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Preservation

Iron Bear demolition paused as landmark commission considers historic designation

With its fate far from certain, the proposed demolition of the warehouse that is home to Austin’s Iron Bear has been put on hold after the city’s Historic Landmark Commission initiated historic zoning on the structure. An outpouring of support…

Controversial Fourth Street high-rise gears up for first public hearing with landmark commission

The Historic Landmark Commission’s architectural review committee hosted an unusually full conference room on Monday, as developers revealed their initial rendering of a 40-floor high-rise that would occupy the majority of a block in the center of Austin’s warehouse district.…

Landmark commissioners stall Travis Heights demolition

Faced with the proposition of losing another historic home in Travis Heights, Historic Landmark commissioners have pushed their decision to another day. On the table is the total demolition of the 1937 house at 1803 Kenwood Ave. in order to…

Staffers provide update on new equity-focused historic preservation plan

As Austin faces rapid change, the city is drafting a new equity-based preservation plan – replacing the existing plan from 1981 – in hopes of better preserving Austin’s cultural heritage.  “Much has changed in Austin over the past 40 years…

Historic zoning for Chrysler Air Temp house draws mixed opinions

An Allandale house that helped pioneer the use of air conditioning in middle-class homes is up for historic zoning against the owner’s wishes. The Zoning and Platting Commission was split Tuesday on whether to recommend historic zoning, as members wrestled…

West Sixth Street's Iron Bear faces demolition 

The Iron Bear, an LGBTQ-friendly bar “for bears, by bears” that is open to all, is facing the prospect of relocating. A permit to demolish the bar’s West Sixth location is currently being reviewed by the city. The demolition permit…

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Developer off to rocky start with unpermitted demolition of former Frisco Shop

Developers of a new housing complex may find themselves in hot water after forgoing approval to demolish the last remaining fixture of a historic restaurant chain on Burnet Road. The Frisco Shop was sold to developer Oden Hughes following its…

Renovation of historic Fontaine building postponed amid calls for more research

A proposal from new tenants of the Reverend Jacob Fontaine Gold Dollar building – the last stronghold of Austin’s oldest Freedom Colony – met resistance from the Historic Landmark Commission Monday. The building has long been on the commission’s radar, acquiring…

Budget pressures impact Council’s verdict on San Jacinto warehouse

Preservation prospects for the Nalley-Shear-Bremond warehouse at 301 San Jacinto St. appear grim. With no motion made by City Council members last Thursday, the case is effectively dead, clearing the path for developers to apply for a demolition permit. After…

Landmark commission weighs case for preserving former home of 'Statesman' editor

A case to preserve the former home of Austin American-Statesman editor Charles E. Green hit the desks of the Historic Landmark Commission this past Monday, and not for the first time. An application to demolish the building at 1505 Forest…

Council takes first vote to declare warehouse historic

On a vote of 7-2-2, City Council on Thursday approved on first reading a request for historic zoning for the property at 301 San Jacinto St. downtown. Council members Pio Renteria and Paige Ellis voted no and Greg Casar and…

Future of El Mercado Uptown uncertain following approval of demolition permit

Nearly five decades of serving frozen margaritas and enchilada plates at 1700 Lavaca Street may be coming to an end in the near future. Finding insufficient support for historic zoning, the Historic Landmark Commission approved an application for 1700 Lavaca Street’s demolition in…

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