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FEATURES
68 Preservation Austin
An interviewwith Executive Director Lindsey Derrington, and a peakat this year’s exciting historic homes tour
BY KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK
76 Maiden House
Liz MacPhail and Joshua Mackley join forces to revive a preservation/addition bungalow near campus BY
DEVENWILSON
82 Kweller Residence
92 Maufrais Residence
One of Austin’s most beloved creative couples unveils their truly unique historic compound in Dripping Springs. BY
NICOLEHADDAD
An open-concept living room and streamlined modern aesthetic are an unexpected surprise in this Clarksville preservation BY
LAURENJONES
98 Home & Design Awards Finalists
Congratulations to the finalists of this year’s awards! We announce the stellar projects and firms and invite you to join us to celebrate the winners.
102 Best Builders
We polled homeowners and industry pros to create this list of the top interior designers in the Austin area
LINDSEYDERRINGTONINFRONTOF THE
HOUSE. PHOTO BY ROBERTGOMEZ.
Elements
The latest releases, collabs, and openings by local Austin brands BY
KIERNANMCCORMICK
32
Design Inspiration | Arena Hall
A shared vision for a new type of community gathering space finds its home in one of Austin’s treasured mansions BY CODICHEN
36 Design Futures | AI For Interiors
Through their new platform AI for Interiors, Etch Design Group is proving that artificial intelligence can be a designer’s best friend. BY
KARENZABARSKYBLASHEK
38 Getthe Look | CG&S Midcentury House
CG&S Design-Build breathes new life into a midcentury treasure in Barton Hills, and shares the specifications that made it happen. BY KIERNANMCCORMICK
44 Spotlight | The ReUse People
The Austin chapter of the ReUse People is saving treasured historic homes that otherwise would have been demolished. BY
KATHRYN STREETER
46 Design Inspiration | Cosmic Saltillo
Clayton Korte leads the adaptive reuse of an early 20th century warehouse into Cosmic Coffee & Beer’s second location. BY KARENZABARSKYBLASHEK
48 “What I Remember of Home”
We spotlight the unparalelled cultural talent in our city though poetry, short story, and photography submissions about home BY MEGMCLAIN
50 Designer Challenge | Avery Cox
Avery Cox guides us through her favorite antique hot-spots in town, and how to find the perfect piece. BY KARENZABARSKYBLASHEK
60 Art | Dimmitt Contemporary Opening
Artist Kristin Moore celebrates history and identity in her new show at Dimmitt Contemporary Art. BY NICHOLAS CAMPBELL
64 Profile | Paul Clayton
In thisintimate portrait of Paul Clayton and his firm, Clayton Korte, we examine anapproach to preservation of balancing past, present, and future BY CANANYETMAN
110 In Photos | Winter Editor’s Preview
In December of last year, we celebrated the release of the Winter issue in style, and announced the Best of Interior Design awardees
112 Critique | Bang the Drum
Architectural Critic Aaron Seward explores the demolition of the iconic Erwin Center BY AARONSEWARD
114 Curtains | Ali Burgoon Nolan
With rich, lush interiors, Nolan is growing a recognizable signature aesthetic through her new interior design firm
StatementofOwnership, management and circulation (required by 39U.S.C.3685).1. AustinHome Magazine 2. Publication No.USPS 001-514 3.Oct 1, 24 4.Quarterly, 5.No of issues published annually.4,6.Annualsubscription price $14.95;7.POBox2171, SanAntonio,TX 78297-21719.Namesand addresses ofPublisher and Editorsare:Publisher,MarkMedici,P.O. Box 2171,SanAntonio, Texas 78297-2171. Editor, Karen Zabarsky Blashek,P.O. Box 2171,SanAntonio, Texas 78297-2171.10. Owner:Hearst Newspapers,LLC, mailing address: 300 West 57th Street,New York,NY10019.Members of Hearst Newspapers,LLCare:Hearst Communications,Inc.(ManagingMember),andNewspaper Holding, Inc., mailing address: 300 West 57th Street,New York,NY1001911.SeeItem 10 above. 15.A. Total no.copies printed (Net Press Run) Average no copies eachissueduring preceding 12 months,14,885. Actual no.copies of single issuepublished nearest to filingdate 17,850.B. Legitimate Paidand/or Requested Distribution.1.Outside-County Subscriptions. Average no.copies each issueduring preceding12 months, 2,746. Actual no.copiesofsingleissuepublished nearest to filing date,2,706. 3.Sales through dealersand carriers, street vendors,counter salesand otheroutside USPS Average no of copies eachissueduringpreceding 12 months,1,683. Actual no.copies ofsingleissuepublished nearest to filing date 4,584.C. Total Paid and/or RequestedCirculation. Average no.copies eachissueduringpreceding12 months,4,429. Actual no.copiesof singleissuepublished nearest to filing date 7,290.D.Nonrequested Distribution.1.Outside County Average no.copies eachissueduring preceding12 months,7,053. Actual no.copiesofsingleissue published nearest to filing date,7,159.4. Outsidethe Mail, Average no.copies each issue during preceding12 months,2,398. Actual no.copies ofsingleissuepublished nearest to filingdate 2,560. E. Total NonrequestedDistribution. Average no.copies each issueduring preceding12 months,9,451. Actual no.copiesofsingleissuepublished nearest to filing date, 9,719.F. TotalDistribution. Average no copies eachissueduring preceding 12 months,13,880. Actual no.copies of single issuepublished nearest to filingdate 17,009.G.Copies notDistributed Average no.copies eachissueduring preceding 12 months,1,005 Actual no.copies each issue published nearest to filingdate,841.H. Total Average no.copies each issueduring preceding 12 months, 14,885. Actual no.copies ofsingleissuepublished nearest to filing date,17,850.I. Percent Paid and/or RequestedCirculation. Average no.copies each issueduring preceding12 months32%. Actual no.copies ofsingleissuepublished nearest to filing date 43%.17.I certifythat the statements made by me abovearecorrectandcomplete.MarkMedici,Publisher.
KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @KZBLASHEK
Jane Jacobs,the 1960surbanistand author, is apersonalheroofmine. Shehelpeddefine what we nowconsidertobea healthy, thriving city,and ledthe campaign to save Greenwich Village in NewYorkCityfrombeing demolished to make wayfor abig,fat highway(canyou imagine?).
Oneofthe many reasonsI’m such afangirl is herstanceonthe importance of saving old buildings. In oneofher most famous quotes, shesaid, “Old ideascan sometimesuse new buildings. Newideas must useold buildings.”
What shemeant is that oldbuildings allowthe flexibility, beautifulimperfection, andenvironment fortrialanderror that newconstructionissimplytoo expensiveto accommodate. Old, profitableideas canfoot that bill. New, agile, experimental ideasneed aspace that canaffordthe journey. It makes me wonder aboutthe many tech tenantsof
ourshiny newoffice towers that sitempty–maybetheyshouldhavestarted with acool warehouseinstead.
This is whyhistoricpreservationserves up such adelicious duality. Reviving or adapting oldbuildings preservesthe heritage, community, andaesthetic attached to those structures.But at thesametime, it offers inspirationtoa newgenerationof fieryideas andcollaboration.
LindseyDerrington, ExecutiveDirectorof Preservation Austin,isone of several figures in Austin leadingthe charge to preserve our significant historic structures.Inour interview with her, we hear aboutthe organization’s recent wins,wevisit theirnew home in the majestically restored McFarland-McBeeHouse, andweget asneak peakat threehousesonthe historic homestourthisyear.
Also in thisissue, interior designer Liz
MacPhail takesa forward-thinking approach to reviving a1920s bungalow;the ReUse People save historic homesfromdemolition by uprootingthemand findingthema new landingspot; anddesignerAvery Cox masterfully guides us throughher art-andscienceapproachtoantique shopping.
We also introducea newelement to Austin Home with poetry,short story, and photographysubmissionsfromthe community. Ourinaugural spotlightfeaturesMeg McClain’s “WhatI Remember of Home,” apoemequal partsnostalgic andclear-eyed. Shecollaborated with Jade Skye Hammer,a localphotographer, to find theperfect imagepairing forthispiece. In acitylikeAustinthatischangingso rapidly, celebratingour oldertreasures is notonlygood forthe environmentand for streetscapevibes.Itisalso, ironically,our best option foropening ourminds to thefuture.
CALL FORENTRIES BestArchitects
Are you one of Austin’s Best Architects?
To learn more and nominate today, head to austinhomemag.com/ nominate.
Nomination deadline: May 23, 2025
Austin Home is seeking nominations for the Best Architects in town The annual list is part of our mission to showcasestandouts in a region that provides internationalinspiration. Groups with the most nominations will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Austin Home and online.
We invite you to nominate your favorite firm or your own, and to share the opportunity with colleagues and collaborators Architects who do residential work in Austin or a surrounding county are eligible.
Presenting theextraordinary concertexperience that younever knewwasinAustin
2025
Assembly Hall FEB 15
Hard TangowithJPJofre
TheMansion MAR 28
Stephen Hough: ASoloPiano Recital
TheMansion MAR 29
TheMansion APR 19
2024 /2 025 SE AS ON Extraordinary Concert Experiences
Love is in theair…Enjoy aromantic eveningoftango music with Grammyawardnominated composer andbandoneon virtuoso,JPJofre.NoValentine this year? No problem.Speed datingbeginsat5 p.m. Don’tmiss Austin’s most sensuousValentine’sDay celebration!
SirStephen Houghperforms asolopianorecitalof work by Chaminade, Liszt,and Chopin.Enjoy craftcocktails whilelisteningtoone of themost distinctiveartists ofhisgeneration.
MusicalMixologywith StephenHough &Ensemble ATX
SirStephen Houghjoins forces with ourownEnsemble ATXfor ariveting eveningofchamber music.
TheJoeyAlexanderTrio
Joey Alexanderhas beenwidely regarded as oneofthe mosthighly skilledpianistsand thoughtful improvisers in jazz. TheBali-bornpianist is theyoungestartist ever nominated fora GrammyAward in theJazz category.Comehearwhy he’s becomeone of jazz’smost expressive andthrillingpianist-composers!
TheJuilliardString Quartetwith Anna Petrova RiverbendCentre forthe Arts MAY 17
TheJuilliardStringQuartet,hailedas“themost importantAmerican quartetinhistory,” will conclude our24-25 season with aperformance featuringCo-Artistic Director andpianist,AnnaPetrova.
March5-6 6pmuntil6pm
PHOTO BY RYAN DAVIS
ACCENTS
CG&S Design-Build breathes new life into a midcentury treasure in Barton Hills, and shares the specifications that made it happen.
ELEMENTS
Refresh your space for spring with the latest from these Austin brands.
Vanity Fair
Justwhen we thoughtfurnituredesignerand wholesaler Four Hands’ selectioncouldn’t getany more expansive, they’redelvinginto new territory.Their new bathline is rooted in relaxation,andoffers single,single-wide,and double vanities,alongwithdamp-rated mirrors, sconces, pendants,andchandeliers. FourHandsintends forthe category to helpdesignersand homeowners craftinviting, luxurious, restful,andspa-like bathrooms withgrounding, high-quality,damp-rated materialsand restorative elements.Thelineis available for purchase on Perigold’s website. fourhands.com
Wanderlust Wallpaper
InteriordesignerAnnie Downing recentlydebuted herproductline, ADI,withan inaugural wallpaper collection. Downing,a wallpaperenthusiast, tookinspiration from hertravels to India,Mexico City,andIstanbulwhen designingthislinewith her team.Intended to injectspaces with warmthand joy, ADI Wallpaper features five vibrant motifsand25 variations.The collectionis available forpurchasethroughthe firm’s websiteandSupplyShowroom. anniedowning.com/shop
Loom Service
CanvasShowroom,thebrainchildof interiordesignerChristinaColeAbboud, givestheD&DBuilding boutiquesarun for their money.Asoneof Austin’s only tothe-tradeshowroomsof textiles,rugs,and beyond,Canvas features standoutbrands like La ManufactureCogolin,which recently celebrated its100thanniversary.Based in avillage nearSaint Tropez,the Frenchrug atelierproducespieces hand-knottedor woven by localcraftswomenon19th-century looms.Justlast year,thebrandunveiledits re-imagined Idylle FabricCollection, marking theimportanceofthe atelier’shistoryinthe presentandfuture. canvas-showroom.com/ textiles/la-manufacture-cogolin
Branching Out
ATXInteriorDesign founder LauraWilliams bringsthe firm’ssignature combination of sophisticationandcomfort to her new boutique, LivingOak.Theconcept evolved fromthe positive response Laura’s team received to their stylingapproach.Living Oak carriesa selectionofthoughtfullycurated home goods,includingart,decor,kitchen and tabletopitems, bathand bodyproducts, uniquegifts,andone-of-a-kindpieces. livingoakhome.com
Pillow Talk
ByCloudia,aSpringdale storelaunched by ClaudiaGeoly,dons rare and luxuriousartand decorativepiecesinspired by Geoly’stravels. A new additionis CounterpartStudios’ capsulepillow collection.Counterpart, founded by Andrée ChalaronandStacy Bain,collaborateswithartists to create fabric, wallpaper, and other household goods.Itspillow line includes exclusive patternsdesigned with Fort Lonesome andELOI. Twocoordinatingdesignertrim optionsare available for each pattern,and custom fabricandtrimcombinations can be requestedthroughCounterpartStudios. counterpartstudios.com
PAST MEETS PURPOSE
A shared vision for a new type of community gathering space finds its home in one of Austin’s treasured mansions.
PHOTOGRAPHY
A pristine Greek-revival home nestled in the historic Judge’s Hill neighborhood has been a social hub for more than a century. Themansion was originally builtin 1896 (althoughofficial records do not exist until 1914) for Judge Charles A. Wilcox, who hosted extravagant soirées there where Austin’s elite mingled and shaped the city’s future
Over the years, it transformed into a school and later Austin’s Inn at PearlStreet, earning a spotonthecity’sGhostToursduetoitsrumored friendlyspirits.Whenitwaspurchasedandsaved
from falling to ruinin 1993,the firsttask in refurbishing the home was to remove one of the largestbeecolonieseverfoundinaprivateAustin residence (hundreds of pounds of honey were removed from the walls and floors of the Inn)
Years after itssuccessful revival, the mansion has found a new steward in Arena Hall, a social club and co-working space that honors the storied legacy of the house while embracing innovation and collaboration
“We’re drawing people to timeless ideas; ideas that reflect Austin’s deep roots,” says
Chairman Evan Baehr. “Downtown may be full of high-rises that could be anywhere, but here, in this space, you’re transported to a time when community leaders gathered in homes to discuss big ideas that would change the world.”
Arena Hall has hosted lauded speakers, from local heroes like Mayor Kirk Watson and the Blanton’s Simone Jamille Wicha, to national icons like Apollo’s Mark Rowan and the Free Press’ Bari Weiss.
Stepping inside, the polished wood floors and the glimmer of natural light on intricately
The modernized yet respectfulkitchen(top) often finds thebiggest crowds,contrastedwith thecalmeleganceof thelounge spaceonthe groundfloor(bottom).
Opposite: Arena Hallbringsideas, conversationand connection to lifeunder thecanopyofitsoutdoor eventlawn.
“WE’RE DRAWING PEOPLE TO TIMELESSIDEAS; IDEASTHAT REFLECT AUSTIN’S DEEP ROOTS”
CHAIRMAN EVAN BAEHR
stamped ceiling tiles evoke the grandeur of a bygoneera.Originalfeatureslikethedarkwalnut staircase, large front door, and pocket doors in the hallway also speak to the home’s history, while the space around them has been carefully modernized The kitchen, once tucked away in the back, now flows into the heart of the building “We’ve designed this place to invite people to gather in so many ways,” says Executive Director Lindsey Lawrence. “But, like any home, people always tend to end up in the kitchen.”
The blend of antique and modern touches iseffortlessly captured in the design Built-in couchesoffer a modern comfort that complements the mansion’s historical charm, while the beverage bar, with itssleek black marble waterfall counter, serves asa welcoming nod totoday’s craftsmanship. Upstairs, what were once quiet, private bedrooms have been transformed into airy, light-filledoffices with expansive windows. The second floor opens onto a spacious balcony,offering a peaceful retreat amid the live oak treetops.
Outside is, as they say, where the magic happens. A generous deck, illuminated by delicate string lights, connects to a large lawn where Arena Hall’s speaker panels, roundtables, and groundbreaking gatherings take place. The grounds are shaded by lush greenery, almost muting the sounds of the city, and are often overflowing with life, conversation, and connection
“We want people to feel free,” Lindsey explains, pointing out the high-top tables designed for movement around the property “Nature has a way of loosening the formalities and letting conversations flow before moving into the formal content.”
Whether you’re tucked away in the library surrounded by rich walnut accents, or sharing stories in the expansive kitchen framed by sleek oak cabinets and brick walls, Arena Hallis more thana venue—it’s a living legacy With each idea sparked and every connection made, this space continues to inspire and evolve, honoring its past while shaping the future
In many design circles, “artificial intelligence” hasbecomea four-letterword. Abrewing mistrust of AI amongarchitectsand designers haskeptsomeinthe industry steering clear from this technology.
Jessica Nelson andStephanie Lindseyof Etch Design Groupthink that should change. Theirjourney beganearlier this year when Nelson attended apanel discussionon AI at KBIS,the National Kitchenand Bath Show. Intriguedbut hoping formoreactionable insights,she returned home determined to dive deeper.“Iput thekidstobed,toldmyhusband Iwas diving into AI,and by 3:00 a.m.,I was waking himuptoshowhimimages I’dcreated,” Nelson recalls,laughing. What startedasa late-night experiment quicklysnowballedinto apassion forexploring howAIcould transform thedesignprocess.
Theoutcome?AIfor Interiors, aplatform offeringcourses,livewebinars, andconsulting services toteachdesigners howtointegrate AI into theirworkflows. Themission is simple but profound:removethe fear surroundingAIand position it as atoolthatenhancescreativity
rather than replacingit.
“Westarted with toolslikeChatGPT,but quicklyexpanded,”Nelsonexplains. “For example, Promeaican render 2D elevations into beautiful, realisticimagesina fraction of thetimetraditional methodsrequire.And with Midjourney,designers canarticulateideas—like acustomtable or fireplaceconcept—toclients or fabricatorswithout hoursspent inSketchUp.”
Thesetoolsofferefficiencies thataretransformingthe industry.“We teachdesigners how to useChatGPTasan administrative assistant— drafting emails,managingprojects, andeven creating custom GPTs to automate repetitive tasks,”Nelsonshares. “It’sa game-changer,and when designersrealizethe full capabilities, their skepticism turnstoexcitement.”
Lindseyadds, “The toolsaren’tjustfor interior designers. Architects,builders, and anyone in thedesignindustrycan benefit. It’s aboutspeedingupprocesses, notreplacing the creative elements.”
Theirofferings arecomprehensive.From live seminars whereattendees canask realtime questions, to self-paced coursesanda
monthlymembershipfor stayingup-to-date on AI advancements,Nelsonand Lindseyhave createda community of design professionals eagertoembrace thefuture. They even provide one-on-one consultationsand full-team onboarding sessions, recently flying to New York to traina firm of seven.
Despitethe technicalnatureofAI, Nelson andLindsey emphasizeits accessibility. “Many creativesworry they aren’t ‘tech-savvy,’”Lindsey says.“ButAIissimpler than it seems. With practice,itbecomes second nature.”
Thefeedback hasbeenoverwhelmingly positive.Designers report increasedefficiency, enhanced creativity,and newfound confidence in theirworkflows. “Seeingsomeone skeptical aboutAIleave optimistic andempowered is thebestreward,”Nelsonbeams.
Forthose unsure of AI’s placeindesign, Nelsonoffersthisassurance: “AIisn’t here to replaceyou.It’sheretoamplify your talent, save youtime, andopenupnew possibilities. It’s atool—useittoyouradvantage.”
Find inspiration through CG&S Design-Build’s Settled In Light project.
WRITTEN BY KIERNAN MCCORMICK
PHOTOGRAPHY
RYAN DAVIS, CG&S DESIGN-BUILD
CG&S Design-Build helped the homeowners of a 1973 midcentury modern abode in Barton Hills celebrate its history while transforming itinto a warmer, more functional space. Led by interior designer Morgan Miller,the CG&S team opened up the flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. They added a flexible space for workouts and movie nights, a screened-in porch, and a new first-floor primary suite to accommodate the homeowners and their two children Elements such as the Infinity Black Leathered Quartzite countertop sourced from Stratus Surfaces, smart storage solutions, and playful pops of color are practical yet personal
Lighting proved to be the biggest challenge of this project. In its original state, the home felt dark, and the family wanted a lighter, more inviting feel However, they strongly disliked bright overhead lighting and favored soft, indirect illumination. Miller and her team
came up with several solutions to imbue the space with a more organic glow
“We installed three strategically placed Fakro windows where the roofline meets the wall, flooding the interiors with naturallight,” explains Miller “For artificial lighting, recessed tape lighting was used under cabinets and seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, providing gentle illumination We also incorporated wall sconces for diffused up-and-down lighting.”
Additionally,the team placed alllight fixtures on dimmers, allowing control over brightness. Pendant lightssuch as the kitchen’s Louis Poulsen PH5 by Poul Henningsen and the dining room’s 19” Saucer Bubble by George Nelson for Herman Miller, along with the family’s mid-century modern furniture collection, speak to the home’s roots. Some of
NEW WALL-TO-CEILING
WINDOWS
IMBUETHESPACE WITH NATURAL LIGHT.
67 8 3 2
KITCHEN: 1.BarStool: AllModernWalshVelvetCounter &BarStoolinGold.Photocourtesy of All Modern. 2.PH5Pendant Light: DesignedbyDanishwriter, designer, andarchitectPoulHenningsen. Photocourtesy of LouisPoulsen. 3.Souvenir Tile: 1”x6”Glazed PorcelainMosaic Tilein Lagos. Photocourtesy of EsmerTile. PRIMARYSUITEBATHROOM: 4.KitKat FingersTile: Sevilla 3.5”x0.5”Glazed Porcelain Mosaic Tile Sheet in Glossy Ocean Blue.Photo courtesyofThe Mosaic Factory. 5.VeroneseCrema Tile: Photocourtesy ofArtistic Tile. DININGROOM: 6.Saucer PendantLight: Herman Miller19” BallSaucer BubblePendant by George Nelson.PhotocourtesyofHermanMiller. 7.Walnut Dining Chairs: Lane Tuxedo Mid-Century WalnutDining Chairs(similar to onesused.) PhotocourtesyofModernHill. LIVINGROOM: 8.Armchair: Model 300-192Armchair by JuliuszKedziorekfor GoscinskaFurniture Factory.Photo courtesyof1stDibs.
CG&S WASNOT AFRAID OF COLOR TO REVIVETHE MIDCENTURY FLAIR OF THIS BARTONHILLS HOME.
these pieces include the living room’s Andre Bus for Lane Furniture Acclaim coffee table and end table pieces inherited by one of the clients, refinished by South Austin’s womenowned Northrop’s Furniture Shop Purchased from 1st Dibs, Juliusz Kedziorek for Goscinska Furniture Factory 1970’s armchairs add another flair of authenticity
Due to the unique constraints of the lot lines,the primary suite’s bathroom followed a sloped roofline and angled walls The team used this to their advantage and turned the back corner into a shower nook, while the angled walls served as a custom plant shelf. A reference to the midcentury modern period, they chose terrazzo flooring (Artistic Tile’s Veronese Crema Tile), paired with blue Kit Kat wall tiles (The Mosaic Factory’s Sevilla 3.5”x 0.5” Mini Kit Kat Fingers).
For Miller,the most rewarding part of the project was witnessing the family’s vision come to life through thoughtful design details.
“There’snothingmorefulfillingthancreating a space that feels both stunning andeffortlessly functional for the people living in it.”
HOLD THE WRECKING BALL
he Austin chapter of the ReUse People is saving treasured historic homes that otherwise would have been demolished.
WRITTEN BY
KATHRYN STREETER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE REUSE PEOPLE
In 2023, the City of Austin set a zero-waste goal of diverting 90% of waste from landfills by 2040
One organization working tirelessly to help reach that goal is the ReUse People (TRP)
TheAustinchapterofTRP,aCalifornia-based nonprofit,openeditsdoorsin2015,spearheaded by Austin resident of 40 years, Kathy Robinson. The organization’s mission is to keep building materials out of landfills and distribute them for reuse by offering property owners green alternatives Old homes are deconstructed to salvage materials, or remain intact and are
relocated, Robinson says “Preserving these older but still very useful homes embodies the mission of TRP”
This is how it’s done:
Step-by-step, TRP shepherds the project Interested property owners receive a complimentary consultation to assess if their home is suitable for either relocation or de-construction (taking apart the structure and reusing materials) A fee quote for an appraisal is also provided If the owner chooses to proceed, the materials or home is donated to TRP which
assists with ensuring the owner receives an optimal tax benefit for their donation “With the potentially significant tax savings from donating the house, it can be quite financially advantageous for them,” Robinson points out If eligible for relocation, TRP secures estimates from qualified movers to share with prospective buyers before marketing the home The buyer pays for the move in addition to the house, an endeavor TRP has been 100% successful in, Robinson says It’s a win for the seller, as they will not pay for the house transfer
STORIES OF THREE RESCUED HOMES
1. A quirky 1946 1-bedroom, 1-bath two-story structure with a solarium this small oddly shaped 748 square foot home was in bad shape and sat languishing on Avenue G Just in time, it was discovered by perfect buyers an engaged couple who own a cider business in Lockhart Requiring pluck and imagination the couple reinvented the structure, using the living area as an addition to their Lockhart residence and detaching the solarium to create a stage for events in fact, the happy site of their very own wedding
nor a demolition project
Robinson, who has undertaken 73 house relocations and 75 de-construction projects, believes more people would choose this path if they knew it existed Saving a house from the landfill is never as easy as demolishing one, she says, but the benefits are far greater.
Economically and fiscally, besides the seller potentially enjoying significant tax savings, the program offers affordable housing, and “instant equity” for those originally intending on building Environmentally, the program
2. A family with three young children had outgrown their adorable bungalow in Rosedale and they decided to build a larger home on their land Finding TRP was a thrill, enabling them to escape the demolition route and keep their memory-soaked cottage intact TRP facilitated the sale and its transfer to Buda in 2016, one of the earliest projects The charming home served as a detached ADU rental and later as a family guest house
3 This 1940s home from Clawson Road was moved to South Austin, one of just two homes out of the nonprofit s 70+ relocation projects to stay within city limits The tiny 3-bedroom 1-bath classic bungalow was doomed, sitting on a lot where a spec home was slated to be built A husband-wife builder team snapped it up and restored it, giving it an updated look while respecting its vintage vibes before later flipping it
inherently champions sustainability, saving materials from needlessly going to landfills “For the City of Austin to achieve its Zero Waste by 2040 plan,” says Robinson, “ more options are needed to limit waste and expand the circular economy ” Old homes have value in most cases, and Robinson is bullish about spreading the word that there are viable alternatives to demolition Ultimately, exploring TRP’s program doesn’t cost a dime
Formoreinformation,visitthereusepeopleorg
STEEL STANDING
Clayton Korte leads the adaptive reuse of an early 20th century warehouse into Cosmic Coffee & Beer’s second location
WRITTEN BY
KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK
PHOTOGRAPHY
CLAY GRIER
Often, when we think of historic preservation in Austin, images of adorable bungalows or columned landmarks come to mind Our industrial history, however, is just as significant Saving and breathing new life into the likes of Seaholm Power Plant,the Upcycle building in East Austin, and La Zona Rosa (now LZR), keeps a special era of Austin history alive.
Cosmic Saltillo, finding a new home in two long-abandoned warehouses, is one of these rare remnants of our industrial past
The two early-20th-century structures— once used by the Texas Company (Texaco)
for storing petroleum products—have been transformed by Clayton Korte into a thriving morning-to-night hospitality space. These relics of Austin’s industrial roots, left untouched for decades, are now at the heart of Cosmic Coffee &Beer’s second location, blending history, art, and sustainability in an environmentthat invites connection and creativity.
The team working alongside Clayton Korte, including Franklin Alan Construction and Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture, embraced both adaptive reuse and new construction across the site’s 6,531 square feet Durable materials
RELICS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL PAST AREJUST ASIMPORTANT TO PRESERVE AS OLDERPERIODS OF AUSTIN’SBUILT HISTORY.
were chosen to weather gracefully over time, ensuring that the site will evolve while maintaining its connection to Austin’s past.
The warehouses themselves retained their original corrugated steel siding, woodframed windows, and metal roofing The west building houses a coffee and spirit bar,offering a cozy lounge area, while theeast building introduces a taqueria to the Cosmic brand’s offerings Between them lies a lush garden space—complete with a koi pond, climbing vegetation, and ample seating on covered decks and open patios—that forms the vibrant heart of the property As night falls, string lights and the curved forms of the garden deck create a whimsical, starry atmosphere that echoes the Cosmic name.
A bold new feature of the complex is a 30-foot steel tower, which not only provides access to a second-level bar but also serves as a canvas for local artistry Clad in steel mesh, the tower showcases a mural by graffiti artist Miles Starkey that comes alive with light and color in the evening.
Cosmic Saltillo’s collaboration with local artists extends beyond its boundaries In 2023,the venue invited a group of creatives to celebrate the life of Austin music icon Daniel Johnston by paintingmurals along the streetfacing fences of the property These vibrant, gritty works echo the organic character of the space and reinforce its role asa hub for the community.
Cosmic Saltillo is more than a revitalized space; it’s a love letter to Austin’s industrial history and a testament to the creative, sustainable energy of the city By blending old and new, itinvites visitors to explore a piece of Austin’s history while enjoying the laid-back, community-focused atmosphere that defines the Cosmic brand.
Shot by Jade Skye Hammer,North Austin
What Irememberofhome
Things Icannottouch
Lightflickering on wooden panels
Moss hugging trees outside
Sunripping throughcurtains and none of thesethingshappenedin onesingle home
Just thehomeofmyheart
WhereI hold everything
Home wherethe streets arepaved by thearteriesand veins
That keep me alive
Andmymemories, too
Thewalls that holdmoments
Together likeastring of pearls
And theocean Iran to so many times
Floods my mind likeawaveofwineIdrank with youthere inbed, on counters, in betweencouchcushions
Livedon topofaroof
Inside themattress
Underthe carpet Was Is Willbe Love
Wherehome Was Is Willbe Home
WrittenbyMeg McLain,East Austin @margaret__grace
Home meanssomething differenttoeveryone. What does it mean to you? AustinHomeisseeking to spotlightthe unparalelled cultural talent in ourcitythoughpoetryand shortstories abouthome. Pleasesend submissionstoeditor@austinhomemag.com.
BY
WRITTEN
KAREN ZABARSKY BLASHEK
DESIGNER CHALLENGE
Avery Cox guides us through her favorite antique hot-spots in town, and how to find the perfect piece.
We all know and love the hunt: the journey into the past, where every object holds a story waiting to be rediscovered It’s an adventure fueled by curiosity andserendipity, as we wander through aisles andpilesofhistory, connecting with items that resonate with ourquirky aestheticor maybe just a poignant memory This quest is, of course, antique shopping
Avery Cox, interior designer and owner of Avery Cox Design, has mastered the art of
the chase. Her thoughtful custom interiors capture a spirit of warmth, playfulness, and theatricality, and nearly always include a layer of hand-picked antique furnishings, finishes, and objects for styling.
For thisissue’sspecial Designer Challenge, we asked Avery to take us around town to her favorite antique go-tos, and try to put into words how she takes on the pursuit of vintage perfection
PHOTOGRAPHY CHES RIVERA
Avery perusingStudioMarchant’sdeliciousand eclecticcollection(left);a moment of intricate beauty at the RennerProject(right).
THE RENNER PROJECT
After restoring historic homes throughout Austin for more than two decades, designer Kimberly Renner purchased a 16,000 square foot desertedoffice space on North Lamar with her husband, and opened up shop. The Renner Project is a treasure trove for 1920’s1970’s modern pieces out of Europe (although, according to Kimberly, “Post-Modern is kind of the next thing, so we’re buying into the 80’s.”). Her keen eye for design is obvious in everything from the one-of-a-kind room anchors, to charming vignettes and re-upholstered pieces
WHY AVERY LOVES IT:
“I naturally gravitate toward jewel tones and traditional patterns, so I like to source furnishings that add contrast Renner Project’s inventory is perfect for this with its subtle masculine undertones, strong lines, and tough materials like metal, leather, and stone—just the right elements to create tension in my designs.”
3018 N LAMAR BLVD AUSTIN, TX 78705
AverychatswithKimberly Renner(above), owner of the RennerProjectanddesign/collecting extraordinaire. Kimberly’s richvignettes(leftand below)are foundin everycornerofthe store.
“[LAURIE MARCHANT] SHOWS HOW CONTEXT
TRANSFORMSAN OBJECT.”
STUDIO MARCHANT
Stepping into Studio Marchant feels like entering another dimension. Headquartered in the historic faux bois Genaro P. And Carolina Briones House, known by some in the community as “Casa de Sueños,” the collection inside is eclectic, moody, and impeccable. The magic of this space is not surprising given its curator: Laurie Marchant, formerly one half of Alexander Marchant Since breakingoff in 2020, Laurie has built up her design studio and to-the-trade antiques collection, hardware line, and design service.
WHY AVERY LOVES IT:
“My Joie de Vivre isin decorative, ornate ceramics—goopy, feminine, or odd pieces like botanical majolica or ceramic fish Laurie gets this; her curated space brings the theatrical, offbeat energy I love to incorporate into my projects. She shows how contexttransforms an object.”
D&W LIGHTING SHOWROOM
D&W Lighting has become a veritable institution in Austininteriors. Between their unparalleled collection of antique light fixtures (some can be dated to the 1800’s), their refurbishment and repair shop, and their selection of lamp shades (the largest in Central Texas),they’ve become the go-to for all things lighting. The outfit is also an intergenerational familyaffair. It’s currently run by Amber Wolfe, whose grandfather was an antiques dealer that passed on the trade to Amber’s mother and father, who started the company 45 years ago. Although Amber tried to go a different path in life, upon visiting home, “all this knowledge of art deco, art nouveau, it came flooding back So that’s how I became a lamp nerd.”
WHY AVERY LOVES IT:
“What setsthis shop apart is the abundance— there’s so much to choose from, and it’s all easy to see. No digging required, and everything is unique Amber buys multiples and never splits them up so I can always find a great set here D&W is iconic, and Amber’s knowledge about antiques is extensive.”
6403 BURNET LN AUSTIN, TX 78757
SHOW & TELL VINTAGE& ART
On the other side of Town Lake is Show & Tell, a quirky, poppy showroom that feels accessible to both the Averys of the world and the casual passersby. The collection of colors, unexpected objects, and interesting textures giveoff a modwabi sabi vibe that can only be described as groovy Owner Katie Vincent McClure has been selling in Austin for over twenty years, first as a vendor at Room Service and Revival while she also served as a Spanish teacher, and then as a full time purveyor when she opened Show & Tell three years ago. She’s extended her “lifelong obsession” with vintage into Pot Luck across the street, a vendor market she launched to platform local makers and collectors
WHY AVERY LOVES IT:
“It’s joyfully curated—a playful mix of texture, color, material, and era. I’m drawn to things thatare different, like outsider artthat I could never findnew, perfect for styling and creating that ever-evolving balance in my work I love pieces with humor, drama,and a handmade touch. That’s all here.”
2200 S LAMAR BLVD SUITE A, AUSTIN TX 78704
AVERY’S LIST OF 15 CAN’T MISS ANTIQUE SHOPS
1.AntiqueGallery of Round Rock 1601SI-35 Frontage Rd Round Rock,TX 78664
Artist Kristin Moore celebrates history and identity in her new show at Dimmitt Contemporary Art.
Ourartscontributor,NicholasCampbell,is thefounderofCampbell Art Advisoryand CampbellArtCollective.Havingworkedas anindependentart advisorin theUnited Kingdomsince 2010, Nick movedtoAustin withhiswife, Kelly,in2022,andnow lends ourcityhisinimitabletaste inart.
Here,Nickhighlightsan exceptionalTexan artist,KristinMoore,assheexplores memory, nostalgia,andmeaning in hernew show at DimmittContemporary.
FROMLEFT:
“NoPlace Like H-E-B”
Acrylicon wood
36 x36inches 2024
“TexasRoadtrip(Buc-ees)”
Acrylicon wood
36 x36inches 2024
“TexasBluebonnets”
Acrylicon canvas
50 x50inches 2024
OneofAustin’snewestgalleries,Dimmitt Contemporary Art, is gearinguptohosttheir upcoming exhibition by Texanartist, Kristin Moore.
In herdebut solo exhibition at Dimmitt, Dallas-based Mooreoffersapoignantreflection on thelandscapes, landmarks, andcultural touchstonesthatdefine Texas. Throughher paintings, Moorecapturesthe essenceofher home statewhile underscoring theimportance of preserving itshistory andidentity. Hervivid depictions of Texasvistasand iconsevoke adeep senseofplace,invitingviewers to consider the storiesthese spaces hold andthe significance of safeguarding them forfuturegenerations.
Titled“HomeState”andopeningonMarch1, this exhibition is a love letter to Texas, rendered in Moore’ssignature cinematic style. From the glowing neon of an H.E.B. sign to the quiet majesty of a Marfa sunrise, her work elevates the everyday landmarks that shape Texas’ cultural and natural heritage Each painting serves as a visual archive, preserving not only the physical beauty of these spaces but also the emotional connections tied to them.
Moore’s exploration of Texas history is deeply personal The exhibition centers on two cities integral to her story: Houston, where she was born, and Austin, where she attended college. Houston’s rhythm shaped her childhood with iconic experiences like early mornings at Shipley’s Donuts and late nights in Whataburger parking lots In Austin, she found a new chapter of creativity, inspired by the city’s music, art, and food scenes These memories
“AustinBats(Sunset)”
“TopNotchBurgers” Acrylicon wood
42 x 42 inches 2025
“Enchanted Rock” Acrylicon wood 36x36inches 2025
form the backbone of her work, offering a glimpse into how personal histories intertwine withthe collective narrative of a place.
For Moore, preserving Texas history is about more than nostalgia. Her paintings bridge the gap between realism and memory, blending the physicaland emotionallandscapes of her home state. Moore draws inspiration from legendary cinematographers like John Alcott and Wes Anderson,transforming Texas landmarks into cinematic moments, and urging viewers to look beyond the surface.
The absence of human figures in her paintings allows the landscapes themselves to tell their stories, evoking a sense of solitude and timelessness. From the roadside Buc-ee’ssign to the endless Texasskies, these images invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the places they call home and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
As Texas evolves, exhibitions like “Home State” serve as vital reminders to honor and protect its rich heritage Moore’s work ensures these places and their stories endure, celebrating the profound impact of Texas—its cities, skies, and roads—on both personaland collective identity.
SeethisexhibitionatDimmittContemporary on March 1 - 29, 2025 Visit dimmittcontemporaryart.com for more information.
MAKINGACASE FOR ADAPTIVERE-USE
In thisintimate portrait of Paul Clayton and his firm, Clayton Korte, we examine anapproach to preservation of balancing past, present, and future.
For the architects at Clayton Korte, context is everything The firm’s work is known for being deeply rooted in place, drawing from and integrating with its surroundings and using existing assets as jumpingoff points for design And while the firm has projects outside of Texas, for principal Paul Clayton, it’s the context of Central Texas and its layers of history, heritage, and culture that provides his favorite canvas for the firm’s deeply rooted, authentic, and fundamentally honest work The unwavering commitment to context informs every step in seeking a common-ground architectural response that’s appropriate and respectful as well as design-centered and experiential.
A native Texan, Clayton has worked in Austin for over two decades and cut his teeth on the adaptive re-use of the city’s historic fabric, laying the groundwork for the firm’s commitment to pursue work that serves the community and the stories that inform our sense of place. When the Austin-based firm expanded in 2015, it was to open a San Antonio office rather than a Houston or Dallas branch, drawn in part by the opportunities presented to continue that work within the Alamo City’s unique historical building stock.
WRITTEN BY CANAN YETMAN
Not a preservationist in the technical sense, Clayton is a quiet compromiser, driven by a unique combination of pro-development and pro-reuse that keeps the focus on retaining the qualities and character of place. He articulates this asa sense of responsibility to not mess up what makes a place memorable. But it’s a slippery slope that, as any long-term Austinite will attest, can quickly be overtaken by the pressures of financial and commercial interests.
“I worry that all of the things that people love about Austin are slowly disappearing,” Clayton says “The parts of Austin’s identity that made it what itis are important and deserve realattention.” Walking this tightrope successfully has become a specialty of sorts, affording opportunities to work with likeminded developers and clients, and helping to fuel the firm’s expanding body of work throughout Central Texas.
The authentic responsesometimes requires having the confidence to allow the design to recede and make a quiet contribution to the established conditions. In Fredericksburg, a town beloved for its historic character, Clayton Korte recently completed the Albert Hotel, bringing an urbane hospitality option to extend stays in the belovedday-trip destination. Along
Above, Paul Claytonof Clayton Korte.Right StableHall,amusic venueinSanAntonio.
the historic MainStreet frontage,the hotel appears asan interpretive new construction that mirrors the existing stores, coffee shops and restaurants in scale and materiality. The entry leads to the hotel proper, which makes a rightturn and runs the length of the block behind the established MainStreet frontage
The project unifies the historic homestead of prominent Fredericksburg architect and preservationist Frederick Keidel and integrates three turn-of-the century structures with modern aesthetics and amenities,striking a sophisticated balance between old and new. The project setsthe tone for future development in the town and thereby provides a responsible and charming role model for the projectsthat willinevitably follow
Clayton says that essential to retaining the authenticconnection to the past is knowing which elements convey the character of a place and keeping them off the chopping block during the design process. “We talk a lot about the importance of very specific materials, and where to cut costs and where not to,” he adds
ThatattentiontoparticularsinformsClayton Korte’s work at the historic Pearl Brewery in San Antonio,whichhelpedturntheformercomplex of industrial buildings into a thriving urban destination. The firm has completed more than tenprojectsatPearl,beginningwithSoutherleigh Fine Food and Brewery. That projectturned the former brewhouse into a modern eatery that celebratesthenarrativeofitspastbykeepingand adapting vestiges of its industrial history in the curateddesign mix,peelingplasterandall.That strategy of letting the old interact with the new doestheheavyliftingofprotectingheritagewhile thearchitecturalre-sethelpsthesememory-filled places endure wellinto the future
In a way, Clayton’s is a quintessential Texan approach to architecture: scrappy and resilient, making do and reusing things as was necessary in the hardscrabble lore of the state’s past. Even in the now-glitzy context of downtown Austin, that ingrained ethos drives the conversation Currently, the firm is working with a developer to look at the long neglected stretch of historically significant buildings along east
THE AUTHENTIC RESPONSE SOMETIMES REQUIRES
HAVING THECONFIDENCE TO ALLOW THE DESIGN TO RECEDE ANDMAKEA QUIET CONTRIBUTION TO THEESTABLISHED CONDITIONS.
Sixth Street The group of 29 diverse late 19th and early 20th century structures were a vital part of the city’s downtown economy, housing stores, hotels, and saloons before morphing into the city’s famed live music entertainment district The entire stretch is part of the Historic Sixth Street District on the National Register of Historic Places while many individual buildings are recognized city and state historic landmarks, making it a minefield of competing but equally weighted interests.
In keeping with the mindset to safeguard and advance what’s valuable and understanding the realities of finance and planning, Clayton is advocatingforamindfulapproachthatpreserves thebuildings’character,botharchitecturallyand functionally To be successful, the re-use must addressthe city’s desire for density as well as commercial interests while respecting not just the architectural fabric butthe precious and unique cultural one, as well. It’s a monumental task that, in Clayton’s vision, will both preserve and transform an essential remnant of the downtown fabric
Top,the maindining room at Southerleigh Fine Food &BreweryinSanAntonio.Bottom, KingsburyCommons at Pease Park.
Are you one of Austin’s Best Interior Designers?
To learn more and nominate today, head to austinhomemag.com/nominate
Nomination deadline: May 23, 2025
Austin Home is seeking nominations for the Best Interior Designers in town The annual list is part of our mission to showcase standouts in a region that provides internationalinspiration. Groups withthe most nominations will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Austin Home and online.
We invite you to nominate your favorite firm or your own, and to share the opportunity with colleagues and collaborators Designers who do residential work in Austin or a surrounding county are eligible.
Liz MacPhail Interiors and FORRM Architects team up to create the perfect yin-yang bungalow revival.
PRESERVING AUSTIN’S SOUL
Beyond historic brick and mortar, Preservation Austin is saving the culture and character our city must hold onto in order to move forward.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
WILSON GARDEN DESIGN
COLOR+ FINISH SELECTION PLUCK ARCHITECTURE
When folks think of historic preservation, they typically picture buildings being saved. While, yes,theyarethemedium,theyarethemeansto anend.Preservingthecommunities,memories, cultures,andstoriesthathaveshapedourcity— these are the things most important to keep in tact and celebrate as we grow
Here in Austin, the rapid evolution of our city has put both its historic structures and marginalized communities under constant threat, but Preservation Austin is fighting to protect them In this interview, Executive Director Lindsey Derrington shares insights on advocacy, equity in preservation, and the stories behind this year’s Homes Tour, showcasing Austin’s enduring historic treasures.
KZB: Tell us a bit of your background, and how you landed at Preservation Austin.
LD: I’m from Saint Louis, a big, old city with incredible architecture that’s been ravaged by postwar policies supporting suburbs at the expense of urban neighborhoods. Those are good conditions for a romantic kid interested in cities to get involved in preservation! And to speak up for vulnerable historic places desperately in need of an advocate My career spans Saint Louis and Austin, with grad school in NewOrleans in between. I’ve been with Preservation Austin for nearly a decade and became Executive Director in 2019. Austinis changing so quickly butthere’s this sense of optimism that we can build the city we want to live in – it’s our job to make sure preservation is a valued part of that discussion.
Austinis changing rapidly. How would you describe the state of historic structures in the city amid all of this growth?
Austinites have deepaffection for historic places like Barton Springs Pool, Cisco’s, and the Austin Motel, which are huge parts of our identity The city’s energy and collaborative spirit are big advantages, too, as we build a more progressive, generationally and culturally diverse preservation movement. But we’re also playing catch-up Austin spent decades designating hundreds of individual landmarks, mostly in West Austin, at the expense of whole neighborhoods or the legacies of people of color. Until recently the city’s Historic
PreservationOffice and Preservation Austin had just a handful of staff between them – that’s just not enough! Our community loves to mourn change so it's a big mental shift to get Austinites invested in preserving culture and architecture in a way that’s positive and forward-looking.
Sadly, it’s hard to save every historic building. How do you decide which ones to put your horse power behind?
“THECITY’SENERGY AND COLLABORATIVESPIRIT AREBIG ADVANTAGES, AS WE BUILDA MORE GENERATIONALLY AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE PRESERVATION MOVEMENT.”
LINDSEY DERRINGTON
This year our advocacy priorities include Underrepresented Heritage, Legacy Businesses, and big-picture preservation policies We’re a small nonprofit, with just four full-time staff, and have to build enthusiasm through programming while alsosupporting historic property owners and doing a ton of advocacy So we have to use our limited resources wisely and be proactive. While we can’t save every building, we can say yes to fighting for Mexican American heritage, for example, or an iconic business that represents our city’s culture, or policies that will have the greatest impact on the greatest number of buildings.
The pro bono teamcollaboratingon the restorationoftheMcFarlandMcBeeHouse: Chrisand TracyHirschmanHutsonof Hutson Gallagher (Architecture),JackieStreusand ofJSDwellings(Interior Design),and DavidWilsonofDavid WilsonGardenDesign (Landscape Design).Note pictured isPluckArchitecture, whoassisted with colorandfinish selection.
Thereisanenormousneed to builddense affordable housinginAustin, which sometimesisattension with preservation. Howdoyou approach thisissue?
Austin losesmorethan500 older, smaller, more affordablesingle-family homestodemolition each year.Right nowit’seasiertodemolishthan to preserve,sowehavetocreatenew opportunities forfolks to incorporatehistorichomes into new, more sustainabledevelopmentsor we’re nevergoing to seethisparadigmshift. Recently weworked with Austin’s City Council on aPreservationBonus to incentivizepreservinghistoric-aged homesaspartofmulti-unit projects,and also aresolutiontomakeiteasier to relocate houses within city limitsthatwould otherwisebeheadedfor thelandfill.
Thanks to youand your team,CityCouncil votedinDecembertodesignate 1500 E. 12
St.asa city of Austinlandmark,savingthe building from demolition.Tellusabout the building andhow youaccomplishedthis incredible victory.
We’rethankfulfor City Council’sextraordinary leadership;thismay be the firsttimethatany Councilhas protectedanEastAustinlandmark in this way. TheEisenbeiser Building is agreat two-story, vernacular commercial structurethat shares an intersection withtheSouthgate Lewis Houseand theI.Q.HurdleHouse,bothlandmarksofBlack history. Itsbig lotisprimedfor mixed-useddevelopmentthatcouldeasilyincorporate preservation.The building fell prey toa Dallas developerbuyingupdozensofhistoric 12th Street properties only to letthemfallto pieces.Now that theEisenbeiser Building is protectedwehopetoworkwiththe ownerto access historic taxcredits,grant funding, and more to invest in this importanthistoricplace.
1701 SanGabriel
RESTORATION SIDE ANGLESIDE
PHOTOGRAPHY CLAY GRIER
Designed by prolificAustin architect EdwinC.Kreisle in 1927, this recently restored home is astylish beacon of thehistoricJudge’sHill neighborhood.Built forJudge IrelandGraves,oneofthe many notable justicesresidingin theareaduringthe early20th century,thehome’sdesign is arefined,brick-cladexample of theColonial Revivalstyle. In2023, theresidencewas purchased by afilm industry couple whoworkedwith architecturefirmSide Angle Side to lushlytransformthe home’s interiorsand lovingly preserveitspristine exterior. Therefinished attic, nowa screeningroomforthemovieminded family, representsone of many creative opportunities forcontemporarylivingina century-old structure.
What didyou learnfromthe experience?
Youneedtorally communitypartners, talk to folkswithopposingviews,andpresentyourcase toelectedofficials,officebyoffice.Youalsoneed to choose your battles andbelieve in thework. Wefoughtforthisbuildingbecauseofitsobvious historyand potentialfor reinvestment,and that conviction carried theday.Our vice president JuanRaymonRubiowasaleaderinthisgrassroots effort, andhis incredible testimonytippedthe scalesforCityCouncil’svote.Hepassedawayjust afew days later, very unexpectedly.Thisvictory is really atestament to hisadvocacy.
You’ve hadother bigwinsthisyear: having the“Equity-Based Preservation Plan” approved by City Council,launchingthe renovation of your newheadquartersatthe McFarland-McBeeHouse.Tellusabout these andother accomplishmentsthis year.
5102 RidgeOak
RESTORATION MODERN DESIGN BUILD
PHOTOGRAPHY
TheFehrHouse,builtin 1949 by renowned Austinarchitect Arthur Fehr, exemplifies midcentury modernism.AUT architecturegraduate, Fehr’s careerincluded Depressionerarestorationwork,park designs forthe National Park Service,anda partnership withCharlesGranger. Inspiredbythe Bauhaus, Fehr’sdesignsemphasized functional, economical construction usinglocal materials. Fehr andhiswife, MaryJane,livedhereuntil his deathin1969.Thecurrent owners,who acquired the home in2010, have carefully preserved itscharacter.Their sensitive updatesmaintain Fehr’svision,blendinghistoric charmwiththoughtful renewal.
We’vebeenbig supportersofthe Equity-Based Preservation Plan’s inclusivevisionfor the city’s preservation programs.Now we getto hunker down andadvocate forits 107recommendations!Inthe meantime,Preservation Austinis finishingworkonour newoffice at theMcFarland-McBee House. We savedthis StreamlineModerne home from demolition in 2014 andspent thelastyearoncritical repairs. This will be Preservation Austin’s first real,permanent home since1978, with space forour growing staff andprogramming.This is agame-changing projectfor ournonprofit, andfor Austin’s preservation community as awhole.
Whatareyourgoals as an organization for 2025?
We have alot of work aheadofus, including finishingour current$3.2million capital campaign.We’ll be adding anew full-time staff person,which is exciting,andoffering newprogramming like lectures,workshops, andtours whileexpanding ourcapacityfor advocacy.We’re also workingtoraise awareness forour mission;wehavetoearnit, butI want Preservation Austin to be ahousehold name.
Oneofthe best ways forpeopletolearn aboutyourefforts andthe importance of
908Bluebonnet
RESTORATION
DICK CLARK+ASSOCIATES, JOSHSPECKCONSTRUCTION
PHOTOGRAPHY
JAKE HOLT
TheBluebonnet House, a1955 ranch-style home in South Lund Park designed by Leonard Lundgren,has beenthoughtfully restored to itsmidcentury roots. Bestknown forhis cylindrical HolidayInnon Lady Bird Lake, Lundgren’s designsemphasized naturalconnectionsandopen plans.Owners NickandBrianna Adamspurchased thehome twoyears ago,uncovering its potentialbeneath a1981 remodel.With Lundgren’soriginal blueprints,architects Dick Clark +Associatesand Josh Speck Construction restored key features,refurbished limestone walls,and reimagined therear wall usingLundgren’salternate 1955glazingpattern.The result seamlesslyblends past and present, honoring itshistoric charm.
historic structures here is throughyour annual housetour. Tell us aboutthe tour andwhatattendees canexpecttoexperience.
Yes! This year’s HomesTourtakes placethe weekend of April26- 27 andshowcases ten stunning historic homescitywide. Ourevent blends design,history,and cultureina waythat is really unique.You’llget toseebeautiful spaces butalsolearn thestories behind thesehomes, fromtheirarchitecturalinfluencestothepeople whobuiltthem.Homesrepresentdifferentstyles anddiverse cultures,and also differentkinds of stewardship– some homeowners have grown withtheirhistorichomesfordecades,andsome havecompletedmorerecentrenovationsworking with Austin’s best designers. It’s so much fun.
MAIDEN TO LAST
Just north of the University of Texas at Austin campus, a 1920’s bungalow graduates into a 21st century masterpiece of restoration.
WRITTEN BY DEVEN WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY CASEY DUNN
The Maiden House
INTERIOR DESIGN
LIZ MACPHAIL INTERIORS
ARCHITECTURE
FORRM ARCHITECTS
Liz MacPhail of Liz MacPhail Interiors is not your typical renovator. “I would choke if somebody called it a flip,” MacPhail emphatically says To her, a“flip” means a quick fix to make a buck She doesn’t round up listings and have them aesthetically slaughtered by landlord-white paint and cheap vinyl flooring As a designer, MacPhail works with her clients’ properties to bring their old-school elegance into the modern day without sacrificing their delicious detailing.
On the other end of the spectrum is Josh Mackley, co-founder of FORRM Architects. His architectural minimalism allows geometry to take center stage. MacPhail brought Mackley on to collaborate on the restoration of a historic bungalow close to campus, precisely because hisstyle contrasts MacPhail’s. She wished for there to be complete distinction between the addition and the original home.
THEMAIDEN HOUSEIS A MASTERCLASS INPRESERVATION
THAT CELEBRATES THE OLDAND DOESN’T FAKE THENEW.
Together, these two came together to save the historic “Maiden House,” so dubbed by MacPhail after the street it backs up to MacPhail secured an investor who wanted to back theirefforts while not getting in the way, and she and Mackley got to work. Their vision was to breathe new life into the original bungalow and blend it into a modern addition, maintaining a clear visual distinction between the two. Their conversations, collaboration, and, yes, an arm wrestling match (MacPhail was victorious) led to both embracing the other’s way of designing to give Maiden House the freshest breath of life.
From the outside, the bungalow’s facade simply looks refurbished, maintaining the character of the street At the same time,the addition sings in its own right; as you walk around the property, the soft green wood siding transitions into a grey stucco modernist
volume The horizontal parameters of the original home continue along the property’s dip in elevation, allowing a level to be added to the home without going past the original height The two partsof the home, old and new, are distinct, but neither overtakes the other.
Inside,the historic portion of the house embraces the traditional room segmentation MacPhaillauds. She generally advocates against hollowing out houses to have open concepts and instead pushes for a return to delineated floor plans. “I’m super anti-open-space.” Liz proudly states “Individual rooms with clear purposes are healthy for families, and I think it makes for a more beautiful design.” The living room anddining room are given dignified quarters and two bedrooms
The primary suite in Mackley’s addition features a generous ensuite bathroom Its minimalist beauty is further enhanced by the skylightthat envelopsthebath with dappledrays of sun, giving the addition an equal portion of charm despite its age – or lack thereof. In fact, during the 2023 partial eclipse, hundreds of half-moon shadows filled the bathroom walls.
The two volumes of the house reach consensus in the kitchen, as so many families do “We wanted to treatthe addition and where the two interlock so that it was more of a sculptural play,” explains Mackley. He illustrates how they fused the two sides in a way that didn’t provide a precise moment of transition The kitchen merely splits the difference and, in doing so, allows the original kitchen to retain most of its beauty
By saving the original hutches and one window on MacPhail’s side of their shared “non-negotiables” list, the kitchen’s historic grace remains intact To introduce the start of the addition, subtle details help the eye process the change Where the two floors meet, the original hardwood runs perpindicular to the hardwood on the new side Opposite the smaller original kitchen window, a new, grand corner window compliments it
The work done by MacPhail and Mackley emphasizes that by finding a balance between preservation and modernity,beauty can emerge Far from a flip for a profit,these two prove that investing in our history will only enrich our present day.
THEKWELLERS BRING HEART TO THEHILLS
One of Austin’s most beloved creative duos makes a historic compound sing in Dripping Springs.
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROBERT GOMEZ
WRITTEN BY
NICOLE HADDAD
As I drove up the winding, tree-laden roads of Texas Hill Country towards Dripping Springs, I wasstruck by the tranquility emanating from the cedar- and oak-framed landscape. A burgeoning hub for artists and creatives, the vibrant community now includes multitalented musician and founder of The Noise Company, Ben Kweller, his wife Liz, and their family—whom I was en-route to meet
I pulled up in front of a charming 19th-centurycarriagehousethecoupletransformedinto Liz’sartstudio—shehasabackgroundinfinearts and small metals After pausing to admire its refreshed character, I continued on to the welcoming, wrap-around porch of a house steeped in history. Few possess the ability to look past a structurebearingtheweightofageandneglectto see the promise of a home within its weathered walls. But as Ben and Liz came out to greet me with a warmth innate to persons unburdened by inauthenticity, I began to understand why these two adventurous co-conspirators chose to painstakingly restore and preserve what later proved to be architectural time capsules
Walking into the entry hallway—decked out in anattractive olive green wainscotting paired with a vintage Persian rug—the air hums with the unmistakable feel of a home that feels lived in, happy. Ben had just announced a new tour and was working on social media plans, but they cheerfully set aside their work to recountthe history of the house and the three additional, previously derelict structures that define their 30-acre property—now aptly named Heart Springs Ranch. “We first started looking into buying something as a cool creative retreat” says Ben. “We didn’t necessarily know if we’d live there.”
The couple toured the property a year before purchasing it in 2015; the sheer amount of work it required was overwhelming A barnlike structure on the property looked like a teardown and an abandoned 1940’s cottage— once home to sculptor Charles Umlauf before it was relocated in the 90’s—was lime green and had allits windows boarded up Butthe Kwellers prevailed—thelatterisnowamodernizedAirbnb rental dubbed the Happy House.
Theentryway (left)andliving room(above) ofthe Kweller’s main home at Heart Springs,oneof four structureson-site.
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AT ACERTAIN ECHELON TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT’S WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, ANDREAL. I THINK THAT’S THEHEART SPRINGS VIBE.”
LIZ KWELLER
By 2018,the couple and their sons, Dorian Zev and Judah, were living in Dripping Springs permanently—and they’d uncovered some fascinating historical gems Not only was the 1886 dwelling rumored to have been built by the first Treasurer of Texas, but its original location was miles away on West 6th Street in Austin Its journey to Hill Country took place when a previous owner—now a close friend—spotted a vacant lot bearing a lone Victorian house, convinced the developer to sellit to him for $10,000, and then promptly cutthe house in half, shaved the roof down, and moved the house in two sections to Dripping Springs—all within days “He’s one of the ‘get er done’ types of Texans,” laughs Ben.
Atrippyviewofthe Kweller’s staircasefromthe topfloor (above). Twin beds arealandingspot forfriendscoming infromthecity to crash at the Kweller’s(below).Lizand Ben Kweller at theirkitchenisland(opposite).
While plumbing, electricity, bathrooms, a second story, and a partly-covered stone façade were added before Ben and Liz acquired it,the couple spent years finding craftsmen skilled in historic preservation to transform itinto a home that radiates the warmththey embody Decorative elements, including the morerecent dentil moldings, were preserved and repainted, and the original doors and windows were restored Liz even salvaged an old stove that once served asa heat source, fixed the pump house, and installed a whole-house rainwater collection system A remnant from a youth
spent on a historic property, Liz is adamant about fixing rather than replacing. “She loves things with soul,” says Ben.
Remarkably, the home’s entry hallway delineates where it wassplit in half—with a chainsaw! On its left, a staircase lined with family photos leads up to an expansive floor with vaulted ceilings, anoffice nook, and two beds that enhance the loft-like feel “When we first gotthe place, we’d have friends come out, and they wouldn’t want to drive back We started collecting beds so people would just stay the night,” explains Ben—evidence of the
The19th-centurycarriage housethat the Kwellers transformed into Liz’s art studio(aboveand right).
couple’s convivial nature.Off to the side, a chic, main suite outfitted with Liz Lambert bedding offers privacy.
To the right of the hallway, original wood floors anchor an inviting entertaining space where an open-concept kitchen anddining area flow into the living room In the latter, Liz painted the walls in a soft, subtle pink hue that comes alive in naturallight, beautifully contrasting withthe crisp white moldings and powdery-blue ceiling The duo also installed a fireplace and flue, upping the coziness factor
The furniture throughout is a mix of heirloom pieces inherited from Liz’s grandparents, vintage finds, and Facebook Marketplace discoveries “It doesn’t matter where something is from,” says Liz. “If it feelsspecial to you, it all comes together in this magical, authentic way. ” Portraits of Liz’s family members, along with a black-and-white photograph of the tree farm she lived on asa kid, complemented by an antique secretary and white plush sofas, create a warm, livable elegance The kitchen’s farmhouse vibe, presented in an enchanting palette of blues and white, is equally welcoming. Twin built-in bookcases that stretch nearly to the ceiling and flank the entrance to the living room, host an enviable collection of records, books, and objets d’art.
To the left of the entry hallway, lie the sons ’ rooms—each a reflection of their personalities. Skateboards, guitars, books, and even a graffiticovered piano showcase lives rich with nurtured artistic pursuits. After one of the couple’s sons, musician Dorian Zev, passed away in a tragic accident in 2023,the couple reassessed and re-centered, letting their creative endeavors and the restoration process mirror their healing.
“Dorian always made art—and he putthat first. He wassuch a creator. It made me realize, I just need to be making art,” explains Ben. A barn, rebuilt on the property with beams salvaged from the Missouri Pacific Railroad Station—was converted into a world-class recording studio and The Noise Company’s headquarters, as featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Austin Home It was previously destined for a totally different location, butthatall changed. “The barn happened in this weird, organic Heart Springs way—we let it flow,” says Ben. “And it all turned out exactly the way it should,” adds Liz. “You don’t have to be at a certain echelon to create something that’s wonderful, beautiful, and real I think that’s the Heart Springs vibe.”
ECHOING HISTORY IN AUSTIN’S OLDEST NEIGHBORHOOD
A cavernous open-concept living room, crisp wideplank flooring, and streamlined modern aesthetic are an unexpected surprise in this Clarksville preservation.
PHOTOGRAPHY
CASEY DUNN
WRITTEN BY LAUREN JONES
The house on MaufraisStreet appears like many of its neighbors, its cottage facade and gabled rooflines a quiet complement to its treelined lot. And like many homes in Clarksville, its modern addition is a thoughtful extension, equally as elegant and subtle as the historic structure it adjoins. When homeowners Sarah and Justin Thomas purchased it, it wasn’t so much the original home, a compact and wellmaintained 1941 bungalow,that intrigued them butthe neighborhood, “moments away from downtown,” with a secluded, small-town feel.
The couple, who moved from a condo on West Lynn Street, spent eight yearssearching for their dream home in a specific portion of Clarksville, between West Lynn and Blanco and
9th and 12th Streets. “During Covid, we got wind of thisoff-market home for sale,” Sarah recalls The idyllic street was a place they could imagine their kids, now aged 10 and 12, having free rein “Sarahand I both grew up in the suburbs, and I wanted my kids to have that run of the neighborhood,” Justin adds Plus,the couplelonged for outdoor space, a first as they’d spenttheir adult years asapartment dwellers.
They enlisted architect Andrew Logan and interior designer Sara Cukerbaum to reimagine and add on to the home while preserving elements of its historic charm and character. Due to its status as a contributing piece of historic architecture,they “worked closely with the neighborhood and Historic Landmark
Commission (HLC) to ensure the cottage remained the dominant feature,” Logan explains For the Thomases, it was essential that the addition blend seamlessly with the original structure while reflecting their modern sensibilities.
Nearly 600 square feet of the cottage was carefully preserved, retaining its gables, trim work, and porch. The addition, seen in the south and rear of the lot, required removing a nonessential 1960’s structure before constructing a new glassand-wood-clad volume The addition’s roofline and slope were meticulously designed to mirror that of the cottage and “talk to the rest of the street,” while adhering to HLC’sstrict guidelines “We’ve done other historic preservation projects, but this taught me so much about navigating the
requirements while creating something fresh and functional,” Logan says.
Site challenges further shaped the design, including a stormwater easement and numerous protected trees in the front yard “It’s always more challenging in construction to work around existing elements, tying in the two foundations and making them cohesive,” he adds Despite these hurdles, the final result is a home that feels cohesive and intentional, preserving its historic charm while catering to the needs of a modern family.
To maintain historic integrity, all new construction started below grade, reducing visual impact from the streetscape. Accoya wood siding from Delta Millworks, which the couple“first fell in love with,” served as the inspiration for the palette, Cukerbaum notes. Rustic ebony-stained cladding, seen on the patio and soffits, provides a grounding touch of black, while inside,the design pairs clean lines with natural textures, something she is known for in her residential works.
“We wanted a modern interior that didn’t feel cold,” Justin shares “Sara was like a design mediator—she pushedusto try newthings while keeping us grounded in what felt authentic.” While he leans contemporary, she leans more transitional. The result? A home that perfectly walks the line between the two styles.
Standout materials include white oak cabinetry, quartz countertops, terrazzo floors in the primary suite, and blue Ceppo marble surrounding the fireplace, “a palette that felt natural and inviting but still allowed the family to leave their mark,” says the designer These touches, combined with thoughtful furnishings, make the space feel livable and personal.
In the living room, grand 12-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with naturallight, a feature only revealed once you walkinside A bespoke coffee table and vintage accents lend soul to the otherwise minimalist design, while a light blue rug is both family- and dog-friendly. “This house will see a lot of love, traffic, and special moments,” Sarah remarks.
The outdoor spaces were designed with equal care, featuring a pool, lawn, and areas for barbecuing and relaxing—a dream come true for the family
For Sarah and Justin,the house on Maufrais Street is more thana home; it’s a testament to their journey and vision “This house is where our family can grow,” Sarah says “It’s everything we’ve ever wanted— historic charm, modern comforts, and a neighborhood that feels like home.”
Designing with HLC guidelines was a challenge, but both Logan and Cukerbaum believe this residence serves asan excellent example of collaboration and defines what successful historic preservation can be Thoughtful design should honor the past while embracing the future and balancing tradition while highlighting functionality and forward-thinking
“WE’VE DONE OTHERHISTORIC PRESERVATIONPROJECTS, BUT THIS TAUGHTMESO MUCH ABOUT NAVIGATINGTHEREQUIREMENTS WHILECREATINGSOMETHINGFRESH AND FUNCTIONAL.”
ANDREW LOGAN
THE2025 HOME& DESIGN AWARDS
We aresopleased to announce this year’s listof finalists forthe 2025 Home &DesignAwards, ourannual showcase of thebestofthe best in Austin design.Winners will be announcedonMarch 27,2025atour completely re-imaginedAwardsCeremony
Zbranek& HoltCustom Homes tony@zhcustomhomes.com steve@zhcustomhomes.com zhcustomhomes.com 512-261-0444
HowThisList Is Made
Usinganonlinesurvey, Austin Homesolicited peer andpublic nominations, askingvotersto nominate up to threeinterior designers they’veworkedwith or know to produceoutstanding work. AustinHomethentallied theresults, selecting thetop percentage of vote recipients before submittingthe finallist to our fact-checkingprocess. Companies do notand cannot paytobeapartofthe list. We recognizethatmanygood buildersare notincludedon thelist;thisis onlyasampling of ahugearray of talented professionalswithintheregion. We encourage allconsumers to do their ownresearchbefore selecting abuilder.
AustinHome uses best practices andexercisesgreatcarein assemblingcontent forthislist.It does notwarrant that thedata contained withinthelistare complete or accurate.Austin Homedoesnot assume, and hereby disclaims, anyliability to anypersonfor anylossor damagecausedbyerrorsor omissions herein whethersuch errorsoromissions result from negligence, accident, or any othercause.All rights reserved. No commercialuse of the informationinthis list maybe made withoutwritten permission from AustinHome. If yousee anerrorintheinformation listed,pleasecontact editor@ austinhomemag.com.
Builders:
Congratulations!If you’dliketo display this accomplishment witha plaque, please visit our official storeat austinhomemag com/plaques
Neon AgaveHomes
Brooke andGarrettMauer,thehusband-and-wifeduo behindNeonAgave Homes,are proudTexans with asharedpassion forexceptionalcraftsmanshipincustomhomes, new construction,and renovations. Garrettbeganhis journey inconstructionwithanengineering degree from UT andMEP consulting,thenjumped into residentialconstruction. Now,with over 25 yearsofbuildingexperiencein Austin,Garrettthriveson tacklingcomplexprojects, whileBrooke’s creativityand organizational expertisekeepstheirprojectsontrack. Together, they’vegrownNeon AgaveHomesorganically overthepast13years andenjoy collaborating as ateamwitharchitects,designers,andclients to create stunningspaces. WWW.NEONAGAVE.COM
Beyond homebuilders, we arevisionaries of healthy,high-performance living spaces. RenderATX crafts sophisticatedsanctuaries wheremoderninnovationmeets timeless artistry. AsnativeAustinites, we arenot just constructing homes– we aresculpting familylegacies. Our buildingscience masteryand relentless attentiontodetailyield residences of rare distinction,where wellnessand luxurycoexist.Weare revolutionizinghealthy home construction, marryingcutting-edgebuildingscience with meticulous craftsmanshiptodeliver residences assophisticatedastheyare sustainable. Ourobsession with non-toxicmaterials andflawless execution hasestablishedusasAustin’strusted partnerfordiscerning clientele.
RauserConstruction
RauserConstructionprovides atailored home-buildingexperience.Through yearsof experience, we have developed theknowledge, resources,andteamoftrades to achieve ourclients’highestgoals. We believe that evenwhenitischallenging,theconstruction processshouldalsobeanenjoyableandrewardingexperience foreveryoneinvolved: clients,architects,andtradespeople.Ourdepthofprofessional management andproject administrationensuresclearcommunication acrosstheentireproject team,andour experience helpsus foreseeand forestallthedifficultiesthat canthreatena project’s success.Inshort, we overthinkit so youdon’t have to!
ShilohHomes,establishedin2020byhusband-and-wifeduo TaylorandMandyShipp, is committed to elevatingluxurylivinginCentral Texaswithanunwaveringattention to detail. Drawingfromtheir construction family backgrounds, they approach each project thoughtfully,ensuringthatthe uniqueneedsandstylesoftheir clientsare at theforefront. Theirpassion fordesignshinesthrough in thetimelesshomes they create,which are designedtobebothfunctionaland inviting.Witha strong dedication to qualityand craftsmanship, ShilohHomes aims to build spaces that feel trulylikehome, offeringwarmth and characterfor everyfamily.
IN PHOTOS: WINTEREDITOR’SPREVIEW
InDecember, we celebrated our second Editor’sPreview forthe WinterIssue: Spaceas aMuse.Morethan150 Austinitesshowed up for design.Beyond gettinga first look at the magazine,guests heardfromlocalleadersincluding world-renownedartist RF.Alvarez, interiordesignerBenjaminStelly,artist Dawn Okoro, and more
Thepreview was hosted at theCathedral ATX,a1930s refurbished churchthat serves asa boutique event venue,art gallery,and co-workingspace forcreatives. We also gaveashoutout to Showroom,ahigh-end boutique that dressed Editor-in-Chief Karen ZabarskyBlashekandDawnOkoro forthebig night.
We arethrilled to continue hosting more gatherings forthedesignand homeowner community here in Austin, exchangingimportantideas,and continuing to pushthe standards forwhat is possibleindesign. 1 4 3 5 2
PHOTOGRAPHY
EMILY VINSON
1.Guests receivedthe Winter Issue before ithit stands.2. DJ EPZ helped us groove the night away.3. Founderofthe Cathedral ATX, MónicaCeniceroswith architectAlanGonzalez.4.Our panelofspeakers: Karen ZabarskyBlashek, RFAlvarez,BenjaminStelly,Dawn Okoro,andKristen Padavic. 5.Showroom designed outfits instpired by DawnOkoro’s work.6.Bites by Muy Yum, Winefrom AustinWinery,Beer from Vacancy Brewerysustained the evening.7.Monica tellsusabouttheoriginsofthespace 8.CamdenMcBrideofSoho Home.9. PhotographerJenn Rose Smith. 10. Chris Velasquez.11. CoverPhotographer RobertGomez.12.Ben Kwellercheckingouthis recording studioinoursignature feature SpaceasaMuse 13.JordanGoetzofGrowlerDomesticswithinterior designer LilianneSteckel.
BANGTHE DRUM
Was the demolition of the Erwin Center inevitable, or a missed opportunity?
WRITTEN BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
AARON SEWARD
SCOTT MOORE
As the sun came up on May 19, 2024,the Erwin Center wasn’t looking like its old self In the preceding months, demolition contractors had enclosed the venerable arena’ssite in fencing, gutted its interior and rippedoff its roof With heavy machinery they tore away the concrete panels that formed the building’s circular wall. All that remained was most of the frame, a towering scaffolding of 10 steel derricks that rose over 100 feet into the air, holding aloft a giant square truss whose cross bracing stood out starkly againstthe gray sky. The stage was set for the coup de grâce.
It was a hazy morning. A Sunday hush prevailed across the UT campus Traffic on I-35 was at its lowest ebb. The silence was broken by the roar of diesel engines firing up in 8 excavators Their articulating arms, dinosaur like, lifted from the ground and began tugging on cables attached to key points on the building’s haggard skeleton As the tension increased, one of the derricks began to deflect, bowing in the middle Then, with slow then sudden motions, like cracking the wish bone afterThanksgivingDinner,thetiebacksthatheld it to the trusssheared in a shower of debris and the derrick careened onto itsside The loss of this upright support proved decisive The rest of the structure sagged under its own weight and, unable to support itself any longer, came crashing to the ground with such cacophony that one reporter later wondered whether there hadn’t been any explosives involved A plume of dust drifted from the heap of twisted metal and quickly dissipated.
Thus ended the perhaps too-short life of the Erwin Center It was 47, three yearsshy of the 50 that would have made it eligible for designation asa Recorded Texas Historic Landmark Originally completed in 1977, it represented an important milestone in Austin’s evolution. Home to generations of UTbasketball games and graduation ceremonies, it was also the city’s first big-time concert venue capable of accommodating the major touring actsthat previously only stopped in Dallas and Houston.
Now, of course, it’s just a memory, if that You know what they say, out of sight out of mind UT unbuiltit to make way for a $2.5 billion teaching hospital, a collabbetween the Dell MedicalSchool and the MD Anderson Cancer Center that, if all goes to plan, will start seeing patients in 2030 That’s a significant project in its own right, a marker of yet another evolution in the city’s history. And anyway, the Erwin Center had already been replaced by the new Moody Center just up Red River Street, a “state-of-the-art” venue that does everything the Erwin Center did but with more luxury boxes and a dialed-in brand experience
So no big deal, right? Time marches on. Change isinevitable and everything is impermanent. In fact, one formeremployee of the Erwin Center likened the building’s destruction to a sand mandala he once saw Tibetan monks make at the Blanton. After painstakingly crafting it over the course of
several days,the monks dumped the whole pretty picture in Waller Creek. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust Thisis just what happens to the works of humankind, eventually Meanwhile, we must keep growing, progressing, moving forward, getting bigger and better every day and in every way. The old must give way to the new. We must capitalize fully on our real estate assets! There’s no use getting sentimental about some musty old arena whose sputtering mechanical systems had reached the end of their lives. I mean, when the air conditioning goes out in my apartment I hope they demolish the whole building and start from scratch! And let’s not forget,the style of the Erwin Center was that of a bygone era. The architects, Wilson/ Crain/Anderson, are best known for their part in the design of another old, moldy Texassport and entertainment venue: the Astrodome. What is Houston thinking preserving that old heap when they replaced it years ago? Here in Austin, people have more sense. The public has again and again put the Erwin Center on lists of
ARCHITECTURE HASTHEPOWER TO TRANSMIT MEMORY, HISTORY ITSELF, THROUGH THE GENERATIONS.
the city’s ugliest buildings, despite the stiff competition our fair city has tooffer Afterall, it was just a dumb, opaque circle with slightly canted walls, a shape that inspired its most popular nickname, “The Drum,” as well as its best nickname, “The Flan by the Freeway.” Heads up! Onward! Into the future!
On the other hand, if I’m being honest, I always liked the Erwin Center I appreciated its masonic solidity, harmonious proportions, and minimalistic detailing. It was a relieving counterpoint to the ridgeline of glaring glass towers that now dominate downtown, a reminder of our mid-20th century legacy, of a groovier time. Maybe it was brutal, butthere was something appealingly infrastructural about its no-nonsense geometry and concrete shell that made it vibe well with its perch beside I-35 It looked sort of like a cooling tower, a comforting sight in the singeing summer It was mysterious,
an architectural quality that has become scarce considering our current obsession with glazed transparency and its concomitant platitudes about openness and inclusivity.
In some ways, the Erwin Center was truly inclusive. When it first opened it wasn’t named after a political power broker (Frank Erwin) or a mega-wealthy family (Moody) or a company (Q2, Austin’s soccer stadium) It was called the Special Events Center, a moniker from a time when people still believed in Society, when public buildings were givennames that showed they were meant for everyone, instead of auctionedoff to the highest bidder. The interior was basic, utilitarian, and perfect in that it put all attention on the events people showed up to see instead of on the brands there to sell you things There were no luxury boxes. Everyone sat together, in seats arranged in a circle, enjoying equally distributed sightlines
No matter what one thinks of the design of public buildings, if you allow that the future is a place where we will face increasingly severe consequencesofclimatechange,thatminimizing emissions today willimprove our chances of flourishing tomorrow, and then consider that the amount of energy stored in built structures significantly outweighs what they typically use in their lifecycles, then the math becomes clear: The smart money is on preserving as much of our built environment as we can. That’s the environmental argument for preservation Then there’s heritage Architecture has the power to transmit memory, history itself, through the generations. Since fashion is ever changing, we shouldn’t let our contemporary opinions about a building’s style jaundice our view of its ultimateculturalvalue.TakeNotre-DamedeParis for example. It was a forgotten crumbling pile relegated to use asa storage warehouse before Victor Hugo put itin his hunchback story.
Since not every building is going to be needed indefinitely for its originally intended purpose, one of the most rapidly growing practice areas in architecture today is adaptive reuse. According to many architectural thinkers,the mostsignificant project of the 21st century so far is the Tate Modern in London, Herzog & de Meuron’s transformation of an old power station on the River Thames into an art museum It’s not lauded for its design, per se, but because it’s a bellwether of a new way of treating old buildings. We had a chance to do something similar here in Austin with the Seaholm Power Plant. The structure wassaved and is in use, but asa corporate headquarters that is not open to the public
Now, close your eyes and imagine an Austin where the Moody Center was built, a new teaching hospital was also constructed, but on another site, and The Drum wasn’t wiped off the face of the earth. Instead, it was turned into a museum, or a natatorium and reccenter, or the world’s largest James Turrell Skyspace, or fill in the blank. The possibilities are multitudinous! Or, rather, they could have been
CURTAINS
Ali Burgoon Nolan’s renovation of her historic Hyde Park home marked a pivotal moment in her career. It inspired her to transition from hospitality to residential design, and gave her another big push: to launch her firm, Studio Burgoon, in 2023 Take a deeper dive into this rich, historic project and Ali’s inspiring story on our website at austinhomemag.com
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