A historic grocery store-turned-gallery space on East Cesar Chavez is on the path to landmark designation, with unanimous support from the Historic Landmark Commission to initiate the zoning process.
The zoning case comes as nonprofit Women and Their Work accepts $104,428 in Heritage Preservation Grant funding for roof, foundation, window and door repair to the gallery’s Education Center, an 87-year-old stucco dwelling that once served as the commercial building’s on-site residence. Landmark commissioners voted unanimously in support, citing the site’s architectural significance, historic associations and community value.
“In this case, the importance of community value is on full display by this important nonprofit focused on equitable representation in the arts,” said Commissioner Kevin Koch, who made the motion to initiate zoning. “And the organization is nearly of historic age itself, having served nearly 50 years in Austin.”
The two structures at 1311 East Cesar Chavez St. were built in 1937 by brothers Will T. and Vernon Polk Johnson, whose family spent decades there operating a local grocery store while residing in the on-site home. Since the late 1960s, the property changed hands numerous times, becoming a furniture and appliance store and later a landscape architecture firm. Women and Their Work purchased the property in 2020, with a vision of hosting free art exhibitions and educational programming for the public.
“We’re excited to be here because we love telling the story of 1311 East Cesar Chavez … and we’re committed to preserving these spaces and returning them to the public,” said gallery director Jordan Nelsen. “Historic designation will allow us to maintain the venues as community hubs where we invite audiences to engage with solo and group exhibitions, performances, workshops, group discussions and community gatherings.”
Those interested can check out the venue’s upcoming events at the Women and Their Work website.
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Historic Landmark Commission: The city’s Historic Landmark Commission promotes historic preservation of buildings and structures. The commission also reviews applications and permits for historic zoning and historic grants.
historic preservation: Official actions of a municipality such as the City of Austin taken to preserve structures with their jurisdiction. Preservation is often accompanied by a property tax exemption.
