Historic Preservation Office To Launch Survey Of East Austin

EAST AUSTIN, TX -- A historic survey of the East Austin area is planned toward the aim of determining landmarks and possible boundaries for historic districts, city officials announced Thursday.

The city’s Historic Preservation Office has secured the services of a consultant to undertake the project, which will include researching, photographing and documenting residential and commercial structures to determine their potential as historic landmarks.

The effort also will determine boundaries for historic districts.

The survey area is bounded by Interstate 35 to the west; the Colorado River to the south; Pleasant Valley Road/MetroRail line to the east; and Manor Road to the north.

Residents in the survey area will see signs of the work in progress as consultants take photographs of various structures throughout the area.

The consultants that will undertake the project are with the Hardy Heck Moore, Inc., a company that provides historic preservation and cultural resources management services.

According to the company website, the company provides such services to federal, state and local governments as well as non-profit groups and private clients throughout the U.S.

As consultants scour the area for potentially historic resources, residents are encouraged to share their personal stories or any interesting facts about a home or structure. They will be able to share such insights with photographers surveying the area or during public meetings scheduled as part of the project.

Once it’s completed, officials said, the final survey will “...define the history and important neighborhood characteristics worthy of preservation.”

For additional information, contact planning manager Jerry Rusthoven at (512) 974-3207. He also can be reached by email.