Latest news: The Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey Draft will be available for review on Wednesday, March 26! We welcome comments from the public through Friday, May 9. 

The Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey aims to capture downtown's rich history by evaluating 45+ year-old buildings as potential historic landmarks and historic districts. It is a planning tool only and does not include zoning changes, land use changes, or property tax adjustments. 

  • Documenting Austin's Past: Through detailed fieldwork, research in historical archives, and community outreach, the survey aims to create a comprehensive record of downtown's rich built heritage.

  • Supporting Heritage Tourism: The survey will identify key historic buildings and districts that could help draw more heritage tourists in Austin. The project is funded by the City's Historic Preservation Fund. 

The survey will be completed by July 2025. 

Survey Area

The survey area is roughly bounded by Martin Luther King Jr., Boulevard on the north, I-35 on the east, Lady Bird Lake on the south, and MoPac on the west (see map below). It Includes 1,313 older buildings.

Using the Survey

If your property is recommended as a potential historic landmark or in a potential historic district, you may wish to explore historic designation. Historic properties are eligible for certan tax benefits (see below). 

  • Local designation: If you choose to locally designate your property, it will entail a rezoning process. The City of Austin Historic Preservation Office will help guide you through the process. 

  • National designation: The Texas Historical Commission works with the National Park Service to help people list properties in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Benefits of Historic Designation 

City of Austin historic landmarks are eligible for partial property tax exemptions. Properties in locally designated historic districts can receive a tax abatement for qualified rehabilitation projects. Income-producing and nonprofit-owned properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for state and federal historic tax credits for qualified rehabilitation projects. 

Top Banner Image Credit: Douglass, Neal. Aerial: Austin downtown, photograph, January 6, 1963

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PUBLIC MEETING

December 18, 2023

The City of Austin hosted an in-person at the Carver Brand Library to share information about the survey. Watch the meeting recording HERE 

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PUBLIC PRESENTATION - DOWNTOWN COMMISSION

March 20, 2024

The City of Austin did a briefing at the Downtown Commission meeting to share information about the survey. Watch the meeting HERE 

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PUBLIC MEETING

May 13, 2024

The City of Austin hosted a virtual meeting to share information about the survey. Watch the meeting recording HERE 

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PUBLIC PRESENTATION - HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION

March 5, 2025

The City of Austin did a briefing at the Historic Landmark Commission meeting to share information about the survey. 

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PUBLIC PRESENTATION - DOWNTOWN COMMISSION

March 19, 2025

The City of Austin did a briefing at the Downtown Commission meeting to share information about the survey. 

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PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS

March 26, 2025

Review the draft survey and share your thoughts! read the draft and provide your comments HERE.  

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PUBLIC MEETING

April 16, 2025

Attend a virtual meeting to learn about survey findings. Register HERE for the 12-1 p.m. meeting and HERE for the 6-7 p.m. meeting (content will be the same). Recording of the meetings will be posted on this website.  

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DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS ON DRAFT SURVEY

May 9, 2025

The public comment period closes. Read the draft survey and provide your comments HERE. 

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PRESENTATION OF SURVEY FINDINGS

July 2, 2025

Survey findings will be presented to the Historic Landmark Commission. The Commission meets at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers (301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701).