[13th_and_Guad]

Historic Landmark Commission met yesterday.

http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=350229

STAFF COMMENTS
The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 under Criteria A and C for its significance in the areas of education and architecture. As such, under City Code, it does not need to meet additional criteria for designation as a historic landmark.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
While staff appreciates the applicant’s sensitive approach to preserving a portion of the finishes of the building in the proposed new design, staff cannot recommend that a building individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places should be demolished. Staff recommends either postponing this case, or initiating the historic zoning case on this building so that the applicant and the Commission can have the opportunity for continuing dialogue on how best to preserve the character and integrity of the National Register-listed building while still considering a proposal for partial redevelopment of the site. In staff’s evaluation, preserving portions of the exterior finishes of the building into an interior space of the proposed new building is not sufficiently respectful of the integrity, design, and significance of the existing building. Providing an opportunity for continuing conversations about the relationship of historic and new may result in a proposal that is much more palatable to both
the owners of the building and the interests of preserving buildings that have demonstrated historical significance.

National Register nomination