the OWANA Owl Newsletter, Summer 2026 (Old West Austin Neighborhood Association)

 

THE OWL - SUMMER 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS Hello Old West Austin neighbors! Here's a preview of what's included in the OWL this quarter.  1. Notes from the Chair 2. June General Membership Meeting Agenda 3. Zoning Updates 4. Events Updates 5. Runoff Election Info 6. CCDC Update 7. West Austin Park Overlook update 8. Neighbor Spothlight 9. Business Member Listing   NOTES FROM THE CHAIR Hello Old West Austin Neighbors, Happy May! It's a time of new beginnings, graduation, and adventure. In that spirit, we look forward to seeing you Tuesday, June 2nd for OWANA's General Meeting. Please bring a neighbor!  Our Location for the June meeting (not the change!): Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church (1725 W. 11th S), from 6:30 to 8:00 pm att. Enter around the back to the Fellowship Hall. (Mathews Elementary is closed while school is out.) At the OWANA General Meeting you will: - Connect with your amazing neighbors. - Hear more about our incredible July 4th parade, which might be the world’s shortest, urban parade, and the funnest for sure. More details on that later in this OWL. On July 4th .... Line up, in front of Fire Station #4 on Blanco.  The parade starts at 9 am, swings the corner and heads downhill to our own West Austin Park for music, yummies, and the USA's 250th celebration! - Learn insights on interior home design from CG&S Design-Build - Enjoy OWA Community Member Spotlights: -- Furry pals with Dr. Michael Mullen & Kate O'Neill (and they'll be giving away a copy of their book!) -- Local veggies and recipes from local chefs, perfect for the spring (valentiful.com). You've seen the inspiring "urban farm" on W. 12th, now hear the insider dirt. :)  -- Plus, the insider scoop from the Texas Tribune's CEO, OWANA's own Sarah Adler Hartman -Share your voice - as we discuss September's meeting, hosting candidates running for City Council Seat District 9. Thank you and see you June 2! Sincerely, Steve Steve Amos 2026 chair OWANA: Building community for current and future generations JUNE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30pm  Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church 1725 W. 11th St General Membership Meeting Agenda draft Welcome  Approve March General Meeting minutes.  Committee Updates: Zoning & Events Guest Speakers - all interesting residents of our neighborhood! [Final order of speakers is TBD]  Maudie Edwards from CG&S Design-Build, Michael Mullen & Kate O'Neill, Charlie Rice & Leanne Valenti from Valentiful, Sarah Adler Harman from Texas Tribune Discussion.  COMMITTEE UPDATES Second Quarter Zoning Committee Report 2026 Zoning Cases: 1308 West Lynn (St Luke United Methodist Church): - C14-2025-0109 APPLICANT:  Graham Brown Consulting LLC (Graham Brown) OWNER:  Rio Texas Conference United Methodist Church   Proposal:  The applicant proposed to rezone approximately 33,100 square feet tract from MF-3-NP to LR-MU-CO. **Application Amended 1.21.2026 to request MF-3-NP to CS-MU-CO-NP for Tract 1 (0.262 acres) and MF-3-NP to LR-MU-CO-NP for Tract 2 (0.324 acres).  The property has been rezoned to allow adaptive reuse of the existing church building for community-oriented retail use while keeping development subject mostly to neighborhood-scale LR-MU standards. A 40-year Restrictive Covenant limits operating hours, outdoor music, traffic changes, and alterations to the historic church structure to help protect nearby residents and preserve neighborhood character. The sale of the property to 1308 West Lynn LP was finalized on April 1, 2026, clearing the way for the proposed development. City Council approved the rezoning on all three readings on April 9. Status:  Closed 1608 W 6th Street: - C14-2026-0006 APPLICANT:  Evan Taniguchi, Taniguchi Architects PLLC OWNER:  Chin Hong (Jimmy) Ng (Lin Asian Bar LLC) Proposal:  The applicant originally submitted a request to rezone approximately 0.52 acres from GO-NP (General Office-Neighborhood Plan) to GR-NP (Community Commercial-Neighborhood Plan) to allow restaurant use. Following discussions with the OWANA Zoning Committee, the applicant agreed to pursue the lower-impact Neighborhood Commercial designation instead. On April 15, 2026, the application was amended to request LR-CO-NP (Neighborhood Commercial-Conditional Overlay-Neighborhood Plan) zoning. The proposed rezoning also includes a Conditional Overlay and Restrictive Covenant negotiated through the neighborhood zoning process with the OWANA Zoning Committee. The proposal reflects a compromise that recognizes West 6th Street’s established mixed-use character while incorporating enforceable protections for nearby residents. The rezoning would allow adaptive reuse of the existing building for a reservation-only omakase-style restaurant, along with limited daytime uses such as Asian cooking classes and occasional corporate lunches. The proposal includes a professionally managed kitchen equipped with commercial-grade ventilation and filtration systems, and no expansion of the building footprint is proposed. The proposed LR zoning, combined with the Conditional Overlay and Restrictive Covenant, would establish clear operating standards and compatibility measures, including limiting restaurant hours to 7 a.m.-11 p.m., prohibiting outdoor entertainment, outdoor amplified sound, and drive-through facilities, and requiring additional safeguards such as commercial-grade odor control systems, restricted delivery hours, enhanced dumpster enclosures, and screening of refuse and mechanical equipment in compliance with City code requirements. The Conditional Overlay would further prohibit a range of potentially incompatible uses, significantly narrowing future development options and reinforcing compatibility with the surrounding residential area. Throughout the process, the applicant worked collaboratively with the Zoning Committee to address neighborhood concerns and refine the proposal into a balanced and enforceable framework for the site. On April 28, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the LR rezoning along with the requested prohibited uses included in the Conditional Overlay. The case is now awaiting a City Council hearing. Status:  Ongoing 1125 & 1127 W 6th Street: - C14-2026-0026 APPLICANT:  Alice Glasco, Alice Glasco Consulting OWNER:  Bradley F. Schlosser, Manager Proposal:  A rezoning request has been filed to change the zoning of a property currently zoned CS-MU-V-CO-NP (General Commercial Services–Mixed Use–Vertical Mixed Use–Conditional Overlay–Neighborhood Plan) to LI-PDA-NP (Limited Industrial Services–Planned Development Area–Neighborhood Plan). The site, formerly home to Phoenix Motor Works, was previously used as an auto repair facility and is currently being used for vehicle storage. The applicant is seeking Planned Development Area (PDA) standards in conjunction with the LI zoning designation for a mixed use office/retail building. Under the proposed PDA standards, all permitted and conditional uses allowed under LI zoning would be allowed on the property unless otherwise restricted. The proposal also establishes modified site development standards, including increased building heights. The proposed building would front W 6th Street at a maximum height of 60 feet, with the structure stepping back after the first 30 feet of depth to allow a maximum height of 90 feet farther south on the site. The Zoning Committee is currently negotiating a Restrictive Covenant aimed at reimagining the streetscape and plaza area as a welcoming, vibrant public space that improves the pedestrian experience along this section of West 6th Street. This effort is part of a broader focus on ensuring that new development contributes positively to both neighborhood livability and the character of the corridor. The goal is to create a more cohesive and inviting streetscape that supports walkability and thoughtful, well-designed public space in collaboration with adjacent developments. This zoning case is waiting to be scheduled for Planning Commission. Status:  Ongoing 403 Orchard Street: - 2026-038798 DA APPLICANT:  Leah Bojo, Drenner Group OWNER:  Steven D. Ogden Proposal:  A proposal has been submitted to demolish a circa 1914 single-story National Folk style house at 403 Orchard Street. The structure features early-20th-century residential design elements, including wood tongue-and-groove siding, original wood-framed windows, a moderately pitched hipped roof, and a pier-and-beam foundation. Historic records indicate that two rear rooms were added in 1944, the only significant alteration since construction. Research highlights the home’s connection to nearby early industrial activity along the railroad corridor. Long-term residents included Leo Payne, an iceman, and Braulio and Maria Quintanilla, who worked as a cobbler and shoe salesman. The Quintanilla family remained in the home into at least the 1950s and raised a child there. The 2025 Downtown Austin historic resource survey identifies the property as a high-priority resource and potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as part of a historic district. Following a meeting with the applicant on April 30, the Zoning Committee noted that only limited information had been provided regarding the historical significance of the structure and any future plans for the site. At that time, they emphasized the importance of preserving contributing structures within the district, noting that cumulative losses could affect the integrity of the historic district designation. They also encouraged additional time for staff to conduct further archival research that could support potential landmark designation. If designation criteria are not met, preservation representatives recommended exploring relocation options for the structure, including financial supported relocation efforts. Given the limited information available ahead of the May 6 Landmark Commission hearing, the Zoning Committee recommended the HLC Commissioners to postpone the hearing to allow for a more complete understanding of the property’s significance and potential preservation options. The Commissioners voted to postpone the hearing. Status:  Ongoing 1208 W 4th Street: - 2026-038813 DA APPLICANT:  Leah Bojo, Drenner Group OWNER:  Ogden Rentals LP Proposal:  A proposal has been submitted to demolish the Quonset hut currently housing Hold Out Brewing and an associated circa 1910 back house next door to the Better Half Coffee & Cocktails. The Quonset hut is believed to have originated at Camp Mabry and was relocated to the site in the 1970s, though permit records confirming the move are not yet available. The structure retains its distinctive curved form, with portions of the original roof structure intact, while later modifications including added wall construction around 2020 accommodate its current brewery use. The adjacent wood-clad back house also serves as part of the brewery operations. Historical research indicates the property was largely undeveloped prior to the relocation of the Quonset hut, aside from the existing back house, with aerial imagery showing minimal prior development on the site. Records regarding earlier site use are limited. A 2025 Downtown Austin historic resource survey identifies both structures as medium-priority resources, with the Quonset hut noted for its association with early modular military construction, including examples used at Camp Mabry. Staff evaluation finds the building retains moderate integrity and meets at least two criteria for potential landmark designation, including architectural significance and possible historical association.  Following a meeting with the applicant on April 30, the Zoning Committee noted that only limited information had been provided regarding the historic significance of the structures or future plans for the site. They emphasized that further archival research could help clarify eligibility for landmark designation and encouraged additional time for staff review given the proximity of the upcoming Landmark Commission hearing. The Zoning Committee also highlighted the importance of maintaining contributing structures within the broader historic district, noting that cumulative losses could impact district integrity. If landmark criteria are ultimately not met, they recommended exploring relocation options for the structures, including financial support for relocation efforts. Given the limited information currently available, a postponement of the case was recommended to allow for further research and a more complete evaluation of the site’s historic significance and preservation options. HLC Commissioners voted to postpone the hearing. Status:  Ongoing    Shout-Out to Amy & Paul McKaig!  A huge thank-you to our neighbors Amy & Paul McKaig for their generous gift to the OWANA Zoning Fund!  Your support helps us protect the charm, character, and historic beauty of our neighborhood. With new development proposals coming in fast, every contribution makes a real difference. Want to join the effort?  A gift to the Zoning Committee Fund helps guide thoughtful, neighborhood-friendly growth while keeping Old West Austin feeling like home.    Thank you for helping our community stay vibrant, connected, and full of character. To make a donation, go to: https://www.owana.org/support/#!form/Donation Click on Add under “ZONING FUND SUPPORT”. Please reference: OWANA Zoning Committee Fund. Donations and participation are essential if we are to be successful in representing you and your part of the neighborhood in more complicated zoning cases.  EVENTS  Thank you to everyone that came out to the Spring Music in the Park! We changed it up and located it at the basketball court/bathhouse area of West Austin Park for a 'natural' ampitheater. We had great feedback from the musicians on this setup! Join your neighbors for a fun 4th of July parade and celebration!  Meet at Fire Station #4, 1000 Blanco Street, at 9:00 am. We'll follow the Blowcomotion Brass Band, who will lead the parade starting promptly at 9:30am. We'll march together to West Austin Park, 1317 W. 10th Street, and continue the celebration at the park with more great music, popsicles and face painting. Thank you to CG&S Design-Build for supporting this great community tradition! See you there! We need volunteers to help us continue these great community traditions!  Help decorate the park for our July 4th celebration - meet at the park on July 3rd, 7-10 am Support our Halloween Pre-Trick-or-Treat party - decorate the park on October 30th, or pick up pizzas on October 31st Chair our Fall Music in the Park event - November 7th, 3-6 pm Contact Renae Alsobrook at renaealsobrook@me.com or text 512-507-4780 for more information and to volunteer. Thank you!     Midterm Elections Info We have all seen the signs around town and commercials on tv, received text messages on our phone, etc. about the upcoming election :)   Early voting started May 18 and will end on May 22. Election Day is May 26. Here is an election guide from KUT News with more information. Particularly relevant to our neighborhood is the Democratic runoff election for Texas House District 49, of which Old West Austin is a part of. This runoff is between Kathie Tovo and Montserrat Garibay.  The Travis County Clerk offers good information for where and when to vote.    Do your research, make a plan, and vote on or before May 26!  Clarksville Community Development Corporation (CCDC) Update As usual, the CCDC is involved with or sponsoring really interesting events that educate us about our neighborhood's unique history.  1. Haskell House is featured in an upcoming film. Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin's Black History was produced by Talib Abdullahi, founder and director of Black History Bike Ride, and Lauren Vunderink. The film will make its world premier at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach. Its Austin premier will happen on June 17th at the Austin Film Society Cinema. The Haskell House has been a stop on every Black History Ride since the Ride began in 2020. Here is the trailer for the movie. 2. Save the Date! The next Clarksville Conversations: Sundays at the Haskell House Speaker Is scheduled for July 12th from 2-3pm. Bob Ward, Chair of the Travis County Historical Commission, will be the speaker. He will talk about the many freedom communities established in and around Austin after the Civil War. Like Clarksville, they were founded by formerly enslaved people as places where they could direct their own lives, freely practice their religion, and reunite with family and friends. He will discuss who established the communities, where they were located, and why they no longer exist. Many of these freedom communities may be places you have never heard of. However, at the time they were established, each embodied the hopes and dreams of newly-free people. Some have only recently been discovered. And although most are marked by little more than an abandoned building an old fence, or maybe a historic sign, they all have a story. Clarksville is the only Central Texas freedom community that still has a physical presence.    West Austin Park Update We are in what will hopefully be a final fundraising push for the Overlook improvements to West Austin Park. Permits are in hand, so we just need to raise the final funds. We have applied for a $100k+ grant from the Austin Parks Foundation and their board is going to be voting on that application in late May so we are trying to show some recent fundraising progress before that date.  One strategy is to have a fundraising happy hour for folks on your street, where people can learn more about the project and meet their neighbors. If any of you are willing to host something for your street (or corner of the ‘hood), we’d welcome the help! Our fundraising efforts are de-centralized with several people trying various strategies. If you have any ideas, time, energy,  or contacts around this, we’d welcome your help! Please contact Shelley Kilday at shelley.kilday@gmail.com.    If you'd like to make a donation, you can do so here. Thank you!  A schematic of the Overlook Project at West Austin Park.  Neighbor Spotlight Two of our neighbors have written a book about a subject that occurs often but could be talked about more. Texas A & M University Press just published Killing Your Best Friend by Michael Mullen, DVM and Kate O’Neill. They have lived on 10th St for almost 30 years and recently had an event at the home of another of our neighbors celebrating the book release. The guest list was almost exclusively Old West Austin folks whose pets Dr. Mullen has helped ‘go home’, as the congregation of Sweet Home Baptist Church says. Upwards of 70 people attended. The book built on Mullen’s 2000+ reflections on each animal he has euthanized since 2002. Together Kate and Michael wrote to many veterinarians who struggle silently with killing animals they have been taught to save and to the pet owners who must make this hard decision about the pet they love and have long committed to help thrive. The book addresses how it can work well and how Dr. Mullen learned to honor a part of his profession that he once dreaded. As one Amazon review already says, ‘Don’t fear the title!’  Also available at Book People, Texas A&M University Press and Barnes and Noble.   We'll hear from the authors at our June 2 General Membership Meeting.  Odds & Ends Photo Descriptions: Top Left: A beauitful front yard vegetable garden on 12th St.  Top Right: Looking toward downtown from the latest design of BEPI Park.  Bottom Left:  A gorgeous passionflower.on a bright day. Bottom Right: Neighborhood pig GiGi enjoying some sun. She's the sweetest!