A quaint yellow building is nestled on West 14th Street, located less than half a mile west of the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin. Passersby would have no way of knowing that over 50 years ago this unassuming spot was where a young UT Law graduate prepared for a case that would change the course of U.S. history.

Ada C. Read Penn, a resident of Austin in the early 20th century, is an important figure in the history of north central Austin. She was responsible for much of the development in what is known today as Austin’s Heritage Neighborhood, a rectangular area just south of the Austin State Hospital.

“We have to do what’s in the best interest of these properties.” So said members of Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) on June 1, when they made the difficult decision to accept a compromise involving the displacement of several bars beloved to the LGBTQIA community.

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.