Protect Historic Preservation in Texas – Oppose SB 2639!
SB 2639 threatens the future of historic preservation in Texas by rewriting the rules for how cities protect significant historic sites.
the bill will be heard in the House Committee on Land and Resource Management on Thursday, May 22 at 8 AM. Please reach out to the members of the Committee members and urge them to vote NO on SB 2639. Read on for more.
Current Texas law enables municipalities to designate historic landmarks against an owner’s wishes only in the most exceptional cases. In cities like Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston, historic designation without consent is incredibly rare. It’s a tool of last resort, used only when buildings with great historic value are at risk of being lost forever.
SB 2639 would change that by requiring cities to go through a process similar to eminent domain, including appraisals, hearings, and compensation. But unlike eminent domain, the city doesn’t buy the property or take it away. The owner keeps full control, no land is taken, and the owner is still able to develop their property.
We fear that this bill is the disproportionate response of a single developer’s opposition to the historic designation of one property—the Eisenbeiser Building in East Austin, owned by Dallas developer Eureka Holdings. The century-old building was designated for its significant associations with early German Texas history and Black history. In addition to lobbying for this bill, Eureka is suing the City of Austin over this designation, even though the City followed the state’s processes to the letter.
Passage of SB 2639 will prevent cities from being able to preserve irreplaceable historic sites from demolition.
Don't let one developer rewrite the rules for every Texas city. Reach out to the Land and Resource Management Committee members TODAY and urge them to VOTE NO on SB 2639. Calling is best, but email is great too.
Committee Contact Info
Rep. Gary Gates, Chair | 512-463-0657 | gary.gates@house.texas.gov
Rep. Suleman Lalani, Vice Chair | 512-463-0596 | suleman.lalani@house.texas.gov
Rep. Daniel Alders | 512-463-0584 | daniel.alders@house.texas.gov
Rep. Yvonne Davis | 512-463-0598 | yvonne.davis@house.texas.gov
Rep. Gina Hinojosa | 512-463-0668 | gina.hinojosa@house.texas.gov
Rep. Todd Hunter | 512-463-0672 | todd.hunter@house.texas.gov
Rep. Ray Lopez | 512-463-0669 | ray.lopez@house.texas.gov
Rep. Matt Morgan | 512-463-0710 | matt.morgan@house.texas.gov
Rep. Wes Virdell | 512-463-0536 | wes.virdell@house.texas.gov
What to Say
Making it personal is always best, but you can use the text below in your calls/emails to let the committee know you oppose SB 2639.
Hello,
My name is [NAME] and I am a resident of [CITY]. I’m calling/writing in opposition of SB 2639 that will be heard in the Land and Resource Management committee on Thursday. SB 2639 will effectively eliminate the ability of municipalities to protect and preserve Texas history. In Texas, historic zoning without owner consent is limited only to the most exceptional cases when truly significant buildings are threatened - statewide, only a handful of properties have been designated this way.
SB 2639 would require cities to go through a process similar to eminent domain. But unlike eminent domain, the city doesn’t buy the property or take it away. The owner keeps full control, no land is taken, and the owner is still able to develop their property.
The State of Texas has already ensured that the process is rigorous, balancing preservation while maintaining property rights. I ask you to vote NO on SB 2639 and protect historic preservation in Texas