Historic Zoning Remains in Limbo: Austin Commission Ponders Century-Old East Side Building’s Complicated Past

The century-old storefront at the corner of East 12th and Comal streets in Austin, Texas is still on the brink of survival as the city’s Historic Landmark Commission intensifies debates on its merits for preservation. The structure, situated at 1500 E. 12th St., has provoked conflicting neighborhood sentiments due to accusations of bad faith negotiation tactics following a demolition request from owner and real estate developer Eureka Holdings.

A Case for Historic Zoning

The Preservation Office of the city has advocated for initiating historic zoning on the site. However, the commission members have deferred this decision, voting 9-1 to postpone the case till next month’s meeting. The building’s historic significance largely stems from its varied past as a German grocery and beer hall before transforming into a Black barbershop and music venue. Preservationists believe this evolution is reflective of East Austin’s shifting demographic patterns throughout the 20th century. Indeed, the 2016 East Austin Historic Resources Survey identified the site as a potential landmark due to its vicinity to the I.Q. Hurdle House and Southgate-Lewis House, putting forward a suggestion to keep the historic corner intact.

Neighborhood Reservations

On the other hand, some local residents have expressed skepticism about the proposed preservation citing their recollections of the site, which has been mostly abandoned since the 1970s. Freddie Dixon, a former reverend and East Austinite, argued, “This was a house of ill repute, where many illegal activities went on late into the night…This building does not deserve the same recognition as landmarks like the historic Kealing Jr. High School, it would be an affront to the Black community of Austin.” Neighbor Elliot Dew, a local computer repair service provider, was more forthright, referring to the place as known for its notorious activities.

Eureka Holdings Under Scrutiny

Eureka Holdings is not new to controversy. It has accumulated several citations for code violations at 1500 E. 12th, which include the failure to conduct basic maintenance, clean up trash and debris, and unpermitted construction. Significant backlash has arisen due to their handling of East 12th Street properties, with accusations mounting against them for neglecting old buildings and their failure to redevelop their large portfolio along the corridor. Nate Jones, the President of Austin’s Organization of Central East Austin Neighborhoods (OCEAN), raised concerns over this and urged the Historic Landmark Commission in a July 2 letter to prioritize East 12th Street’s historic buildings for revitalization efforts.

Preservation or Neglect: The Decision Awaits

The case for the preservation of 1500 E. 12th St. continues to rest in limbo as it awaits the city Historic Landmark Commission’s verdict. While some find historic merit in the building’s multi-faceted past, others see it as a symbol of decline and decay – a reminder of activities best forgotten. Given these divergent viewpoints, the commission’s decision in the coming month is eagerly anticipated and bound to have significant implications for the future of historic preservation in East Austin.