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Preservation

Landmark commission embraces common historic design standards for Austin

The Historic Landmark Commission has given its unanimous support to proposed design standards aimed at making it easier for neighborhoods to create historic districts in the city. If approved by City Council, the design standards will apply to existing historic…

Air-Conditioned Village to lose two more houses

Two more houses in a development that once served as a test bed for bringing central air conditioning to the American middle class are scheduled for demolition. In a single vote, the Historic Landmark Commission approved demolition permits for 2505…

Landmark commission OKs historic zoning for Baker School and its parking lots

The Historic Landmark Commission voted to zone the entirety of the Baker School property historic at its recent meeting, despite a staff-supported alternative that would omit the surrounding parking lots. AISD sold the school, which was built in 1911, to…

Landmark commission postpones decision on Congress mural

A building at 506 Congress Ave., just a few blocks from the Texas Capitol, could soon be the site of a new mural – but not before additional review. A proposal to paint a mural with a soccer motif on…

Landmark commission moves to block demolition of Delta Kappa Gamma building downtown

The Historic Landmark Commission has voted unanimously to initiate historic zoning for the Delta Kappa Gamma International Headquarters Building, against the owner’s wishes. Currently, 416 W. 12th St. continues to serve as the office building for Delta Kappa Gamma, which…

Landmark commission stalls stone cottage demolition

The fate of a stone cottage on Elizabeth Street hangs in the balance after a postponement at the Historic Landmark Commission last month. Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky said while the house at 910 W. Elizabeth St. appears to be…

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Two more homes from the Air-Conditioned Village slated for demolition

The Historic Landmark Commission voted at its Oct. 26 meeting to again postpone discussion on the proposal to demolish a pair of homes located in Austin’s Air-Conditioned Village until its November meeting. The two houses, at 2505 and 2507 Park View Drive,…

Landmark commission OKs rooftop deck in historic district

The Historic Landmark Commission has approved a renovation plan in the Smoot/Terrace Park Historic District that includes a rooftop deck, possibly setting a precedent for such decks going forward. Neighbors had objected to plans that would add a rear second…

Historic zoning denied for former residence of women's health advocate

A West Campus duplex that was once home to a notable women’s health advocate will soon be demolished after the Historic Landmark Commission met last Monday evening and voted against historic designation and in favor of demolition for the home.…

'Air Temp' home to be restored rather than demolished

Following months of hand-wringing from the community and negotiations between city staff and property owners, the “Air Temp” home at 2502 Park View Drive is going to get a new lease on life. On Sept. 28, the Historic Landmark Commission…

Travis County now has an African American Cultural Heritage Commission

As of Sept. 8, Travis County officially has a commission dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African American cultural heritage. “We see a lot of the African American communities, artifacts and heirlooms being destroyed as we grow in size…

Mary Baylor House receives recommendation for historic zoning

The house of civil rights activist Mary Freeman Baylor had been run-down for years until new owners bought the Clarksville property in 2014 and began fixing it up, on the heels of a thwarted attempt to demolish the house. The property…

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