More Information
We're still waiting for the City of Austin to add a link on their website with information on Local Historic Districts. You may download this 3-fold brochure (PDF) they created which explains the program. Meanwhile, visit our FAQs link or the Heritage Society of Austin's website for more related information.
The Texas Historical Commission is the liason to the National Register of Historic Places. Their website includes many helpful links to understanding National Register Historic Districts, their nomination process, and the benefits of designation.
Preservation and Sustainability
Resources on Green Building, Sustainability and Preservation
Research Your Home
Austin History Center
9th and Guadalupe
Austin, TX 78768-2287
(512) 974-74800
Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, 12 noon-6 p.m.
Thursday and Friday, closed
Download this PDF file on Researching Your House.
Our Local Government
City of Austin Planning & Zoning Commission
Austin's Historic Neighborhoods
South River City Citizens Our own neighborhood.
Old West Austin Historic District located west of Lamar.
Pemberton Heights Neighborhood between MoPac and Shoal Creek
Hyde Park north of the University of Texas
Judge's Hill Neighborhood between Congress and Lamar
Bouldin Creek Neighborhood between Congress and S. 1st Street
There are several others also pursuing historic district status but don't have websites yet. Please contact us if you know of any that should be listed.
Recommended Articles
Ten Easy Ways to Preserve Our Historic
Community
Other cities experiencing the same development issues have sought similar solutions.
Houston's First Protected Local Historic District
Avondale West Becomes Ninth Historic District
Dallas' Most Endangered
Historic Districts in San Antonio
City of San Antonio Historic Preservation Site
And around the country....
"Seattle's Old Buildings Worth Saving–In a Financial Sense"
The Recession's Effect on Adaptive Reuse Projects, by Mary Beth Klatt, AIArchitect, July 10, 2009.
Recommended Books
The Economics of Historic Preservation: A Community Leader's Guide by Donovan Rypkema, 1994.
The Politics of Historic Districts by Bill Schmickle, 2007.
The Living City: How America's Cities are Being Revitalized by Thinking Small in a Big Way by Roberta Brandes Gratz, 1994.
Design Standards from Austin and Other Cities
Hyde Park (Austin) Design Standards (PDF)
Old West Austin Historic District Design Standards (PDF)
Killeen (Tex.) Historic District Design Standards (PDF)
Fort Worth Historic District Design Guidelines
4th & Gill Historic District (Knoxville, Tenn.) Design Standards (PDF)
The U.S. Secretary of Interior's Design Standards for Rehabilitation
Start here for a dip into the many books available at Amazon.com
So You'd Like to Become Passionate about Historic Preservation
Eventually, developers in Austin may learn to embrace preservation as they have in other cities around the country. Check out the beautiful, modern restoration of old buildings in Seattle into affordable condos by clicking here.
njoy a Flickr slideshow of a home restoration project in progress here.