Pending already! Man, that house is awesome, holey moley. Random, but one thing I’ll never quite get, how are all these people in Austin affording these houses? Aren’t we in a recession?
They issued a demo permit for this house yesterday and they are tearing it down today. So sad! People need to get involved in preservation efforts in this city. This is heartbreaking!
Very tragic indeed- I don’t understand why one would pay well over 800k for the property, only to demolish what is arguably a historically significant house to in order to retain a 500k .4 acre mediocre lot?- Why not buy the heavily treed 1 acre estate lot down the street where they tore down the last Roessner house, for practically the same amount of money.
I was alerted to this development at 4506 Balcones and now I sit trying to understand this family’s motive to demolish this architecturally significant historical residence. As an architect/owner of a postwar modern home, I have been involved for years in promoting the value and rarity of these well designed mid-century modern structures. Fortunately, local appreciation of this style has blossomed over the last decade and new owners consider it a badge of honor to reside in one these well thought about spaces.
Many have accepted the responsibility and have lovingly restored their homes making them centerpieces of their neighborhood. These structures have been and will continue to be integral to the desirability of the neighborhood and are deemed “contributing” to the local fabric and are necessary elements required for a “sense of place” by demonstrating the diversity of 20th century architecture. In fact, these houses have now reached the age/appreciation level where they can be candidates for local, state, and national historical designations. And importantly, the architects like Roland Roessner, have now found their place in history and their archives are now in the University of Texas’s permanent architecture collection.
So, it is amazing to me, that these “new” owners desire to demolish the very fabric that was that was responsible for them choosing the neighborhood. If all owners choose this same path, then what would happen to our older established neighborhoods?
We all understand property rights, but it is also as important to understand community responsibilities and accepting stewardship of owning a historical home. It should be understood that the goal is to leave the property in better condition than found. If the home does not meet the requirements of your daily life then move on. If your intention is to radically modify or demolish, then search for something more suitable.
To quote the listing agent, “This is one of the finest and well preserved homes in Balcones Park – a true trophy property. Gorgeous landscaping.”
What about the statement above would indicate to a prospective purchaser to demolish this property?
The tragedy is … there are many, many families that would cherish this home at 4506 Balcones.
Very sorry to see this beautiful home demolished, and wish there had been a way to save it. This is the very type of property that makes this neighborhood valuable and attractive; these smaller, mid century homes were very sensitive to the sites, allowing for our native hills and trees to shine, the very reason people enjoy living here.
er, yes please.
Pending already! Man, that house is awesome, holey moley. Random, but one thing I’ll never quite get, how are all these people in Austin affording these houses? Aren’t we in a recession?
Nope.
Ask a dumb question…
Anyway, I’ve lived in Austin coming up on two years now and STILL get sticker shock!
Tragic news…I just got word from our neighborhood board that a full demolition permit has been issued for this house.
They issued a demo permit for this house yesterday and they are tearing it down today. So sad! People need to get involved in preservation efforts in this city. This is heartbreaking!
Very tragic indeed- I don’t understand why one would pay well over 800k for the property, only to demolish what is arguably a historically significant house to in order to retain a 500k .4 acre mediocre lot?- Why not buy the heavily treed 1 acre estate lot down the street where they tore down the last Roessner house, for practically the same amount of money.
I was alerted to this development at 4506 Balcones and now I sit trying to understand this family’s motive to demolish this architecturally significant historical residence. As an architect/owner of a postwar modern home, I have been involved for years in promoting the value and rarity of these well designed mid-century modern structures. Fortunately, local appreciation of this style has blossomed over the last decade and new owners consider it a badge of honor to reside in one these well thought about spaces.
Many have accepted the responsibility and have lovingly restored their homes making them centerpieces of their neighborhood. These structures have been and will continue to be integral to the desirability of the neighborhood and are deemed “contributing” to the local fabric and are necessary elements required for a “sense of place” by demonstrating the diversity of 20th century architecture. In fact, these houses have now reached the age/appreciation level where they can be candidates for local, state, and national historical designations. And importantly, the architects like Roland Roessner, have now found their place in history and their archives are now in the University of Texas’s permanent architecture collection.
So, it is amazing to me, that these “new” owners desire to demolish the very fabric that was that was responsible for them choosing the neighborhood. If all owners choose this same path, then what would happen to our older established neighborhoods?
We all understand property rights, but it is also as important to understand community responsibilities and accepting stewardship of owning a historical home. It should be understood that the goal is to leave the property in better condition than found. If the home does not meet the requirements of your daily life then move on. If your intention is to radically modify or demolish, then search for something more suitable.
To quote the listing agent, “This is one of the finest and well preserved homes in Balcones Park – a true trophy property. Gorgeous landscaping.”
What about the statement above would indicate to a prospective purchaser to demolish this property?
The tragedy is … there are many, many families that would cherish this home at 4506 Balcones.
Very sorry to see this beautiful home demolished, and wish there had been a way to save it. This is the very type of property that makes this neighborhood valuable and attractive; these smaller, mid century homes were very sensitive to the sites, allowing for our native hills and trees to shine, the very reason people enjoy living here.