Shoal Creek bridge could get new designation

At its most recent meeting, the Historic Landmark Commission initiated historic zoning on the West Sixth Street Bridge over Shoal Creek. According to Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky, the bridge was built in 1887 and is almost entirely intact, in terms of its substructure. The Shoal Creek Conservancy is spearheading the campaign to designate the bridge as historic, noting that it is one of Texas’ oldest masonry arches. It is also located at the site of Austin’s very first bridge. Though already on the National Register of Historic Places, a city designation will help get grants to restore the bridge. “It’s an incredible bridge, it really is,” said Commissioner Terri Myers. “The best way to see it is from Hut’s Hamburgers restaurant. Get a seat by the window. I have lived here for almost 30 years and I had never seen it.”