architecture | historic preservation
PRESERVING A CITY’S HISTORY
Historic properties and districts are essential for maintaining the history of a city, defining it as unique and reflecting its soul. When people understand the history of their neighborhood
By Claudia Alarcón
and city, historic preservation becomes a source of pride in their community, which may be the most important reason for preserving historic buildings.
Historic residential construction in Central Texas reflects many architectural styles, each with their own significance. According to Steve Sadowsky, Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Austin, the city’s residential properties reflect 19th century high styles like Queen Anne, early 20th century period revivals such as Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival and Italian Renaissance Revival, and bungalows of the 1920s and 1930s, among others. “There were many prominent architects working in Austin during the historic period, but many of our historic landmarks also reflect vernacular building trends,” Sadowsky explains. “These include wing-and-gable Victorian cottages, transitional houses of the turn of the 20th century, bungalows, 1930s and 1940s cottages, and minimal traditional houses. We are blessed with an abundance of mid-century modern residential designs as well.” For designation as a historic landmark in Austin, a property must meet criteria detailed in the Land Development Code. For instance, the council may designate a structure or site as a historic landmark if the property is at least 50 years old and represents a period of significance of at least 50 years ago, and retains a high degree of integrity as defined by the National Register of Historic Places that clearly
Preservation Austin Preservation Austin has been the city’s leading nonprofit voice for historic preservation since 1953. The annual Homes Tour is Preservation Austin’s marquee educational and outreach event. All proceeds support the nonprofit’s advocacy efforts and educational programming year-round and sustains efforts to protect Austin’s historic places for generations to come. The themes and homes featured change each year — “Downtown Doorsteps” in 2020 — so visit preservationaustin.org for information. 14 HOME DESIGN & DECOR AUSTIN-SAN ANTONIO |
San Antonio Street — 1890 Photography by Leonid Furmansky Austin’s newly appointed internal revenue collector, Major Joseph W. Burke, built this home just west of the Texas State Capitol for his young family. The Pennsylvania native and Union Army veteran was a leading member of Austin’s Republican Party, while wife Nellie came from Texas pioneers. After Nellie’s death in 1925, the home was sold and converted into apartments. The current owner purchased the building in 2002 and peeled back these alterations to reveal beautiful wood finishes and return the space into apartment units. This was the first residential remodel awarded 4 stars by the City of Austin’s Green Building Program.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020
