Virtual Programs

Preservation Austin: Virtual Programs
Preservation Austin: Virtual Tours

From East Austin’s Rich Black History to Downtown’s Iconic Art Deco Gems

Our library of virtual programs explores the many facets of our city’s vast cultural and architectural history.

Above Right: Photo by James Rambin

Click Below to View Our Virtual Programs

WEATHERIZING FOR HISTORIC HOMES

As extreme weather becomes more common in Central Texas, Preservation Austin is committed to educating historic homeowners on how to prepare. Join us to learn about proactive steps to weatherize older and historic homes, and how to preserve a home’s historic character while improving energy efficiency. This virtual program features presentations from local experts on best practices for insulating homes, preventative tree care, and historic window repairs.

2021 VIRTUAL HOMES TOUR | ROGERS-WASHINGTON-HOLY CROSS: BLACK HERITAGE, LIVING HISTORY

Our 2021 Virtual Homes Tour celebrates the incredible history and post-war homes of East Austin’s Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Historic District, Austin’s first historic district honoring Black heritage.

Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross: Black Heritage, Living History explores the homes and stories of some of the twentieth century’s most significant Austinites, including those of Tuskegee Airman Norman Scales, former Huston-Tillotson president Dr. John Q. Taylor King and his roster of esteemed house guests, Ira Poole and his iconic collection of yard art Americana, and more.

Viewers will also hear from architectural historian Dr. Tara Dudley on the works of architect John S. Chase, whose early career was forged through personal connection to Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross and whose work has left an indelible mark on the historic district.

WOMEN IN PRESERVATION ARCHITECTURE

In this virtual talk, you will hear from some of Austin’s most accomplished women in preservation architecture on their Preservation Merit Award-winning projects and the unique challenges of working at the intersection of these distinct fields.

Speakers include Ellen Colfax of Austin Parks and Recreation Department speaking on PARD’s rehabilitation of the Shipe Park Shelter House in Hyde Park; Tere O’Connell of O’Connell Architecture, LLC on her restoration work at the Buaas House; and Holly Arthur, Emily Little, and Delia Meave on their work at The Commodore Perry Estate.

Preservation Austin is grateful for the generous support of our public programming sponsor, Colin Corgan, for making this event possible.

HILL COUNTRY DECO

Using vibrant original photography and historic images, authors David Bush and Jim Parsons trace the history and evolution of modernistic architecture in Central Texas.

Hill Country Deco, showcases examples of Art Deco, Art Moderne and WPA Deco architecture and public art, from the refined lines of Austin’s Depression-era United States Courthouse to the sweeping curves of San Antonio’s Alameda Theater. Bush and Parsons are the co-authors of four award-winning books on Art Deco architecture in Texas: Houston Deco, Hill Country Deco, Fair Park Deco and DFW Deco.

2021 PRESERVATION MERIT AWARDS

For our 61st Annual, 2021 Preservation Merit Awards, Preservation Austin is delighted to once again recognize ambitious and innovative approaches to preserving the city’s historic places. From the Enfield Condo development showing how preservation and density can go hand in hand, to the meticulously restored 1841 French Legation, these projects put the possibilities of preservation on full display.

The Special Recognition Awards honors the likes of ATX Barrio Archive and the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Neighborhood Association for their incredible public service and advocacy accomplishments.

THE LEGACY OF JOHN S. CHASE IN EAST AUSTIN

Architect John S. Chase’s storied career as a groundbreaking figure in architecture garnered him national and international acclaim.

Among the first African American students admitted to the University of Texas, Austin was Chase’s laboratory where he tested out early iterations of his visionary approach to modernism.

Though his time in Austin was brief before he established his firm in Houston, Chase produced some of the city’s most significant works of architecture, including the newly restored Teachers State Association of Texas Headquarters (1952) at 1191 Navasota Street, now home to the University of Texas’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.

EL CAMINO CONNECTION: HISTORY AND BIRDING IN EAST AUSTIN'S BLAIR WOODS

Travis Audubon’s Blair Woods, a 10-acre urban preserve on East MLK, has long been suspected as the site of Fort Colorado, a Republic of Texas-era fort active between 1836 and 1838.

This fort was strategically placed to block the travel of Mexican and Native people along what is now the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, a 2,500+ mile network of trails that connected Spain's Viceregal capital of Mexico City to the first capital of Texas at Los Adaes in present-day Louisiana.

In this talk, you will hear from historians and archaeologists Melinda and Sergio Iruegas (GTI Environmental) and Steven Gonzales of El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association on their collaborative effort to uncover the long-suspected, but largely uncovered history of Fort Colorado. You will also hear about Dr. Frank and Fern Blair, a prominent zoologist from UT Austin and his wife, an avid birder, who lived on the land of Blair Woods and whose stewardship played an important role in the preservation of Fort Colorado’s rich history.

2020 VIRTUAL HOMES TOUR

Our 2020 Virtual Homes Tour celebrates downtown Austin's historic living spaces in all their forms, from the Cambridge Towers, a mid-century high-rise with stunning views of the Texas Capitol, to a converted Congress Avenue storefront overlooking the historic Paramount Theatre.

Every year the Homes Tour explores some new aspect of Austin’s architectural legacy—it’s a powerful and personal way to connect with our heritage that you can’t find anywhere else.

2022 PRESERVATION MERIT AWARD WINNERS

Preservation Austin is delighted to recognize the ambitious, innovative, and community-minded winners of our 62nd Annual, 2022 Preservation Merit Awards. From the grandstand rehabilitation at East Austin’s legendary Downs Field to the meticulous care taken to restore the historic brick facade at Luther Hall, these projects put the possibilities of preservation on full display.

The Special Recognition Awards honor the likes of Oakwood Cemetery Chapel and the Neill-Cochran House Museum for their incredible public service and educational accomplishments.

Preservation Austin exists to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and meaningful community culture through preservation. Support this work by donating or becoming a member today.

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