Historic Preservation Officer Sadowsky honored

Mayor Steve Adler declared Monday Steve Sadowsky Day, giving Sadowsky the city’s distinguished service award for more than 20 years as the city’s Historic Preservation Officer. As City Council Member Kathie Tovo noted, Sadowsky has been a “tireless advocate for historic preservation.” Zoning chief Jerry Rusthoven noted during Monday’s Council meeting that Sadowsky has worked to preserve the history of all cultures, not just the dominant culture. His service has overlapped with a period of unprecedented growth, as noted by Preservation Austin, which last month gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award, saying: “During his time as Historic Preservation Officer, the Historic Preservation Office has been inundated with demolition permit requests and applications for historic landmark designation. Steve has faced these challenges by taking his well-researched stand with conviction, and has weathered many a storm to defend Austin’s historic fabric. He has personally prepared or reviewed hundreds of historic landmark applications, and through that process, shared and uncovered the history of Austin with us all. Preservation Austin is honored to recognize Steve for his years of service on the frontlines of preservation, and for the vital role he has played in protecting and celebrating Austin’s precious heritage.”