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Preservation
City's East Austin Historic Resources Survey fails first big test
In one of its first tests, the recently adopted East Austin Historic Resources Survey has failed the demolition-seeking owner of a well-known community activist’s home. Adriana Salazar, who is with owners A New Hope Real Estate Investments Inc., spoke in…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Mar 2, 2017
Planning Commission plays Historic Landmark Commission in demolition appeal case
In the first case of its kind, the Planning Commission, acting in place of the Historic Landmark Commission, denied an appeal of demolition permits released in July. Property owner D & L Rent Properties LP originally filed for demolition of…
Preservation • By Joseph Caterine • Feb 27, 2017
Two adjacent East Austin streets, two tales of development
Danny Fowler stands in the middle of his driveway holding a vase full of red flowers. He is taking them to his neighbor, who lives just across the street, over the crest of the steep hill that cuts this East…
Development • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Feb 17, 2017
Pending demolition highlights need for preservation education
After about three months of discussion, a midcentury modern Rosedale home is officially destined for demolition. When the Historic Landmark Commission last took up the proposed demolition, it proved to be a flashpoint for ongoing intra-commission tension. This time around,…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 14, 2017
Council kicks off process to reform Historic Landmark Commission
City Council on Thursday voted to initiate a code amendment that could make it easier for the Historic Landmark Commission to overrule the wishes of property owners. Mayor Steve Adler overcame his own skepticism to vote for the measure, which…
Preservation • By Caleb Pritchard • Jan 30, 2017
For historic grants program, use-it-or-lose-it process leaves dollars unspent
Historic sites around Austin could be on the receiving end of money from the city’s fast-growing Hotel Occupancy Tax if the advisory body formed to examine how the tax revenue is allocated recommends that City Council relax the application process.…
Preservation • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 26, 2017
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Changes coming to Historic Landmark Commission
Mayor Steve Adler went on record at Tuesday’s City Council work session as opposing a loosening of the regulations for the Historic Landmark Commission to begin the process of designating Austin homes as historic. At the same time, Council Member…
Preservation • By Jo Clifton • Jan 25, 2017
Another house, another fight at the Historic Landmark Commission
Once again, the Historic Landmark Commission was transformed into an ideological battleground. This time, the battle was centered on what ultimately proved to be a fairly uncontroversial landmark designation in the North University neighborhood. The Brundrett-Winkler House, which was built…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 18, 2017
Fighting demolitions, Ebony Acres residents hope city will recognize their history
Spurred by a rash of proposed demolitions, several East Austin citizens are hoping to move forward with a historic district for their neighborhood later this month. Late last year, potential demolitions on Grant Street, E M Franklin Avenue and Pennsylvania…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 13, 2017
Travillion steps up to the plate for Montopolis Negro School compromise
Barely an hour after taking his ceremonial oath of office at his first Travis County Commissioners Court meeting, Commissioner Jeff Travillion took on a big special assignment. At the request of County Judge Sarah Eckhardt, Travillion committed to brokering a…
Preservation • By Caleb Pritchard • Jan 9, 2017
Commission says goodbye to would-be east side landmark
Days after City Council adopted the East Austin Historic Resources study in December, the Historic Landmark Commission sent an east side home recommended for historic designation on its way to be demolished. The city’s Historic Preservation Office supported historic zoning…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 9, 2017
County considers calls to preserve Montopolis Negro School building
A group of activists scurrying to preserve a segregation-era schoolhouse brought their case before the Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday. Led by East Austin advocates Fred McGhee and Susana Almanza, the group urged the court to help protect the…
