Historic Landmarks Commission recommends historic zoning for Simmons'Glazer House on West 10th
November 05, 2025 | Austin, Travis County, Texas
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Staff urged designation based on community value and historical associations. "The Simmons Glazer House is one of the most intact examples of that construction," Austin Luke of the Historic Preservation Office said, noting the property's ties to local builder Nick Dawson and to Samuel Glazer, a founding member and longtime secretary of Local 433 of the American Federation of Musicians.
The nomination traces the house's significance to a concentrated building campaign in the 1890s that produced uniform streetscapes in the Zillman subdivision. Staff cited documentary evidence dating the house to at least 1903 and described materials and forms (asymmetrical front elevation, decorative millwork, rusticated stonework on some nearby properties) that contribute to its integrity.
Laurie Martin, representing the property owner, told commissioners the property "started us on a path to be the live music capital of the world," describing Samuel Glazer's role in organizing professional musicians in Austin. Martin said she supported staff's recommendation and offered to answer questions.
Commissioner discussion centered on the mix of architectural and associative criteria. Several commissioners noted the relative rarity of French Second Empire and related stone-work in Austin and said that architectural character and the house's place in neighborhood development weighed in favor of designation. One commissioner said they would rely chiefly on the building's physical characteristics rather than on occupancy alone.
Vice Chair Roxanne Evans moved to accept staff's recommendation; the motion was seconded and passed with recorded abstentions. The commission will forward the recommendation per the city's process for historic zoning.
Votes at a glance: the motion to recommend historic zoning for 1112 West 10th passed (motion by Vice Chair Roxanne Evans; second by Commissioner Carl LaRoche).
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meetingSponsors
Proudly supported by sponsors who keep Texas articles free in 2025
