Uncle Billy Disch’s house scheduled for demolition

At the June 25 meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission, the commissioners voted to remove the 1922 home of William Disch, the ex-head coach for University of Texas baseball from 1911-1936, from the 3012 University Ave./101 W. 31st St. property in order to make way for new construction. Currently a multifamily housing unit that is considered affordable, the structure will be replaced with a newer, pricier living quarters. According to Cara Bertron from the Historic Preservation Office, the building does not meet the criteria for a historical landmark designation because it has been significantly altered since its original construction. “For historical association I think a case could be made … however, staff feels that Disch-Falk field is still existing and, even though it was built after his death, is much more strongly associated with his legacy,” Bertron said. Despite dissent from several members of the neighborhood and disappointment from commissioners to see such a home fade into memory, the commission unanimously approved the application to construct new residences on the property.