E. F. DENNIS HOUSE
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
1706 East Twelfth Street
Austin, Texas
CARTER C DESIGN ASSOCIATES
817 WEST ELEVENTH STREET
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701
(512) 476-1812
May 2006
BRIEF HISTORY & ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
E. F. DENNIS HOUSE
1706 East Twelfth Street
Austin, Texas
The residential structure located at 1706 E. 12th Street, Austin, Texas, was
inventoried in the Historic Resources Survey of East Austin, prepared by
Hardy Heck Moore & Meyers, Inc. 2000) and is listed as a low priority for
restoration. The structure has been modified over time; especially
noticeable is the drastically altered front porch. It is our opinion that the
low priority was based on the facade and footprint changes that hide and
distort its historic features. It is also our opinion that these changes are
reversible and that social and architectural importance of the Dennis House
can be established.
THEMES
In the Survey Report, Historic Resources Survey of East Austin, the
Historic Overview of East Austin Project Area gives a brief discussion of
the development of Austin and an outline of African American Settlement
within that framework. Strong themes emerge concerning educational and
religious institutions. They provided the social and social service anchors
to a community that was being systematically segregated both in location
and access to services available to the majority community. These
institutions built structures to support the activities and individuals
associated with these institutions were leaders of the community. This
theme of a community providing for itself, building and venerating
institutions in a network with both social and governmental aspects
provides a context for viewing many of the historic resources of East
Austin. The E. F. Dennis house provides a glimpse into the upper middle
class lifestyle whose inhabitants saw their street transition from a racially
mixed residential area of large lots to one of African American ownership
and a commercial thoroughfare that served to define sub neighborhoods of
the east Austin community.
1.
2.
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E. F. Dennis House
Brief History & Architectural Description
May 2006
ASSOCIATION
The house at 1606 E. 12th St. was constructed by Frank J. and Walter D.
Allison of F & W Allison Builders in the summer of 1908. In a short 2 year
period there were several owners until it was purchased by Elias F. Dennis
and his wife Clara L. Dennis in 1910. They retained ownership until 1957,
when they sold the house and the property to the Most Worshipful Mount
Carmel Grand Lodge of Ancient and Free Masons. They built a new, two
story lodge building adjacent to the Dennis House. The lodge still retains
ownership of the structures and the land, and has used the Dennis house as
rental property. (See Figure 3)
3. Aerial photo with Property Lines
E. F. Dennis was a well known African American educator. He was born
February 27, 1888, in Texas. During his career, he was the principal of
the old Anderson High School and also the Olive St School. He was also
a professor at Tillotson College. He continued his career in education in
the San Antonio public schools. Famed folklorist and writer, John Mason
Brewer credited Dennis as the person who suggested and made it possible
for Brewer to secure his first teaching job. Brewer writes that he
considered it a privilege to have known E. F. Dennis as both a friend and
a teacher. Mr. Dennis died in San Antonio, September 14, 1971.
SITE
4.
Situated on the north side of the street, it faces south with a full width
lower level porch. Originally it occupied the southeast quadrant of the
equivalent of a double city lot in the middle of a large block face. There
were several small outbuildings, that are documented on the Sanborn Maps
(See Figures 1 & 2) although none are extant today. The lot is flat and only
shows remnants of the traditional residential landscaping assumed to have
been present from the 1910 to 1959. The front walk, grass lawn, sidewalk
and grass mow strip are evidence of this typical landscape.
The Sanborn maps show changes to the street system. (See Figures 4 & 5)
Between 1922 and 1935 the address of the house to changed from 1606 E.
12th to 1706. During this time period, the rear outbuilding was demolished
and a new side outbuilding was erected. There is little information about
5.
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Brief History & Architectural Description
May 2006
these structures except that they were one story, with composition roofs,
with no porches or overhangs.
The new lodge building (circa 1960) was built very close to the existing
residence. A second storey window of the residence is connected to the
lodge by a wooden walkway.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
The main body of the two storey structure is an excellent example of a
four-square, hipped cottage vernacular architecture prevalent of this
construction period. The original form, including offsets and protrusions
can still be easily identified.
The hipped roof, has a short ridge giving the impression from the street of
a pyramidal roof design The main form is accented by a front gable and
secondary hip at the second level as well as small, hipped, square bay on
the rear of the east side. It currently has composite shingle roofing,
although the main four square roof was originally wood.. The front porch
was also originally hipped and had a composition roof. The form of the
four square is truly transitional. With the E. F. Dennis house choosing the
gabled accent so familiar from the late Victorian vernacular, not yet giving
way to the hipped and central attic roofline features favored in the 1920's.
6. Facade from E 12th Street
The facade detailing is simple but well executed. The trim at the roof eaves
and windows is typical and very simple. The full height top plate forms a
deep, un-ornamented frieze complementing the two story structure. The
enclosed soffits are formed by dimension lumber and care has been taken
to finish all changes in plane or material with quarter round or other
finished trim pieces. It was built in keeping with middle class vernacular
housing of the time and has a remarkable solid appearance from the street.
However, it conveys an even greater stature for it’s owner, as it is the only
two story structure for several blocks on E. 12th St.
7. West Side
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8. East Side
The interior trim and wood work, in the original structure, are beautiful
examples of the craftsmanship of the period. The actual trim pieces were
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Brief History & Architectural Description
May 2006
stock, mill run profiles, however they show an attention to detail and
finishing representing the care with which the original builders executed
their craft. These details are considered a part of the architectural
significance of the property and should be retained and restored to their
original beauty.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The house has vegetation growing onto the siding which needs to be
removed and trees which require pruning. The lawn is mowed and mostly
native and volunteer growth where sun is allowed to pass. There are two
large trees to the rear of the structure, one of which may be
contemporaneous to or predating the building of the house. They should
both be protected as they add to the residential “feel” of the property.
9. View Looking Down Stair
10. Stair Landing
The property was surveyed for the possibility of rehabilitation, in 2002.
Unfortunately in the interim, the exterior has continued to deteriorate and
the interior has been vandalized.
ALTERATIONS
A major visual alteration is the construction of the two storey, civic type
lodge building in close proximity to the residential structure. The walkway
that joins the structures attaches to a window, but the frame and trim of the
window remain intact. It is not known whether the walkway is a required
exit for the lodge.
11. Rear Addition
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There have been significant alterations to the rear of the structure. A single
story addition consisting of a pair of rooms and bathrooms obscures the
original rear elevation. The low sloped roof and the lower room height
further detract from the building’s overall appeal. Although unsightly these
additions are not visible from the street. The addition was not constructed
in the manner of the original design in scale, proportion, or materials. It
was built with a very low slope roof, and has evidence of water intrusion
from the roof and water damage at the sill. It is generally in very poor
condition. Although this addition adds to the overall square footage of the
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house, the layout could have and should be different both to compliment
the main structure and ease movement through the structure as a whole.
Based on these observations the recommendation is to remove the addition
and if the space is needed, rebuild in a manner more complimentary to the
main house style.
12. Added Entrance Landing and Overhang at Front Porch
The most egregious transgression enclosed the front porch and added an
entrance landing and overhang. Anecdotal evidence from members of the
lodge date the enclosure of a screened porch circa 1980.(Shown in photo
taken of the property in approx.1980-81) This new entrance has two doors
and what was the porch has been enclosed to provide additional
conditioned space. The work was not carried out in a manner fitting the
style and craftsmanship of the original structure. The pink brick wainscot
and poorly proportioned wood siding covered walls adversely effect the
overall appearance of the residence. The porch has also suffered water
damage and is in poor condition.
The new wall materials can be removed while retaining the roof structure
to allow a porch in the original configuration to be built. The original
detailing of the porch is unknown as no photographic evidence has been
found. The porch roof profile appears to be original. The original hipped
roof, open porch framing is visible when the ceiling is removed. Original
siding, layers of paint and the existence of porch swing hooks all point to
the original porch construction.
There are other clues that may be used to rebuild the facade openings and
veranda. The gabled decorative dormer on the front, westside of the roof;
the location of the upstairs windows over the doors and windows below; as
well as the rooms into which the doors lead provide clues to the location of
the main entry door and the location of the ground floor windows. The
original framing, when exposed, may positively identify the locations.
13. Original Porch Roof through added Ceiling Joists
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FOUNDATION
14. Original Foundation
The foundation of the main house is masonry piers and wooden beams.
The masonry appears to be the soft Austin brick due to its yellow color and
texture. It has been painted. A full investigation has not be conducted.
The house appears to have demonstrated some differential settlement, but
there is no evidence of beam failure. Leveling by owners over time is
evident. The rear addition also is constructed in a pier and beam design and
is comprised of stacked concrete masonry units. The existence of a footing
or pad has not been confirmed. The rear addition shows signs of severe
deterioration at the floor structure, sill plate, and lower coursing of siding
and can be considered to have failed in some locations.
STRUCTURE / EXTERIOR WALLS
The exterior of this residence is of wood tongue and groove siding and flat
stock trim. The eave and fascia detailing on the original main house is
stock dimension lumber with a concealed soffit. The tops of the window
trim are finished with a simple crown molding and most joints at changes
in direction/or material profile are finished with quarter round material.
Some isolated areas of damage and deterioration are evident and will
require repair.
15.
Siding deterioration with Exterior Wall
Structure showing
The exterior and interior walls of the main structure appear to be wood
framed, 24-inch center spacing, typical of the period. The interior walls
are also ship-lapped but have been covered with various materials
including gypsum board and paneling. The floor framing was not
measured. The wood flooring that was visible suggests that no subflooring
exists. The second floor framing system appears to be of dimension
lumber of at least 2 x 4 size and on at least 24-inch centers.
The addition’s lean-to roof has exposed rafter tails and does not match the
main structure or period.
16. View of Upstairs from Rear Over Addition
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The wood siding is similar to the original, but the care and craftsmanship
of the original construction are lacking. The addition is generally in poor
condition.
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Brief History & Architectural Description
May 2006
ROOF SYSTEM
The roof framing of the main structure was not investigated, although a
brief view into the attic space from below showed no visible signs of
deterioration in that limited area adjacent to the chimney and visible from
the attic access. Indeed the wood members observed seemed to be in
remarkably good condition. The framing appears to be dimension lumber
of at least 2 x 4 size and on at least 24-inch spacing with spaced sheathing
members of a slightly wider dimension than the structure spanning rafters.
By reviewing the outside condition, it appears to be stable and of solid
construction typical of the period.
17. View through Attic Access to Roof and Chimney
The rear addition roof framing, as mentioned previously, is a lean-to
construction with a very low slope and shows evidence of leaks. It will
need to be replaced in its entirety if the addition is to remain. This,
however, is superfluous, if the recommendation that the addition be fully
removed is followed. A new addition would be constructed to compliment
the main house.
The entire residence and front porch would receive a new composite
shingle roof. No gutters or downspouts exist, nor is there evidence of any
previous ones. Some gutters will have to be added. It is noted that eave
venting was not typical in this period and new construction will add venting
where appropriate and as required for optimal mechanical equipment
performance.
WINDOWS
18. Typical Window
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19. Typical Windows
Some of the windows in the house are boarded from the exterior and are
not visible. Where visible the exterior windows are trimmed in flat stock
wood with top crown molding in typical size and configuration for the
period. Most windows in the original structure are large two over two
double hung with single pane glazing. It is possible that some or all of the
upper rear windows have been shortened to accommodate newer kitchen
and bath facilities inside. The lower windows at the rear were removed
and/or relocated when the addition was added. Ghosts of their size and
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location are evidenced by cracking at the interior side of the wall patch.
From the interior it is clear that not all the window sashes exist, but most
have the original trim in place. The trim is simple convex molding and
corner blocks with a simple circular design. The windows should be
restored and maintained, as they add to the architectural character of the
house as a whole.
DOORS
20. Four Panel Door
21. Ornate Exterior Door
A few doors in the original residence are present and in a relatively good
condition. The existing doors demonstrate a typical solid wood stile and
rail 4 panel door. Each panel contains a central raised area. Most doors
have been painted over the original varnish finish. The door trim is present
throughout with a few exceptions. The trim matches the window trim
including circular corner blocks. There are a couple of the four panel doors
that have egg and dart door knob sets. Replacement parts will be needed
for these to be complete and functional. Trim, hardware and door repair is
preferable where feasible, but replacements should closely match the
original in the 1910 building. There is at least one ornate exterior wood
door with detail trim work of rope turned trim and a wreath carving in the
lower field. This door should be restored.
The addition to the rear utilized solid flush wood stock partition doors not
in keeping with the originals.
22. Egg and Dart Hardware
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INTERIOR PARTITIONS AND WALL FINISHES
The original interior walls wood framed, interior shiplap, burlap, paper and
gypsum board. Some walls may have been plastered. There is wood
paneling over the original wall finish in the first floor of the main entry
hall. The original covering is present in the remainder of the main
building. There is paint peeling in multiple locations and is suspected to be
lead based. An investigation is needed to determine the extent of lead and
asbestos content in existing materials.
23. Infill Partition at Front Entrance Hall
Several new partitions have been constructed. They can be removed
without further destroying historic materials. One divides the main hall,
another encloses the upstairs landing and a third reduces the oversized
double door opening from the entry hall into the Living room down to a
standard single door size. Other added interior walls include the corridor
access to the rear addition and closets in several rooms, again they are
easily removed with minimal impact to the original construction. The
infill partitions are wood frame construction with paneling, plywood or
gypsum finishes and no original trim was removed for their placement. It
is recommended that all such infill construction be removed.
The partitions in the rear addition are wood frame with gypsum board
finish and are in very poor condition. They also have peeling paint and
show evidence of water damage.
24. Infill at Oversized Doorway
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25. Infill Closet
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Brief History & Architectural Description
May 2006
MILLWORK AND CABINETS
The wood trim at doors, windows, base boards, and stairs is in remarkably
good condition given it’s age and vandalism. The original varnish finish
remains in much of the main house. The stair is also remarkably well
preserved with its original varnish finish. It is an open stringer design in
a quarter turn layout. The stair has its original balusters which are a simple
straight square design with typical curved rail and large square newel posts.
The Dining room contained a corner cabinet with two panel door cupboard
at the bottom, a central drawer, shelves with glass doors above and an open
rail cap at the top. The cabinet had details to match the door and window
trim and its original varnish finish. The building has been vandalized and
the cabinet no longer exists. Photographic evidence exists and it could be
rebuilt based on that evidence.
26. Stair
27. Original Dining Room Cabinet
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28. Current Condition
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FLOORING
The original flooring is intact in most rooms. There are locations where
vinyl covering or carpet have been added over the wood flooring. These
coverings will have to be removed after content has been determined so
that the original flooring can be assessed. It is recommended that, where
possible, the original flooring be kept, restored and new wood flooring be
added to the balance.
CEILINGS
29. Original Wood Flooring under carpet
The original kitchen ceiling is wood with wall paper that has been covered
with gypsum board. It is likely the construction is typical for the building.
Localized areas have deterioration of differing degrees. Repair and partial
replacement will have to be fully assessed on a room by room basis. The
gypsum board ceiling in the rear addition will have to be completely
removed and replaced if the addition remains.
30. Kitchen Ceiling
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May 2006
FIXTURES
No truly period plumbing fixtures remain. All fixtures installed are in poor
condition.
The condition of lighting and switching was not assessed. No period
lighting fixtures or appurtenances remain.
31. First Floor Kitchen
Both vertical in-wall space heaters as well as baseboard heaters are present
as well as some window A/C units, but it is unknown whether they are
operational. These systems will not be maintained, as they add little to the
character or understanding of the property.
32. Second Floor Kitchen
33. Second Floor Toilet
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34. Baseboard Heater and Window Damage
35. Stove at First Floor Kitchen
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E. F. Dennis House
A.
Brief History & Architectural Description
May 2006
List of Distinctive Architectural Features to be Retained
1.
Exterior
a.
2-storey, hipped cottage with gabled dormer accent.
b.
Open Porch / Verandah
c.
2-over-2 double hung windows
d.
Wood siding
e.
Ornamental entrance door
2.
Interior
a.
Layout of original main entry and parlor.
b.
Stair and stair woodwork. Original stained finish.
c.
Windows, Doors and Window and Door trim
d.
Original hardware
e.
Original flooring in some spaces
3.
Reconstruction
a.
Interior Corner Cabinet
b.
Interior finished woodwork that has been destroyed
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E. F. Dennis House
B.
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May 2006
Prioritized List of Major Repairs/Work
1.
Exterior weatherization / structural repair
a.
Remove addition at rear leaving back more sympathetic condition. Replace square footage with more sympathetic
construction
b.
Remove existing infill structure at front porch. Investigate potential clues to original construction. Build new period front
porch and restore facade.
c.
Foundation and floor repairs including floor boards, joists, beams, piers both masonry and wood and foundation skirt
parging.
d.
Roof repair including flashing, roofing, gutters, down spouts and ventilation with associated structural repair of joists,
beams, deck and columns.
e.
Window and door repair
f.
Exterior repair/replacement of wood siding and exterior paint. Wall stud repair.
2.
Systems & Code improvements
a.
Upgrade electrical service, rewire per code and provide new fixtures.
b.
New HVAC System.
c.
New plumbing fixtures and piping per code.
d.
New insulation for roof and floor per code and walls when otherwise open.
e.
New telephone, data, and TV connections.
3.
Interior Improvements
a.
Removal of inappropriate infill construction.
b.
Interior wall finish repair including plaster, gypsum and wood trim.
c.
Interior door repair / replacement.
d.
Interior cabinets installation.
e.
Interior paint.
f.
Interior wood floor refinish.
4.
Landscape and Site improvements
a.
Install new or repair driveways and walks.
b.
Grade for positive drainage.
c.
Landscape.
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