Austin’s Historic School Set for Demolition, Sparking Controversy

Austin’s Historic School Set for Demolition, Sparking Controversy

Austin, Texas – The fate of the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, once the home of University Junior High, is hanging in the balance after the Texas Historical Commission (THC) issued a permit for its demolition. This site is notable for being one of the first integrated schools in Austin, a point that has spurred passionate debate among local preservationists.

Advocates from the group Save the Past for the fUTure had worked tirelessly to secure a Texas State Antiquities Landmark designation for the building in hopes of protecting it from demolition. Their efforts seemed promising until the recent decision from the THC allowed the University of Texas (UT) to move forward with their plans to replace the historical structure with a new Longhorns football training facility.

The Unexpected Decision

According to Barbara Anderson, a leader of the preservation group and a former UT professor, the news came as a shock. There hadn’t been any scheduled hearings related to the building’s fate, and she expressed frustration over the apparent lack of transparency in the THC’s decision-making process. “We had been reaching out for updates but learned of the ruling through a records request,” said Anderson, highlighting that better communication would have been appreciated.

To the preservationists, it seems that the THC acted rather swiftly following a tour of the building by the THC director, which was arranged by UT. Anderson stated, “There was no hearing, no discussion regarding UT’s due diligence in meeting requirements around tearing down a building,” raising concerns over whether the ruling was fair.

Next Steps and Legal Options

With the demolition scheduled for November after an assessment for asbestos, the group finds themselves scrambling for legal avenues to halt the process. They are currently seeking a lawyer willing to take on the case pro bono in hopes of filing an injunction against the demolition. Alongside this legal route, they are preparing a letter to THC Director Joseph Bell, requesting more clarity on the ruling.

Anderson indicated that UT is facing scrutiny in multiple ongoing cases concerning historical preservation, including one related to the Institute of Texas Cultures in San Antonio. The preservation group plans to present to the commission in October, asking for a landmark designation to protect that structure from a similar fate.

A Reminder of the Past

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work holds significant historical importance as one of the first schools to integrate in Austin. Anderson emphasized the need to convey this message in their legal efforts: “We feel there has been confusion about the historic commission process, and we want to address the lack of transparency in how they arrived at this decision.”

The University confirmed they received the demolition permit from the THC but did not specify a start date for the demolition. According to a university spokesperson, work at the site will continue for the next several months. To honor the building, the university has outlined several memorialization steps, which include creating a documentary film, salvaging certain architectural features, as well as employing drone photography, laser scanning, and 360-degree walkthroughs.

Concerns Over Transparency

In a letter to UT, THC Director Bell pointed out that the landmark designation does not prevent demolition and that UT has met the necessary statutes for seeking such a permit. He referenced a 2015 feasibility study that deemed the remodeling of the building as cost-prohibitive, stating that its location is no longer conducive to academic needs at the heart of the campus.

Amid all of this, Anderson accused UT of “misrepresentations of the truth,” claiming that these actions swayed the head of the Historic Commission to approve the demolition without proper processes. The passionate debate surrounding the future of the Steve Hicks School continues to unfold, as advocates strive to preserve a significant piece of Austin’s history.