Over the weekend, James Retherford was arrested for criminal trespass while trying to stop the demolition of a stone cottage in Bouldin Creek. He was unsuccessful, and the house at 901 Dawson Road is no longer one of the nine intact stone cottages in the neighborhood. The news of the cottage’s demise is especially crushing […]
historic preservation
Official actions of a municipality such as the City of Austin taken to preserve structures with their jurisdiction. Preservation is often accompanied by a property tax exemption.
Posted inPreservation
City Council talks historic preservation goals
City Council members found themselves tackling the underpinnings of historic preservation on Tuesday, as they wrestled with whether to proceed with four very different cases of historic landmark designation on today’s agenda. Ultimately, Council members remained undecided on whether to proceed with decisions on all four cases. They seemed more certain about the need to […]
Posted inPreservation
Planning Commission OKs landmark status for former home of legendary businesswoman
Celebrating female entrepreneurship, racial harmony and, of course, beautiful architecture, the Planning Commission voted to recommend historic zoning for an 85-year-old house at 113 West 33rd St. last week. After hearing Steve Sadowsky, the Historic Preservation Officer for the city, argue that the house represented a significant place in Austin’s history because it had been […]
Posted inPreservation
Landmark Commission’s first case reveals deeper concerns
An ideological split and a skeleton crew of a commission have left the landmark status of an East Austin home in limbo for now. Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky “wholeheartedly recommended” historic zoning for the residence at 2005 Hamilton Ave., which was once home to one of Austin’s first African-American doctors and his wife, who […]
Posted inPreservation
Historic District wins Planning Commission support
The proposed Bluebonnet Hills preservation district was back at City Hall this week. This time, it won the support of the Planning Commissioners. On Tuesday, commission members voted 5-1 to recommend creation of the Bluebonnet Hills Historic District, with Commissioner Brian Roark voting against. Commissioners Jean Stevens, Alfonso Hernandez and Richard Hatfield were absent. The […]
Posted inPreservation
Proposed local historic district in jeopardy
The proposed Bluebonnet Hills Historic District hit another speed bump Tuesday, this time at the Planning Commission. At the end of a lengthy discussion, commissioners opted to postpone the case until May 26. This will give the applicants time to return to the Historic Landmark Commission for a third vote. Though the Historic Landmark Commission […]
Posted inAustin, City Council, Preservation
Council OKs landmark status for Red River house
Those worried that one of Austin’s most beloved houses was destined for demolition could rest easy over the weekend. Despite the owner’s objections, the Austin City Council voted last week to make the Red River International House a historic landmark. Council voted 6-1 to preserve the house, with only Council Member Mike Martinez voting in […]
Posted inDevelopment, Local Politics
Council debates Red River House designation
Last week, City Council took the first step toward designating a familiar Red River Street house as a historic landmark, despite the owner’s objections. “I dare say that anybody who has ever made a trip around the University of Texas campus or I-35 hasn’t failed to notice this house,” said Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky. […]
Posted inDevelopment
Board grants variance for novel preservation plan
The Board of Adjustment gave the go-ahead for a novel preservation strategy at its Monday night meeting. Newcastle Homes’ Lex Zwarum’s proposal, which he describes as a “win-win,” will zone the existing house at 2100 East 14th St. as a historic landmark. The variance, which was unanimously granted by board members, will allow him to […]
Posted inDevelopment
Commission OKs historic zoning for homes
Bucking the trend of requests for demolition permits in East Austin, two property owners requested historic zoning for their homes last week, winning an enthusiastic endorsement from the Historic Landmark Commission. The commission voted to approve historic zoning for the Callpart-Bannerman-Castro House at 1207 East Eighth Street and the Majors-Butler-Thomas House at 1119 East 11th […]
Posted inDevelopment
Landmark Commission says no to neon sign for downtown P. Terry’s
P. Terry’s Burger Stand is coming to downtown Austin, but it will not be sporting a neon sign, much to the chagrin of its owner. Last week, the Historic Landmark Commission denied a request for a neon sign for P. Terry’s latest location at 515 Congress Avenue. Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky noted that while […]
Posted inDevelopment
Landmark Commission considers Travis Heights bungalow relocation
The Historic Landmark Commission is taking a month to ponder whether it is worth going out on a limb to keep a Travis Heights bungalow in place. Don Garner is seeking permission to relocate his 1926 bungalow at 206 East Live Oak Street, as well as the property’s 1939 addition, although he did not specify […]