The city’s Historic Landmark Commission seemed content to abide by a rule of thumb that dictates “one historic home per person” at its most recent meeting. Oliver Radkey, a UT professor of Russian history known for his writings on Bolshevism and the Russian Revolution, lived at 1208 W. 22nd St. until at least 1959. He […]
Historic Landmark Commission
The city’s Historic Landmark Commission promotes historic preservation of buildings and structures. The commission also reviews applications and permits for historic zoning and historic grants.
Posted inPreservation
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 landmarks, properties and National Register districts on an advisory basis. They will also apply to […]
Posted inPreservation
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 and 2507 Park View Drive. Commissioners voted 8-2 in favor of the motion, with commissioners […]
Posted inPreservation
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 the Alamo Drafthouse in 2018. At the time, the district explained it had accepted a […]
Posted inPreservation
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 the facade of the building was the topic of discussion at the Historic Landmark Commission’s […]
Posted inPreservation
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 owns the building. The group is seeking a demolition permit, which would enable it to […]
Posted inPreservation
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 in good shape, it lacks the historical significance to warrant an individual historic zoning. Instead, […]
Posted inPreservation
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, are significant due to their location. The Air-Conditioned Village was built in the early 1950s as […]
Posted inPreservation
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 floor and a detached carport at 602 Highland Ave., saying it would disrupt the structure’s […]
Posted inCity Hall
City considers racial equity in Hotel Occupancy Tax distribution
Earlier this month, the city’s Economic Development Department provided an update and offered a handful of recommendations for how it plans to use Hotel Occupancy Tax funds to achieve greater racial equity in Austin. The three high-level recommendations mainly have to do with systems to better serve minority communities – especially those with English as […]
Posted inPreservation
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. Due to the condition of the duplex at 2609 San Pedro St., construction contractor Carter […]
Posted inPreservation
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 owners then petitioned the city for a historic zoning designation for the home at 1607 W. […]