Downtown Austin Historic Resources Survey - Noon Session
Join the City of Austin's Planning Department for an informational session on the Downtown Austin Survey, a project evaluating buildings over 45 years old to identify potential historic landmarks and districts. Funded by the City’s Historic Preservation Fund, this survey aims to document Austin’s architectural, historical, and cultural heritage while promoting heritage tourism. In this session, partners will provide an overview of the survey’s goals, how it may impact property owners, and opportunities for local and national historic designation. This meeting is open to the public and will offer valuable insights into Austin’s evolving historic landscape. REGISTER HERE
Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey - Evening Session
Join the City of Austin's Planning Department for an informational session on the Downtown Austin Survey, a project evaluating buildings over 45 years old to identify potential historic landmarks and districts. Funded by the City’s Historic Preservation Fund, this survey aims to document Austin’s architectural, historical, and cultural heritage while promoting heritage tourism. In this session, partners will provide an overview of the survey’s goals, how it may impact property owners, and opportunities for local and national historic designation. This meeting is open to the public and will offer valuable insights into Austin’s evolving historic landscape. REGISTER HERE
Latest news: The Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey Draft will be available for review on Wednesday, March 26! We welcome comments from the public through Friday, May 9.
The Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey aims to capture downtown's rich history by evaluating 45+ year-old buildings as potential historic landmarks and historic districts. It is a planning tool only and does not include zoning changes, land use changes, or property tax adjustments.
Documenting Austin's Past: Through detailed fieldwork, research in historical archives, and community outreach, the survey aims to create a comprehensive record of downtown's rich built heritage.
Supporting Heritage Tourism: The survey will identify key historic buildings and districts that could help draw more heritage tourists in Austin. The project is funded by the City's Historic Preservation Fund.
The survey will be completed by July 2025.
Survey Area
The survey area is roughly bounded by Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard on the north, I-35 on the east, Lady Bird Lake on the south, and MoPac on the west (see map below). It Includes 1,313 older buildings.
Using the Survey
If your property is recommended as a potential historic landmark or in a potential historic district, you may wish to explore historic designation. Historic properties are eligible for certan tax benefits (see below).
Local designation: If you choose to locally designate your property, it will entail a rezoning process. The City of Austin Historic Preservation Office will help guide you through the process.
National designation: The Texas Historical Commission works with the National Park Service to help people list properties in the National Register of Historic Places.
Benefits of Historic Designation
City of Austin historic landmarks are eligible for partial property tax exemptions. Properties in locally designated historic districts can receive a tax abatement for qualified rehabilitation projects. Income-producing and nonprofit-owned properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for state and federal historic tax credits for qualified rehabilitation projects.
Aerial: Austin downtown, photograph, January 6, 1963