Austin City Council unanimously voted to designate the Goins-Versea-Nitschke House (907 E 13 St) as a City of Austin Landmark and protect the building from demolition by owner Eureka Holdings. The 140+ year-old building is one of the oldest houses in the Swede Hill area, and is a landmark of East Austin’s working-class German and African American history.

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is advancing a sweeping and damaging proposal to rewrite the regulations for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). If implemented, these new rules would dramatically diminish the current legal protections for historic and cultural places.

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.

May is National Preservation Month, and it’s worth taking a pulse on preservation efforts across Austin. Historic preservation has evolved from its origins as a predominantly white, “elite,” effort focused on saving “pretty” buildings. Today, preservation is shifting to a more inclusive and equitable conversation around cultural heritage, sustainability, and affordable housing – including right here in our city.

Preservation Austin is thrilled to share that East Austin’s Green & White Grocery was officially designated a City of Austin Landmark. From the store’s founding during segregation to its endurance in the face of gentrification and increased displacement, the story of Green & White Grocery is a testament to the resilience of Austin’s Mexican American community.

In anticipation of Green & White Grocery becoming a City of Austin Historic Landmark this year, we are thrilled to share the work of Fowler Family Underrepresented Heritage Intern, Matthew Medina, and Preservation Austin Board Member, JuanRaymon Rubio, who assisted in the preparation of this landmark application.

Write to Council and let them know that you SUPPORT designating this Austin institution, protecting it for generations to come.

Contact your Council Member and let them know you support full funding for the Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan.