City Council approves 2024 Heritage Preservation Grants

Austin Monitor
BY KALI BRAMBLE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024

On Thursday, City Council approved a list of Heritage Preservation Grants funded by $3.59 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars.

The 23 applicants will receive anywhere from $15,000 to $250,000 to fund their proposals, which range from concrete repair projects to more abstract endeavors like educational programming and planning processes.

Highlights include awards to the Austin Theatre Alliance, who will see exterior renovations to the Paramount Theatre as well as funding to replace the iconic neon Stateside Theatre sign with a less costly, LED-powered replica. Other sites on the short list for capital repairs include the Broken Spoke, the Alamo Drafthouse-owned Baker School, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, Huston-Tillotson University’s Evans Hall and the Millett Opera House.

The Rosewood Courts redevelopment project breaking ground in East Austin will see funding for cultural programming at the historic site of Emancipation Park. The project, slated to bring 184 affordable housing units to market sometime this year, plans to implement mixed-media storytelling and interactive tours illustrating its journey from Black community gathering place to New Deal-era housing project.

Similarly, the Pease Park Conservancy will see funding for its Black History Interpretive Plan, which outlines a number of exhibits, markers and event programming exploring issues of slavery and segregation attached to its namesake while also celebrating the history of Austin’s many freedman communities. Those interested can check out the full Pease Park Vision Plan for more details.

A grant will also be coming for Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, which is eyeing phase three of its ambitious plan for 1.5 miles of connected green spaces through Downtown Austin. If approved, the grant will fund the planning process to redevelop the long-neglected Sir Swante Palm Park.

Art enthusiasts can look forward to expanded programming at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Laguna Gloria, while history buffs can celebrate much-needed repairs to some of Austin’s 19th century relics like Madison Log Cabin at Rosewood Park and the Dodson Farmhouse at Pioneer Farms. 

Readers can view the full list of recommended applicants, which were approved by City Council, here.

Photo made available through a Creative Commons license.