Austin locales make ‘endangered places’ list

The Texas Governor’s Mansion and Austin’s American National Bank Building are among Texas’ most endangered historical landmarks, according to an annual list released Wednesday.

Preservation Texas, a nonprofit, statewide historical conservation organization, initiated the “Texas’ Most Endangered Places” program in 2003 to encourage appreciation of threatened historical properties. Libby Buuck, president of the organization’s board of directors, called the 2009 selection of sites diverse.

“From churches and schools to parks and private residences, the sites represent places that are as important to our history and way of life as longhorn cattle and 10-gallon hats.”

Buuck said fears surrounding the American National Bank Building’s possible demolition and a June arson attack that destroyed much of the Governor’s Mansion drove Preservation Texas to include the Austin sites on its 2009 list.

The American National Bank Building, located near the intersection of Sixth Street and Congress Avenue, opened in 1954 and is currently vacant and for sale. Preservationists are concerned that the building’s desirable location in downtown Austin will lead to its demolition and replacement by a larger, high-rise structure.

Julian Read, president of the Heritage Society of Austin, said that including the bank on the list will encourage re-use of the structure rather than demolition. The building is the last example of modernism left in downtown Austin and it embodies the revolutionary style of architecture popular during its construction, Read said.

“The building transformed Austin into the metropolitan city it is today,” he said. “The loss of the building would leave an irreparable gap in history.”

Reed is also closely involved with the restoration of the Governor’s Mansion. He said he hopes increased awareness of the mansion’s historical significance will stimulate further contributions to fund the multi-million-dollar repairs.

“The Governor’s Mansion is second only to the Alamo in importance to Texan history,” he said. “It is important that the people don’t forget it.”

2 comments

CapitolLady

Thu Feb 12 2009 23:35

Excuse me, I mean the Governor's Mansion.

CapitolLady

Thu Feb 12 2009 23:34

I would venture to say that the state Capitol is of more importance in Texan history than the Alamo.

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