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Preservation
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…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 22, 2023
Landmark commission pushes for ‘partnership’ on Sixth Street redevelopment
Despite trepidation from developers, the Historic Landmark Commission has recommended a heftier review process for Sixth Street properties slated to be redeveloped under proposed regulations. The code amendments, which were initiated by City Council in June 2022, could raise height…
Land Development Code • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 21, 2023
Demolitions get green light at historically brief Historic Landmark Commission meeting
An unusually brief meeting took place at City Hall last Wednesday, with the Historic Landmark Commission bidding adieu to a number of aging properties with little fanfare. The first of two properties approved for demolition was 1904 Raleigh Ave., a…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • May 8, 2023
Planning Commission recommends historic zoning for Broken Spoke
The iconic Broken Spoke dance hall is headed for official historic status, ensuring the venue is preserved as the South Lamar corridor continues to develop. The Planning Commission on Tuesday voted 8-0 to recommend approval of historic zoning for the…
Preservation • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 28, 2023
West Downtown on track to receive national historic status
Austin could soon welcome a brand-new historic district into the mix, with an application for the West Downtown National Register District lined up to get the rubber stamp next month. Located west of the Capitol between Seventh and 15th streets,…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Apr 10, 2023
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…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Mar 30, 2023
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Landmark Commission stalls demolition at former summer camp in Northwest Hills
A sprawling lot in Northwest Hills – once home to a summer camp for boys – could be headed to City Council’s agenda sometime soon, after a move to zone the site historic secured approval from the Historic Landmark Commission…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Mar 23, 2023
Preservationists lament the eroding of Travis Heights at Historic Landmark Commission
The city’s Historic Landmark Commission mourned the steady chipping away of homes recognized in the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district last week, with yet another falling to the housing market’s demand for more contemporary, spacious designs. The application to…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Mar 14, 2023
Historic Landmark Commission votes to keep the party going at legacy venue the Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke will keep its doors open to honky-tonk enthusiasts for the foreseeable future, after a move to grant the venue a historic zoning designation made its way through the Historic Landmark Commission last week. Now 59 years old,…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Mar 8, 2023
Council declines historic zoning for Westgate building
Nine of 11 City Council members voted last week to deny city historic landmark status to the clearly historic Westgate Tower at 1122 Colorado, on a motion by Council Member Zo Qadri, whose District 9 includes the building. Council Member…
Preservation • By Jo Clifton • Feb 14, 2023
Permit to relocate home prevails over proposal to renovate
The Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously at its regular meeting Jan. 11 to permit the relocation of a house at 2203 E. Cesar Chavez St., which was initially proposed for reuse and rehabilitation. The owner of the property, Myung Lemond, was…
Preservation • By Ava Garderet • Jan 25, 2023
Report: ADU expansion, tax relief among city's options to promote preservation
Preservation advocates want the city to simplify the process for building accessory dwelling units, and use an ombudsman position to help navigate city processes as some of the steps needed to save existing housing stock while helping to address affordability.…
