The Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously Oct. 1 to designate the Calhoun House at 2401 Givens Avenue as a City of Austin historic landmark.

The designation recognizes the midcentury ranch-style house’s architectural character and its community value through long association with educators TC and Thelma Calhoun, who were local civic leaders in East Austin. The commission applied the city’s landmark criteria for architecture, community value and historical associations when making its decision.

Staff told the commission the property exemplifies the California ranch style with a low, long street-facing elevation, attached garage and interior features such as vaulted ceilings and original wood paneling. The staff report also summarized the Calhouns’ civic roles: TC Calhoun served in leadership positions with the Teachers State Association of Texas and participated in local civic organizations; Thelma Calhoun worked as a reading specialist and served in neighborhood organizations and church activities.

Patricia (Pat) Calhoun, the owner and daughter of TC and Thelma Calhoun, addressed the commission in support of the nomination and said the house served as a gathering place for civic meetings connected to her parents’ work. “Designating this home as a landmark will not only preserve a tangible piece of our past, but also serve as an educational resource,” Calhoun told commissioners. Preservation Austin representatives and neighborhood advocates also spoke in favor, describing the house as a contributing property within the Rogers Washington Holy Cross National Register context and noting the family’s long community stewardship.

Commission discussion emphasized the house’s role in documenting African American middle-class homeownership and educational leadership in 20th-century East Austin. Vice Chair Evans moved to recommend historic landmark status; Commissioner Rice seconded the motion. The commission then voted unanimously to adopt the staff recommendation and grant the designation.

The designation places the property under the city’s landmark review process for work that affects protected features. The commission’s action followed public testimony from the owner and from Preservation Austin, which helped prepare the nomination and documented the property’s community history.

The commission did not identify any immediate preservation restrictions beyond the standard review process for landmarked buildings. Future work that affects protected exterior features will require review and approval under the city’s historic zoning rules.

The Calhoun House designation will be recorded in city files and noted in the Historic Landmark Commission minutes. Public materials for the nomination and staff report are on the commission’s docket for Oct. 1, 2025.