The natural springs born out of Shoal Creek in Old West Austin have been part of the known and cherished network of waterways extensively traveled by Indigenous Peoples for millennia prior to European invasions.

Read a primer from our Indigenous Heritage intern on the relationship between historic preservation and indigenous heritage, reflecting on the evolution of preservation and how long Indigenous heritage has been overlooked by the field.

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.

Preservation Austin’s 64th Annual Preservation Merit Awards honor visionary approaches to preserving our city’s unique architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage. By recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses, organizations, and institutions, we hope to inspire others to carry on this important work.

The Chicana struggle during the Economy Furniture Strike represents the larger aspirations of economic justice in the East Austin community, and the challenge of all working-class women in Labor movements. Through the difficult experiences of these women, activists of today can find hope in the resolve of Chicanas at Economy Furniture to radically advocate for a better relationship to their labor. 

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.

Preservation Austin is proud to be able to provide the following worthy projects with grant funding: Lydia Street window restoration, Zeta Phi Beta window restoration, Palm Park Shelter House engineering, and the I-35 Capital Express Expansion documentation project.