As Dallas-based Stream Realty moves forward with efforts to revitalize more than 30 properties it owns along East Sixth Street, the company is evincing a notable shift in strategy: preserving historic buildings instead of replacing most of them with new construction. “We just really feel good about the retail story in Austin,” said Paul Bodenman, […]
Preservation Austin
This organization was founded in 1953 in order to protect the architectural and cultural legacy of Austin, and works with city, state, and national organizations and governmental bodies to do just that.
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
Planners vote to preserve east side building despite developer opposition
The Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward on historic zoning for the building at 1500 East 12th St., which is estimated to have been built near the turn of the 20th century. According to city documentation, over the building’s century-long history it was a neighborhood grocery store, the meeting place of Black fraternity […]
Posted inPreservation
Legacy grocery and botanica in East Austin on its way to landmark status
An East Austin grocery-turned-herbal and spiritual goods shop is on its way to securing historic zoning protections, with Historic Landmark Commissioners voting unanimously last week to punt the case to the city’s Planning Commission. Commissioners say that Green and White Grocery, which has stood at the intersection of Waller and East Seventh streets since 1938, […]
Posted inPreservation
Council approves review of historic preservation incentives, with eye on equity
City Council wants incentives connected to historic preservation to be used more equitably, and has directed the city manager to review and suggest changes to city policies that could result in more historic designations in East Austin. Last week Council passed the resolution as part of its consent agenda, opening the door for discussions with […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Sixth Street reboot gets first Council OK to raise building heights
In one of the most significant moves to remake the city’s downtown entertainment district along East Sixth Street, a Dallas developer has received the first OK aimed at raising mixed-use buildings up to 140 feet high to the area. Last week City Council voted 9-0 to move forward with a proposed amendment to the city’s […]
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
Council OKs Smoot Terrace Park Historic District
Council gave final approval Thursday to creation of the Smoot Terrace Park Historic District just west of downtown, after neighbors decided to eliminate three properties owned by people who signed a valid petition opposing the historic district. That meant Council could designate the district without a supermajority of nine votes – which is required by […]
Posted inRadio
Austin Monitor Radio: Preservation Austin
Preservation Austin Executive Director Kate Singleton joins Austin Monitor editor Liz Pagano for a conversation about preservation, Austin’s growth and (of course) CodeNEXT. It’s all embedded below for your listening pleasure: [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/335527365″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /] The Austin Monitor’s work is made possible by donations from the community. Though our reporting covers donors […]
Posted inPreservation
Why would two homes cross the street? Preservation.
Though there were some initial reservations about the plan, Historic Landmark commissioners unanimously approved the relocation of two downtown homes at their last meeting. Commissioners approved the release of relocation permits for 606 and 608 E. Third St. on the condition that the developer, Manchester Financial Group, complete a state-required archaeological study and follow through […]
Posted inPreservation
Roessner-designed home slated for demolition
There are many factors the city weighs when considering what is and isn’t a historic property. On Monday, the Historic Landmark Commission considered the cost of expensive, ongoing upkeep that only delays the inevitable. Though no one cast doubt on the home’s architectural pedigree, Jagjit Yadav, who owns 3800 Balcones Drive and lives there with […]
Posted inPreservation
“Risky” demolition permit plan inspires preservation effort for downtown church
In August, a suggestion to pursue a demolition permit for Austin’s St. Martin Lutheran Church sparked controversy in the congregation and preservation community. Though no decision about the permit has been made and church leaders maintain the permit is a means to gather information, the prospect of tearing down the church remains a point of […]