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Historic Landmark Commission postpones 705 West Lynn demolition, refers case to Architectural Review Committee
Summary
After hearing neighborhood objections and seeing a neighborhood‑proposed site plan that retains the front portion of an 1895 house, the commission postponed the demolition request for 705 West Lynn, asked the applicant to bring a revised plan to the Architectural Review Committee, and will reconsider the item at the next HLC meeting.
The Historic Landmark Commission on Feb. 5 postponed action on a demolition application for a circa‑1895 house at 705 West Lynn Street and referred the matter to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for further review and neighborhood engagement.
Staff said the single‑story center‑passage house contributes to the West Line National Register District and the nomination lists the property as eligible for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Staff evaluated the property and concluded it did not meet two criteria for local landmark designation, but recommended the commission comment on plans and consider ARC review and neighborhood discussions as alternatives to total demolition.
Scott Turner, representing the property owner, said the team had explored options and submitted a site plan drafted after meetings with the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association. Turner said constraints include heritage trees (one 29‑inch tree in the front yard and a 35‑inch tree in the rear), site elevation and vehicular access. He said the applicant remains interested in building two units on the lot and that, ‘‘we are still requesting the release for this permit to then move through to the design, which will then have to come back before this body.’’
Neighborhood speakers urged retention of the front façade or partial retention. Angela Hovis, president of the Old Austin Neighborhood Association, asked that the association’s conditional approach be considered: rehabilitation/adaptive reuse or relocation preferred; if relocation or demolition proceeds, the association asked either for a city‑approved site plan in place before any demolition or for HABS documentation. Steve Amess, chair of the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association, and resident Charlie Rice described interior features and neighborhood character they said merited preservation.
Commissioners discussed whether removal of a significant front‑yard post oak would materially change feasibility and whether the owner could show an alternative site plan that preserved the front portion of the structure. Commissioner Harmony Grogan moved to reopen the public hearing, postpone the item to the next HLC meeting, and invite the owner to present to the ARC in the interim; the motion passed unanimously.
Ending: The applicant agreed to continue engagement with ARC and the neighborhood; the commission will revisit the demolition request after ARC review and receipt of any revised site plans.
