Montopolis Negro School Project Vision Plan
Montopolis Negro School Project Vision Plan
The Vision Plan is a comprehensive, community‑informed framework that will guide the long‑term restoration, interpretation, management, and development of the historic Montopolis Negro School at 500 Montopolis Drive. The City of Austin’s Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) Department, in partnership with the Capital Delivery Services team, is leading the development of this plan. The school is historically significant as one of the last surviving rural schools for African American children in Travis County during the Jim Crow era—a period marked by racial segregation, disenfranchisement, and systemic discrimination. Its later use as the Montopolis Church of Christ also contributes to its cultural and historical importance.
The Vision Plan is being prepared in response to City Council direction under Resolution No. 20170928‑056, which called for a strategy to restore, manage, operate, and fund the site as a historic asset and museum capable of attracting both tourists and convention visitors.
Purpose and Scope
The primary goal of the Vision Plan is to create a forward‑looking, actionable roadmap outlining how the site will be preserved and activated as a sustainable museum and cultural facility. To accomplish this, the project will include:
- Historic preservation analysis to determine appropriate restoration, treatment, and rehabilitation approaches.
- Interpretive planning to identify key themes, stories, and educational narratives that honor the school’s legacy and the Montopolis community’s history.
- Architectural and design considerations for future improvements, accessibility, and cultural landscape stewardship.
- Community‑based facilitation to ensure the voices of Montopolis residents, former students, and broader community stakeholders meaningfully guide the plan's development.
- Programming and operational planning to define how the museum or cultural facility will function, serve visitors, generate revenue, and remain financially sustainable.
- Implementation recommendations to support phased development, funding strategies, and long‑term maintenance
Together, these elements ensure that the Vision Plan not only preserves the physical structure of the Montopolis Negro School but also elevates its cultural legacy through thoughtful interpretation, robust community engagement, and long‑term stewardship.
Community Meetings
Events
Montopolis Negro School – Community at Large #2
As part of the community engagement process for the Historic Montopolis Negro School Vision and Interpretive Plan, the project team is hosting a focus group session with the broader community and key stakeholders. This session is one of several focused, small-group conversations designed to gather detailed input from people with a direct or personal connection to the school’s history.
This meeting is intended for the wider community. These upcoming sessions will provide opportunities for everyone to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the long-term vision for the school. We encourage all interested community members to stay involved, attend future meetings, and remain engaged throughout the process.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation.
To receive notice of future community meetings and project updates, email ACME@austintexas.gov.
Step 1
Community Survey
Montopolis Negro School Vision Plan - Survey
This survey is designed to gather community input that will help shape the Historic Montopolis Negro School Vision and Interpretive Plan. Its purpose is to understand what community members value most...
Past Meetings
Montopolis Negro School Focus Group #2
Community partners are warmly invited to attend and are encouraged to forward this invitation to other individuals or organizations who may be interested in the future of the Montopolis Negro School.
The purpose of the focus group meeting is to gather input from key stakeholders and community representatives to ensure that the Montopolis Negro School project reflects the historical, cultural, and community values associated with the site. The meeting will help us:
• Understand community perspectives, priorities, and concerns.
• Validate and refine project goals based on stakeholder feedback.
• Ensure the project honors the historical significance of the Montopolis Negro School.
• Identify opportunities for interpretation, preservation, and community engagement.
• Strengthen collaboration with organizations and individuals connected to the school’s legacy.
Your participation and insight are critical to ensuring this process reflects the history, values, and aspirations of the Montopolis community.
Montopolis Negro School Focus Group – Community at Large #1
As part of the community engagement process for the Historic Montopolis Negro School Vision and Interpretive Plan, the project team is hosting a focus group session with the broader community and key stakeholders. This session is one of several focused, small-group conversations designed to gather detailed input from people with a direct or personal connection to the school’s history.
This meeting is intended for the wider community. These upcoming sessions will provide opportunities for everyone to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the long-term vision for the school. We encourage all interested community members to stay involved, attend future meetings, and remain engaged throughout the process.
This meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation.
To receive notice of future community meetings and project updates, email ACME@austintexas.gov.
Montopolis Proud and Alumni Focus Group
As part of the community engagement process for the Historic Montopolis Negro School Vision and Interpretive Plan, the project team is hosting a focus group session with Montopolis Proud members and former students (alumni) of the Montopolis Negro School. This is one of several focused, small-group conversations designed to gather detailed input from people with a direct, personal connection to the school's history.
Participants for this session have been personally invited so that the team can listen closely to their memories, perspectives, and priorities for the site's future. Because this is a focused conversation with a specific group, structured input will be gathered from invited participants.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe. This is one of many opportunities to be involved: larger community meetings open to all residents will follow, where everyone will have the chance to share feedback and help shape the vision for the school. We encourage anyone interested in the project to attend those upcoming meetings, sign up for updates, and stay engaged throughout the process.
To receive notice of future community meetings and project updates, email ACME@austintexas.gov.