Elisabet Ney Museum Building Restoration and Site Improvements Project Update
April 2025
The City Council recently awarded a contract to Phoenix 1 Restoration and Construction, Ltd. for building restoration and site improvements at the Elisabet Ney Museum. The contractor started construction work after the museum safely relocated all sculptures.
Completed Work
- Paint and sealant from doors and windows have been removed, in preparation for their restoration.
- Historic retaining walls in the creek have been braced.
- Clearing and grubbing at the location of the new bridge. Grubbing is the removal of vegetation and underground obstructions.
- Mortar samples have been mixed and cured to find the best match to existing mortar.
Work In Progress
- Labeling and removal of doors and windows identified for restoration.
- Mock up of window restoration in progress to be reviewed for preservation quality.
- Cataloging, relocation and safe guarding of historic stone walls during bridge installation.
- Survey and analysis of roof conditions.
Upcoming Work
- Removal of existing interior lighting.
- Drilling for the new bridge piers.
- Pouring of concrete piers for the new bridge.
- Restoration of the masonry.
- Weatherproofing of building interior.
- Preparation of structural modifications for new rooftop mechanical equipment.
- Fabrication of the new bridge, and mechanical duct work.
- Mechanical, electrical, lighting and plumbing rough-ins.
- Construction of the stone walls for the new bridge.
Sealant and paint removal from windows and doors.
 Clearing and grubbing in the area of the new bridge, with bracing of historic walls underway.
Comparison of mortar samples 10 through 13.
 Preparations for window restoration.
Cataloging of historic stone wall to prepare for new bridge.
Cataloging and palletizing of historic stone wall to prepare bridge location.
Announcements
- On February 27, City Council authorized the execution of a contract with the Art In Public Places (AIPP) selected artist, Tamara Johnson.
- A drill rig is anticipated to arrive April 14th to begin drilling for the new bridge piers.
- A total of 10 piers will be installed.
- Concrete pours will begin after pier holes are drilled and prepared with steel reinforcement.
- Pier installation is anticipated to be completed by the end of April or early May.
Construction Schedule Milestones
- Construction Start - February 10, 2025
- Anticipated Construction Substantial Completion - Early 2026
- Anticipated Grand Re-opening – Summer 2026
Please note that as with any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, and all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather.
This is an active construction site. For the safety of the public, unauthorized entry is not permitted. Work hours will adhere to the City’s Noise Ordinance.
Visit the Elisabet Ney Museum Programs, Events and Services web page for information on alterations to programming. For more information on the museum, visit the Elisabet Ney Museum website.
For more information on this construction project, visit the Elisabet Ney Museum Improvements web page.
Christina Bies, Project Manager
Capital Delivery Services
Christina.Bies@AustinTexas.gov
512-974-7251
Ellen Colfax, Project Manager
Parks and Recreation Department
Ellen.Colfax@AustinTexas.gov
512-974-9472
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