The Historic Landmark Commission could soon be going to bat for historic designation of a North Campus bungalow, following the last meeting’s turnout to oppose its demolition. The home, which sits at 701 Sparks Ave. across from Eastwood Park, was built in 1925 in a Spanish Revival style popularized by University of Texas School of […]
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
Preservationists hold out hope for Norwood House restoration project
After a number of setbacks, preservationists are once again eyeing a decadeslong project to return a historic 1920s bungalow overlooking Lady Bird Lake to its former splendor. The Norwood House, which sits on public parkland bordering Interstate 35 and Riverside Drive, has undergone extensive rehabilitation since the launching of a city-backed restoration project in 2013. […]
Posted inDevelopment
Former skate shop cleared for demolition after successful relocation campaign
With No-Comply Skate Shop successfully relocated a stone’s throw from its prior home, the proposal to demolish the now vacant storefront at 812 W. 12th St. has returned to City Hall. The lot, owned by Austin Community College, inspired controversy when news broke of plans to replace the building with a brand-new student parking garage. […]
Posted inPreservation
Preservationists grapple with front lawn makeover at Tarrytown Tudor
A proposal to redesign the front lawn of a historic Tarrytown home is receiving some pushback at the city’s Historic Landmark Commission, putting historic design standards for both landscaping and fencing to the test. The property at 2900 Tarry Trail, built in 1938 by architect Edward C. Gatewood, currently sits atop an open, tree-laden lawn […]
Posted inPreservation
Campaign to landmark Peter Pan Mini Golf gains traction at city’s preservation office
After 75 years in business, Austin’s Peter Pan Mini Golf is hoping to celebrate many more, with a grassroots campaign to zone the site historic beginning to take shape at the city’s Historic Preservation Office. The one-of-a-kind golf course made headlines after news broke that a change in landowners could call the renewal of its […]
Posted inPreservation
Travis Heights “gingerbread house” on track for historic landmark status
Travis Heights preservationists had cause for celebration last week, as a proposal to landmark an iconic neighborhood home broke up the typical routine of demolition and disappointment. The case to rezone the property at 2101 Travis Heights Blvd., known among neighbors as the “gingerbread house,” received the unanimous endorsement of the Historic Landmark Commission, who […]
Posted inPreservation
$2.7 million on the table as Heritage Preservation Grant opens for next round of applicants
As budget season stirs up City Hall, Austin’s Economic Development Department is preparing to share the wealth, with plans to allocate $2.7 million in grants for preservation efforts at historically designated sites. The Heritage Preservation Grant Program, which began accepting applications Tuesday, will fund projects ranging from rehabilitation and repairs to education and marketing at […]
Posted inPreservation
State Theatre slated for head-to-toe renovation project
The State Theatre, the smaller sibling space of the Paramount Theatre and one of Austin’s oldest operating venues, will soon undergo a 21st-century upgrade. Emily Little of Clayton Korte Architects stopped by last week’s Historic Landmark Commission meeting to share details on the upcoming project, which will include a new rooftop lounge, streamlined access to […]
Posted inPreservation
Landmark Commission debates historic exemption for new safe fence ordinance
The Historic Landmark Commission faced an unusual case last week, when a construction proposal at a landmarked home at 1412 W. Sixth 1/2 St. collided with pending City Council action to ban unsafe fence designs. The resolution, which would mandate flat tops for new fences under 6 feet tall and prohibit gaps running 2 to […]
Posted inPreservation
Council to vote on allowing taller buildings along Sixth Street
City Council is set to vote next week on allowing taller buildings along part of Sixth Street, in hopes of bringing more daytime uses to Austin’s most famous stretch of bars and clubs. The plan is to allow buildings up to 140 feet high on properties along “Dirty Sixth”’ between Sabine and Neches streets, as […]
Posted inPreservation
Developers behind Fairmont Hotel revisit historic home relocation battle
With a $600 million development deal allegedly in the pipeline, Manchester Financial Group once again is eyeing a slice of prime real estate across the street from the Austin Convention Center. Since 2016, two historic homes on East Third Street have been caught in a tug of war between the hotel magnate and the city’s […]
Posted inPreservation
East Austin demolition forces landmark commission to grapple with higher powers
Though their comments held no official weight, Historic Landmark Commission members had things to say about a state law that prohibits the city from intervening in the demolition or relocation of buildings owned by religious organizations. Kalan Contreras of the city’s Preservation Office explained that the state laws that govern historic preservation were modified in […]