Austin Woman’s Club, "Historic Downtown Austin Assets" Among Preservation Texas' Most Endangered Places 2010

2010 Texas\’ Most Endangered Places

A 136-year-old mansion and all of downtown Austin's historic buildings were among this year's Preservation Texas list of the Most Endangered Places statewide.

The annual guide, which started in 2004, is meant to draw awareness and garner support for historic places that may potentially "fall victim to commercial development, neglect or suburban sprawl." Previous areas and landmarks include the Congress Avenue Historic District, the American National Bank (aka Starr Building, sold last year to an Austin developer), and Hamilton Pool Preserve.

The Austin Woman's Club, known also as Bellevue Place or Chateau Bellevue, was built in 1874 as a stately castle-like residence for a family whose patriarch was a merchant in New Orleans. The mansion changed hands several times over the next few decades before finally being purchased in 1929 by the Austin Woman’s Club as a venue for society women to congregate and network. It now serves as a wedding and special events space, with much of the original interior preserved.

"The Austin Woman’s Club building suffers from deterioration and antiquated infrastructure," reports the Preservation Texas guide. "Like many civic organizations, the Club’s members struggle to preserve their historic headquarters while continuing their history of serving the community."

The other local area on the list was the sum total of Downtown Austin’s historic assets. Noting our city's population increase and propensity for "taller and more dramatic buildings" in the city core, Preservation Texas warns that with continued growth, "the pressure on the small-scale historic buildings can only increase."

"The downside is demolition. The possibility of the destruction of historic structures increases dramatically in times of prosperity, when the pursuit of wealth tends to outweigh our desire to preserve history. Grand new development projects overshadow the foundations of our neighborhoods' heritage.... The community has lost many buildings that defined the city and provided the beloved backdrop to the state capital. We hope that together we can act to preserve the buildings that reflect the history and character of our city."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Allen Y Chen in News on February 8, 2010 12:30 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

tim

My wife tells me I have the wrong women's club mansion. Which might explain part of their problem.

tim

I feel like Austin Women's club should look to the Scottish Rite for inspiration. They've done a great job in providing a home for theater for children and adults. The Austin Women's club has a grand ballroom with a large stage. It could be top notch music venue, theater space, or convention hall.

I'd be sad to see it go though, it's where I had my wedding reception.

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I very agree with you"Historic Downtown Austin Assets" it's a wonderful...
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ColSanders

R.I.P. Cactus Cafe

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The mansion changed hands several times over the next few decades before finally being purchased in 1929 by the Austin Woman’s Club as a venue for society women to congregate and network.

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Like many civic organizations, the Club’s members struggle to preserve their historic headquarters while continuing their history of serving the community.