Austin’s Historic University Junior High School Faces Demolition: A New Era Begins for UT Austin

Austin Sees Historic Building’s Downfall: A New Chapter for the University of Texas

Austin, Texas – The bustling University of Texas at Austin campus is undergoing significant changes as a historic building, the University Junior High School, faces demolition to make way for a new practice facility. This decision marks a bittersweet moment for many, especially those who appreciate historical significance and the stories woven into the very bricks of our city.

A Legacy of Integration

Originally built in 1933, the University Junior High School served as a training ground for practice teachers under the auspices of both the university and the Austin Public School System. This establishment holds a distinctive place in history, being the first junior high school in Austin to integrate during the 1957-58 school year. Throughout the years, it witnessed numerous transformations – from serving various departments at the university to housing Texas’ first childcare center for state employees in 1991.

Most recently, the building had been home to the Steve Hicks School of Social Work since 1994. However, since the end of May 2024, the school relocated to a facility that aligns more closely with its academic mission, paving the way for the new vision at this site.

Demolition Begins

On a typical Thursday morning, the sounds of construction echoed across the campus as crews commenced demolition of the exterior walls of the once-proud building. The decision came after a lengthy consideration process, where preservationists like Kim Barker, the university’s preservation planner, acknowledged that rehabilitating the building had become “cost prohibitive.”

Kevin Eltife, chairman of the UT Board of Regents, expressed that maintaining the building for classroom purposes just didn’t make sense given the current needs of the university and its students. Eltife reassured concerned locals that there are plans to create an exhibit dedicated to commemorating the building’s history, capturing its legacy through various historical artifacts.

A Grassroots Movement

In response to the demolition news, a grassroots group named Save the Past for the Future was formed in 2023. The members rallied to preserve the university’s Junior High School, seeing it as a vital piece of Austin’s heritage. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the path towards the new practice facility has been confirmed.

The Future Ahead

As the dust settles from the demolition, eyes shift towards the future. The anticipated new practice facilities will be situated closer to DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium, ideally enhancing student athletics and related activities.

Community Reflection

The demolition marks not only an end but also the beginning of new and exciting endeavors for the University of Texas. It’s a chance for the university community to reflect on the history embedded in the walls of the Junior High School, while also embracing new opportunities that lie ahead. For many students, faculty, and alumni, the memories created within these walls will remain close to heart, even as the physical structure fades away.

In a city like Austin, where history and progress often collide, this chapter is just one of many as we continue to grow and evolve.

As we look forward to the spring session and the grand unveiling of the new facilities, let’s also honor the memories and significance the University Junior High School brought to our community.