In the far reaches of Austin, off the winding roads leading to Volente, sits a sacred meeting space. Sacred in both intention and practice, Alma de Mujer exists as a sanctuary for lesbians, Indigenous women, and marginalized communities.

Nestled within the vibrant Red River Cultural District in Austin, Texas, the address at 900 Red River Street holds a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and community spirit.

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.