Preservation Austin Supports Designation of UT Austin’s School of Social Work Building as a State Antiquities Landmark
Preservation Austin announces their support for designating The University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work building as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL). The building was formerly home to the historically significant University Junior High, which played a pivotal role in the desegregation of Texas public schools by voluntarily integrating in 1957 and contains murals by celebrated Austin muralist Raul Valdez. The building is currently threatened with demolition for new football practice facilities. The Texas Historical Commission will vote to grant SAL designation at their July 26 meeting in Tyler, TX. Preservation Austin is proud to partner with grassroots advocates at Save the Past for the Future in advocating for the preservation of this important site.
“University Junior High modeled successful racial integration for Austin’s public schools,” said Lindsey Derrington, Executive Director of Preservation Austin. “UT Austin should be proud to steward this history, as it has stewarded so many other cultural and architectural treasures on campus.”
“Instead of erasing the past, UT can seize this opportunity as a source of pride in the history of innovation, in overcoming its racialized past, in celebrating the ‘town and gown’ success story. Athletics has other options for expansion,” said Barbara Anderson of Save the Past for the Future. “As UT promotes sustainability, renovating and repurposing University Junior High can be a symbol of creative reuse, tree canopy protection, and educational, cultural, architectural, and artistic achievement.”
Steve Hicks School of Social Work Building, formerly University Junior High, 2024 (Photo: Preservation Texas)
University Junior High Yearbook Photo, 1966 (Austin American-Statesman)
In April 2024, the Texas Antiquities Advisory Board recommended the Texas Historical Commission (THC) grant State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) status to the University Junior High building. This recommendation delays UT’s plans to demolish the building until the THC hears the case at their meeting on July 26. If the THC grants SAL status, the site will receive legal protections under the Antiquities Code of Texas. While this designation does not completely protect the building from demolition, SAL designation would require UT to consult with the THC on proposed changes to the building.
University Junior High was established in 1933 as a collaborative effort between The University of Texas at Austin and the Austin Public School System. Most importantly, it played a pivotal role in the desegregation of Texas public schools, voluntarily integrating in 1957. University Junior High modeled the success of integration and paved the way for the eventual demise of Austin’s segregated school system. The school also houses a mural by celebrated Austin artist Raul Valdez, titled "Heart & Soul," commissioned in the mid-1990s to embody the school's commitment to repair and social justice. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and was recently selected by Preservation Texas for their 2024 Most Endangered Places List.
How You Can Help
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JOIN US IN TYLER • The THC will hear this case on Friday, July 26 in Tyler, TX where Preservation Austin will speak in favor of State Antiquities Landmark designation. Click here for more information on the meeting and how to attend. Unfortunately, written and virtual public commenting opportunities are not available at this time.