Austin Preservation Group Guards Against Historic Structures' Demolition

EAST AUSTIN, TX -- Many in Austin lament the negative effects of gentrification in Austin, particularly when commercial development or construction of McMansions bulldoze over historically significant structures.

The pace of gentrification-fueled demolitions is often hard to keep up with, given the brisk level of development in some pockets -- especially East Austin, which has long been ground zero of the gentrification community skirmishes with real estate speculators.

Enter Austin Preservation Austin, which provides lists of properties subject to demolition. The group breaks up its lists of buildings targeted for demolition in two categories -- homes located within a historic district and homes with potential historical significance.

For May, the group listed four structures in the former category and ten in the latter. Along with the list, street views of each building are provided.

Often, residents feel helpless against the tide of demolitions and view themselves in the David role against the developers' Goliath. But Austin Preservation urges people to attend city meetings in which demolition decisions are made.

The next meeting is scheduled this coming Monday, May 23 at City Hall Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd St. at 7 p.m. Preservationists note that people attending are given an opportunity to address city officials against demolition.

The notices for May are:

HOMES LOCATED WITHIN A HISTORIC DISTRICT

• 1315 W. 9th St., Historic Case #: NRD-2016-0035
• 1712 W. 11th St., Historic Case #: NRD-2016-0036
• 910 Baylor St., Historic Case #: NRD-2016-0033,
• 1303 Lorrain St., Historic Case #: NRD-2016-0034

HOMES WITH POTENTIAL HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• 2301 Rundell Place, Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0269
• 1126 Chicon St., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0276
• 1501 Inglewood St., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0309
• 712 W. 34th St., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0258
• 700 Bouldin Ave., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0306
• 5804 Wynona Ave., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0308
• 1703 Haskell St., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0143
• 1114 S. 5th St., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0310
• 607 Academy Drive, Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0296
• 3213 Stevenson Ave., Historic Case #: HDP-2016-0280