Austin’s Historic Treasure Saved from the Wrecking Ball!
In a big win for preservationists and history buffs alike, a century-old building in East Austin has just dodged a bullet! City leaders recently voted to give this long-abandoned structure a much-needed landmark status. This distinctive piece of architecture, located at the corner of East 12th and Comal Streets, has been around since 1889. That’s right, folks—over 130 years of history!
The Vote that Changed Everything
On Thursday, the city council made a crucial decision with a supermajority vote in favor of this historic landmark. Only councilmembers Natasha Harper-Madison and Paige Ellis disagreed, believing this aged building might not be worth saving. But for those passionate about preserving Austin’s rich history, the outcome was nothing short of a celebration!
The call to save the building came after Eureka Holdings, a Dallas-based developer, expressed intentions to demolish it. That’s when the Austin Historic Landmark Commission stepped in, striking a chord with the community by endorsing the landmark designation. It seems this building holds a special place in the hearts of many, and it’s not hard to see why!
Why Does It Matter?
Meghan King from Preservation Austin made it clear: “This is really an important corner in East Austin… it deserves careful attention.” The building isn’t just bricks and mortar—it tells a story. From being a bustling barbershop and saloon to housing the Gamma Eta Alpha chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, this venue has been a cornerstone for generations of immigrants and African-American entrepreneurs.
Just thinking about all the lives that have graced this establishment is truly inspiring! Imagine all the laughter, the hard work, and the community bonds that have formed within its walls. But alas, despite its rich heritage, the building has regretfully remained vacant for quite some time.
The Other Side of the Coin
Under Pressure
Eureka Holdings isn’t just focused on this single structure; they reportedly own numerous properties along East 12th Street and have issued eviction notices to commercial tenants in the area. Preservationists have voiced concerns that the developer seems to lack a genuine interest in preserving the history of the rich Black community that has shaped East Austin over the years. That’s a narrative that many in the community are not ready to let go of.
The Future Looks Bright!
In a world where many prized structures fall to the ravages of time and development, it’s refreshing to know that some treasures can still be saved. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for this unique piece of Austin’s identity!
