Work begins to stabilize historic I.V. Davis home on Old Fitzhugh Rd

At their meeting July 11, commissioners of the Dripping Springs historic commission reviewed and approved a ‘stabilization’ permit for repairs to begin on I.V. Davis historic home located at 100 Fitzhugh Rd.

Contactors are already working to stabilize the structure and repair rotted material in and outside the house.

The applicant requesting approval for the work is Pamela Bosco who plans to repurpose the house for a commercial business, according to the application.

The house is estimated to have been built sometime in the midto- late 1920s with later mid-century additions and minor alterations. The current condition of the home is poor after years of water and pest damage and needs to be stabilized before finishes can begin, according to the application.

A review of the “Complete History of Dripping Springs,” by Carl Waits, reports that the existing structure was an addition to the I.V. Davis home on this site in 1916. The existing structure was added by the Davis family as a two-room addition to the main home. That home was dismantled and its materials used to build another home in 1941. The addition remained and is the structure now being repaired.

Hays county records do not indicate an original construction date for the existing structure.

Water damage continues to threaten the integrity of the structure if not properly repaired. Stabilization of the structure includes deconstruction of rotted material in and outside the home, and deconstructing wooden beams and damaged roof materials to stop further water damage. Contractors will reclaim building materials for the repairs where possible.

Once the structure is stabilized, work can proceed on aesthetic work and finishes according to the city’ design standards for the Old Fitzhugh Road historic district.

Gwyn Sommerfeld joins Dripping Springs Historic Commission

Gwyn Sommerfeld, proprietor of the Drippin’ Inn on Mercer Street, was sworn as a commissioner of the Dripping Springs Historic Commission at the board’s meeting on July 11.

Sommerfeld was appointed to the vacancy by city council last month.

“I’ve always loved history, and Dripping Springs history in particular,” Sommerfeld said. ‘I want to help our city preserve its unique history and the many historic sites in and around this community,” she added.

The Historic Preservation Commission is a seven-member advisory commission responsible for making recommendations to the city council regarding the preservation of landmarks and historic districts within the city. The Commission is also responsible for surveying and maintaining an inventory of significant historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks and properties located in historic districts.

The commission meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month. Commissioners serve a term of two years.

Other commission members include Dean Erickson, (chairman), Ashley Bobel, vicechair) Delbert Bassett, Haley Hunt, Richard Moore and Steve Mallet.

Commission members are appointed by the City Council atlarge and preference is given to applicants with an interest in the historic traditions of the City, and experience in the preservation of the historical character of the City.

To preserve the city’s unique character and architecture, property owners of designated historic buildings must apply for a permit for certificate of appropriateness for any repairs, improvement or modifications to those buildings.