Unexpected triplets require more room to live

It’s only natural that when families grow, you need more space to live. However, when you live in a tiny 1945 bungalow like Craig Carter, and suddenly you have triplets, size becomes a serious issue seriously quick. Carter, who lives at 1402 Mohle Drive, presented his solution to the problem to the Historic Landmark Commission at its June 25 meeting. Instead of simply demolishing the historic home and replacing it with “a mildly modern ranch-house-style home,” he found an architect who is willing to adopt his old structure. Amanda Swetman, a project technician with Cornerstone Architects, said that she “absolutely loved” Carter’s house when the project came across her desk. Therefore, she said, “I asked Craig if he would allow us to relocate the house.” She even purchased a lot in the Montopolis neighborhood off East Riverside Drive in preparation for his consent. Swetman explained to the commission that by relocating the home they will “allow (the house) to revitalize another part of Austin without putting up new cookie-cutter homes.” Commissioner Kevin Koch commended this solution, although he said that in the new home design, “I don’t personally like the driveway or the parking garage parking on the street.” Nevertheless, the commission unanimously approved the plan to relocate the home and replace it with a new structure for the growing family.