Demolition underway at the historic Steve Hicks School of Social Work as the University of Texas embarks on a new project.
The University of Texas at Austin has started the demolition of the historic Steve Hicks School of Social Work building to make way for a new football training facility. While this marks an advancement in the university’s athletic infrastructure, it raises concerns among preservation advocates regarding the future of historic landmarks in the area. The building holds historical significance as the first integrated junior high school in the city and its dismantling has sparked a grassroots coalition to oppose the decision.
Austin is buzzing with conversation as the University of Texas at Austin officially kicks off the demolition of the iconic Steve Hicks School of Social Work building. This change is part of a significant project that will see the construction of a shiny new football training facility, set to replace the old beloved “Bubble” at Denius Fields. While many see this as a positive step forward for the University’s athletic programs, it has also raised eyebrows and stirred emotions among preservation advocates.
The building, which has been a part of Austin’s landscape since its creation in 1933, is not just bricks and mortar. It holds a special place in Texas history as University Junior High School, the first integrated public junior high school in the city. It later became home to the School of Social Work, which only recently relocated to Walter Webb Hall by the end of May 2024. With its historical importance recognized, the Texas Historical Commission even approved a nomination for the building to become a State Antiquities Landmark, emphasizing its significant role in education and desegregation.
As of September 23, 2024, demolition has officially begun and is expected to stretch for several months. The architecture of the new athletic facility promises to boast impressive features including a 100-yard outdoor field and a matching indoor field. This modern facility is projected to cost about $70 million and is slated for completion by August 2026. But while some celebrate the retirement of the School of Social Work building, not everyone is on board.
With demolition underway, a grassroots coalition known as Save the Past for the Future has stepped into the fray, voicing strong opposition. The activists argue that this move can be seen as a troubling precedent for how the state treats its historical landmarks. Although the building is getting a historical designation, it still paves the way for its demolition as the Texas Historical Commission has confirmed that this status does not halt the process.
Furthermore, the university has hinted at plans to create an exhibit showcasing historical artifacts from the building after the demolition. The university’s preservation planner has acknowledged the significant costs involved in rehabilitating the building, reinforcing the decision to move forward with its removal.
As the walls come down, nostalgia is in the air, as many recall the building’s contributions towards the desegregation of Texas public schools. This demolition brings about a concern for the city as it finds itself at a crossroad: the balance of honoring history while paving the way for new developments. Members of the coalition have expressed frustrations about the lack of communication regarding the approval of the demolition permit, citing that they were not adequately informed.
As plans unfold, there is tension in the air that might not dissipate any time soon. Preservation activists are even considering legal avenues in hopes of halting the demolition completely. They argue that maintaining such historical sites is essential for teaching future generations about the past.
Once the School of Social Work relocates, the location is expected to be incorporated into the McCombs School of Business, hinting at a bustling future on the site that will be quite different from its history. The road ahead is uncertain, with emotions running high and the city grappling with how best to honor its past while stepping into the future. It’s clear that though the walls may come down, the stories and memories embedded in them will linger long into Austin’s vibrant narrative.
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