Posted Sep 24, 2021, 7:03 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Austin, TX / Portland,OR / Chicago, IL
Posts: 14,516
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Dilapidated Congress Avenue buildings move one step closer to reconstruction
Quote:
After a yearslong saga, the owner of three run-down buildings at 907, 909 and 911 Congress Avenue will finally be able to reconstruct the buildings’ facades.
On Sept. 14, the Planning Commission overruled a decision by the Historic Landmark Commission prohibiting facade reconstruction for 909 Congress, paving the way for all three buildings to be rebuilt. The buildings, which have varying degrees of historical merit, have sat in disrepair for years after multiple preservation and redevelopment proposals fell through.
The HLC’s rationale for denying the reconstruction boiled down to preservation methods. The HLC preferred to save the 909 Congress facade without rebuilding it, even though architect Donna Carter said it would be extremely challenging to do so. At the same meeting, the commission allowed 907 Congress to move forward with reconstruction, deeming its facade not salvageable. Both buildings are historic landmarks. Because 911 Congress is not a landmark, it does not need the HLC’s approval for reconstruction.
Leah Bojo, representing the owner, said a tower similar to those proposed in the past is still in the works. But there are no concrete plans yet, “because we have been waiting to make sure we can go forward with the (facade reconstruction),” she said. Any tower proposal would stop by the HLC again before receiving final approval. Because the site is constrained by the Capitol Dominance Overlay, the tower could only be about 200 feet tall.
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