The Historic Landmark Commission on Oct. 1 voted to release a demolition permit for 902 West Johanna Street after requiring the applicant complete the City of Austin documentation package.

Staff described the property as a circa‑1935 Craftsman‑inspired bungalow that is a medium‑priority resource in the Bolton Creek Historic Resource Survey. The property owner and project architect told the commission they had reviewed alternatives including retention of the front façade and relocation, and they said relocation was not viable. The applicant cited structural concerns and said they sought to avoid safety and liability risks if the unoccupied structure failed while vacant.

Point B Design Group, representing the applicant, told the commission the owner had previously repaired flooring issues and had consulted contractors about relocation feasibility. The applicant said the project team had discussed rehabilitation, adaptive reuse and salvage, but that demolition was the preferred option because of structural issues and site constraints. Staff encouraged rehabilitation and deconstruction with salvage where feasible, but recommended release of the permit upon completion of the city’s demolition documentation package.

Commissioner Rice moved to release the demolition permit conditioned on completion of the City of Austin documentation package; Commissioner Taniguchi seconded. The motion carried with one commissioner opposing. Several commissioners noted a recurring need for clearer engineering or structural reports when applicants cite structural failure as justification for demolition; Commissioner Acton and others urged documentation standards for future submittals.

The approved release allows the owner to proceed after delivering the documentation required by city staff; the decision does not designate the property as historic and does not preclude review of salvage and documentation measures. The commission’s approval is recorded in the meeting minutes and the staff will confirm completion of the documentation package before a final administrative release of the demolition permit.