It took several months of deliberation, but in the end members of the Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously to allow the demolition of Texas poet laureate Jenny Lind Porter’s home. The 1928 home at 1715 Summit View Place is a contributing structure in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, but years of neglect […]
Old West Austin
This historic district is composed of Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights, and Bryker Woods. It borders the Clarksville Historic District and the West Line Historic District to the south. In 2003, the three neighborhoods were added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Posted inPreservation
West Line historic zoning battle extended once again
In a somewhat surprising turn of events, a lack of consensus over a West Line home kicked off the historic zoning process at the Historic Landmark Commission’s most recent meeting. The owner of a 1915 bungalow at 812 Theresa Ave. is seeking permission to tear it down. But a combination of neighborhood opposition, history and […]
Posted inPreservation
‘Battle of the historic restoration titans’ continues at Landmark Commission
There are plenty of heavy hitters on either side of the debate surrounding a proposed demolition of a contributing structure in the West Line National Register Historic District. What the debate lacks is a resolution, after the Historic Landmark Commission postponed it once again at its most recent meeting. The owners of the 1915 bungalow […]
Posted inPreservation
Jenny Lind Porter home wins stay of demolition
The house once owned by Texas poet laureate Jenny Lind Porter will be around for another two months, but after that its fate is anyone’s guess. On Monday, the Historic Landmark Commission once again considered the request for a demolition permit for the home, which is located at 1715 Summit View Place. And, once again, […]
Posted inPreservation
Poet’s Old West Austin mansion faces demolition
The future of Jenny Lind Porter’s Old Enfield home hangs in the balance after a Historic Landmark Commission postponement Monday. The house, which is located at 1715 Summit View Place, is a contributing structure to the Old West Austin Historic District but has fallen into disrepair. Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky said he was “startled” […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Tanks tank in Old West Austin variance case
To find proof that the opinions of neighbors hold sway at the city’s boards and commissions, look no further than the Board of Adjustment. At its recent meeting, board members voted unanimously to deny a variance that may have looked OK on paper but didn’t pass muster once fleshed out by neighborhood concerns. William Van […]
Posted inZoning
County association project gets measured OK from city panel
Though developers may not get the height they are after, plans to develop the Texas Association of Counties’ offices near the downtown campus of Austin Community College got the unanimous blessing from the Planning Commission Tuesday. Commissioners voted to change the zoning of 1204 San Antonio St. and 1205 Nueces St. from General Office (GO) […]
Posted inPreservation
City buys time on emotional West Lynn demolition
There’s trouble in Old West Austin, where the expense and maintenance of one of the city’s older homes is once again threatening its existence. The Slaughter-Dildy House at 611 West Lynn St. is a contributing structure in the West Line National Register Historic District, and it is slated for demolition. The home, which was built […]
Posted inThe Code
Popular infill project stalls at BoA
Time invested, neighborhood support and a convoluted city code won’t get you a variance at the Board of Adjustment. But they might buy you a little time. James Schoenbaum is the owner and manager of the proposed development at 614 and 618 Blanco St. His company, Arbol Lindo, LLC, purchased the property in July 2013. […]
Posted inPreservation
West Austin demo leaves preservationists cold
It may not be the worst-case scenario, but residents of Old West Austin still showed up to protest the demolition of a 100-year-old house that will soon be replaced by an ultra-modern residence. The 1917 house, which is located at 1208 West Eighth St., is a contributing structure in the Old West Austin Historic District. […]