Austin City Council Votes to Protect Historic Romo-Johnson House

News Summary

The Austin City Council has taken a significant step to designate the Romo-Johnson House in East Austin as a historic site. This decision, aimed at preserving the home, faces challenges as three council members abstained from the vote. Without this designation, the current owner may demolish the house, which has been a part of the community’s history since 1915. The council will revisit this issue in upcoming meetings, highlighting the ongoing debate between development and preservation in the evolving landscape of East Austin.

Austin City Council Takes Steps to Preserve a Piece of History

This past week, the Austin City Council made waves by taking a significant step to protect the Romo-Johnson House, located at 900 Spence St. in East Austin. The council voted to approve a historic designation for this charming home, but the journey to full protection still has a few more hurdles to overcome.

What’s Going On?

The historic designation received a thumbs-up on its first reading, but here’s the twist: three council members chose to abstain from the vote. Natasha Harper-Madison, Paige Ellis, and Marc Duchen sat this one out. For the designation to get the ultimate green light, it needs nine out of eleven votes in the upcoming readings. That’s a tall order, but one that many community members are hoping for.

Concerns About Demolition

Now, why is this historic designation so crucial? Well, without it, the current owner—DMP Austin LLC—could move forward with plans to demolish the house. In the meeting, it was reiterated that both Harper-Madison and Ellis have made it clear they won’t vote against what the property owner wants. This puts the future of the Romo-Johnson House in a tenuous position.

A Glimpse into History

Built in 1915 by Alfred and Caroline Johnson, this house has seen quite a few families come and go over the decades. While it may not be tied to any notable figures, its significance lies in the story it tells about the changing demographics of the Willow-Spence neighborhood. The East Austin Historic Resource Survey describes it as “a good example of the National Folk style,” showing just how much charm and character this home holds.

The house was bought in 1957 by Bernardino and Santos Romo, who lived there until 2017 and 2021 respectively. Bernardino was active in the community, serving on the PTA board of Palm School. The Romo family’s occupancy symbolizes a shift in the community, moving from a primarily white neighborhood to a more Hispanic one, reflecting broader social changes in the area.

A Community Divided

Despite the efforts of city staff and the Historic Landmark Commission to recommend this designation, the Planning Commission was more divided. Some commissioners expressed disappointment about the house’s current condition and raised concerns about possibly replacing it with new housing developments. It’s clear that while many people value the historical significance of the Romo-Johnson House, others are anxious about its architectural integrity and viability for modern needs.

Next Steps

The City Council will revisit this historic zoning case at their meetings scheduled for either February 13 or February 27. This is going to be a hot topic, especially among local residents keen on preserving the rich tapestry of East Austin’s history.

The Bigger Picture

All this leads to a crucial conversation about the balance between development and preservation. As neighborhoods evolve, it’s vital to consider how history plays a role in the identity and character of a community. The fate of the Romo-Johnson House sits delicately in the hands of the council and the local community.

The discussions about this house are about more than just bricks and mortar; they represent a broader narrative of community, culture, and change over time. As Austin continues to grow and adapt, many will be keeping a close eye on the future of this historic treasure. Will it be preserved as a nod to the past, or will it make way for new developments? Only time will tell!

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Additional Resources

• Austin Monitor: Council OKs Historic Zoning
• Wikipedia: Austin City Council
• Austin Monitor: Commission Fails to Reach Recommendation
• Google Search: East Austin House Historic Zoning
• New York Times: Saturday Night Live with Dakota Johnson and Justin Timberlake
• Google Scholar: Historic Zoning Affect on Community
• D Magazine: The 100 Most Expensive Homes in Dallas
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation