neighborhood Association. With his leadership, the community worked to establish the present Holly Shores Master Plan. Mr. Rendon Sr. also worked to close the toxic Holly Power Plant. His dedication to the community will forever be honored. Again, we ask for Historic designation for Mr. Edward Rendon Sr.’s home, located at 1705 Haskell Street. . P O Box 6237 Austin, TX 78762 512/401-3311 email: poder.austin@gmail.com 20 of 47B-13Dear Historical Landmark Commissioners and City Staff, There is so little being saved and so much being lost of the Historic Eastside Barrio. I am sorry not to be able to attend your Meeting Monday night, so please accept this email as my citizen testimony in favor of historical preservation of the home. Senor Rendon was key leader of the old community who should not be forgotten. The architecture of his home is an authentic testament of our humble community, as deserving of respect as the palatial homes that are routinely designated as landmarks. The Rendon House is a humble O'Henry House or "log cabin" sort of landmark, that requires your compassionate protection to survive. Thank You for your Service to All of our Historical Heritage. Sincerely, Dave Santos Eastside Heritage Activist 21 of 47B-13Good Morning, I am writing to ask you to historically landmark the Edward Rendon, Sr. house on 1705 Haskell Street. Any future changes at this property should be conducted within a context of historic preservation. Your responsibility here is clear. As is so often the case, this is not just an empirical question of establishing whether the property, which sits inside a cultural landscape, meets the necessary criteria, although it clearly does. It is also a question of equity. Mr. Rendon was a noteworthy member of his community--our community--and his legacy is deep. Yet why is the staff recommendation to initiate historic zoning contaminated by a poison pill to focus "particularly on the criterion for architecture?" Including such a stipulation in a professional recommendation of this type reveals most interesting prejudices and inequities that have characterized our profession from the beginning and continue to bedevil it still. If it still isn't clear to the staff, it should be clear to you that true historic preservation is about more than architecture. I urge you to see through the smoke and to do the right thing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch at this email address or at (512) 275- 6027. Regards, flm ◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎►◀︎► Fred L. McGhee, Ph.D. President, Montopolis CDC fmcghee@montopolis.org www.montopolis.org 22 of 47B-13 Dear Historic Landmark Commissioners: I am writing in support of Historic Preservation Office staff’s recommendation for historic zoning of the late Mr. Edward Rendon’s former home, located at 1705 Haskell St. Mr. Rendon was a venerated neighborhood leader and activist in the East Town Lake community from the 1970s up until his death in 2018. His numerous contributions and accomplishments are highly significant in the context of the neighborhood’s history as a former working class Mexican American enclave. To wit, in 2007, the City of Austin officially designated a portion of Holly Shores (at Festival Beach) as Edward Rendon, Sr. Park in recognition of his extraordinary service to the community. Below I list some of Mr. Rendon’s most notable achievements: 1999) • Served as President of the East Town Lake Citizen Neighborhood Association (1975- • Led the movement to close the nearby Holly Power Plant (1990-2007) • Co-organized the movement to stop the Town Lake boat races on Holly Shores alongside Austin’s storied Brown Berets (1978) • Served as a founding member of Austin’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Respected as an East Austin business owner known professionally for his talents as an expert stonemason. His company, Edward Rendon Masonry, completed stone masonry projects locally and beyond on neighborhood homes (including his own), at Cristo Rey church, and at Tom Miller’s home Mr. Rendon’s former home at 1705 Haskell St. thus appears to meet the requirements for landmark designation based on his significance as a prominent Mexican American community leader and businessman in the East Town Lake district, and per the following eligibility criteria: 1. Architecture: the house retains architectural integrity; the stone façade exterior, which can be seen in photos taken in the early 1930s and which remains today, lends a distinctive vernacular quality. long a working-class neighborhood. 2. Historical association: the house has a history dating back to the early 1930s in what was 3. Community Value: Mr. Rendon moved into the house in 1962, and lived there for almost 60 years. During that time, Mr. Rendon hosted many important community-based events and initiatives in his home, including: a. Weddings for several of the Honorable Judge Perkins’ family members 23 of 47B-13b. Planning meetings for Edward Rendon Sr. Holly Shores Master Plan stakeholders, including dignitaries Lady Bird Johnston, Mayor Carol Strayhorn, and community members Marcos DeLeon, Hortencia Palamores, and Paul Hernandez (1979) c. Primary staging site for free Haskell St. Halloween Block Party community events. Mr. Rendon’s former home at 1705 Haskell St. contributes to the historic character of the East Town Lake district. Considering its distinctive vernacular aesthetic in the context of Mr. Rendon’s importance to Austin’s Mexican American community, the house represents an architectural, cultural, and historical anchor for many long-term residents. Were Mr. Rendon’s former home demolished, the community would surely lose an important asset that embodies aspects of both its tangible and intangible heritage. A vote in favor of historic zoning is a vote to protect it. Sincerely, Kristen Hotopp East César Chavez resident Sector 7 Representative, East César Chavez Contact Team 24 of 47B-13Dear Steve and Historical Commission, There have been so many homes torn down in our community that have value, not just to the community, but also to Austin. I count 11 within 500 feet of my block. If this continues there will be nothing left for future generations to see actual contributions made by their ancestors Mr. Rendon was an important and vital part of East Austin. A park on Lady Bird Lake being named after him should be proof of his importance. Don't let the legacy of your tenure and this commission be like the 1928 laws that kept people of color east of East Blvd (now I35). Let it be that you made sure the contributions made by leaders like Mr Rendon were memorialized for future generations. Gwen O'Barr 1604 Canterbury Street 25 of 47B-1326 of 47B-1327 of 47B-1328 of 47B-1329 of 47B-1330 of 47B-1331 of 47B-1332 of 47B-1333 of 47B-1334 of 47B-1335 of 47B-1336 of 47B-1337 of 47B-1338 of 47B-1339 of 47B-1340 of 47B-1341 of 47B-1342 of 47B-13 1705 Haskel St. that is currently on your list for designation. I have written this Greetings Commissioners, My name is Roberto Rubio Jr ,I am a grandson of Mr. Edward Rendon Sr..... My parents are the owners of the property at letter to this board on behalf of my immediate family, for a number of reasons today....The most important of these being, to clarify and explain some of the stories that you may have heard up until this point, through letters, emails, and the hearings being held on this issue. After careful consideration and thought ....we decided along With our parents and uncle, who is my moms brother and who, as my mother, was raised in this house. To bring forward and show to the Historical Commissioners that so many of the stories and events that have been brought forward,In an attempt to prove the historical significance of this house, are not just harmless white lies or embellishments of the truth, but honestly, flat out completely false..literally made up events that we know never took place or were made to be something they are not.... So that being said , before I get into the specifics of the historic events that have been brought forward by so many people who are in opposition of the demolition of this property... they not only have continued to make false claims against my grandfather, but have also done so on numerous occasions, to my parents.... but because they do not pertain to the subject matter at hand, ie...the property and house ... I will not go to in depth on how this debacle has brought us here in front of your board...but if i do not at least give you some information off subject about the personal trials and tribulations, then i will be wasting my time with the other topics..... So please if i may, i will first give you a brief history of how we have ended up here in front of this historical committee. Close to 20 years ago my Grandpa Edward Rendon was living his life like he wanted , he Fished when he felt like it, he traveled to visit family in the Rio Grande Valley and stayed for sometimes months at a time....visiting Mexico , amongst other things...he was happy in all aspects of his life for the most part , happy, except for one thing ...money ...the 1000 dollars he was getting through his SS was not cutting it....So he decided that he wanted to sell his home....his only stipulation to the would be buyer was that he live out his remaining years and eventually come to pass in his home..so the only way this could happen is if his children bought it ...Long story short he called a meeting between all 9 of his Sons and daughters and explained what he wanted and asked if they would all be willing to each put up 100 dollars a month to buy the house from him and then after he was gone they could split it evenly amongst each other....Well they went around and 1 by 1 they all said No....for personal reasons or whatever reasons the answer from each of them was NO.....so my parents talked amongst each other and decided they would do this for my grandpa so that his last remaining years here were happy ones for him ...keep in mind this was a very long time before the market in this area was rising as it has continued to do so now...this had nothing to do with flipping and investing or any type of financial gain...last time i checked my parents had no physic abilities, so there intention was and always had been, to eventually get the money back to them they had put into it during the purchase, or fix it and live in it ....and most important for my mother to see that her dad was happy in the latter years of his life....so there it went my parents struggling to make ends meet to pay 2 mortgages and taxes on 2 properties for 15 plus years BY themselves....not once did anyone offer to help...not once did anyone offer any assistance in this transaction...My dad who was in his early 50's was working 65-70 hours a week as a truck driver in construction all the while barely making ends meet.... I don’t tell you this for sympathy or compassion ...I am telling you this because its the truth....Not once did anyone offer my parents any help doing this.... so after this is said and done ...house was paid off in full, many years went by and out of nowhere comes this vendetta against my mother to take away what they had so tirelessly worked hard for!!! the market started slowly making a jump in east austin and all of a sudden her sister Elisa and younger Brother Edward decided they were gonna go against my parents and try to take their house away.. this 43 of 47B-13is when all this legal stuff started that has now lead us here in front of this committee... My mother had plans on renovating this home and retiring there before all this....those where my mothers dreams and wishes after my grandpa was laid to rest...that would never come to be because of this matter that her two younger siblings created.... how obvious is the fact that 2 out of 8 (one passed away before) siblings are against my mother n father....only 2 out of the 8 brothers and sisters have gone against my mom for whatever reason they claim....the other 6 all agreed in the court of law that my mother was the owner of this house and that they are were all given the opportunity to have a percentage at one time but they had all refused for their own personal reasons......only 2 who now claim that meeting never took place and that somehow my mother conned her own Father...who she loved Dearly...out of his house.. that alone should prove that their motives go beyond the historic designation or even the ownership now.... which is another thing....this matter has gone to court and the judge presiding ruled in favor of my parents and ordered that this property be sold and the opposing parties be given the small percentage for which by law is owed through my grandmothers side who left no will.....so thats what was gonna happen...this house that my parents struggled to pay for was no longer theirs to do with what they planned.....it was now ordered to be sold and this matter laid to rest....so we thought....Elisa and her daughter apparently were given advice on this avenue and they decided to go ahead and give it a shot.....and here we are........that is a short rundown of what has happened up until now in a nut shell.... i will spare u the horrible details and malicious acts against my mother in particular.... trying to destroy the relationship between her and her loving father.......You see we are not here to debate on wether or not my grandfather was or was not a great man and prominent figure in his neighborhood....We know he was ....we lived the same life they claim that they have lived with him...we were there during these times they claim these events took place....they seem to forget that part....we spent our entire summers there and every holiday and birthdays and morning coffee ....we actually existed during these times ....and this is why i am going to close this letter with all the embellished stories and flat out lies that have been given to you guys in effort to win this designation and more importantly the vendetta that they have against my mother....All we ask is that either you do your own investigation or you ask the parties who claim these events took place , to show physical proof proving these statements are 100% facts..again we are in no way trying to discredit our beloved grandfather...he made his mark on this city and his community through his hard work and dedication for his Family.. and in our eyes, the false statements all these people have made... claiming my grandfather was something that he wasn’t have done a great injustice to our Abuelo, his name and the legacy he truly left behind and even worst than that ,this has not allowed him to Rest in Paradise as he so much deserves!!!!.Thank you for your time and hope you have a clearer understanding of what is really occurring with this issue and just a small insight of the motive behind this application for historic designation.... This is a list of the False/embellished statements made to the commission as seen and explained by the other Rendon siblings, all who are older and were also involved in my grandparents life on an everyday basis. The only thing we ask is that there is evidence proving that these events did indeed take place as claimed. 1) In a letter written by Kristen Hotopp states that "Many of Judge Bob Perkins family members were married at this house".... This statement is absolutely 100% false, for one our grandfathers house was not a venue that u could rent for cash and do as you pleased. There were never any neighborhood meetings held there or political rallies as they claim... And for 2 there were only 2 couples married in this house and both were children of Edward Rendon SR. we ask they Please show provide evidence that these weddings from the Perkins family that took place as 44 of 47B-13stated. And also proof of the political "rallies' that were supposedly held there....Again they fail to realize and admit that we were alive and well during these times they claim all these thing happen....we were apart of that home just as much as they were.... 2) The blueprints and design to what is now Edward Rendon Park were laid out on our grandfathers Kitchen table with Mayor Carol Keeton Strayhorn ..... This statement is False as well....the True story is that the park was designed in 1960 by Williams C. Holmans .... and my grandfather had no hand in the creation or design of the actual park and it definitely didn’t take place in his kitchen.....He did however sit down with Mr. Holmans and decide where to place the concrete pads that would be used to place BBQ pits throughout the park that were not initially part of the original design of the park....the reason my Grandfather was involved in this discussion was because he won the Bid/contract from the city to do the cement foundations for the bbq pits....and the designer wanted to make sure they were on the same page to where exactly these cement pads would be placed....Now after the 2 of them finalized the plans for these pads...the mayor did in fact visit our grandfathers house to view those plans and give her approval as well. That is the true story behind that statement! We ask that proof is shown that shows their statements on this event is provided in some form or fashion proving otherwise. 3) It has been stated by numerous people that Cesar Chavez not only visited my Grandparents home but that my Grandfather worked side by side with him during his visit to Austin and the State Capitol Building. We know this is not true because honestly if Mr. Chavez had indeed visited our Grandparents home why have we never been made aware of this before....where are the pictures and newspaper clippings showing proof that this so called historical event took place? We really would love to see those...and honestly would be happy if we were proven wrong on this....it would be an amazing thing to say that the great Cesar Chavez stood in that house with our grandfather. Please we ask that some sort of hard proof is brought forth that proves this event took place as stated. 4) Our Grandfather was a founding member of the Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Through extensive research and conversations with members of the board and actual founding members of the Chamber...we have found this statement to be false as well....We ask that they kindly show proof/ paperwork showing that our grandfather was indeed a founding member of the AHCC. 5) "The rod iron used on the porch of this house was off a shipment that was used in the RailRoads in the 1800's on the east coast" on the same subject another statement was made pertaining to the Iron, statement was made by Dave Santos stating that the same Rod Iron was part of Joe Perez iron works were somehow part of the architectural importance of the house. We know these statement to be false because our uncle Mr.Roy Rendon Sr. son of Edward Rendon Sr. was the one who installed that rod iron over a period of time . Uncle Roy had just become a welding apprentice and had rapidly excelled his way through learning and becoming the great welder 45 of 47B-13that he is today.....The reason he had done it over a period of time was because he would take home leftover scrap iron pieces left from jobs he was doing at work....so little by little he designed and created that beautiful Iron work that still stands today!! In my uncles own words he described how his intention was to "make my daddy proud" of his new found craft!!! As you can imagine ... His father truly was proud...and showed off his sons craftsmanship to any and all who visited his home! This is ample proof that the statements made by those speakers were a total falsification of the real TRUTH!!! Finally we would like to end this letter with a few questions of our own.... If we may: 1) How is it that someone was allowed to put in an application to deem a property Historic that they do not own outright? And how at least, did they do so without the permission of the Person who is the Majority Owner? without even so much as a letter or email stating that this was the intention of the said party? How on earth is this Legal....I mean is it possible for me to fill out an application pay a fee and claim historical significance on any random house? Please help us understand how this happen from the start without prior acknowledgment by the Majority Owner and the owners who now have a small percentage in the property? 2) How is a Ruling made by a Judge in a court room in the United States of America overlooked by a historical application submitted by the original parties who sued to try and win the same said property that they now want to be a historical landmark? We kindly ask that you help us understand these things for our own personal records. Ladies and Gentleman of this Historical Commission, I could honestly go on and on trying to discredit their made up stories and misinterpreted accounts of events involving the history of not only our Grandfather but our entire family.... Or talk about the fact that the first order of business for Mrs. Montoya and Edward JR. was to try FIRST, to take the house away from my parents....the house they never paid a dime for....the house they wanted nothing to do with before the real estate went sky high and it was worth way more MONEY....We want an explanation on Why if my grandfathers wish was to have his home (which legally no longer belonged to him because he SOLD it) deemed historic...Then Why was that not the First move made by the them?? And if it were his dying wish to have the house deemed historic then why did he sell it 20 years back? Our intention has never been to fight against our family nor to try and make our Grandfather out to be something he was or was not....honestly ,This thing has dragged on for way to long.... it has been taken into Litigation and a decision made by a Federal Judge to sell the house and move on with our lives... its blatantly obvious that this is only a last ditch effort to try and make my mothers life miserable...more so than it already has been for her during this debacle ... Imagine yourselves in our situation...imagine that after paying over 80,000 dollars of your hard earned money for something... imagine someone taking it from you the day you showed up to make your last payment, their is someone their waiting for that payment to go through so they can snatch it right out of your hands and say "you stole this , and you manipulated your way into ownership of this item and now we are gonna sue because we deserve a piece of this just as much as you do....Imagine what that would feel like.... then imagine what the feeling is like when u find out its your own brother and sister doing these hurtful things to you..the younger siblings that you once treated as your own children....and cooked for and purchased clothes for as if they were your babies ...this is what we are living right now because of my Aunt Elisa Montoya and uncle Edward Rendon JR....imagine what that would feel like...and maybe just maybe you might get a sense of the pain my mother has endured throughout this whole process.......Commissioners, all we ask is that you take our story into consideration...and understand that this is the whole hearted truth in regards to this matter!! Thank 46 of 47B-13you again for your time and Service!!!! God Bless you All.... Sincerely , Robert Rubio Jr - [ ] 47 of 47B-13