Heritage Society of Austin: Warehouse District

The Heritage Society passionately believes that the Warehouse District must be preserved as a unique piece of the historic character of Austin and a popular draw that serves as an underpinning for the economic vitality of Downtown. We respectfully urge City Council to protect the key blocks of this irreplaceable Austin asset. Our city must direct development of these few blocks in a way that preserves the very essence of what makes Austin such a popular destination.

Sign an on-line petition requesting City Council to adopt special protections for the Warehouse District when considering the item at the September 24th Council meeting.

In fulfillment of the Downtown Austin Plan’s overarching goal to “Keep Downtown authentic and diverse,” we request City Council to implement the Density Bonus proposal’s mechanism to offer a transfer of development rights for this specially zoned district. The utilization of the Transfer of Development Rights as proposed would preserve the buildings, while allowing the property owners to reap the development potential of their properties.

The Heritage Society firmly supports efforts to increase the density of Austin’s downtown. This is the historic core of Austin, and it should grow as Austin does. A more residentially populated and visited downtown will offer the most viable future for adaptive use of historic buildings. Also, maximizing the use of an already developed area is aligned with historic preservation’s assertion that the most sustainable model is the use of existing resources. Toward that end, we salute any efforts to encourage development in appropriate areas of downtown.

The Warehouse District is one the most thriving areas of downtown and its success is largely based on the successful adaptive use of its historic building stock. The Heritage Society of Austin supports the city’s goal of urban revitalization and applauds efforts to infuse a strong residential component to downtown -- but no great American city has revitalized its downtown by sacrificing its most cherished and significant historic features.

Save the Warehouse District! The Heritage Society passionately believes that the Warehouse District must be preserved as a unique piece of the historic character of Austin and a popular draw that serves as an underpinning for the economic vitality of Downtown. We respectfully urge City Council to protect the key blocks of this irreplaceable Austin asset. Our city must direct development of these few blocks in a way that preserves the very essence of what makes Austin such a popular destination. Sign an on-line petition requesting City Council to adopt special protections for the Warehouse District when considering the item at the September 24th Council meeting. In fulfillment of the Downtown Austin Plan’s overarching goal to “Keep Downtown authentic and diverse,” we request City Council to implement the Density Bonus proposal’s mechanism to offer a transfer of development rights for this specially zoned district. The utilization of the Transfer of Development Rights as proposed would preserve the buildings, while allowing the property owners to reap the development potential of their properties. The Heritage Society firmly supports efforts to increase the density of Austin’s downtown. This is the historic core of Austin, and it should grow as Austin does. A more residentially populated and visited downtown will offer the most viable future for adaptive use of historic buildings. Also, maximizing the use of an already developed area is aligned with historic preservation’s assertion that the most sustainable model is the use of existing resources. Toward that end, we salute any efforts to encourage development in appropriate areas of downtown. The Warehouse District is one the most thriving areas of downtown and its success is largely based on the successful adaptive use of its historic building stock. The Heritage Society of Austin supports the city’s goal of urban revitalization and applauds efforts to infuse a strong residential component to downtown -- but no great American city has revitalized its downtown by sacrificing its most cherished and significant historic features.	When HSA members purchase a poster from the Vanishing Austin series, 10% of proceeds will be donated to HSA Read More Austin Chronicle Cover Story Downtown Austin Plan DAP Density Bonus Proposal Images: Austin's Unique Warehouse District and other Successful Examples Support Letters History of the Warehouse District "Prostitution and Public Policy in Austin, TX 1870-1915" article Read more about HSA Advocacy.
P.O. Box 2113 Austin, Texas 78768-2113 Phone: 512-474-5198 Fax: 512-476-8687 E-mail: information@hsaustin.org
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