SAVING THE GOOD STUFF

Summer 2017 h Volume 21 No. 3 Separate but Equal in Austin: L.C. Anderson High School by Rebekah Dobrasko he old Anderson High School building sits atop a small hill at 900 Thompson Street in East Austin, just east of Pleasant Valley Road. This building, constructed in 1953, is the fourth to house L.C. Anderson High School, Austin’s only high school for African American students during the era of segregation. The school is significant not only as Austin’s historic black high school. The building itself reflects the social context of the growing American population after World War II, the fight to maintain segregation in schools by building new black schools to be “separate but equal,” and national trends in school The former Anderson High School, main entrance today planning and school design. It is still owned by the Austin Independent School District Learning Center and as the East Austin designations. The school is outside the (AISD), used as the district’s Alternative headquarters of the Boys and Girls Club. boundaries of the city’s recent East Austin AISD’s recent facilities master planning Historic Survey. Photo courtesy of Austin History Center, APL process targets the old Anderson High School The first high school for Austin’s black for redevelopment students opened in 1889 in a small one- for new educational room building on the corner of San Marcos purposes. Preservation Street and East 11th Street. By 1908, the Austin intends to keep school district constructed a new frame an eye on AISD’s plans high school on Olive Street. The third for old Anderson, and is Anderson High School building, named working with the alumni after educators E.H. and L.C. Anderson, association and AISD to opened in 1913 on Pennsylvania Avenue erect a historical marker and Comal Street. The Olive Street school at the school and to became an elementary school until it closed in the late 1940s due to declining Science classroom in 1955 pursue other historic Continued on page 3 SAVE THE DATE

History Hunt in Blue Bonnet Hills 2016-2017 Board of Directors Saturday, June 24 (postponed from May) 9 – 11 a.m. FREE, RSVP required h executive commitee h Blunn Creek Greenbelt, check-in near the intersection John Donisi, President Vanessa McElwrath, 1st VP of East Side & Lockhart Drives Ken Johnson, President-Elect Richard Kooris, 2nd VP Clay Cary, Treasurer Looking for some family fun now that school’s out? Join us for Samantha Davidson, Secretary our annual History Hunt in Travis Heights’ Blue Bonnet Hills! Alyson McGee, Immediate Past President This architectural scavenger hunt engages K-5 aged children and their families in learning about Austin’s historic neighborhoods. h BOARD MEMBERS h This year’s event, presented with the South River City Citizens Clayton Bullock Ann Graham Michael Strutt Neighborhood Association, will be our first in South Austin. Families Richard Craig Chris Hendel Lance Stumpf Tara Dudley Lori Martin Matt Swinney will follow clues to (top secret) stops throughout Blue Bonnet Hills, Lauren Smith Ford Dennis McDaniel Caroline Wright learning about architectural elements and the neighborhood’s Eileen Gill Dewitt Peart history along the way. Sack races, hula hoops, and other activities will abound. Refreshments will be provided at the finish line, where h Representatives h prizes will be awarded to the race champions. Michael Holleran, UT School of Architecture Charles Peveto, Austin History Center This event is free! All children must have an adult chaperone. Michelle Slattery, Inherit Austin RSVPs to Programs Coordinator Lindsey Derrington at programs@ Bob Ward, Travis County Historical Commission preservationaustin.org are required by Thursday, June 22. h BENEFACTOR h Prizes provided by Terra Toys, P. Terry’s Burger Stand, Amy’s Ice Tim Cuppett & Marco Rini Creams, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds and Home Slice Pizza. McBee Family Foundation (Robert F. McBee, President)

Sponsored by: h WATERLOO CIRCLE h Paula & Lee Aaronson Richard & Laura Kooris Booth Heritage Foundation Lori Martin & Stacey Fellers (Suzanne Deal Booth) Peter Flagg Maxson & John Taylor Clayton Bullock Dennis & Jill McDaniel Robert & Mimi Buzbee Vanessa & Mac McElwrath Clayton & Karen Cary Alyson McGee & Mark Wolfe Kent & Reenie Collins Emily Moreland Richard Craig George & Carole Nalle, III Presented by Preservation Austin and the South River City Sam & Ty Davidson Carol Nelson John Donisi & Gina Hinojosa Patrick & Julie Oles, Jr. Citizens Neighborhood Association. h Tara Dudley Mary Paver Dillon & Cissie Ferguson Dewitt & Jane Peart William & Regan Gammon Charles Aubrey Smith, Jr. H Staff Eileen Gill & Kevin Pruitt Michael Strutt Ann S. Graham & Arlen Johnson Lance & Alyson Stumpf Kate Singleton, Executive Director Tom & Elizabeth Granger Matt & Kara Swinney Lindsey Derrington, Programs Coordinator Susan Cope Griffith & Linda Team & Lewis Donelson Curtis Fuelberg Jill & Stephen Wilkinson Mailing Address - P.O. Box 2113, Austin, TX 78768 Chris & Abby Hendel Patricia Winston & Bill Head Physical Address - 500 Chicon, Austin, 78702 Meta Butler Hunt Marvin & Eva Womack Ph. (512) 474-5198 Fax (512) 476-8687 Ken Johnson Caroline Wright www.preservationaustin.org [email protected]

2 Spring 2017 Anderson High, continued from page 1

enrollment and poor building conditions. That school later burned. The Comal Street school building became Kealing Junior High School when the “new” Anderson High School opened in 1953. That building burned in the 1980s, although Kealing Middle School still remains at the site. The 1953 Anderson High School is one of only a few schools remaining to tell the story of black public education in the Capital City.

The late 1940s and early 1950s were

a time of great growth and change in APL Photo courtesy of Austin History Center, 1913 Anderson High at 1167 Comal Austin. Soldiers, both black and white, segregation was, in fact, illegal. The NAACP Austin architectural firm Kuehne, Brooks, returned from fighting overseas and began unveiled this argument in Sweatt v. Painter, and Barr. The new school had a modern settling down and starting families. AISD its landmark 1950 Supreme Court case to design, with a flat roof, banks of aluminum planned for new schools to accommodate desegregate the University of Texas Law windows that allowed light and air into student body growth. Austin needed new School. the classrooms, and a modern heating white high schools to serve the growing system. It had twenty-five classrooms, populations in the south (William B. Austin’s Negro Citizens Council pressured including spaces for art, music, science, Travis High), north (McCallum High), the AISD for better schools and better home economics, business, and industrial and west (O. Henry Junior High) sides of equipment. A study showed that Anderson classes. A new cafeteria held state-of-the- the city. However, since East Austin was High needed new buildings, improved art food equipment, and a gymnasium and the segregated portion of the city for lighting, lockers, bathrooms on each floor, football field on the campus led to the 1953 African Americans, it planned for a larger and a larger cafeteria. Anderson High Anderson campus becoming a true center black high school only in the east. At was the last AISD school to rely on coal of Austin’s African American community. the same time, the National Association for heating. One former teacher recalled for the Advancement of Colored People her science classroom equipment: “an old Anderson High is significant as an intact (NAACP) began a sustained legal fight Bunsen burner, some rocks, and a tuning example of the mid-century modern for equalization between black and fork.” The school’s athletic fields were school. Schools similar in appearance to white schools in the South. This legal about ten blocks away from the Anderson were built across Austin and fight quickly moved to an argument that school itself. As a result of the push to across the nation. These were mostly Photo courtesy of Austin History Center, APL desegregate schools, white built out of concrete and brick, as steel politicians and school districts was still in short supply after World War across the South began II. AISD had to get federal Department of upgrading and building new Education approval to use 273 tons of steel black schools. Historians call in Anderson High. Ultimately, Anderson these “equalization” schools. High School cost a little less than $900,000 The 1953 Anderson High School to build. It was expanded again by six was an equalization school. classrooms in 1959.

In 1948, AISD purchased a 22- Amid the new school planning swirled acre site for a new Anderson controversy over the segregation of High School designed by students in the public school system. Y-Teens Club in 1955 Continued on page 4

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 3 Photo courtesy of Austin History Center, APL Anderson High, continued from page 3 center of the East

AISD and local officials were not blind to Austin community. Sweatt v. Painter playing out in court. The Teachers lived in the courts directed states to equalize their community, attended schools or to admit black students. While church alongside these equalization and desegregation their students, orders first occurred at the college level, and knew the local public school districts knew that parents. The school elementary and secondary schools were provided leadership next. opportunities for teachers, coaches, African American leadership in Texas and administrators prepared to file lawsuits demanding that were not Cafeteria in 1955 equalization. So, after decades of African available in Austin’s School played out across the South. Stay Americans pushing for updated schools white schools. Everyone in East Austin tuned for the Preservation Austin Fall 2017 sufficient to hold all students, new attended the same high school, cheered newsletter to learn why Anderson High equipment, new books, and amenities for the same teams, and had the School is now located in northwest Austin like cafeterias and gymnasiums, school same traditions. Sporting events were on Mesa Drive. h districts were suddenly interested in community gathering places, and the providing these to the black community. school itself was used for plays, dances, As Lula Collins, alumna of Anderson lectures, and other noted, “It was nice, it was new, and it was community events. very accommodating because one of the things was to try and be sure that we were In 1954, the Supreme satisfied on this side, the east side, of Court found in Brown v. East Avenue.” AISD built a new school for Board of Education that its black students, in the hopes that their segregation itself was parents would be satisfied and not push unequal, and therefore for actual integration. unconstitutional. The AISD now faced the question of Many were satisfied with the new desegregating its school Anderson High School. Alumni speak over system. The desegregation and over about how the school was the story of Anderson High

The former Anderson High School gymnasium today Historic Homes Tour Title Sponsor

4 Spring 2017 Photo courtesy of Austin History Center, APL H Education Committee Ann S. Graham, Chair

he Education Committee continues neighborhood of Travis Heights. Children, Our next big project is Tto keep very busy. If the fun we ask your parents to bring you to the Blunn our annual Greening Your have and the hard work we do sounds of Creek Greenbelt on Saturday, June 24 to Vintage Home workshop interest to you, please join us! take part! Games and prizes round out the in July. In timely fashion fun, see Page 2 for details. with CodeNEXT, this year’s We’re excited about the upcoming History program will focus on Hunt, our architectural scavenger hunt The committee is also working on adding accessory dwelling units for elementary-aged children. new Historic Austin Tours through (ADU’s) as a way to balance This year’s adventure will be the free Otocast app, with the density and affordability with preservation held in the Blue Bonnet Hills next one featuring the Allandale, and sustainability. Keep an eye on our Brentwood, and Crestview website and Facebook page for details. neighborhoods from PA’s 2016 Historic Homes Tour; hosting a We meet the third Tuesday of every month monthly PA info table at the SFC from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at PA’s offices at 500 Farmers’ Market Downtown; and, in Chicon. There is room for everyone. Contact partnership with the Preservation Programs Coordinator Lindsey Derrington Committee, undertaking research on for more information at programs@ the history of East Austin’s Anderson preservationaustin.org. h High School and developing a preservation advocacy toolkit for our website.

Call for Nominations

t’s that time of the year! Preservation Austin is Preservation Awards honor the preservation, rehabilitation, excited to announce the call for nominations for our 57th Annual and restoration of historic properties; outstanding infill which Preservation Merit Awards. enhances the historic fabric; the preservation of a cultural landscape; and sustainability initiatives which respect a Projects must be located within the City of Austin and completed property’s historic character. Stewardship Awards honor ongoing between January 1, 2015 and the nomination due date of August 7, efforts to manage and maintain historic resources. Special 2017. Recipients will be honored at our Preservation Merit Awards Recognition Awards honor those who have exhibited leadership in Celebration luncheon at the Driskill Hotel November 3. preservation, including through craftsmanship; education; public service through advocacy, neighborhood preservation, or research; Download the nomination form, due August 7, through our or outstanding media coverage of preservation issues. website at preservationaustin.org. Please read the application guidelines carefully! Questions? Contact Programs Coordinator Lindsey Derrington at [email protected] or 512- 474-5198 ext. 7724. h

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 5 2017 Historic Homes Tour House Sponsors

6 Spring 2017 2017 Historic Homes Tour Recap

ur 25th Annual Historic Homes We further extend our deepest thanks and our more than 120 docents and ticket Tour in Bouldin Creek was to all those who helped make “Bouldin takers. This year’s Homes Tour Committee, Oanother one for the books! We Years” such a remarkable and fulfilling led by board member Vanessa McElwrath, toured five beautiful homes, each with experience. The tour is a massive made this one of the most incredible, its own distinct history and character; undertaking, as well as our biggest and financially successful, Homes Tours the Texas School for the Deaf welcomed fundraiser, and it would not be possible in recent memory. We are indebted to us to explore its storied past through without the dedication and commitment Vanessa and her team for generously three historic buildings; and historian of our homeowners, our House Captains, contributing their time and talents to Terri Myers was at the Willie Wells House making “Bouldin Years” the success that to discuss his legendary career and the it was. Thanks too to the Bouldin Creek neighborhood’s African American heritage. neighborhood for being such gracious The day wrapped with a packed after party hosts, and to all those who fight so hard at Mattie’s at Green Pastures, surrounded to preserve this iconic neighborhood’s by live oaks and peacocks. Many thanks to heritage. all who came out to support the tour and celebrate Bouldin with us!

This Event Would Not Have Been Possible Without the Generous Support of Our Sponsors:

TITLE SPONSOR HOUSE SPONSORS 801 Barton Springs Clayton Bullock Moreland Properties (Generational Commercial Properties Green Mango Real Estate & Harvey-Cleary Builders) ML&R Wealth Management PSW Real Estate

GOLD SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS (cont.) Paula & Lee Aaronson Fashion X Austin DixiePly-Aeratis JGB Custom Homes Frost Prosperity Bank The Gill Agency Residential Real Estate Joel Richardson, Alyson McGee, JBGoodwin REALTORS® PrimeLending Branch Manager Stiles Real Estate Agency Dr. Brad & Colleen Theriot Lin Team, Old Austin REALTOR®, IN KIND Landmark Properties Bike Austin David Wilson Garden Design Featured Home: Millbrook Joan Brook Photography BRONZE SPONSORS Cultivate PR Eva Street Properties Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Leonid Furmansky Architectural Photography Alexander Marchant Mattie’s at Green Pastures Elizabeth Baird Architecture & Design Kelsey Shinaut Graphic Design Central Standard Bar & Grill Maureen Stevens Design CG&S Design-Build Texas School for the Deaf Clayton & Little Architects Texas School for the Deaf Foundation CleanTag LLC

John Donisi & Gina Hinojosa MEDIA SPONSOR

(Photo by Leonid Furmansky) Leonid by (Photo Eastside Lumber & Decking LLC Featured Home: Blackshear House Austin Way Magazine h

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 7 H

Busy Times for Austin’s Parks & Recreation Department Kim McKnight, Project Coordinator and Cultural Resource Specialist

T he City of Austin Parks and Recreation restored as community and Department (PARD) has had a busy few event space. months. From historic marker dedications to national awards, the department May 5, 2017 — PARD celebrated has become a national model for the the installation of a Texas benefit of cultivating a cultural resource Historical Commission marker at management and historic preservation Parque Zaragoza, a historically program. significant recreational facility in the heart of East Austin. Historic Marker Dedications June 10, 2017 — PARD celebrated October 22, 2016 —PARD celebrated the a ribbon cutting and historic listing of Lions Municipal Golf Course marker dedication at Downs Newly-installed mosaic panels at Downs Field. in the National Register of Historic Field. Recent art mosaic play instruments, DJ, record and produce Places. “Muny” is the first documented installations and a new entrance further music, and broadcast content. desegregation of a golf course in the celebrate the field’s role in hosting early South. African American baseball leagues. Austin Receives National Planning Achievement Award for Urban November 5, 2016 —PARD celebrated Doris Miller Auditorium to Revive Design the listing of Hancock Golf Course and Its Role as a Music Hub The City of Austin has received the Gold Recreation Center in the National Register PARD recently announced a partnership 2017 National Planning Achievement of Historic Places. Originally constructed to offer music, production and live Award for Urban Design from the American as the Austin Country Club, the 1934 show engineering opportunities to area Planning Association (APA). The award building was designed by Charles Page. students at the Doris Miller Auditorium in recognizes Austin’s Historic Cemeteries

April 9, 2017 — The Zilker Caretaker Cottage East Austin’s Rosewood Park. Named after Master Plan, which provides a framework was celebrated for its designation as a the Navy Cross recipient and WWII war for rehabilitating and transforming five City of Austin Historic Landmark, kicking hero, Doris Miller Auditorium has served cemetery properties into community off Zilker Park’s centennial anniversary. The as an important recreation center since open spaces. Austin is one of 12 APA 1929 cottage, designed by Hugo Kuehne, the 1940s. Achievement Award recipients this year. will serve as the headquarters for Austin’s The program is being led by Notes for Austin’s Historic Cemeteries Master Plan Park Rangers and feature educational Notes, a Nashville-based nonprofit combines best practices in preservation programming. that provides training to students who planning, urban design and public

April 28, 2017 — The Norwood Park otherwise lack access to music education. engagement. It promotes the development Foundation and PARD celebrated the Through contributions from instrument of accessible community gathering places installation of a Texas Historical manufacturers and nonprofits, a complete and integrates green infrastructure into Commission marker at Norwood House. recording studio and “jam room” were the urban environment and transportation The Arts and Crafts bungalow will be constructed. Students can learn how to network. The plan also protects and Continued on page 7

8 Spring 2017 d PARD, continued from page 6 the steward for more than 300 parks and that they [APF and TTF] have agreed to fully maintains more than 20,000 acres of fund the next planning phase.” greenspace, including local treasures like Originally constructed in conjunction with Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, Brush the Seaholm Power Plant in the 1950s, the Square Museums, Deep Eddy Pool, Butler Seaholm Intake structure was dedicated Hike and Bike Trail, the Old Bakery, and as parkland when the power plant was no Mount Bonnell. Each of these sites ranks longer needed. Today, the historic intake amongst the most popular and iconic structure and parkland represent a unique destinations in the Capital City. opportunity to create a vibrant recreational Seaholm Waterfront Programming and publicly-accessible destination. The and Implementation Study study area will span between the Pfluger In May the Austin Parks Foundation, The Trail Bridge and Shoal Creek, and from the lake’s PARD’s Kim McKnight with US Rep. Lloyd Doggett edge to Cesar Chavez. at Parque Zaragosa. Foundation, and PARD announced $450,000 in funding for a collaborative planning study enhances the unique qualities of Austin’s for the future of the Seaholm Waterfront. Zilker Celebrates 100th Anniversary treasured public spaces and promotes The plan, which will rely heavily on public PARD, the Austin Parks Foundation and historic, artistic, cultural and heritage- input, will serve as a roadmap for future partner organizations kicked off Zilker Park’s based tourism. park improvements and the repurposing of 100th Anniversary at the park’s first ever the decommissioned, National Register- Free Day on April 9. The community enjoyed “Good planning is not just preparing the listed Seaholm Intake structure. activities like the Zilker Zephyr, Barton community for the future, but engaging the Springs Pool, Austin Nature and Science residents in the discussions and decision- Led by internationally recognized Center and Umlauf Sculpture Garden at no making that will impact their lives,” said W. architecture and urbanism firm Studio Gang, cost. Shedrick Coleman, AIA, 2017 chair of APA’s the planning phase will be completed in Awards Jury. “This year’s award recipients Fall 2017. It will provide the programming, In 1917, the people of Austin were given advanced the planning profession by more operational, and economic input needed to one of the very best gifts of all time. Due thoroughly engaging all residents in the develop a world class public facility. to the generosity of businessman and planning process.” philanthropist Andrew Zilker, citizens were “After years of extensive research, in 2016 given the land that now is known and loved PARD Receives Hotel Occupancy Tax PARD took our information and engaged as Zilker Park. To learn more about the year- Revenue for Historic Preservation long-time partners Austin Parks Foundation long celebration, visit zilker100.org. h Projects and The Trail Foundation in discussions PARD received a direct allocation of nearly about the next $1 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) steps to position Revenue in Fiscal Year 2017 to support the Seaholm Intake projects and initiatives that meet allowable Building and uses as defined under the Texas Tax Code. surrounding The funding will be directed to restoration 3-acre parkland projects at the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel, for redevelop- Elisabet Ney Museum, O. Henry Museum, ment as a public and Mayfield Park. and recreational facility,” said PARD HOT revenue is an important tool for Acting Director supporting growth of the tourism, Kimberly McNeeley. convention and hotel industry. PARD is “We are thrilled Zilker Caretaker Cottage Dedication, including Mayor Steve Adler and Council members Kathie Tovo and Ann Kitchen.

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 9 A Winding, Bumpy Road Towards a Local Historic District Brandon Tucker, Co-President, North University Neighborhood Association

y wife and I hadn’t been living times, a change was M in Aldridge Place long when we made to the design received an invitation to discuss the standards. possibility of a local historic district. Ultimately, our That was back in 2013. This year, in the spring neighborhood had a of 2017, our neighborhood finally crossed the 95% support rate, far finish line. exceeding the 51% required. And despite Local historic districts (LHDs) are a planning some tedious delays, tool used in many cities to help preserve the overwhelming their character. Some cities provide more support of the support than others. In Austin, while there is neighborhood made allowance in the code for LHDs, the city pretty our application one much makes neighborhood residents do all that couldn’t be the legwork themselves. rejected, and history was saved. Aldridge Place Not long after we received a note from

neighbors on our block about pursuing a This was one of the first coordinated preservation, and Austin has been in one for LHD, we met with them over coffee and they efforts I watched in close range in terms of decades. Earning a LHD takes a combination explained the benefits and corrected any neighborhood advocacy. You can’t fake door- of grunt work and strategy. But the payoff, we misconceptions. Turns out, we weren’t alone. to-door outreach. You have to be deliberate. hope, will be many, many years of celebrating A handful of neighbors spearheading the Over the course of several years, unplanned the wonderfully preserved streets of Aldridge district were meeting with residents one-by- delays and new hurdles continued to arise, Place in North University. h one throughout the neighborhood and doing but the neighborhood Service in Texas the same. remained committed to Clients Nationwide to making it to the After offering our support, we were also asked finish line. By watching to make a monetary contribution. Applying videos from past LHD for a LHD requires a comprehensive building hearings, the group survey, application and expensive permit was able to get an applications. But by giving more than just a idea for some of the signature on a paper, neighbors were all truly opposition’s likely invested in the process. talking points, and Heritage Title Company tailored their message As the application and design standards were of Austin, Inc. written and rewritten, we were notified in accordingly. Gary Farmer – President numerous ways, from new documents on the Boom times aren’t Laura Beuerlein – Executive Vice President websites to direct emails. When neighbors kind to historic 401 Congress Ave., Suite 1500, Austin, Texas 78701 had concerns, they were addressed and often 512/505.5000 www.HeritageTitleofAustin.com

10 Spring 2017 H heritage quiz Rebekah Dobrasko

P reservation Austin presents our Facebook Heritage Quiz the first Friday of every month! The first respondent to correctly identify a local landmark receives a $5 gift card to East Austin’s Cenote Café, housed in the 1887 McDonald-Cain House, courtesy of your favorite preservation nonprofit.

Congratulations to our spring contestants for spotting the following properties:

APRIL: Hofheintz-Reissig Store (600 East Third Street) German immigrant Henry Hofheintz acquired a small piece of property on the eastern boundary of Austin in 1854. Between 1850 and 1870, Hofheintz constructed a two-story limestone store along with a log residence for his family. The property continued to grow after Hofheintz’ death, when his son-in-law Adolph Reissig constructed a one story stone residence/saloon/domino parlor in 1892. The small wood cottage on the north side of the parcel was built for Hofheintz’s grandson and wife. The Hofheintz-Reissig Store is an excellent example of German vernacular construction with thick stone walls and porches Hofheintz-Reissig Store to catch the breezes. Today, you can visit the store for delicious food from Moonshine Grill. I recommend the pimento cheese! H Winner: Amanda Dotson

MAY: J. Frank Dobie House (702 East Dean Keeton Street) Known for his Texas-based novels and interest in Texas folklore, author J. Frank Dobie and his family lived at this house from 1926 until 1964. Dobie and his wife Bertha created a garden with flowers and shrubs to enhance the house’s siting on Waller Creek. Dobie purchased the home to be close to the University of Texas, where he joined the English Department faculty in 1925. Many of his works were written at this residence, which he indicated by signing his prefaces “On Waller Creek.” The Dobies expanded the house in 1950 to allow for more space. The University owns the house today and runs it as a center for writers. Visit your favorite local bookstore to learn more about Dobie’s works! J. Frank Dobie House H Winner: Paige Williams Smith

JUNE: Victory Grill (1104 East 11th Street) Victory Grill in East Austin opened in 1945, on Victory over Japan Day. Owner Johnny Holmes wanted a place for African American soldiers and families to have fun and hear great music during the segregation era. By 1947, Holmes had built the current Victory Grill. The open patio was enclosed in 1951 to provide a blues and jazz lounge. Hosting blues legends like B.B. King, Victory Grill was part of the national Chitlin’ Circuit, a group of music clubs that were open to African Americans. After the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Victory Grill suffered as African American families moved out of East Austin. The changing musical trends toward disco also led to the grill’s initial decline. After many years, though, Victory Grill Victory Grill still serves East Austin with new life under new management. H Winner: Sarah Marshall

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 11 H

85th Legislative Session: Preservation Take-Aways from the 85th Session

Alyson McGee, Immediate Past President

T he Texas Legislature held its final day of the regular 85th session on May 29th. It was a session full of controversy – when isn’t it?! However, we are happy to report that historic preservation interests fared well this round. Here’s a recap of the legislation Preservation Austin was following.

Both HB2393 and SB550 were introduced to amend the Texas transfer. During the next legislative session the THC will request Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. HB2393 was left in the necessary staff positions and operating funds to properly committee, but SB550 passed both houses. This means the State’s operate and maintain the site. historic preservation tax credit will be expanded so the credits can be applied toward the State insurance tax in addition to the HB 4146, which would have entitled individuals to appeal State franchise tax as is currently allowed. This will protect the program Historical Marker determinations by the THC to an administrative if the legislature does away with the franchise tax in the future. court, was left pending with the Culture, Recreation and Tourism Preservation Austin wrote letters in support of the legislation. Committee. Preservation Austin testified in opposition at the committee’s public hearing along with Bob Ward, Chair of the HB3418 would have regulated how municipalities designate Travis County Historical Commission, and Brian Bolinger, Executive historic properties, making it more difficult to designate Director of the Texas State Historical Association. After failing endangered properties against owners’ consent and establishing in two legislative sessions, our hope is a similar bill will not be restrictive designation criteria. Introduced by Rep. Elkins, introduced during the next session, and that the responsibility for R-Houston, the bill was left pending with the House Urban Affairs decisions regarding historical significance and accuracy will remain Committee. Preservation Austin testified in opposition at the with the trained and knowledgeable professionals at the THC. committee’s public hearing, as did representatives from the City of San Antonio, Preservation Texas, the American Institute Finally, funding for the THC’s exceptional items request was of Architects Dallas chapter, San Antonio Conservation Society, approved at approximately $34 million for the biennium. This Preservation Dallas, and Milam County Historical Commission, as includes $20.2 million for the Historic Courthouse Grant Program, well as former Preservation Austin Board member August Harris. $1.5 million for the Heritage Trails program and funding for THC’s capital projects including work at the San Felipe de Austin Historic The bill that will transfer management and operation of Austin’s Site, Mission Dolores in San Augustine, and the National Museum French Legation from the Facilities Commission to the Texas of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. However, the agency’s base Historical Commission (THC) passed on nearly the last day of the budget was reduced by nearly $1 million, which will affect THC’s session. HB3810 was introduced by Rep. Cyrier from Lockhart and ability to replace aging vehicles and IT equipment, provide basic was co-sponsored by Austin’s Rep. Donna Howard. The companion maintenance on state historic sites, and develop new heritage Senate Bill (SB2005) was introduced by Senator Kirk Watson. tourism products. The Facilities Commission has requested authorization to use approximately $1.5 million from their emergency funds to carry Preservation Austin would like to thank legislators, both from out the most critical work needed on the Legation house. That our Austin delegation and around the state, who supported work will take approximately 18 months, after which the THC will historic preservation this session, as well as the organizations begin the process of re-opening the site for visitors under their and individuals who helped with our advocacy efforts - working management. Preservation Austin wrote letters in support of the together to “Save the Good Stuff.” h

12 Spring 2017 H President’s Message h John Donisi

W e have enjoyed a very positive 2016- state tax credit program, and in soundly 2017 at Preservation Austin. It was defeating broad attacks on municipal a great honor for me to serve as Board preservation programs. We will continue President. this advocacy during the special session. The Education Committee has done We collectively dedicated ourselves to exceptional work in acculturating focus on the basics of our core mission: Austinites to the benefits of preservation, preservation of our special and unique built through a wide array of programs and our peer cities, as many offered the local environment, retaining the authenticity innovative events. Our Development and historic district option decades before that we all recognize as Austin. Finance Committees have worked to our enactment. We provided essential provide us with necessary resources, and technical assistance to help Aldridge Place Our committees, as always, have done their effective utilization. achieve their designation, and continue to the heavy lifting in terms of workload. The promote districts which express the full Preservation Committee has kept up with PA has been more-than-ably represented cultural and vernacular history of Austin. actions before the City, County and State on a City-established task force reviewing Legislature. This includes taking the lead the use of hotel occupancy tax revenues We are also excited about Inherit Austin for PA in the City’s CodeNEXT proposal, by PA Immediate Past President Alyson and their honed focus on introducing now taking shape, and in working with our McGee. The task force offers a significant preservation to the next generation of statewide partners on issues before the opportunity to overhaul the tax as it Austinites. We’ve been able to expand our 85th Texas Legislature. PA participated relates to preservation and the programs reach by dovetailing with other congruous in efforts to preserve and broaden the funded by its use. organizations, including those dedicated to conservation of public parks and spaces, This quarter, we ensuring that preservation is included in celebrated our annual their scope. Historic Homes Tour in the iconic and As my term comes to an end, I’m excited eclectic Bouldin Creek about passing the reigns to incoming neighborhood, including Board President Ken Johnson. Ken brings the Texas School for the a wealth of experience to the role, a Deaf Campus. It was a commitment to PA demonstrated over huge success thanks to years of Board service, furtherance to other the dedication of many, non-profits, and an architect’s sensitivity under the direction to preservation. Thank you again for the of Board Member and honor to be of service to PA and our Homes Tour Chair collective mission. Vanessa McElwrath. This year, PA welcomed Sincerely, Austin’s fourth local historic district, Aldridge Place. In many respects, John Donisi, Austin is continuing President h to play ‘catch up’ to

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 13 Inherit Austin Haley Wilcox, IA Secretary

nherit Austin, a membership level grounds in search of of Preservation Austin, hosts social, over 1500 stuffed eggs! cultural & educational events to raise A special highlight this awareness among the next generation of year was the Tiny Tails to preservationists. IA is committed to the You traveling petting zoo same mission as Preservation Austin — to featuring bunnies, chicks, promote Austin’s diverse cultural heritage hedgehogs, turtles, and through the preservation of historic places. guinea pigs. Special We offer activities that appeal to singles, thanks to the French couples and families. Legation Museum, our Golden Egg Sponsor; to Bunny Business Sponsors BluEarth Realty and Modern Pools; to our Guests enjoying the patio at Carmelo’s Restaurant Chick-A-Dee Host Families; and to our generous In- active in the community and interested Kind Sponsors for another successful spring in preservation contact inheritaustin@ event. preservationaustin.org for more information and application. Lastly, keep Last Hurrah in touch for information about this year’s This summer IA is launching a new Somewhere in Time! As always, it’ll be a campaign called “Last Hurrah.” The blast. Happy Summer! h campaign will focus on raising awareness of legacy businesses in Austin that are ending their long-term run. We kicked things off at the end of May at Carmelo’s, Kids enjoying the mobile petting zoo at this 2017 IA Board year’s Egg Hunt! an Italian restaurant housed in the Old H Depot Hotel on East 5th Street. Rising OFFICERS Saturday April 8, adults and children joined property taxes forced the Mauro family Michelle Slattery, Chair in the fun at Inherit Austin’s 14th Annual to sell the property after operating the Ellis Mumford-Russell, Chair-Elect Easter Egg Hunt. This event is a wonderful restaurant on site for over thirty years. Haley Wilcox, Secretary way for Inherit Austin to connect with future Audra Tiemann-Iturbe, Treasurer Fortunately, the site will be sensitively Austin generations. This year’s hunt took redeveloped and the historic Old Depot place on the beautiful grounds of the French BOARD Hotel will remain intact. Be sure to Legation Museum in East Austin. Event Katie Bullard follow us on Facebook and Instagram for Chair Emily Payne did a remarkable job Tori Haltom upcoming Last Hurrah events! John Hindman coordinating the event, which was attended Nanette Labastida by about 200 guests. Children hunted the Membership Emily Thompson Payne Kelley Russell Please consider renewing or upgrading Mike Smith your membership at the IA level. IA Matthew Welch members receive special invites and Sarah Wheat discounts to our unique events. IA is Caroline Wright looking for new board members, who are

14 Spring 2017 Many Thanks to H Our New & Renewing Members

WATERLOO Derek & Maureen Barcinski INHERIT AUSTIN INDIVIDUAL THANK YOU Jim Pitts & Cynthia McFarlin Marvin & Eva Womack Edwin Williams TO OUR PA BUSINESS Suzanne Deal Booth Judith K. Shipway Elizabeth Porterfield AMBASSADORS! Larry & Melinda McGinnis Erin Dowell SUSTAINING Jeannette Cook ABC Home & Commercial Services Rebekah Dobrasko CONTRIBUTOR Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Connie Todd C.K. Carman BUSINESS LEADER Clayton Bullock, Moreland Properties Brandon & Abby Tucker Caroline Dickerson Barbara Shallue, Austin Realtor 801 Barton Springs Carolyn McFarland Eastside Lumber & Decking Green Mango Real Estate FRIEND David Crain Jordan & Co Real Estate-United Dora McDonald ML&R Wealth Management Carlos Puentes & Real Estate Ellen Kolsto Nancy O’Bryant Puentes Sentell Solutions Norwood Tower LP Genia Joskowitz David Depwe O’Connell Architecture Jacqui Schraad Emily Little PSW Real Estate Laura Cooper Lynn Roth Jordan PARTNER M.K. Ward Andrew & Carol Reifsnyder Mary & Norman McRee Bob & Angela Ward Melissa Keane Charles & Carrielu B. Christensen Paula Kothman-Preston Evelyn McNair Saundra Kirk Leon Alesi Shannon Halley

HOUSEHOLD INHERIT AUSTIN COUPLE Amy & Jed Rogers Bergan & Stan Casey Anne-Charlotte Patterson & Meghan Elwell Terrell Cooksey Catherine Murphy David Sullivan & Mary Baughman

Preservation Austin Annual Meeting

Tuesday, August 22 6pm to 8pm The North Door – 501 Brushy Street, Austin 78702 FREE to members

ll Preservation Austin members are encouraged to attend! Free for members, $20 non-member fee will be waived upon AWe’ll have some drinks, discuss what PA has been up to over joining. RSVP to Programs Coordinator Lindsey Derrington at last year, and vote on our 2017-2018 board. Come see old friends [email protected] by Monday, August 14. h and meet new ones at this fun and casual event.

PRESERVATION AUSTIN 15 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 2100

P.O. Box 2113 Austin, TX 78768

www.preservationaustin.org [email protected]

H PA Calendar of Events • 2017

JUN History Hunt in Blue Bonnet Hills SEP Fall Grant Deadline 24 This annual architectural scavenger hunt (and games!) 15 PA offers quarterly matching grants of up to $5,000 for for K-5 kids and their families will be our first-ever in a variety of preservation projects. Nonprofits, neighbor- South Austin. FREE, see Page 2 for details. hoods, public entities, and building owners may apply.

JUL Greening Your Vintage Home Workshop NOV Preservation Merit Awards Celebration TBA This year’s program will focus on accessory dwelling units 3 Driskill Hotel (604 Brazos Street); check-in begins 11AM, (ADUs) as a way to balance density and affordability with luncheon from 11:30-1:30PM. Our 57th Annual Preservation preservation and sustainability. Date and details TBA. Merit Awards Celebration honors visionary approaches to preserving our city’s heritage. Featured speaker TBA! AUG Preservation Merit Award Nominations Due 7 Nominate your favorite preservation project or advocate! FALL Inherit Austin’s Somewhere in Time See Page 5 for details. TBA Inherit Austin’s 8th Annual Somewhere in Time fundraiser is just a few months away! Details TBA. AUG Annual Meeting 22 The North Door (501 Brushy Street, 78702), 6PM-8PM. All members are encouraged to attend! Have a drink, meet fellow preservation lovers, and learn what PA has been up h Visit www.preservationaustin.org to over the last year. Free for members, $20 non-member for details and tickets today! entrance fee will be waived upon joining.

Jugging and Jawing Historic Austin Happy Hours SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown Our happy hour series with the UT Student Historic Preservation Our Education Committee represents PA at the Sustainable Food Association continues! Venues are announced monthly, check Center’s Farmers’ Market Downtown, held in Republic Square, on our website and social media for details. the first Saturday of each month.Come on by!