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Historic Landmark Commission reopens debate on demolition of 705 West Lynn Street; postpones to April after mixed votes
Summary
The Historic Landmark Commission on March 5 considered a demolition request for a circa‑1895 house at 705 West Lynn Street, a contributing property in the West Line National Register District, and voted to postpone the case to April after an initial 2–4 split on releasing a demolition permit.
Commissioners at the March 5 meeting took up a demolition request for the single‑story, circa‑1895 house at 705 West Lynn Street, a property staff says contributes to the West Line National Register District.
Staff described the house’s architectural features, ownership history and neighborhood context, and said the property "contributes to the West Line National Register District" but that staff had determined it did not meet two criteria for individual city landmark designation. Staff told the commission that the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) had asked the applicant to provide a plan showing the existing site conditions and proposed new construction, to explain why demolition is necessary and to clarify the health of an on‑site post oak tree.
Scott Turner, representing the property owner, told the commission the site plan he provided compares new construction and preservation options; he said meeting constraints — including trees and lot geometry — make building two homes on the lot economically difficult. Turner said he had consulted the city arborist and that removal of a post oak near the proposed driveway had been approved.
Charlie Rice, an Old West Austin neighborhood representative, told the commission that neighborhood groups opposed demolition and urged the applicant to pursue alternatives that would preserve the house.
Commissioner Kevin Cook moved to "release a demolition permit pending a City of Austin documentation package." Commissioner Carl LaRoche seconded that motion. The motion failed on a 2–4 vote, with four commissioners opposed and two in favor.
After further discussion, Commissioner Harmony Grogan moved to reopen the public hearing and postpone the item to the April meeting and to encourage the applicant to appear before ARC; Commissioner Jaime Alvarez seconded. The motion to postpone passed unanimously (6–0), with the commission advising the applicant to continue conversations with ARC and neighborhood groups.
Staff advised that if the commission releases a demolition permit it can require a city documentation package as a condition; if the application times out, staff said the commission cannot compel the applicant to provide documentation. The commission chose postponement to allow additional ARC review and neighborhood discussion.
