B-08 Letter of Support.pdf — original pdf

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TRAVIS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION Austin, Texas January 28, 2022 To: City of Austin Zoning and Platting, # C14H-2021-0164 The Travis County Historical Commission would like to support historic zoning for the property located at 2502 Park View Drive, Austin. This property is part of Allandale’s Air Conditioned Village, a 1954 era development meant to highlight the use and appeal of central air conditioning for middle income housing. It was the first of its kind, worldwide, and used by homebuilders and University of Texas scientists to assess the effectiveness of the systems along with associated features such as site orientation, landscaping, paint and overhangs. The house maintains its integrity and historical significance and deserves protection and future interpretation. It was designed by local architect Fred Day and meets the criteria for historic zoning under the current code for architecture, historical association and community value. The current demolition request would destroy one of the few remaining Air Conditioned Village properties and leave Austin without this important historical asset. We join other preservation organizations including Preservation Austin and Mid Tex Mod in requesting that a demolition permit not be approved and that the site be awarded historic zoning. Respectfully, James Robert “Bob” Ward Chair Travis County Historical Commission