Who We Are

OUR MISSION

Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation.

OUR VISION

When Preservation Austin delivers on our strategy, we will create a future where historic places play a meaningful role in everyone’s life, inspiring all Austinites to become advocates for preservation.

We Are

Accountable. We are committed to doing what is right, not being right, by keeping the best interests of those we serve top of mind, not our individual agendas. We measure our impact against the highest standards of integrity, equity, and fiscal responsibility.

Inclusive. We are committed to building a culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our organization and city. We believe diversity and inclusion together fuels our creativity, breaks down barriers, and brings us closer to the people we serve.

Locally-Focused. We have Austin’s best interest at heart every day. We believe that preserving Austin’s individuality and uniqueness will allow all our citizens to thrive, visitors to connect, and our city to be the example of preservation in action.

We Lead By

Collaborating Enthusiastically. We do our best work when we come together to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing our city today. We value those who speak thoughtfully, encourage and respect diversity of opinion, and listen carefully with an open mind.

Taking the Long View. We leverage our resources to have the greatest possible impact and hold ourselves accountable to future generations by saving places that matter, that stand the test of time, and that honor a holistic view of Austin’s heritage.

Thinking Big. We never settle. We have the courage and curiosity to actively challenge the status quo and find new ways for preservation to have a positive impact in our community.

Preservation Austin’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan charts a course for clarifying our mission, growing our capacity, and better reflecting the diversity of this great city that we serve. Read our Strategic Plan Overview below.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Our History

Preservation Austin was founded as the Heritage Society of Austin in 1953. As one of the oldest citywide preservation nonprofits in the United States – predating the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act by more than a decade – we’ve been advocates and stewards of our city’s historic places for generations bearing witness to Austin’s incredible growth.

Our work is grounded in establishing preservation as a community value, both for its inherent worth and for the solutions it presents for existential issues such as equity, sustainability, and affordability. While our early advocacy focused on revitalizing historic buildings downtown, and saving such incredible landmarks as the Driskill Hotel from demolition, today we’re focused on supporting legacy businesses, underrepresented heritage, and providing policy solutions to tackle major challenges facing our city – in addition to preserving great works of architecture. Our matching grants program makes a tangible impact on community-driven projects citywide. Our unique programming connects Austinites to their history and shows the inherent adaptability of historic places to serve 21st century uses and beyond.

We see a future where historic places play a meaningful role in everyone’s life, inspiring all Austinites to become advocates for preservation. Join us!

“The Heritage Society belongs to everyone who is interested in preserving Austin landmarks and relics of the past. Austin abounds in Texas history and it is for our generation to see that future generations have concrete evidence of our pride in our city. To do this is not the prerogative of a few but the privilege of each of our citizens.”

—E. P. Cravens, President, 1960

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