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 […]
historic preservation
Official actions of a municipality such as the City of Austin taken to preserve structures with their jurisdiction. Preservation is often accompanied by a property tax exemption.
Posted inPreservation
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 […]
Posted inPreservation
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 […]
Posted inPreservation
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 […]
Posted inPreservation
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 […]
Posted inPreservation
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 […]
Posted inPreservation
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 […]
Posted inPreservation
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, the commission narrowly voted against supporting the plan, with a handful of commissioners feeling the […]
Posted inPreservation
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, takes away an expected piece of support for the plan that proponents said will help […]
Posted inPreservation
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 work with the economic development group and other relevant entities to develop a plan for […]
Posted inPreservation
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 Holdings, which holds a large swath of real estate along the 11th Street corridor, filed […]
Posted inPreservation
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. The home is planned in the neighborhood roughly between the French Legation and the Texas […]