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Commission recommends historic zoning for 1712 Rio Grande; owner pledges restoration and nonprofit use
Summary
The Historic Landmarks Commission unanimously recommended adding historic landmark combining district zoning to 1712 Rio Grande Street, a rare American Four Square-style house in Austin. The owner said the plan is to restore the house and use the basement for residences with nonprofit and office uses above.
The Historic Landmarks Commission voted unanimously Sept. 3 to recommend historic landmark combining district zoning for the Margaret Badger and M.H. Reed House at 1712 Rio Grande Street.
Staff presented the nomination and said the 1907-era house is a rare Austin example of the American Four Square variant of the Prairie School, with significant architectural character and associations to local figures. The 2025 Downtown Historic Resource Survey recommended the building for both individual local landmark and National Register consideration.
Applicant representatives told the commission they intend to restore historic character — including opening the front porch — and to add a small rear addition not visible from the street. Architect Terry O’Connell said the project’s plan includes residential use in the lowered basement level and offices for the Shepherd Family Foundation on the upper floors; owner Robin Shepherd said her intent is also to incubate small nonprofits there.
Commissioners discussed the house’s uncommon architectural style in Austin and neighboring landmarks that add context. After a motion to recommend the staff’s proposal and a second, the commission voted unanimously in favor.
The commission’s action sends the historic zoning recommendation forward; subsequent planning commission and city council hearings will evaluate base zoning changes tied to the project’s planned mix of residential and nonprofit uses. The owner said demolition is not part of the plan and that restoration is the intent; a future certificate of appropriateness will be required for the specific restoration work.
