What makes a place special? Historic preservationists look at many factors when deciding what to save. Others simply recall the taste of their favorite hamburger as they unwound with friends or gathered with family to cheer on the Burnt Orange. Still others recall cherished employees with decades of dedication. For Dirty Martin’s Place, those memories are coming into sharp relief as Austin builds a new future with Project Connect. 

Santa Rita Courts: How Austin’s Mexican American Community became some of the first in the nation to live in public housing.

The community hub that would one day become the Oswaldo “A.B.” Cantu Pan American Recreation Center was first opened by the National Youth Administration in 1942.

Dr. Alberto and Eva Garcia were a trailblazing couple that advocated for Mexican American interests in the medical, political, and social spheres of 20th century Austin.

The Holly Street Murals symbolize the resilience of Mexican American citizens in Austin despite being subject to constant discrimination and neglect.

Nestled on the corner of Waller Street and East 7th Street sits a beloved East Austin staple called Green & White Grocery.

Fondly referred to as Casa de Sueños, meaning “House of Dreams,” the Briones House endures as a monumental artwork and display of craftsmanship in East Austin.

Understanding the environmental impacts of demolition is crucial for the historic preservation movement as we develop forward-thinking strategies to preserve our historic fabric.