FORMERLY HERITAGE SOCIETY OF AUSTIN SAVING THE GOOD STUFF
Fall 2014 H Volume 18 No. 4
H 54th Annual Preservation P r e in Merit Awards Celebration s t e s r u vation A
Friday, November 21, 2014 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Driskill Hotel
P reservati on Austin will celebrate its 54th annual Preservation Awards ceremony on Friday, November 21st, at the Driskill Hotel, with featured speaker Johnny K. A.D. Stenger House Campbell, President and CEO of Sundance Square in Fort Worth. The Preservation Awards are presented annually to honor individuals and organizations whose vision and Preservation Austin holds this annual celebration to express commitment to preservation have had a lasting impact our appreciation to preservationists who have contributed on Austin’s diverse and unique cultural heritage. their hard work to protect and promote Austin’s history. Individuals and organizations are honored for their projects, We are delighted to feature Johnny K. Campbell, talents and skills in preservation. Seven awards are selected President and CEO of historic Sundance Square in Fort by a special Awards Committee made up of historians, Worth, who will present Preservation, Planning, and architects, and preservationists who are members of the Profit: a Long-Term Success Story. For over thirteen years, Preservation and Education Committees. See the Preservation Campbell has guided both the growth and preservation Merit Awards article on page 3 that lists all award winners. of Sundance Square, a multi-block downtown mixed-use Sponsorships for the Awards Celebration Luncheon are development in Fort Worth, internationally recognized available now and $100 tickets go on sale October 31st, at for its restored historic buildings and known as a case PreservationAustin.org/events. H study of successful downtown revitalization using historic preservation as its centerpiece. In 2010, Sundance Square received the Urban Land Institute’s International Award for Excellence. Campbell’s presentation will be a timely reminder of how Austin can integrate historic preservation in the future of our urban design, as we embark on revision of our Land Development Code. VOTE REMINDER
Austin’s 10-1 Council Update: Don’t forget to vote for preservation 2014-2015 Board of Directors on November 4th H OFFICERS H If you follow Preservation Austin’s emails and Facebook Shelly Hemingson, President Lin Team, 2nd VP page, then you know that we Alyson McGee, President-Elect Kim McKnight, Secretary submitted a questionnaire Bratten Thomason, 1st VP Vanessa McElwrath, Treasurer to all candidates for their Tom Stacy, Immediate Past President responses prior to early elections. If you have H DIRECTORS H not yet voted, be sure to Paula Aaronson Ann S. Graham Jennifer Marsh check PA’s website blog Sabrina Brown Jerry Harris Scott Mason for candidates’ responses Lisa Byrd Chris Hendel Dennis McDaniel to preservation questions Clay Cary Ken Johnson Andrea McWilliams before you head to the polls. Go to Preservation Austin’s Danette Chimenti Saundra Kirk Lauren Smith Ford website to see which candidates responded to the Samantha Davidson Richard Kooris Bratten Thomason questionnaire and how they stand on preservation issues: John Donisi Tim League Stephen Webb H PreservationAustin.org/blog H VOTING REPRESENTATIVES H Michael Holleran, UT School of Architecture Michelle Slattery, Inherit Austin John Rosato, Landmark Commission Mike Ward, Pioneer Farms
H WATERLOO SOCIETY H Get the earliest notice Paula & Lee Aaronson Dealey & David Herndon of event ticket sales Ann Ash James Hillhouse, IV and updates on the Joanie Schoener Bentzin Courtney & Clark Hoffman latest preservation Carrie Bills Luci Baines Johnson & Ian Turpin BlueCross BlueShield, Charles Stuart Richard Kooris issues in Austin. Booth Heritage Foundation (Suzanne Karrie & Tim League Like us at Deal Booth & David G. Booth) Christine & John Mattsson Sabrina & Jay Brown John Taylor, III & Peter Flagg Maxson facebook.com/ Jan Burrow McBee Family Foundation PreservationAustin Becky & Bob Buslett/Green Pastures Jill & Dennis McDaniel Ann Butler Emily Moreland Lutie Butler Rosemary Morrow Meta Butler Hunt Carole & George Nalle, III Mimi & Robert Buzbee Carol Corley Nelson Karen & Clay Cary Julie & Patrick Oles, Jr. Danette Chimenti Gay & Shannon Ratliff STAFF Richard Craig Jerre & Fern Santini H Tim Cuppett & Marco Rini Tammy & Cliff Shaklee The Driskill Hotel, Scott Mason Aubrey & Charles Smith Kate Singleton, Executive Director Sam & Ty Davidson Lin & Lewis Team Jim DeCosmo Randy & Bratten Thomason Mailing Address - P.O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768 Cissie & Dillon Ferguson Roxanne Varner Physical Address - 500 Chicon, Austin, 78702 Regan & Billy Gammon David Wilson Ph. (512) 474-5198 Fax (512) 476-8687 Ann & Arlen Graham Carol Carpenter Winkel Beth & Tom Granger Patricia Winston & Bill Head [email protected] www.preservationaustin.org Debbie & Mark Hanna Eva & Marvin Womack
2 FALL 2014 H Preservation Merit Awards
Merit Awards for Properties H
A.D. Stenger House 312 Ridgewood Road Josh and Erin Bernstein
Jeffrey’s Compound 1204-A West Lynn Street Larry McGuire, McGuire Moorman Hospitality
Sampson-Nalle House 1003 Rio Grande Street Friends and Neighbors Karey Nalle Oddo, 1003, FLP
Wooldridge Park 900 Guadalupe Street Sarah Hensley, Director City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department
Friends and Neighbors 2614 E. Cesar Chavez Street Jade Place-Mathews, Greg Mathews, Jill Bradshaw
Merit Awards for Individuals or Organizations H
Michael Barnes Media
Texas Historical Commission Stewardship of Austin Properties
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 3 H HERITAGE QUIZ by Rebekah Dobrasko
T he first Friday of every month, Preservation Austin presents our Heritage Quiz on Facebook. We post a photo clue of an Austin historic site and our Facebook friends commence to offering their best educated guesses. The first responder to identify the site wins a gift certificate to Cenoté Coffeehouse. Look for our quiz and show all of your Facebook friends how much you know about Austin’s landmarks. Then, once caffeinated with your free cup of coffee, tell everyone about it. H Like us now at facebook.com/PreservationAustin
Congratulations to our recent winners to date, who correctly identified the following properties:
Deep Eddy Bathing Pool 401 Deep Eddy Drive Winner: Karen Kocher The Deep Eddy Pool opened in 1902 on the Johnson family land outside of Austin. The Johnsons built campsites, rental cottages, and a cable ride on the Colorado River for visitors to enjoy. The beach expanded a few years later into a resort with a Ferris wheel, carousel rides, trapeze swings, and diving towers. Deep Eddy Bathing Beach was destroyed by a flood in 1934. The original bathhouse was destroyed in the flood, and the Works Progress Administration built the current bathhouse, which is a great example of New Deal architecture in Austin. The City of Austin rebuilt the concrete pool after the flood. The area reopened in 1936 as Eilers Park and Deep Eddy Swimming Pool. The pool and its surroundings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places and are a City of Austin Landmark.
Royal Arch Masonic Lodge 311 W. 7th Street Winner: Kim McKnight The Royal Arch Masonic Lodge is a three-story Beaux Arts brick building designed by Texas architects J.B. Davies and W.E. Ketchum. Stephen F. Austin was the first to organize a Masonic lodge in Texas in 1828, even though Mexican law forbade the practice of Masonry. After Texas independence, the new nation issued charters to 21 lodges across the state. Austin’s Lone Star Chapter No. 6 received its charter in 1872. The Lone Star Chapter constructed its own purpose-built masonic lodge, which opened in 1926. The Royal Arch Masonic Lodge had space for commercial rentals on the ground floor and meeting and gathering space on the top two floors. The building continues to serve the Masons today and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to Austin and for its architecture.
Edward E. Zimmerman Cabin 9019 Parkfield Drive Winner: Leslie Wolfenden The Edward E. Zimmerman Cabin is one of the oldest houses in Austin. Built in 1854 by German immigrant Zimmerman for his family, this house is of a rare construction style of stone and wood. When first constructed, the Zimmerman house was five miles from the City of Austin. Zimmerman served as the area’s first postmaster and ran a general store. Zimmerman later built a stone house nearby once his family outgrew the small stone and wood house. The property stayed in the Zimmerman family until the early twentieth century. Now, the house is a Registered Texas Historic Landmark and an example of early settlement in Central Texas. H
4 FALL 2014 H President’s Message H Shelly Hemingson
I t is with great honor that I address One of the great successes I am happy Preservation Austin’s membership to report is that through the combined for the first time as President of the advocacy of the Preservation Austin Board of Directors for the 2014-15 year. Board and our membership, City Council I began my tenure with Preservation voted to approve the budget for an Austin as an office volunteer in 2006, and extensive city-wide Historic Resources then served on the Board and as Chair Survey, which hasn’t been updated of the Historic Home Tour, Rebranding since 1984. This survey is a critical first Marion Sanchez, Tammy Shaklee and and Education Committees. I am excited step in recognizing our historic sites in Tere O’Connell (Board President 2012- to take on this new responsibility of Austin before they are threatened by 13). I hope you join me in thanking each leadership, and I look forward to this development and as our city revises the of them for their many contributions coming year with great enthusiasm. Land Development Code. I want to thank and great commitment to Preservation our membership who answered the call Austin. As I consider the many changes for advocacy and sent personal letters Preservation Austin has gone through to our Council. This is but one example The 2014-15 Officers of the Board are the in recent years – our change in name, of the many successes Preservation following: President, Shelly Hemingson; our rebranding efforts, Pioneer Farms Austin has celebrated recently. I urge President-Elect, Alyson McGee; 1st Vice moving to its independent status, and you to monitor the blog on our website President, Bratten Thomason; 2nd Vice our Executive Director of ten years and to read the Preservation Committee President, Lin Team; Secretary, Kim having moved on – my goal as president update in this newsletter so you’re McKnight; Treasurer, Vanessa McElwrath; this year will be to bring stability to aware of Preservation Austin’s continued and Immediate Past President, Tom Preservation Austin as we take a deep advocacy. Stacy. These seven individuals are breath and move forward with deliberate joined by several other Board members confidence. I am proud of the changes In closing, I’d like to welcome new to comprise our Executive Committee, our organization has successfully Board members, and some who have which assures the smooth operations embraced and they have shown positive returned after years away, all of whom of Preservation Austin between Board results: Our budget is growing stronger, I am thrilled to work with this year; meetings. our membership continues to increase, Chris Hendel, Lauren Smith Ford, Sam and our programs and advocacy have Davidson, John Donisi (Board President, Already our Board of Directors, PA proven effective. As president in the 2007-08), John Rosato (Board President, volunteers and staff are busy assuring midst of these changes, my initiative 2011-12), Clay Cary, Richard Kooris, Dennis a successful upcoming year protecting is to promote our existing strengths, McDaniel (Board President 2005-06), and preserving Austin’s cultural heritage. continue to focus our Board resolutely Jerry Harris, Vanessa McElwrath and With their demonstrated commitment toward our refined mission, and to do Ken Johnson. Each brings their personal and with the support of our members, my part in carefully guiding Preservation skills and talent to our shared work in I look forward to this term with great Austin through the transition of our protecting Austin’s treasured historic confidence in our future successes to new Executive Director. Stability is places. As we welcome new board “save the good stuff.” critical this year, because despite these members, I also want to acknowledge changes, our mission does not waver, those who have finished their terms Sincerely, and my intention as President is to and will be leaving the board. All will be maintain that focus as we navigate greatly missed; Jim DeCosmo, August change. Harris, Emily Little, Melanie Martinez, Shelly Hemingson Peter Flagg Maxson, Maureen Metteauer, H
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 5 H Neighborhood History Series
H Travis Heights
by Emily Freeman Reed
A lthough the neighborhood south of Riverside Drive, west of I-35, east of Congress Avenue, and north of Live Oak Street is often generally referred to as Travis Heights, the area is comprised of at least eight separate subdivisions established between 1876 and 1930. Platted in 1913, Travis Heights is the largest of the subdivisions, located east of Blunn Creek. Blue Bonnet Hills, a subdivision encompassing about 115 Historic bungalows in the Bluebonnet Hills section of Travis Heights properties north of Leland Street and west of East Side Drive, has applied for platted south of the river in anticipation Travis Heights, platted in 1913, was the designation as an Austin Local Historic of the desirability of the area for next large subdivision to be developed District. As some of the first subdivisions development. in south Austin. The original subdivision south of the river, the neighborhoods of plat included about 985 lots on 235 Travis Heights figured prominently in the In 1876, James Swisher’s son, John Milton acres, located immediately south of development of south Austin, and the city Swisher, subdivided 180 acres of the Riverside Drive, east of Blunn Creek, as a whole. family farm into lots along both sides of and extending south to Burleson Road South Congress Avenue. Fairview Park, (Live Oak Street). Developer William The Colorado River served as the established by Charles Newning and Stacy secured a streetcar line in the southern boundary of the 1839 plat his partners William Stacy and George neighborhood, which extended down of Austin; the city limits were not Warner, was platted in 1886, north and Travis Heights Boulevard. The first extended south of the river until 1891. east of the Swisher Addition. Newning electric streetcars came to Austin in In 1852, James G. Swisher granted Travis established a line of horse-drawn 18914 and service was extended to South County right of way through his farm omnibuses that carried southsiders Austin when a line was constructed for a road connecting Austin to San across the bridge; the fare was exclusive across the Congress Avenue Bridge Antonio that would later become South of the bridge toll, which he subsidized.3 (completed 1910). At its largest, the Congress Avenue. Development was Although Fairview Park enjoyed some streetcar system in Austin extended limited, however, by the lack of a reliable early success, including the construction north to Hyde Park, across the river crossing over the Colorado River. After of several large homes for prominent down S. Congress to Live Oak, and the collapse of several wooden bridges, Austin businessmen, growth in the along Academy Drive to Travis Heights an iron bridge was constructed in 1883, district was limited by two factors: the Boulevard.5 financed by a toll.1 The City of Austin and small market for large homes and lots as Travis County purchased the bridge and well as wealthy Austinites’ disinclination The late 1920s and early 1930s were an opened it to the public free of charge in to live south of the river, separated from important period in the development of 1886.2 At the time the free bridge was the employment and political center of south Austin. The effects of the Great opened, two residential areas had been town. Continued on page 7
6 FALL 2014 Rainwater, continued from page 8 H Travis Heights
Neighborhood Series, continued from page 6 Depression were countered somewhat in-filled previously by New Deal programs, which worked undeveloped to pave streets and build bridges and lots, creating an parks.6 Although citizens had been eclectic mix of petitioning the City to pave South styles and periods Congress since at least 1916, the 90-foot of construction. wide paving to Riverside was finally Travis Heights area completed in 1931.7 In 1928, the Dallas subdivisions platted engineering firm Koch and Fowler in the 1920s and developed the first comprehensive later reflected more planning document for the city of Austin, rapid and uniform which recommended that all of the land development in along Blunn Creek between the river and terms of style and East Live Oak Street become parkland. scale. Blue Bonnet Much of the land that comprises Hills was over Historical map of Travis Heights* today’s Blunn Creek greenbelt was 60 percent built out by 1935, with an Avenue bridge. Development in South initially platted as part of residential overwhelming majority of the homes Austin still paled in comparison to the subdivisions. In 1929 the City purchased constructed in that period executed in growth of the city north of the river. almost all of the land that would the Craftsman and Tudor Revival styles. In 1950, the population south of the comprise Big and Little Stacy Parks and The demographics of residents also river was only 15,000, compared to the greenbelt from individual property shifted; in contrast to the wealthy first a population of 132,000 for the city owners as well as the developers of the residents of Fairview Park, Blue Bonnet as a whole.12 The first high school in Travis Heights subdivision. Hills was a working-class neighborhood South Austin, Travis High School, was comprised of a mix of owners and constructed in 1953, and in 1956 Oltorf By 1931, 600 lots had been sold in Travis renters. Street was extended to connect Lamar Heights, with 171 homes built.8 By 1937, Boulevard and the new Interregional over 300 homes had been built, and A flood in June 1935 caused significant Highway (I-35). developer Harwood Stacy described damage to South Austin. The Statesman the year as the neighborhood’s best noted in 1936 that the businesses that In recent decades, a renewed interest in to date.9 Meanwhile, in Fairview Park, were destroyed “have been replaced the larger Travis Heights community has sales had slowed since the initial by bigger, more attractive structures.”10 prompted an increase in demolitions, as opening, and parts of the neighborhood South Congress Avenue continued buyers are willing to purchase developed were subdivided to create smaller lots. to develop as a commercial corridor, lots and raze existing structures in order Woodlawn and Norwood Heights were including several roadside motels. The to build new, larger residences in this subdivided from Fairview Park in 1926 Austin Motel was established in 1938 desirable location. The greater Travis and 1930, respectively. Blue Bonnet and the San Jose Motel was built a year Heights neighborhood has been working Hills was platted in 1928, and the small later. According to a 1939 issue of the on Local Historic District designation Roy C. Archer subdivision was platted South Austin Advocate reflecting on the for the past several years in an effort in 1935. Although early development history of South Austin, in 1909 “South to protect the historic character of the in Fairview Park and Travis Heights Congress was a muddy lane with three community. Blue Bonnet Hills seeks to was characterized by grand Victorian grocery stores and one market”; by 1939 be the first of several subdivisions to homes on large lots, more modest there were 13 groceries and markets and gain designation in the neighborhood. homes dominated development in the many other types of business.11 In 1941, late 1920s and later. Within the earliest the South Lamar bridge was constructed, 1“Early Austin Bridge,” The Texas Public platted subdivisions, bungalows slowly providing an alternative to the Congress Employee, January 1969. Continued on page 8
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 7 H Preservation Committee Update
Lin Team and Caroline Wright, Co-Chairs
T he Preservation Committee meets retaining historic structures and additions so it can retain its historic twice-monthly to discuss preservation their materials with demolition and status.
issues brought to our attention by recycling ordinances; • Committee members have spent the public, architects, developers, City • Consulting with property tax officials months of work in public meetings staff, or planners needing assistance, to discuss assessments in Historic and behind the scenes to try to save as well as PA members and staff. Districts; a significant and rare International Members of the committee are • Meeting with a private consulting Moderne Style house at 3805 Red preservationists, restoration architects, firm seeking stakeholders to improve River, which the owner, who never historians, Realtors®, developers, Austin’s Permitting and Inspections lived on the property, applied for planners, experienced neighborhood process for historic structures. demolition to leave an empty lot. advocates, and other professionals with At press time, this case is currently A few of our proposals and advocacy expertise in various aspects of historic pending second reading at City efforts recently implemented include: preservation. We hear presentations Council. H from individual or groups who seek our • City Council approved City Historic advice or endorsement. The committee Preservation Office staffing & funding then discusses the items, recommends for an updated city-wide Historic Neighborhood Series, continued from page 7 a position to the Executive Committee Resources Survey. or Board and if approved, PA takes that 2Ibid. • The Dabney Horne House, a West position to City boards and commissions, 3Austin Weekly Statesman, Vol. 18, No. 27, Campus property we advocated for Ed. 1, Thursday, May 23, 1889. City Council, or works with the individual heavily over the past year for which 4A.T. Jackson, “Austin’s Streetcar Era,” The or group requesting assistance. Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Vol. 58, Council upheld Historic zoning, has The committee frequently works in No. 2 (October 1954). been sold by owners who wanted 5 cooperation with other organizations Ben Wear, “Streetcars Redux” Austin- to move and alter the house, and it American Statesman, March 8, 2010. that share our objectives. is now beautifully restored by new 6Elizabeth Smyrl, “Travis County,” Handbook of Texas, http://www.tshaonline.org/ owners and used for an office and handbook/online/articles/hct08. The following are just a few of the retail shop. 7Austin City Council Meeting Minutes, projects the Preservation Committee has March 7, 1929; Austin Daily Statesman, worked on: • The Clarksville Baylor House, under January 5, 1916, as transcribed in the 1916 threat of demolition several months Austin File Chronological, Austin History • Preparations for Austin’s 10-1 City Center. ago, is an important structure for Council elections, acquainting 8“Stacy Firm Has Fostered Many Additions,” Austin’s African American history Austin Statesman, August 12, 1931. candidates with Austin’s historic and a contributing structure to the 9“Travis Heights Develops Rapidly,” clipping preservation needs and informing our in Austin File Collection S6300: Subdivisions— Clarksville National Register District. membership of candidates’ positions Travis Heights, Austin History Center. It received public attention when the 10Mike Clark-Madison, “Our Little Town,” Austin on preservation; neighborhood and PA advocated for Chronicle, December 4, 1998. 11 • Monitoring the Land Development its Historic zoning. While it was not South Austin Advocate, Centennial Edition, #21, Vol. 3, April 28, 1939. Code Revision to ensure that awarded H zoning by Council, the 12Mike Cox, “South Austin Comes of Age,” preservation is part of the LDC owner decided against demolition Austin-American Statesman, 1976, clipping in Rewrite; Austin File Collection S6290: Subdivisions— and hired a new architect who has South Austin, Austin History Center. • Submitting a proposal to Austin worked with the neighborhood and Resource Recovery to support will restore the house with sensitive *City of Austin, Tx, Use District Map, 1939, Map #452, Map Collection, Archives and Records Program, Texas General Land Office, Austin, TX
8 FALL 2014 H
MEET PRESERVATION AUSTIN’S NEW DIRECTOR, KATE SINGLETON
J oin us in welcoming Kate several of the historic districts, Singleton, Preservation both commercial and residential, Austin’s new Executive Director in Dallas and Plano. She also starting on October 27th. Kate wrote preservation ordinances has over 30 years’ experience in for cities, as well as revisions for historic preservation, downtown the Dallas and Plano preservation preservation commissions and revitalization and economic and ordinances. Kate was instrumental downtown associations around community development. She served in the development of the highly Texas. She presented at several as Chief Preservation Planner for successful City of Dallas Historic Tax state preservation and downtown the City of Dallas, Planning Manager Incentive Program. She also wrote conferences including Texas, Arizona for Downtown Dallas, Inc. and State amendments to the Dallas building and Arkansas, as well as the National Coordinator of the Arizona Main code, some of which were codified Trust for Historic Preservation Street program as well as Main into the International Existing Conference. Street Manager in Waxahachie and Building Code. She completed over Grapevine. $150 million in Federal Historic Tax Please help us welcome Kate when Credit projects, and she conducted she joins office staff on October 27th! Kate wrote design guidelines for training for numerous historic H
H Education Committee Update Ann Graham, Chair
The Education Committee recently • Instagram: @preservationaustin.org The Education Committee also helps to resumed its once-per-month meetings • Pinterest: look for Preservation organize the Green Your Historic House after the summer break. Their purpose Austin’s Pinterest board and post series, the Historic Austin Tours iPhone is to develop new events and projects favorite historic architecture images app, and other special workshops and for the PA membership, and to partner there. events. Committee members are often with other organizations with similar • YouTube: Check out our YouTube the volunteers at events who help set preservation goals. Highlights of the channel for Preservation Austin up, serve refreshments and stay late to committee’s recent work include upcoming videos, including a clean afterwards. If you see a volunteer developing a greater social media trailer for the Judge’s Hill history at one of our many PA social events presence for PA. Please visit and follow video available for grade-school please take a moment to say thanks! H these new social media sites. classes, and a message from Board member Tim League, founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, about Preservation Austin Business Memberships.
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 9 H Preservation Heroes By Liz Carmack
Gregory Smith, National Register Coordinator, Texas Historical
Commission Gregory Smith
G regory Smith, the National Register Texas Historic Sites Atlas. “It was a great in Texas. There are more than 3,100 coordinator at the Texas Historical introduction to the state’s geography, listings statewide, and more than 180 Commission (THC), likes to say he’s cultures, and history,” he recalled. “I’ve in Austin. For instance, the Old West from “far northeast Texas -- specifically been to every county courthouse at Austin Historic District -- 106 blocks of Rochester, New York.” He arrived in Texas least once.” Smith has been the state’s residential development and park land in 1995 after working as a museum National Register coordinator since 1999. west of Austin’s central business district curator, a historian and a volunteer – includes more than 1,500 contributing for preservation organizations such as What is the National Register? buildings.
Preservation Pittsburg. Smith studied The National Register is the national art history, with a concentration in inventory of historic places, and its As coordinator, what are your main architectural history, as an undergraduate guidelines are used by various federal responsibilities at the Texas Historical at the University of Buffalo, and earned programs to evaluate historic properties. Commission (THC)? his Master of Arts degree in history and National Register listings are the Processing National Register a museum studies certificate from the culmination of research and written nominations is just a small part of what University of Delaware. “I’ve always been documentation that supports a property’s I do. Under Section 106 of the National interested in material culture, from small significance and makes an argument for Historic Preservation Act, the federal artifacts to buildings,” he said. its preservation. programs staff in the THC’s History Programs Division (of which I am a part) During his first year at the THC in 1996, How many National Register properties reviews the National Register eligibility Smith surveyed and photographed does Austin have? How many of non-archeological properties that may hundreds (perhaps thousands) of official statewide? be affected by federally funded, licensed, Texas Historical Markers, from the top of or permitted projects, from cell phone the Texas Panhandle to the southern tip Each listing may include numerous towers licensed by the FCC to highways of the Rio Grande Valley, as a travelling properties (buildings, structures, sites, funded through the Federal Highway historian for the agency’s Historical and objects, sometimes combined in Administration. We also review eligibility Markers 2000 program. The markers’ districts), so it’s difficult to determine locational data went into the THC’s new the exact number of listed properties Continued on page 11
10 FALL 2014 Preservation Heroes, continued from page 10 Tourist Camp), a segregated public What is something you think most for the federal and (after January 1, 2015) housing project (Santa Rita Courts), Austin residents don’t know about the state preservation tax credit programs. two swimming pools (Deep Eddy and architectural history of their city? Barton Springs), the Moonlight Towers, a The variety of Austin’s historic German beer hall (Scholz Garten), a 1960s I spend the good part of a typical day architecture is amazing; people should high-rise (Westgate Tower), and Seaholm responding to phone and email inquiries set aside the time to explore the city’s Power Plant. It’s not just the Capitol and from people who want to preserve or neighborhoods on foot, especially the assorted mansions. research a place that’s important to ones you don’t routinely experience. I live them. My goal is to give them some in Crestview, but I’m especially drawn to Where can readers go to learn more direction and lay out their options. East Austin. Sometimes the National Register is part about Austin’s National Register of a recommended course of action, but properties? Are there any recent trends in the I routinely refer them to other people Visit the Texas Historical Commission’s particular properties people are or programs that can best address their website at thc.state.tx.us, and explore seeking National Register listings for? needs. Depending on their situation, I the Historic Sites Atlas, atlas.thc.state. Many buildings of the 1960s and 1970s might suggest that they talk with local tx.us. The THC’s National Register page are now considered historic or potentially officials, preservation groups such as features recently-listed properties with historic. There is also a great interest Preservation Austin or Preservation links to the nominations, thc.state.tx.us/ in preserving places that represent our Texas, or THC staff in the Main Street preserve/projects-and-programs/national- ethnic and racial diversity. program or the Division of Architecture. register-historic-places. We are working with the National Park Service to scan What are the top things people should What’s one of your favorite Austin each nomination for posting online. consider before they decide to pursue a properties on the National Register? National Register listing? I always bring visitors to the Briones Since you deal with the entire state, can There are many misconceptions regarding House at 1204 E. 7th Street, which was you offer a comparison of how Austin the National Register, so we begin the built by Genaro Briones as a home for approaches historic preservation ethics consultation process by explaining the him and his wife Carolina beginning as opposed to other major Texas cities? benefits (and limitations) of designation. in 1947. By day he was a mason and Each city is different. In places like We also describe the nomination bricklayer, but in his spare time he Austin, it’s a constant struggle to find process, determine if a property is designed and built the concrete block balance between preservation and eligible for listing, and also whether or house and covered it in tinted and the desire of developers to maximize not listing it would serve the needs of sculpted stucco, inspired by the work return on investment. We (and by “we” the applicant. Our recommended course of his friend Dionicio Rodriguez. It’s a I’m stressing that preservation is a of action is tailored to each situation, hidden gem in plain sight. group effort) must continually educate and the National Register listing may be ourselves to capably explain the benefits just one part of the solution. What Austin property on the register of historic preservation, which positively has the most unusual story? effects the overall quality of life and How much time should someone I think each one has a good story to tell, makes good economic sense. However, expect to put into it? but I’m not sure which ones qualify as many Texas cities are facing the opposite It takes about a year to go through the being “unusual” in a city that unofficially dilemma, with blocks of empty historic process; sometimes a bit less and often promotes itself as a being weird place. buildings and no way to stem the loss of more, depending on the complexity of The variety of listed properties might population. I’m constantly reminded that the property and its history. I’ve written a be considered unusual by some; the list not every Texas city is Austin. includes an early motel (Bluebonnet Continued on page 12
PRESERVATION AUSTIN 11 H Inherit Austin H Michelle Slattery, Chair
INHERIT AUSTIN is Preservation Austin’s young professional membership level whose purpose is to cultivate an emerging group of preservation enthusiasts, by hosting social networking, cultural and educational events, including family activities. Inherit Austin’s vision shares that of Preservation Austin’s— preserving Austin’s architectural and cultural past by protecting the city’s important landmarks and historic fabric, and safeguarding its unique Formosa - Elizabeth Ney Home & Studio character.
Annual membership dues for Inherit Austin include all the benefits of PA 5th Annual Somewhere in Time Sunday, November 16 membership, plus additional Inherit Dinner Party 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Austin member-only events. At Formosa - Elisbet Ney 304 E. 44th Street Individual membership - $65, Home & Studio Couple’s membership - $90 To join Inherit Austin please visit PA’s membership page of our website, preservationaustin.org/get-involved/ njoy a fabulous gourmet dinner of the 19th century Formosa became E inherit-austin and drinks under the stars at a salon - a gathering place - for Formosa, Elisabet Ney’s historic influential Texans drawn to “Miss Ney” studio and home. In 1892, European and to the stimulating discussions of portrait sculptress Elisabet Ney politics, art and philosophy that took Sponsorships and $100 tickets (1833-1907) purchased property in place there. Following Ney’s death in available, at preservationaustin.org/ Austin, established a studio she named 1907, her friends preserved the studio events. H Formosa, and resumed her career as a and its contents as the Elisabet Ney noted sculptor of notables. At the turn Museum.
Preservation Heroes, continued from page 11
nomination for a well-documented building in two weeks, but property. That seems to be the biggest concern when we are the review process added another five months to the timeline. working on district nominations. Also, listing does not require that properties be maintained. H Are there any public misunderstandings about National Register properties that you often have to correct?
The National Register does not restrict in any way a private property owner’s ability to alter, manage or dispose of a
12 FALL 2014 H Thank you to our Charter Business Members
This summer marked the launch of our new Business Membership and we’d like to acknowledge our very first Charter members who helped us get started by joining before August 31st.
Check out links to these businesses on the membership page of our website, and support the businesses that support Preservation Austin!
Business Ambassadors Business Leaders
u JobeFabrications Custom Furniture, Bryan Jobe u The Fairview Austin Hotel, James Ballard
u Norwood Tower, LP u Corridor Title Company, Kim Fernea
u Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, Tim League u ARCHITEXAS, Stanley Graves
u Clayton & Little Architects, Emily Little u Coldwell Banker United REALTORS®, Carolyn Grimes
u Volz O’Connell Hutson, Architecture and Interior u JBGoodwin REALTOR®, Alyson McGee Design, Tere O’Connell, Candace & John Volz u Asakura Robinson Company, Margaret Robinson u He’s For Me, Offline Matchmaking Service for Gay Men, Tammy Shaklee u Betty Saenz REALTOR®, Historic House Specialist
u Project by Project Marketing Communications, u The Broken Spoke, Annetta White Tracy Sullivan u Wilhelm Law Firm, Jack Wilhelm
To join as a business member, simply go to PA’s website, preservationaustin.org/get-involved/membership and click on the membership of your choice.
Business Ambassador is $500 and includes all the benefits of a $500 Advocate membership, plus a website link to your business, PA social media support (Facebook and Twitter), a prominent listing in our quarterly print newsletter, and a PA window decal.
Business Leader level includes all the benefits of a $250 Friend membership, plus a website link to your business, PA social media support (Facebook and Twitter), a new member listing in our print newsletter, and a PA window decal. H
13 PRESERVATION AUSTIN 14 FALL 2014 H Our New & Renewing Members Many Thanks Waterloo H Partner H Gwendolyn & Stephen Webb Inherit Austin H Sabrina & Jay Brown Jennifer Boerner Blythe and Chris Wilson Michael & Patricia Albright Karen & Clay Cary Suzan & Charles Bradbury Donna & Davis Baldwin Sam & Ty Davidson Robin Brown Contributor H Medora & John Barkley Ann Graham Gayle & James Browne JGordon Alexander Jane Bloor James Hillhouse, IV Ila & John Falvey Barry Beeson Maria Bonet Richard Kooris Maydelle & Sam Fason Betty Bird Virginia Boswell Karrie & Tim eague Alegria & Charles Hibbetts Terrell Blodgett Beverly Brooks Carol Nelson Lea & Paul Holubec David Conner Bob Daemmrich Julie & Patrick Oles, Jr. Russell Korman Margaret Cowden Susie & Salvatore Dudley Roxanne & Roxanne Varner Sally & John Nyfeler Marie Crane Milton Felger Karey & Chris Oddo Marcia Curtis Sharon Fleming Business Ambassador H Thomas & Lyn Phillips Donald Davis, Jr. Eleanor Hanlon Nancy Burns, Norwood Tower LP Kay & Leon Whitney James Dick Paul Knaus Bryan Jobe, JobeFabrications Martha Withers Rebekah Dobrasko Racheal Lute Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse Paul & Patricia Youngdale Barbara Douglas Luisa Mauro Cinemas Debra Drescher Carolyn McFarland Emily Little, Clayton & Little Household H Donna Edgar Rachael and Harold Reed Architects Peter & Patricia Andersen Cora Jane Farmer Lauren & Stephen Shallcross Tracy & Michael Sullivan, Kathryn & LarryAnderson William Garner Sandra Shannon Project by Project Pam & Jeff Autrey Gay Gillen Audra Tiemann Floylee Goldberger Tracy & Michael Sullivan, Derek & Maureen Barcinski H Project by Project Mikal & John Boardman Ron Greening Milad Taghehchian, Pioneer Wealth Judy & Doug Brown Linda Guerrero Candace & John Volz, Volz O’Connell Johnsie & John Bryan Jo Sue Howard Hutson Douglas & Margaret Danforth Jeff Hunt Suzanne Deaderick Annette Lucksing Molly Martin Business Leader H Gina & John Donisi Amy Evens Melanie Martinez James Ballard, The Fairview Austin Harmony and Jacob Grogan Nick Naccarato Hotel Rosemary & August Harris Pat Patten Kim Fernea, Corridor Title Company John C. Horton, III Carol Pirie Stanley Graves, ARCHITEXAS Kelly & Monte Hunter Austin Saengerrunde Annetta White, The Broken Spoke Penelope Hyslop Stephen Sharpe Jack Wilhelm, Wilhelm Law Firm Sara & Mark Kennedy Joyce Strombert Jeff Kerr Virginia Stubbs Friend H Paul King Barbara Surles Jeff and Toni Albrecht Keith Lamy James Ward Robert Bass Sarah Marshall Edwin Williams Christine & John Butler, IV Vanessa & Mac McElwrath Leslie Wolfenden Sue & Joe DiQuinzio, Jr. Lisa & Jim Perzan Carolyn Wright Carol & David Jones Linda & James Prentice David West Mary & Gregory Shattuck Alton White, Jr. Janelle & Ted Siff Custis Wright Carey Smith
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 • 2014
NOV Inherit Austin’s 5th Annual Somewhere in Time DEC Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 16 Dinner at Formosa 15 7:00 pm, Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Elisabet Ney Home and Studio, 304 E. 44th Street, Street, austintexas.gov/hlc 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, $100 per guest MAY 23rd Annual Historic Homes Tour, Austin through NOV Historic Landmark Commission Meeting 2 the Ages 17 7:00 pm, Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 W. 2nd 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. $23 Members/$28 Non-members. Street, austintexas.gov/hlc SAVE THE DATE.
NOV 54th Annual Preservation Merit Awards Ceremony H Tickets to Events available at: 21 The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos Street, 11:30 am - www.PreservationAustin.org or 512-474-5198. 1:30 pm, $100 per guest