Celebrating the Grand Opening of the McFarland-McBee House
President Miriam Conner, Executive Director Lindsey Derrington, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Tom Pittman, and Councilmember Zo Qadri (Photo: TWest Photography)
Preservation Austin was thrilled to host our grand opening for the McFarland-McBee House on March 10. The event was a true house warming, offering a chance for our community of supporters to see the newly-rehabilitated house and celebrate this momentous, years-long project.
The McFarland-McBee House is our organization’s first permanent home since 1978. Its spaces have been transformed to serve as Preservation Austin’s headquarters, housing our staff and daily operations while also providing much needed gathering space for preservation advocacy and learning. Our JuanRaymon Rubio Community Room has been activated for workshops and community meetings, while the back yard serves as the site of our new lecture series.
Active Preservation Austin supporters including members and donors comprised our crowd of more than 200 attendees. The program included music by the West Texas Exiles and Andrea Daniela y Su Mariachi; food by legacy businesses Mr. Natural, Quality Seafood, Sam’s BBQ, and Shandeez; and remarks by elected officials Zo Qadri, our City Council Member representing District 9, and Lloyd Doggett, our US Congressman representing District 37.
Volunteers shared stories of the home’s architectural lineage and its varied past, from the McFarland family’s time here to its legendary place in Austin’s 1990s roots music scene. Attendees were among the first to view our new interpretive sign that shares the home’s history with visitors and passersby.The party also featured a time capsule activity, with attendees sharing reflections about Austin and its notable places for future residents to discover.
We ended this gorgeous evening with a celebratory sign-lighting ceremony, illuminating our new neon sign at the corner of Red River and 38th 1/2 Streets, and marking this iconic space in a way that is unmistakably Austin.
Among the program speakers was Tom Pittman, longtime resident and caretaker whose years at the house were marked by well-known parties attended by such legends as Joni Mitchell, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Lucinda Williams. It was only fitting to throw a house party to build community in a similar fashion, and we look forward to hosting many more gatherings here in the years to come.
The McFarland-McBee House Grand Opening was presented with generous support from Sheridan and Perry Lorenz.
Thank you to our in-kind sponsors who helped make this event possible:
Clay Imports
HEB/Central Market
In Good Faith Bartending
Lalo Tequila
Rambler Sparkling Water
Store House Bastrop Catering
Tall Girl Flowers
William Chris Vineyards
Zilker Brewing Company
