SAVING THE GOOD STUFF

Spring 2018 h Volume 22 No. 2 26th Annual Historic Homes Tour

Into the Woods: 26th Annual Homes Tour Saturday, April 28 - 10am to 4pm $25 for PA members, $35 for non-members Home Base at Mueller’s Browning Hangar (4209 Airport Boulevard, off Mueller Central Drive)

E very year our spring Homes Tour communities are also incredibly intact, CHERRYWOOD features a different part of Austin, with historic streetscapes defined more by Cherrywood is made up of numerous celebrating the diverse histories and large trees and well-tended gardens than East Austin subdivisions between Manor architectural eras that make our city so teardowns. Road and Airport Boulevard which joined fascinating. This year is no different, and to form the Cherrywood Neighborhood we’re thrilled to explore Cherrywood, The tour features seven beautifully- Association in the 1980s. Families such Delwood, and Wilshire Wood for the first renovated homes that demonstrate the as the Giles (Delwood 3 and Giles Place), time! enduring strength and adaptability of our Schieffers (Schieffer Place), and Nowlins historic neighborhoods. Each one connects (French Place) developed the area between These East Austin neighborhoods largely the past to the present, showing how the 1930s and 1960s, turning farmland developed during and after World War modern updates can blend seamlessly into bungalows, cottages, and ranch II, though their entwined histories date with historic forms and materials. We’re homes. Attorney Perry Jones developed back to the 19th century. Defined by East excited to share their stories with you, the Willowbrook subdivision, and turned Avenue (now I-35) and the former Robert and to continue our tradition of telling Chestnut Street north of Manor into Mueller Municipal Airport (now the Mueller neighborhood histories and the stories Cherrywood Road in 1948. This remote Community), they offered modern housing behind local landmarks in our special tour lover’s lane became a busy through street to accommodate Austin’s skyrocketing program. for which the neighborhood is named. growth in the postwar era. The tour area includes two National Register districts, Begin the day at our main ticket station 4017 BROOKVIEW, 1950 the Wilshire Historic District and Delwood at Mueller’s 1943 Browning Hangar, and Odis and Nelda Sue Walker were the first Duplex Historic District, and showcases finish it with a cold beer at our after party owners of this 1950 ranch in Cherrywood’s an incredible collection of frame cottages, at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches! We can’t Schieffer Place addition. Both had grown stone-fronted ranch homes, and unusual imagine a better, or more fun, way to up, quite poor, on farms outside Austin. concrete-block bungalows that you won’t celebrate Austin’s heritage on a beautiful Odis (1918-2011) moved to the city with find anywhere else. These tightknit spring day. Continued on page 3 2017-2018 Board of Directors

h executive commitee h Ken Johnson, President Lori Martin, 1st VP Vanessa McElwrath, President-Elect Richard Kooris, 2nd VP Clay Cary, Treasurer Alyson McGee, Secretary John Donisi, Immediate Past President Sustaining Memberships h DIRECTORS h nterested in increasing your contribution to Preservation Austin Clayton Bullock Travis Greig Mickie Spencer Richard Craig Chris Hendel Michael Strutt by making giving easier and more convenient? Our Sustaining Samantha Davidson Dennis McDaniel Matt Swinney IMembership program allows you to set up automatic $10, $25, Tara Dudley Dewitt Peart Caroline Wright or $50 monthly gifts through your checking account until you decide Eileen Gill Ian Reddy to make a change. You’ll eliminate annual renewal notices AND Ann Graham Blake Smith receive one of our Sustaining Member shopping totes featuring h Representatives h beloved Austin landmarks! You’ll also help us cut down on mailing Michael Holleran, UT School of Architecture and processing costs while providing steady, reliable support for our Charles Peveto, Austin History Center Association education and advocacy initiatives. See our website for details! h Ellis Mumford-Russell, Inherit Austin Bob Ward, Travis County Historical Commission h BENEFACTOR h Tim Cuppett & Marco Rini McBee Family Foundation David Wilson h WATERLOO CIRCLE h Paula & Lee Aaronson Meta Butler Hunt Suzanne Deal Booth Ken Johnson & Norma Yancey Sabrina Brown Richard & Laura Kooris Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce & Lori Martin & Stacey Fellers Coleson Bruce Peter Flagg Maxson & Clayton & Cora Bullock John C. R. Taylor III Robert & Mimi Buzbee Dennis & Jill McDaniel Jim & Donna Byerlotzer Vanessa & Mac McElwrath Clay & Karen Cary Alyson McGee & Mark Wolfe Erica and Damien Clark Emily Moreland Kent & Reenie Collins George & Carole Nalle, III Richard Craig Dewitt & Jane Peart Samantha & Ty Davidson Joe Pinnelli William Dickson Matthew Redden Michael & Tracy DiLeo Ian Reddy & Angela Reed John Donisi & Gina Hinojosa Blake Smith Staff Tara Dudley Charles Aubrey Smith, Jr. William & Regan Gammon Mickie Spencer Kate Singleton, Executive Director Eileen Gill & Kevin Pruitt Michael Strutt Lindsey Derrington, Programs Director Ann S. Graham & Arlen Johnson Matt & Kara Swinney Tom & Elizabeth Granger Mary Helen Walcutt Mailing Address - P.O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768 Travis Greig Jill & Stephen Wilkinson Physical Address - 500 Chicon, Austin, 78702 Susan Griffith & Curtis Fuelberg Patricia Winston & Bill Head Chris & Abby Hendel Marvin & Eva Womack Ph. (512) 474-5198 Fax (512) 476-8687 Alex Herrera and Geoff Wellen Caroline Wright www.preservationaustin.org [email protected] James Hillhouse, IV

2 Spring 2018 Historic Homes Tour 2018 Lindsey Derrington Photography Brook Joan 4017 Brookview, 1950 3210 French Place, 1960 his mother and five siblings in the 1920s, The home’s current owners purchased Nowlin was one of Austin’s earliest where he plucked turkeys, delivered it for their family of four in 2009. The settlers. His descendants subdivided the telegrams, and sold newspapers on two-bed, one-bath house had an updated estate, with Dancy and Robinson Streets Congress Avenue to help support his kitchen but no air-conditioning or central representing different branches of the family. The self-proclaimed pool hustler heat. Today this warm, light-filled space family. French developed many of the began working for his older brother’s tire has been lovingly renovated to embrace its neighborhood’s homes in the early 1940s, store as a teenager in 1933. He opened his midcentury aesthetic. A 2015-2016 addition and this part of Cherrywood is still widely own business, the Walker Tire Company, at by architect Craig Nasso replaced a garage known as “French Place.” 510 East Sixth Street in 1940. At the same with a 450-square-foot master suite and time Nelda Sue McAnulty (1921-2016), the office. A new 250-square-foot terraced Pool-Strong built this house as an youngest of fourteen children herself, had deck transformed the backyard. The investment property in 1960. Oca Pool graduated from high school and moved family converted an enclosed porch into (1920-2010) and Albert Strong (1916-1995) to Austin to work at the famed University a sunroom, removing its drop ceiling and were both raised in working-class East of Texas Tea House. She and Odis met on installing colorful Mexican tile flooring. Austin households and served in the a blind date and married soon thereafter. New composite siding and insulation, United States Army during World War They were together for over 70 years. along with energy efficient windows, II. Their wives were cousins, and Strong updated the exterior while preserving the was best man at Pool’s 1943 wedding. The Walker Tire Company became an Austin home’s historic form. Sustainable systems men apprenticed as carpenters after the institution, servicing cars, trucks, tractors, throughout include ductless mini-splits war and became house builders working and more. The firm moved north to and water-efficient toilets, faucets, and throughout Central Texas. “Pool-Strong Cameron Road in 1965 where it remained showers. Original hardwood floors and Homes” touted custom-built kitchen for decades. Odis served in the United vintage Chambers stove lend texture and cabinets, large closets, and the “finest States Air Force during World War II; connect the current residents to the past. architectural designs.” The firm was played baseball; wrote poetry, prose, and featured in Austin’s first Parade of Homes authored his own play; and was a highly- 3210 FRENCH PLACE, 1960 in Allandale in 1953, and built not one, but respected deacon and Bible scholar. He This gabled brick veneer ranch was one two “Talking Houses” in Western Trails and Nelda Sue had three sons and were of the last homes built in the Forest Hills in the late 1950s. A popular phenomenon dedicated members of the Hyde Park Addition, opened by J. H. French and his nationwide, these display homes were Church of Christ. They remained in their wife Olivia soon before her 1939 death. fully-wired to both explain and answer Brookview Road home until 2002, when Olivia had inherited the land from her questions about cutting-edge design they passed it down to their grandson. mother, whose grandfather Peyton Wade features to a wide-eyed public. Pool Continued on page 4

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 3 Historic Homes Tour 2018

and Strong’s success led them to into in 1947. Originally nestled development, as was the case on French next to the Robert Mueller Place. Municipal Airport, it featured nearly 80 stuccoed concrete The home’s current owners purchased it block bungalows amidst old- in 2008. They rented out the property for growth trees. These five-room three years, waiting for their youngest houses featured steel-framed child to graduate from high school windows, wide chimneys, before downsizing. A 2011 renovation by and deep eaves. More homes architects Rick and Cindy Black, with Texas were added later, and today Construction Company, preserved the Delwood 2 is known for its 1,400-square-foot home’s footprint while roaming peacocks and Fourth

transforming its cramped interior. Shifting of July Parade. Photography Casey Woods 1208 Bentwood, 1947 the front door and removing several interior walls made space for an expanded Cherrywood’s Delwood 3 came moved from her family’s farm in Shiro kitchen and open living-dining room. These next, comprised of two-story concrete to work as a stenographer. They married connect to an outdoor kitchen and patio block duplexes now listed in the National in 1941, a year before Jimmie joined the beneath an elegant steel shade structure, Register. Fort Worth civil engineer Marshal United States Navy. He was a Ship’s Cook perfect for owners who love to cook. R. Sanguinet designed Delwood 2 and Giles 2nd Class, and in 1945 served on the USS Sustainable features include reclaimed Place, and may be responsible for Duplex Burleson attack transport which traveled pecan floors, native landscaping, and Nation as well. His uncle was famed to Okinawa, Guam, and Guadalcanal until a drip irrigation and water reclamation architect Marshall R. Sanguinet, who the war’s end. system. In 2017, the same design and designed countless North Texas landmarks construction team added a 400-square- along with Austin’s Scarbrough Building. The Bettises ultimately settled in foot second story apartment to a detached The younger Sanguinet died in 1969 while Austin and moved to the new Delwood storage structure for visiting children and working for the Agency of International 2 subdivision to raise their two sons. friends. The owners can now age in place Development in Pakistan. Jimmie worked as a coffee salesman, in their beautiful, ADA-compliant home. then as a longtime accounts examiner 1208 BENTWOOD, 1947 for the state. Louise continued her career DELWOOD The Bettis family spent four happy as a stenographer and secretary, one of decades in this Bentwood home starting the many women who defied the typical Bascom and Effie Dean Giles coined the around 1952. Their story echoes the narrative that postwar wives stayed at name “Delwood” and built four such statewide movement of thousands of home regardless of their skills, drive, subdivisions to either side of Airport young people from rural areas to urban or financial need. During the 1950s, for Boulevard after World War II. The 1951 ones during and after World War II. 1950 example, she worked for the Air Reserve Delwood Shopping Center, the first of was the first year in which a majority Center in O. Henry Hall, a Cold War its kind in Austin, was their brainchild. of Texans lived in cities, relocating for training facility that taught courses in Giles served as longtime Texas Land education and employment and shaping radio transmission, intelligence, and more Commissioner before his 1955 conviction their new homes for years to come. to ensure reservists would be ready for for bribery and theft put an end to the mobilization. family’s real estate endeavors. Jimmie Rufus Bettis (1911-1992) was raised on a farm in southeast Oklahoma. He Camille and Bryan Jobe purchased the The Giles completed their Delwood 2 made his way to Houston and there met house for their family of four in 2004. subdivision north of Airport Boulevard Vivian Louise Spell (1918-1945), who had Over the years they restored its steel Continued on page 5

4 Spring 2018 Historic Homes Tour 2018 Casey Woods Photography Casey Woods Joan Brook Photography Brook Joan 1305 Bentwood, 1947 1414 Bentwood, 1947 casement windows, oak parquet floors, architectural language to pursue creative and removing period-inappropriate and stuccoed concrete block walls. In ways to expand these homes while trim throughout. They renovated the 2013 they welcomed Vivian Bettis for an preserving their historic appearance. original bathroom themselves, and in unexpected visit, during which she happily 2008 remodeled the kitchen. By 2015 toured the house and told stories of her Joseph and Louise Gurkin were this the family of five was in real need of time there! Three years later Camille, Bentwood home’s longest-tenured additional space. Ada designed a gorgeous co-founder of Jobe Corral Architects, residents early on. Joseph Gurkin (1911- 800-square-foot rear addition with a new completed a stunning 550-square-foot 1982) grew up in rural North Carolina master suite, storage, additional bath, living room and master suite to replace a but by the 1930s was working as a shoe and covered porch overlooking the back 1970s addition. Working with Clean Tag as salesman in Virginia and Philadelphia. He yard. These connect to the original home general contractor, the project connected made it to Washington, DC to manage his via a light-filled, shed-roofed living room the new and the old with an elegant open own store, and there married Louise Turek with double-height ceilings. Today modern kitchen. Bryan’s JobeFabrications executed (1918-1985) in 1941. The 1950s brought the textures and materials complement the the home’s steel details. Today the house Gurkins a new promotion and a new city. home’s historic features, with practical presents a striking harmony between its They headed west to Austin where Joseph updates that have enabled its family to historic fabric and contemporary spaces was district manager for the Saint Louis- stay here as they grow. inside and out. based International Shoe Company, the world’s largest shoe manufacturer at the 1414 BENTWOOD, 1947 1305 BENTWOOD, 1947 time. The family lived at 1305 Bentwood Living in the shadow of the Robert Mueller Delwood 2’s concrete block homes from 1955 to 1966. Their three children Airport could be stressful. The airport offered a handful of floor plans with reached high school age during these opened for commercial service in 1936 subtle exterior variations and identical years so it may have been the Gurkins who and was significantly expanded in 1941 interior fixtures. Most were about 1,000 enclosed the home’s garage. They were and 1956. Low-flying planes and roaring square feet with five rooms and a bath. followed by a string of families over the engines were part of daily life for adjacent This made them attractive starter homes years. neighborhoods. for young families, some of whom later moved to larger houses elsewhere. Those Ada Corral, co-founder of Jobe Corral City directories show a dozen families who stayed often enclosed their one-car Architects, and her family purchased the moving in and out of this Bentwood home garages or built rear additions for more home in 2005. Early projects included between 1949 and 1985, usually living here space. Families past and present have uncovering, patching, and refinishing for just one or two years. Among them worked within the neighborhood’s unique badly-damaged 1947 parquet floors were US Armed Forces recruiter Jesse Continued on page 6

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 5 Historic Homes Tour 2018

Hollingsworth and his wife Kathryn, who features include lived here from 1949 to 1951 and 1957 to the original 1961. Vail and Betty Jo Logsdon rented the fireplace, doors house for $75 month while Vail studied and hardware, architecture at the University of Texas and steel-framed from 1951 to 1953. J. Hubert and Frances windows. Wilson lived here in 1954; he was a state securities commissioner, and she was the WILSHIRE first woman in Austin to be a registered WOOD representative of the New York Stock Bradfield and Exchange. Lindsey Derrington Brush subdivided 1313 Ardenwood, 1952 Wilshire Wood at middle age. By 1953 he was working In 1984 residents of more than fifteen on Giles land beginning in 1941. The as an architect for the Kuntz-Sternenberg neighborhoods, including Delwood 2, neighborhood’s entrance gates faced Lumber Company, which offered residential Cherrywood, and Wilshire Wood, joined East Avenue, a beautiful thoroughfare design services alongside a full range to form Citizens for Airport Re-Location, soon replaced by I-35. Wilshire was one of of homebuilding materials. Oscar likely or C.A.R.E. Their years-long advocacy led Austin’s first neighborhoods with winding designed this home, where he and Idalee the City of Austin to finally close the roads and cul-de-sacs. Large lots and lived until 1964. Robert Mueller Airport in 1999. C.A.R.E.’s large trees complemented unusual deed vision also shaped today’s Mueller, the restrictions mandating that all homes be Dr. Marshall R. Wheeler (1917-2010) Catellus Development Group’s 700-acre, architect-designed. This National Register- purchased the house in 1966. He’d left LEED-certified mixed-used community that listed neighborhood is unusually cohesive, his native Illinois in the 1930s to study took the airport’s place. These grassroots dominated by one-story, limestone-veneer biology and entomology first at Texas efforts and the ensuing Mueller project ranch homes mostly built between 1945 A&M University, then at the University of ultimately improved the quality of life for and 1950. The developers claimed to “seek Texas. He joined the Navy after the attack over 10,000 surrounding households. simplicity and architectural harmony” on Pearl Harbor, putting his studies on for “gentle folk of limited budget but of hold to study parasites in the Pacific and Today’s homeowners at 1414 Bentwood unlimited taste.” The dark side of their teach Malariology at the School of Tropical are among them. Both are architects, and vision was the deed restrictions’ exclusion of Medicine. He completed his doctorate in have designed a series of renovations minority homeowners, as was the case with Zoology in 1947. since purchasing the house in 2013. many Austin neighborhoods at the time. Early projects included remodeling the Dr. Wheeler joined UT’s faculty and kitchen and connecting it to the dining 1313 ARDENWOOD, 1952 became a renowned geneticist, insect room by removing an interior wall. The Completed in 1952, this sleek limestone- taxonomist, and a favorite instructor. He remodeled bathroom features an original veneer home’s low-pitched roof and was the world’s authority on fruit flies, tub. The back porch became a sunroom, wide eaves epitomize the midcentury insects which share much of the same and the garage became a sleeping room ranch. Oscar and Idalee Ulit were the first DNA that causes human diseases and to accommodate their growing family. owners. The Ulit family had emigrated are crucial a host of genetic studies. Dr. Owner Frank Farkash’s Moontower Design from Germany in the 1850s, and Oscar’s Wheeler discovered over 250 new species Build added a two-story, 430-square- father opened a successful meat market of fruit flies worldwide, eight of which are foot detached studio in 2016. It faces downtown in 1891. Oscar Ulit (1896-1969) named for him. The National Institutes of the home’s rear façade across a newly- ran the family business for decades until Health and The Atomic Energy Commission landscaped backyard. The home’s historic making a seemingly abrupt career change Continued on page 7

6 Spring 2018 Historic Homes Tour 2018 supported his work, and his specimens are housed in the Smithsonian and American Museum of Natural History. Dr. Wheeler turned to hybridizing daylilies after his 1977 retirement, hoping to discover the “elusive” blue daylily. In 1982 he and his then-wife Linda built the home’s distinct two-story rear addition to accommodate this passion.

By 2011 the home’s yard was overgrown Photography Brook Joan with daylilies and large hackberry 4001 Lullwood, 1957 trees that entirely obscured its façade. Developers were targeting it for a these families immigrated here during commercial district, the Olsons sold and teardown because of its condition and the 19th century at the urging of Swante financed cars, appliances, and televisions prominent double lot. The current owner Magnus Swenson, widely considered Texas’ – all necessities of postwar American stepped in and undertook a gorgeous first Swede, who established the “Swedish life. Larue ultimately ran both companies renovation that transformed the home Pipeline” by paying his countrymen’s himself, and upon his passing in 1998 into a neighborhood showplace. The passage in exchange for two years’ work they were two of the oldest businesses on original double-sided fireplace graces the on Govalle, his East Austin ranch. They historic East Sixth. spacious living room, along with reclaimed then settled in East Austin’s Swedish Hill hardwood floors and wallpaper reproduced neighborhood and in rural enclaves east 4001 Lullwood features incredibly intact from midcentury designs. The yard and north of the city. Many moved to the historic fabric, including clerestories, includes lush native plantings and a new Cherrywood area after World II. casements, and broad plate glass Palm Springs-style pool. windows, along with original bathroom Larue Olson was raised in Cherrywood; tile and a sunken tub. A previous owner 4001 LULLWOOD, 1957 his father Oscar hailed from Swedesburg, remodeled in the kitchen around 2002 and Merle LaRue Olson (1929-1998) and his Nebraska and his mother was raised in replaced most light fixtures. The current wife Donna (b. 1932) built this stylish a Swedish farming community between owner, who purchased the home in 2013, mid-century modern home in 1957. It was Manor and Elgin. Donna Mae Lindgren has worked to bring the house back to its one of the last constructed in Wilshire grew up in Hutto’s Swedish community 1950s roots through period-appropriate Wood, with a sweeping angled roof and before her family moved to Austin. They lighting and extensive vintage furnishings expansive windows that set it apart from married in 1952 and were members of the and art. h its predecessors. According to the Olsons’ Swedish-American Gethsemane Lutheran daughter, her father designed the house Church. The Olsons raised three daughters himself, working with builder Welsey E. in their Lullwood home before moving in Johnson. While Wilshire’s deed restrictions the 1970s. required that all homes be designed by licensed architects, homes such as this Larue joined his father’s businesses, the could be built with neighborhood approval. Southern Investment Company and Olson Motor Company, in 1951 after graduating The Olsons were members of Austin’s from the University of Texas. Located tightknit Swedish community. Most of in the heart of the East Sixth Street

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 7 Saving the Good Stuff:

Restoring Historic Windows By Tere O’Connell, AIA

riginal windows are one of the most for needed repairs. Wood window colors. Unfortunately the original wavy significant distinguishing features of a assessments include a review of window glass had been removed during historic building. Over time, their beauty glazing stops, rot, insect and damage, the building’s last rehabilitation in 1968. can be obscured and overlooked beneath misalignment of sash, open joints, The basic restoration process included layers of paint and poor (or no) repairs. weatherstripping, and hardware. removing the sashes from the jambs, taking off the finishes, making repairs, It is difficult, if not impossible, to A recent example is the 1881 Federal and bringing them back through the match the character, materials, and Courthouse and Post Office, now known finish process using proven materials and craftsmanship of historic wood windows as O. Henry Hall, which graces 601 methods. with replacements. Most historic Colorado. The new owner, Texas State windows were handcrafted of old University System, made it a top priority Energy efficiency is often a common growth timber, using mortise and tenon to restore the historic windows as part concern when it comes to older windows, joinery, and are proven to last more than of its move-in program. The goal was to but there are a number of ways to 100 years. Many of the replacement restore the original wood sash and frames improve performance. Drafty windows aluminum or vinyl-clad windows come while making improvements to energy are a common complaint as a building with a warranty of just 20 years. Proper efficiency, understanding that windows ages. Weatherstripping comes in a variety care and maintenance can keep historic were an important part of the history and of shapes and materials, dramatically windows operating for another 100 years, architectural character of this landmarked reducing air infiltration. Original wavy but when repairs are needed there are a building. glass is quite a treasured commodity range of methods to be explored. when found in windows. In these The 160 windows were evaluated inside instances, there are several clear window A window survey provides a guide to and out to define a comprehensive scope film options that reduce heat gain and your restoration process. An architect of work that all windows shared. From reduce or eliminate UV light, the major or specialized restoration contractor there, a palette of additional scopes cause of sunlight damage to furnishings can assess the condition of the window was identified. A paint analysis was and fabrics. assembly and define a scope of work completed to determine the original paint Continued on page 9 Photos by Tere O’Connell, AIA O’Connell, Tere by Photos O. Henry Hall windows before and after restoration

8 Spring 2018 Photos by Tere O’Connell, AIA O’Connell, Tere by Photos O. Henry Hall transom before restoration and after

Where historic glass is missing, there are sash modifications to support the thicker muntin patterns, and glass. By choosing additional options. Low-e film embedded glass assembly. to preserve these original features, we in laminated glass can preserve the look can extend the life and efficiency our of single pane glass while achieving Historic windows are definitely “The Good historic buildings to continue to beautify greater energy efficiency. Insulated glass Stuff,” including irreplaceable materials, Austin. h also improves efficiency, but requires nuances in original profile moldings,

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 9 Wood Street Settlement Honored with Historical Marker

By Charles Peveto and Joanna Wolaver, Executive Director, Shoal Creek Conservancy O n February 23 the Shoal Creek Conservancy (SCC) honored Black History Month by unveiling a historical marker through the Texas Historical Commission’s Undertold Marker Program for the Wood Street Settlement at Shoal Creek. This important designation honors the African American and Mexican American families who once lived on Wood Street on the west banks of Shoal Creek, an area that is now a commercial district. This western boundary of early Austin was where many formally enslaved people lived and raised their families following the Civil War. Around 1900, a Mexican American family purchased much of the original freedmen’s settlement. Mitchell McGovern; Joanna Wolaver, SCC Executive Director; State Representative Gina Hinojosa; and Charles Peveto, SCC Historic Bridges Committee Chair. Soon it developed into a Mexican American neighborhood of simple, wood-framed Recently, the Historic Landmark Commission of Shoal Creek is being developed as part vernacular style homes typical of Austin’s and other advocates attempted to of “Our Austin Story.” This narrative also working class. Over the decades, Shoal preserve the last remaining structures on showcases historically-significant bridges Creek’s periodic flooding, notably the 1981 Wood Street, but the buildings were too that anchor the creek, and are within the Memorial Day flood, and demolition virtually structurally-compromised. The settlement’s boundaries of SCC’s Shoal Creek Trail Plan. erased the community. remnants were demolished and the property There is a need to continue this important was subdivided and sold. It was important narrative north to include Pease Park, a State for the Conservancy and Antiquities Landmark and National Register other stakeholders to of Historic Places-listed cultural landscape. embrace this rich and In the 19th century, the park was part of the diverse history with a Governor Elisha M. Pease estate. The area, commemorative marker. northwest of the Wood Street Settlement, was also home to freedmen who continued to SCC’s mission is to work for the Pease Family after the Civil War. enhance the cultural and natural assets along the SCC’s Historic Bridges Committee (Charles creek, which includes Peveto, Chair; Joanna Wolaver, Executive capturing its remarkable Director – SCC; Kate Singleton, Executive stories through an Director – PA; Kitty Henderson; Ted Lee interpretive plan. With the Eubanks; Michelle Slattery; Chris Riley; Kelly State Representative Gina Hinojosa; Joe Ramirez, Travis County help of Ted Lee Eubanks of Russell; Bob Ward; Chris Riley; and Kim Historical Commissioner; Joanna Wolaver, SCC; Jeff Travillion, Travis County Commissioner; and Wallace B. Jefferson, THC Commissioner. FERMATA, Inc., a narrative McKnight - PARD) partnered with Austin’s Continued on page 12

10 Spring 2018 Preservation Committee Update

Kate Singleton, Executive Director

he Preservation Committee has been committee continues to monitor the Heritage survey that would be used to prepare future Tworking on several wide ranging issues. Grant Working Group that will develop the historic landmark and district applications, The committee monitors and recommends new Heritage Grant structure and process. and provide an equitable solution for the action to the Preservation Austin board on designation of historic properties. Many of policy issues that impact preservation. It also The committee has recommended support the items in the HLC Budget Resolution have serves as a resource to, and advocate for, for several important cases that have come been requests identified and recommended historic property owners and neighborhoods. before the Historic Landmark Commission by the Preservation Committee. (HLC), including the Smoot/Terrace Park, The Preservation Committee has continued Rosewood Courts, and Mueller Control Tower If you are interested in preservation policy, reviewing the multiple drafts of CodeNext designations. PA staff attended the HLC the Preservation Committee meets the first and making comments to ensure that meetings to voice this support for these Wednesday of every month at noon. historic preservation and neighborhood district and landmark designations. Come and join us! h stabilization are an integral part of the new code. Additionally, the HLC passed a resolution that detailed its budget Committee members have monitored the requests, including needs progress of the City of Austin’s Visitors identified in the city’s Impact Task Force to review current uses February 2017 Preservation of local Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) and Program audit, along with their impact on tourism, as well as current other projects and goals. tourist activity and what events, venues, or The Budget Resolution facilities those tourists attend while visiting. includes requests for The group reviewed allowable uses of HOT four additional staff, revenues under the Tax Code including parks, funding for surveys, and HERITAGE APPLAUDS historic preservation, cultural heritage, preparation of citywide PRESERVATION music, arts, downtown districts, venues and design standards for Congratulations to the 2017 other facilities. The task force also looked historic properties and Preservation Merit Award recipients, and thanks to at state and national best practices for districts. It also requests Preservation Austin for its leading role in historic tourism and grant programs. The Preservation a study to evaluate the preservation. Committee was briefed every month on the current fee structure task force’s progress, including its important for landmark and local recommendation to overhaul the Heritage historic district zoning Grant program currently managed by Visit applications, and to assess Austin. The committee has noted that closer options for reducing alignment to the state legislation which those fees to increase allows for the use of HOT funds for historic equity. Importantly, the buildings in tourist destinations, including surveys would include those that are privately owned, would an inventory and historic greatly benefit not only preservation but context developed as Frost Bank Tower Suite 1500, 401 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 heritage tourism and the local economy. The part of the citywide 512.505.5000 heritagetitleofaustin.com

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 11 Inherit Austin Haley Wilcox, IA Secretary

nherit Austin was thrilled to continue this egg-stra special event! Special thanks New Instagram to nurture our relationship with to our volunteers and sponsors. campaign alert! UT students at the Student Historic Preservation Association/Inherit Austin Be sure to stop by the IA-sponsored house Help us show some love to the Happy Hour at Scholtz Garten on February 15. at the Preservation Austin Homes Tour on historic signs of Austin by using We love exchanging ideas about the future Saturday, April 28. We’ll be happy to show the hashtag #signsofthetimesATX of preservation with the field’s brightest you around the classic bungalow at 1414 when you’re around town and see rising stars! Most recently, IA held our Brentwood Road, rain or shine. a historic sign worthy of attention. annual Spring event-- the Egg-Stravaganza And, continue to tag us in your at the French Legation on March 24. Adults Find us on Facebook and Instagram (@ posts of Austin culture & history, and kids alike shared in the fun with a inheritaustin) to find out about our especially roadside resources using petting zoo, egg hunt, cascarones, egg roll, upcoming events and campaigns! h #atxroadside. and live music. Stay tuned for photos from

Wood Street, continued from page 10

Parks & Recreation Department and the a commitment to Shoal Creek. Due to Wolaver, Executive Director, Shoal Creek Travis County Historical Commission to work inclement weather, presentations were Conservancy. h with historian Alex J. Borger, to develop moved to the Cirrus Logic event space, the Wood Street marker nomination. The two blocks from the Wood concept to commemorate this important Street Settlement Marker. history was brought to the Conservancy’s Over 100 guests representing attention by former Downtown Austin the larger community, Proudly supports the 2017 Preservation Merit Awards Luncheon Neighborhood Association President and preservation partners, THC, community activist Mitchell McGovern. This Austin Parks Commission, effort was four years in the making. PARD and other stakeholders attended. Students from The Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) Headwaters School, within Undertold Marker Program is a unique and blocks of the original fully-funded program. Featured subjects settlement, also participated. document Texans’ under-represented and Michael Barnes moderated, diverse histories. Texas has the largest with remarks by State marker program in the United States with Representative Gina Hinojosa; approximately 16,000 markers, and the Wallace B. Jefferson, former THC reviews over 300 marker applications Chief Justice of the Texas per year. Supreme Court and current Commissioner of the THC; The Wood Street Settlement marker Jeffery W. Travillion Sr., Travis unveiling event was hosted by the SCC County Commissioner –

Historic Bridges Committee and the Shoal Precinct One; Joe Ramirez of Submit your 2018 Spring Heritage Grants Creek Ambassadors, a newly formed the Travis County Historical application today. For more information visit www.visitaustin.org SCC group of young professionals with Commission; and Joanna

12 Spring 2018 H President’s Message h Ken Johnson

C oming off of a successful strategic year, so many changes are proposed with planning retreat in January, Preservation CodeNext, so many new developments Austin’s Board of Directors has outlined are popping up. Austin is dynamic and organizational goals for the next two beautiful, so it will continue to attract years. After we got through the necessary residents and change. How do we let work of budgets, financial reviews and new, and old, neighbors know about the by-law discussions, the Board engaged history that made Austin wonderful? in more exciting conversation focused on And the good work that continues to opportunities between these groups is the heart of our mission – how to best make it better? outstanding! tell our story and reach more Austinites. The foundation of Preservation Austin is To accomplish these goals, Preservation The National Trust commissioned a study the donors and volunteers who share our Austin has begun a story-telling and in 2017 that found 97% of Millennials “feel passion to “Save the Good Stuff” and we membership campaign. We recently it’s important to preserve and conserve are always looking for ways to spread that selected a marketing team from solicited building, architecture, neighborhoods enthusiasm. proposals and began the process to and communities,” 62% “believe this is expand our outreach. If you are reading important, but have not been involved in We hear the statistics almost every day – this, it means that you, a Preservation this cause,” and 53% are “very interesting so many new people are moving to Austin, Austin supporter, will soon have new tools in getting involved.” so many houses are demolished each and information to share with friends and future supporters. Our Our goals are not without challenges. staff and volunteers work A 2016 Washington, DC preservation plan on advocacy and programs outlines concerns heard in that community: so varied in scope and “poor understanding of preservation,” depth that there is usually “negative attitudes about preservation,” an issue we can share to and “opposition to historic districts” are pique a neighbor’s interest, among the topics discussed in listening including the Homes sessions with residents. Here in Austin Tour (April 28!), CodeNext we can help tell the stories of our places advocacy, realtor training, and people to all audiences to counter and Preservation Speaker similar sentiments. With an expansion in Night, to name a few. strategies and modes of communication, we plan to connect organizations and Preservation Austin interested neighbors with resources to is fortunate to have improve our reach. traditionally been supported by a mature constituency; Please, stay involved and get more now we are seeing involved! Use these places to show they increasing support among are useful and spread the word! a younger demographic as well. Knowledge and advocacy-sharing

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 13 H Education Committee Ann S. Graham, Chair

P reservation Austin’s Education staff PA’s information Committee is as busy and productive table at the SFC and Texas as ever! Farmer’s Markets; and who are gearing up to help at Our 3rd Annual History Hunt was a terrific this year’s Homes Tour! success, held on February 10 in the Blue Bonnet Hills section of Travis Heights. In addition to the EDU’s With the support and assistance of the programming and South River City Citizens Neighborhood volunteering, members Association, generous homeowners, do in-depth research and twenty volunteers, and the talents of planning for our Historic key committee members Sara Luduena Austin Tours app series, and Maddie Clites, over thirty-five youth including our soon-to-be- accompanied by enthusiastic family unveiled tour of Allandale, History Hunt volunteers in Travis Heights’ Blunn Creek Greenbelt.

members raced through neighborhood Brentwood, and Crestview exploring the intersection of preservation streets looking for everything from based on our 2016 Homes Tour. These and restoration with sustainable building parapets to balustrades, rubblework to self-guided tours include compelling practices (or sustainable living practices). Moorish Revival, hipped roofs to dormers. histories, historic photographs, and more This year’s event will focus on “Moving Special thanks to our sponsors Architexas to uncover new aspects of our city’s Not Demolishing” using examples here and Vista Lending and to our prize donors heritage. Available through the Otocast in Austin of the successful relocation Terra Toys, P. Terry’s, Amy’s Ice Creams, app, they draw international attention and integration of vintage and/or historic Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, and Home and thousands of visits! Make sure you homes giving them a second life, rather Slice Pizza. check out all of PA’s tours by downloading than becoming part of Austin’s landfill. Otocast today through Google Play or the Stay tuned! A shout out to our EDU volunteers who Apple App Store.

helped promote PA at the screening of There is always room to join the EDU Citizen Jane: Battle for the City at the Next project is our annual summer time Committee! We meet the third Tuesday Paramount Theatre on January 24; who “Greening Your Vintage Home” workshop of every month from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at the

Preservation Austin office on 500 Chicon. If you have questions, please reach out to PA Programs Director Lindsey Derrington at 512-474-5198, ext. 7724.

Join us!

History Hunters tackle an architectural puzzle. Penelope Otto, our first place History Hunt winner!

14 Spring 2018 Many Thanks to H Our New & Renewing Members

BENEFACTOR Robert Duvic and Dianne Orbeck THANK YOU McBee Family Foundation David and Diane Emmert Maralyn Hare and Colleen Crump TO OUR PA BUSINESS Waterloo Circle John C. Horton, III AMBASSADORS! Robert and Mimi Buzbee John and Ila Falvey Erica and Damien Clark Harmony Grogan Alexander Marchant William Dickson Marina Henderson Catellus William and Regan Gammon Robert Mace and Wendy Weiss Clayton Bullock, Meta Butler Hunt Susan Moffat and Nick Barbaro Moreland Properties Emily Moreland Susan Morrison and John King Diane Humphreys, Peter Flagg Maxson and John C. R. Taylor III Kay Harvey-Mosley and David Mosley Moreland Properties Marvin and Eva Womack Brad and Heather Patterson Generational Commercial Properties Jason Blake Tollett Green Mango Real Estate BUSINESS LEADER Harvey-Cleary Builders designhouse HOUSEHOLD Limbacher & Godfrey Dru Brown, Wilson & Goldrick REALTORS Roger and Christie Binkley Eastside Lumber & Decking Joe Bryson ML&R Wealth Management Project by Project Marketing Paul Cato O’Connell Architecture Communications Bridget Gayle Ground PSW Real Estate Madison and Bess Graham FRIEND Steve and Leslie McConnico Julia Clarke Mary Reed and Rodney Root Joe Thrash Joseph DiQuinzio, Jr. and Sue Littlefield Alex and Karen Pope Michele Webre Michael Holleran Bratten Thomason and Randy Dalton Ann Wheeler and Michael Smith Dr. Emma Linn Tracy and Jean Warren John and Cheryl Sauder Laura Wisdom and Thomas Durnin Inherit Austin Couple/Dual Edward Tasch and Anne Crawford Patricia Albright CONTRIBUTOR Chris Thomas Daniela Cantu David B. West Mary Balk Bradley Kennington Janet Beinke Barbara Langham SUSTAINING Patricia Calhoun Rosemary Merriam Rebekah Dobrasko Donald G. Davis, Jr. Michael Meserole Monica Garcia Priscilla Ebersole Elizabeth Porterfield Leigh Raderschadt Roland Galang Joelle Schulze Katherine Raetz Christine Gilbert Colette Tomasiak Charles M. Peveto Mary and Norman McRee Ted Wasserman Kelly Little Haley Wilcox h PARTNER Molly Martin James Anderson and Sarah Dale Gail Minault Jeff and Pam Autrey Elizabeth Newton Cynthia Brown and Robert C. Bass Michele Ramshur Barbara Surles

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 15 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 2100

P.O. Box 2113 Austin, TX 78768

www.preservationaustin.org [email protected]

H PA Calendar of Events • 2018

Tickets are now on sale for our 2018 Homes Tour featuring Cherrywood, Delwood, and Wilshire Wood! See Page 1 for details.

JUN Summer Grant Deadline AUG Annual Membership Meeting 15 PA offers quarterly matching grants of up to $5,000 for TBA Every August our membership meets to elect a new board a wide range of preservation projects. Nonprofits, of directors for the coming year. Have a drink, meet fellow neighborhoods, public entities, and building owners preservation lovers, and learn more about PA’s education may apply. and advocacy efforts.

JUL Greening Your Vintage Home QUARTERLY Event TBA Our Education Committee’s annual sustainability workshop returns! We’ll explore the intersection Jugging and Jawing Historic Austin Happy Hours of preservation and sustainable building and living Our happy hour series with the UT Student Historic Preservation practices yet again, stay tuned for details. Association continues! Check our website and social media to see where we’ll be this spring.

h Visit www.preservationaustin.org for details and tickets today!