Stories by Kali Bramble
Developing a former summer camp proves to be more than a seasonal project
Efforts to redevelop a former ranch and summer camp in Northwest Austin have hit another snag with the city’s Historic Landmark Commission, which has voted for a second time to postpone the convoluted case. The house at 7304 Knox Lane…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • May 21, 2024
Austin Energy dialing in to climate protection plan
After pausing to rethink its approach, Austin Energy is revisiting its update to the 2030 Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan with a series of workshops set to begin next month. The first of four workshops, scheduled for June 7…
Energy • By Kali Bramble • May 20, 2024
Landmark Commission greenlights demolition for former Mary Lee School campus
A former special education facility for mentally disabled girls may soon be slated for demolition and redevelopment after the plans earned the Historic Landmark Commission’s seal of approval last Monday. The seven-building campus that was once home to the Mary…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • May 13, 2024
State preservation case may halt plans for new athletic facility on UT campus
Plans to bulldoze the historic Steve Hicks School of Social Work building on the University of Texas campus may soon be derailed, with an alumni-led campaign to secure landmark protections winning over the state’s Antiquities Advisory Board last month. Next,…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • May 9, 2024
Austin Energy's climate protection plan timeline comes under fire
After an unpopular first draft, Austin Energy is taking a new approach to update its Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. Staff says the approach, led by a newly hired mediation specialist, will employ strategies that bring new voices to…
Energy • By Kali Bramble • May 2, 2024
Downtown Commission seeks funding for new anti-graffiti department
Sick of seeing your neighborhood sidewalks, street signs and parks defaced but unsure where to turn? Austin’s Downtown Commission is here to help, with plans to create a new Department of Nuisance Abatement to tackle the city’s graffiti problem. Laid…
Austin • By Kali Bramble • Apr 29, 2024
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Amid worsening drought, Austin Water floats updates on conservation and drought contingency plan
As Austinites prepare for another round of scorching temperatures, stewards of their dwindling water supply are strategizing, with updates to the city’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan expected to hit City Council’s desk next week. The new plan, which…
Water • By Kali Bramble • Apr 25, 2024
Historic Landmark Commission to honor Russell Lee, iconic American photojournalist
The longtime home of one of history’s most prolific photojournalists may soon be crowned a local landmark, thanks to a vote at last week’s Historic Landmark Commission. The 110-year-old home, located at 3110 West Ave., secured the commission’s blessing due…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Apr 15, 2024
Landmark commission embraces green initiatives
The Historic Landmark Commission is embracing the environmentalist zeal gripping City Hall, launching a set of policy recommendations last week aimed at tackling preservation goals from a sustainability angle. The recommendation, authored by Commissioner JuanRaymon Rubio, outlines a number of…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Apr 9, 2024
Downtown Commission revisits funding bid for anti-graffiti policy
Downtown Commissioners are once again asking City Council to address Austin’s ongoing battle against vandalism, with the hope of seeing funding for a dedicated anti-graffiti task force on the budget this August. The proposal dates back to March of last…
Austin • By Kali Bramble • Mar 28, 2024
Council tackles landscaping emissions with plan to reboot equipment trade-in program
People still clinging to battered old lawn equipment may soon see opportunity for an upgrade, as City Council looks to reboot a “cash for clunkers” exchange program to incentivize eco-friendly landscaping. The resolution, sponsored by Council Member Ryan Alter and…
Environment • By Kali Bramble • Mar 22, 2024
Preservation victory appears short-lived for Travis Heights home
A 114-year-old home in Travis Heights that narrowly escaped demolition last year might be on the chopping block after all, with neighbors taking to the podium at last week’s Historic Landmark Commission meeting warning of a possible demolition by neglect.…
