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 […]
Preservation
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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 […]
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Zoning and Platting Commission recommends against historic zoning for Northwest Austin ranch
The Zoning and Platting Commission voted 7-3 to recommend against adding historic zoning to part of the site of the former Running Rope Ranch during a special called meeting on Feb. 6, with Chair Hank Smith abstaining due to a conflict of interest. The Austin Monitor has previously reported on the long process of redevelopment […]
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Council OKs historic zoning for east side house on first reading
On Thursday, City Council approved on first reading only a historic designation for the Romo-Johnson House at 900 Spence St. in East Austin. However, three members of Council abstained from the vote, making it seem unlikely that it will finally gain historic zoning. When the item returns for second and third reading, it will require […]
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Documentary film highlights the history of an 1870s-era home and the story of Clarksville
Everyone involved in the making of “Haskell House and the Story of Clarksville,” a documentary short film about the oldest documented residence within the Clarksville National Register historic district, was recognized by the Austin Parks and Recreation Board at its regular meeting this past Monday. “The Haskell House holds an invaluable piece of our City’s […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Landmark commission strikes compromise on former summer camp
In a departure from its typical focus, the Historic Landmark Commission voted to preserve a local landmark without focusing on its architecture at all. Instead, commissioners voted unanimously to preserve a portion of a former summer camp in Northwest Hills, based on its community value, landscape features and archaeology. The property, which is located at […]
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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 […]
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Council adopts Equity-Based Preservation Plan
After a public hearing on Thursday, City Council approved the Equity-Based Preservation Plan – a new strategy for preserving historic buildings that prioritizes diversity and cultural heritage. The plan was adopted as an ordinance amending the larger Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, a 30-year document for the city’s growth. The Historic Landmark Commission first launched the […]
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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. A recent memo to City Council from Lauren Middleton-Pratt, director of the Planning Department, included […]