Preserving Austin’s diverse history: City calls on community to draft equitable historic preservation plan
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AUSTIN (KXAN) – The latest conservation plan for the city of Austin dates back 40 years to 1981. Back then, many of the buildings and developing urban areas were “relatively young”, but today some of these areas are approaching their historic ages.
Austin has exploded since the last historic preservation plan was developed. The population has nearly tripled, which has pushed housing issues from affordable housing to problems with urban density to the fore. The Austin Historic Preservation Office is working with the Historic Landmark Commission to develop a draft new fair historic preservation plan.
“Communities whose heritage is underrepresented in Austin’s heritage conservation program should really have a seat at the table as we prepare this new conservation plan,” said Elizabeth Brummett, manager of the Historic Preservation Office. “This is important because the conservation plan should represent the heritage of all Austinites.”
KXAN presenter Britt Moreno is finally back home in Austin
Officials say, “Justice, sustainability and cultural heritage are leading factors that guide planning and discussions about monument preservation”. To achieve this, they are looking for 20 to 30 parishioners from across the city to join a working group this summer.
(Source: Office for Monument Preservation)
The heads of monument preservation say the goal is an “inclusive process with many voices”. The meetings are held virtually and funds are available to compensate the members of the working group – up to $ 25 an hour.
Interested parties can apply for the Conservation Plan working group until Monday, June 14th, 11:59 pm
Next week, the nonprofit Preservation Austin is hosting their virtual home tour of the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross district of East Austin. The area east of Interstate 35 near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard dates back to the 1950s. The area served as a meeting place for young black professionals. There are also houses in the neighborhood designed by John Chase.
Chase was the first black graduate from the University of Texas at the Austin School of Architecture and the first black architect to receive her license in Texas.
The virtual tour will take place on Thursday, June 17th at 7pm. Tickets for the virtual home tour are $ 20 per person for members and $ 25 per person for non-members. All proceeds support the charity’s lobbying and educational program throughout the year.
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