Preservation
Planning Dept. analysis finds historic tax exemptions came largely west of I-35
More than 90 percent of the city’s historic tax exemptions in 2023 went to property owners west of Interstate 35, with a significant portion concentrated in downtown commercial areas, according to a recent analysis conducted by the city’s Planning Department.…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 20, 2024
Commission fails to reach recommendation on historic zoning for East Austin house
After a series of votes, the Planning Commission failed to reach a decision on recommending historic zoning for an East Austin house, leaving the issue to be decided by City Council without their input. The property at 900 Spence St.…
Preservation • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Nov 20, 2024
On second try, Tourism Commission votes in favor of equity-based preservation plan
The Tourism Commission has changed its stance from last month and approved a recommendation that City Council adopt the Planning Department’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan, which intended to guide the city’s use of hotel taxes dedicated toward historic preservation. Last month,…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 15, 2024
Tourism Commission withholds support of equity-based preservation plan
The Tourism Commission voted to not recommend the city’s proposed Equity-Based Preservation Plan to City Council, which is expected to consider the plan next month. The 5-4 vote, which failed because it didn’t have a majority of the 11-member body,…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 22, 2024
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Landmark commission stalls demo of midcentury Baptist church
As East Austin’s Rehoboth Primitive Baptist Church moves on to roomier digs up north, its congregation is preparing to say goodbye to its home of six decades in more ways than one. What was once holy ground at 5303 Samuel…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Oct 16, 2024
Planners vote to preserve east side building despite developer opposition
The Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward on historic zoning for the building at 1500 East 12th St., which is estimated to have been built near the turn of the 20th century. According to city documentation, over the…
Preservation • By Madeline de Figueiredo • Oct 10, 2024
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East Austin bids adieu to another historic bungalow
After a century on East Austin’s Cotton Street, a little blue Craftsman bungalow is finally biting the dust, with new owners getting the go-ahead from the city’s Historic Landmark Commission to proceed with demolition. A different outcome seemed possible just…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Oct 7, 2024
City taps Rally Austin for funds to buy historic cultural spaces
The city plans to give Rally Austin control over an estimated $11 million designated to purchase historic properties that could enhance tourism and cultural uses. Thursday’s City Council meeting saw passage on consent of a resolution that directs staff to…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 27, 2024
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Applications are open for Austin's Heritage Preservation Grant
The city of Austin is once again opening the floor to bids for its Heritage Preservation Grant, offering funding for preservation and storytelling efforts at historically landmarked sites. The program, funded by the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue, offers sums…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Sep 16, 2024
Historic Landmark Commission votes to preserve east side building over developer's wishes
After a lively series of debates, Historic Landmark Commission members are making moves to halt the bulldozing of a century-old building at East 12th and Comal streets. 1500 E. 12th St. caused a stir this past July when owner Eureka…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Sep 9, 2024
Appeal reveals 'urgent need' to review historic standards
A final attempt to stop the construction of a large second home in the Robertson/Stuart & Mair Historic District failed at City Council last week, despite concerns that its approval could set a worrying precedent for local historic districts citywide.…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 4, 2024
Umlauf Vision Plan aims to revive iconic sculptor's home and studio as museum
Plans to significantly expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum are continuing to drum up enthusiasm, with Historic Landmark commissioners granting the project their blessing last week. The Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan hopes to add thousands of…
