Preservation Austin Talks: Charles L. Davis II on “The Black Space Project”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
MCFARLAND-MCBEE HOUSE | 3805 RED RIVER STREET, AUSTIN TX 78751
FREE for members, $20 for non-members
Pre-registration is required, and closes at 11:59 p.m. December 8.
This event takes place outdoors, in the McFarland-McBee House courtyard. In the event of inclement weather, it will be rescheduled for January 6. Registration fees are non-refundable, and support our nonprofit's work year-round.
Charles L. Davis II on “The Black Space Project”
Charles L. Davis II joins Preservation Austin to share a look into The Black Space Project, an interdisciplinary project to recover, document, and archive overlooked histories of Black agency and architectural genius in the built environment. The project launched in 2024 with a symposium and exhibition on creative notions of the Black home, “The Black Home as Public Art,” and will continue with the “The Modern Space of the Black Church,” examining unconventional worship spaces and their role in cultural and political movements—from gospel blues to civil rights activism. Learn more about the historic East Austin sites that will be included in the project, and how they will be documented through a layered approach including architectural drawings, oral history, and photogrammetry.
Charles L. Davis II is an associate professor of architectural history and criticism at UT Austin’s School of Architecture. He received his PhD in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and M.Arch from the University at Buffalo. His research excavates the role of racial identity and race thinking in architectural history and contemporary design culture. His work has appeared in publications like Architectural Research Quarterly, Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, and Log.
This event kicks off Preservation Austin’s new series of regular talks to be hosted at the McFarland-McBee House each summer, fall, and spring.
Parking
Guests are asked to find street parking in the neighborhood, typically available along 38th and 39th Streets on either side of the McFarland-McBee House. Please adhere to public right-of-way parking rules and be respectful of neighbors. Walking, biking, public transit, and ridesharing are always encouraged! The McFarland-McBee House has a bike rack available for use, as well as an ADA parking spot. Our small parking lot is otherwise reserved for staff, volunteers, and presenters.