Round Rock Council Takes First Steps To Relocate Historic Stagecoach Inn

ROUND ROCK, TX — City council members recently approved the first steps toward relocating the Old Stagecoach Inn—a historic 19th century structure serving travelers along the historic Chisholm Trail.

The council approved a project management contract for the site's relocation during its July 13 meeting. The Old Stagecoach Inn was built sometime between 1848 and 1853, making it one of the oldest surviving buildings from the city's founding era. Buildings from this "pre-railroad" period were constructed by skilled builders using traditional techniques and materials that could be obtained nearby without access to manufactured building materials, city officials explained.

Few buildings remain from that "pre-railroad" era, officials noted.

The council development follows a February 2017 feasibility study outlining relocation options for the Old Stagecoach Inn presented to members by preservation architecture firm, Architexas. The study provided insight on the process required to relocate the existing structure from its current location at 901 Round Rock Avenue to the “Bathing Beach” near Chisholm Trail Crossing Park, as necessitated by continued progress on the RM 620 Safety Improvement Project.

The relocation of the Stagecoach Inn as outlined in the feasibility study consists of four phases:

• Initial work, including building and site preparation at existing site in advance of move
• New site preparation and relocation of historic building
• Stabilization of historic building at new site and mothballing of structure
• Basic exterior and interior rehabilitation of structure

Officials noted that at this time, rehabilitation of the interior and exterior of the structure (phase 4) is not being included as part of the current project.

According to the initial study, project cost for phases 1-3 was estimated to total approximately $532,166. Since the study was initially presented to Council, City staff have worked to realize approximately $63,215 in project savings through the utilization of existing City resources to complete select tasks necessary for relocation.

The approved contract, in the amount of $98,300, continues the relationship with Architexas for project management related to the relocation of the stagecoach structure, city officials said. Architexas will be responsible for pre-design, design development, construction documents, bidding and construction phase services associated with relocation, council members added.

More information on the history of the Old Stagecoach Inn relocation project can be found online by clicking here.

>>> Image via Facebook page Save the Round Rock Old Stagecoach Inn.