Austin’s Preservation Office is poised to complete its Historic Resources Survey of the downtown area by the end of the year, wrapping up years of work documenting sites of cultural interest. Preservation Office Planner Sofia Wagner met with Historic Landmark Commission members earlier this month for a progress update on the project, which to date […]
Kali Bramble
Posted inPreservation
Plans to demolish Highland Park home with links to Commodore Perry faces backlash from neighbors
The owners of a West Austin property formerly home to the grandson of Edgar Howard “Commodore” Perry may find their plans to make way for new construction prove more challenging than expected. Last week, the Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously to postpone the request to demolish the midcentury modern residence, which owners claim would take […]
Posted inEnergy
Incentives for customer-owned batteries among new programs in Austin Energy’s pipeline
After ending last year with a successful vote for its Climate Protection Plan at City Council, Austin Energy is taking no breaks to celebrate, moving right ahead with plans to make good on its promises for a more sustainable and resilient power grid. Earlier this month, department heads met with the city’s Electric Utility Commission […]
Posted inPreservation
Burnet Middle School on track for head-to-toe modernization project
A major glow-up is on the horizon for Burnet Middle School, with plans for a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility poised to break ground this summer. The Historic Landmark Commission got a rundown on the $158 million project last week when a permit to demolish the school’s existing digs in North Central Austin made its way to […]
Posted inPreservation
City releases short list for 2025 Heritage Preservation Grant
Bids for the city’s Heritage Preservation Grant are in, and staffers are circling in on the lucky landmarks deemed worthy to snag a slice of the pie. Heritage Tourism Division Manager Melissa Alvarado stopped by last week’s meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission to run through the short list of recommendees, each with their own […]
Posted inRoads
Living Streets Program updates include new funding and street closure modifications
Dirty Sixth may be reopening to car traffic, but a growing number of neighborhoods across Austin are moving in the opposite direction thanks to the city’s Living Streets Program. Back from its holiday break, City Council’s Mobility Committee took to the dais last week for an update on the program, which closes roads to through […]
Posted inPreservation
Commission endorses historic zoning for Castle Hill estate
Another Castle Hill residence is poised to join Austin’s roster of registered landmarks, with owners of 610 Baylor St. winning over Historic Landmark Commission members last week in their bid for historic zoning. Since 1982, the city has granted landmark status to a smaller home at neighboring 608 Baylor St., built sometime around 1903 as […]
Posted inPreservation
On the verge of demolition, neighborhood seeks recognition for Holy Cross Hospital
Recent history has given us little reason to take note of 2600 E. MLK Blvd., where for decades a vacant concrete building has served largely as a canvas for graffiti. But before it was scenery, Austinites traveled miles to visit, pursuing the latest breakthroughs in radiation treatment for cancer patients. The former Capital Area Research […]
Posted inCity Council
From Round Rock’s school board to City Hall, District 6 newcomer Krista Laine gives conservatives a run for their money
If, in the days leading up to 2020, you had asked Krista Laine where she saw herself halfway through the decade, she likely would have told you she’d be back in the world of commercial real estate, where she’d made a name for herself as an appraiser handling land development projects across Central Texas. But […]
Posted inDevelopment
Neighbors join forces to halt plans for new office space in Pecan Springs-Springdale
A proposal to upzone a residential cul-de-sac is ruffling feathers in the Pecan Springs-Springdale neighborhood, with a crowd of neighbors joining the Planning Commission meeting last week to voice their disapproval. The request originally sought to rezone 6102, 6106 and 6108 Cherrylawn Circle from single-family to mixed-use, laying the groundwork for the site of a […]
Posted inPreservation
For local preservationists, Council facilitates a miracle on East 12th Street
City Hall was abuzz with more than just the holiday spirit last Thursday, with City Council adjourning its final meeting to the sound of cheers at a rare victory for preservationists at 1500 E. 12th St. The fate of the Eisenbeiser building, a historic grocery and saloon turned barbershop and music venue, seemed grim just […]
Posted inPreservation
Landmark commission says goodbye to Nau’s Enfield Drug
All good things must come to an end, and the time has come for Nau’s Enfield Drug to join the souls of bygone local staples in the mixed-use afterlife. But first, the Historic Landmark Commission hopes the site’s new stewards can pay the Austin legacy its due homage. The beloved tenant, which held strong for […]