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Commission delays decision on demolition at 1703 Alameda Drive, sends design back to Architectural Review Committee
Summary
A demolition request for a contributing property at 1703 Alameda Drive in the Travis Heights/Fairview Park National Register Historic District was postponed and referred to the Architectural Review Committee after neighbors and committee members raised concerns about compatibility and requested additional design revisions.
The Historic Landmark Commission postponed consideration of a demolition and new‑construction proposal for 1703 Alameda Drive on July 2 and referred the case to the Architectural Review Committee for additional design review.
The applicant, Brian Randall, and owner Sydney Shots presented updated plans the morning of the meeting that shifted the proposal toward a craftsman-influenced design following earlier ARC feedback. The revised plans show board-and-batten and horizontal siding, a low-pitched hipped roof and an inset front porch; the applicants said the new design is intended to better reflect the district’s character and to meet ARC suggestions about massing and materials.
Neighbors and preservation advocates opposed the demolition request in public comments, noting the block retains original, contributing houses on nearly every lot and urging the Commission to require the applicant to explore rehabilitation and addition options rather than wholesale demolition. Speakers included Clifton Ladd and Barbara Silley representing neighborhood preservation interests and Murray Wise, a nearby resident; preservation consultant Terry Myers reminded the Commission that she authored the area’s original district survey and argued for preserving modest contributing forms.
Commissioner Jeffrey Alvarez moved to postpone the item and refer the revised plans to the Architectural Review Committee, with Commissioner Judith Rice seconding. The motion carried with one abstention recorded by Commissioner Rice at the vote to refer (the record shows Commissioner Rice later asked to be shown as abstaining when the referral was taken). Staff said the next ARC review would be July 9 and that the item would be scheduled for the Commission’s August meeting for final action if needed.
Neighbors requested additional outreach and time to negotiate alternatives with the owner; staff reminded speakers that the demolition application will time out after the August meeting if not acted upon and that applicants and neighbors could use ARC review to work toward a design that better reflects district character.
The Commission’s postponement gives ARC an opportunity to review the applicant’s revised plans and to offer further design-direction before the Commission considers the demolition and new-construction package.
