3.0 - Briefing on Heritage Preservation Grant Updates — original pdf

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Heritage Preservation Grant Heritage Tourism Division City of Austin Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment HOW WILL ACME BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY?  Provide centralized support for creatives and cultural organizations.  Enhance economic growth, tourism and civic engagement.  Foster collaboration between artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses.  Create open and accessible spaces that connect residents and tourists through arts and culture, strengthening community identity and promoting collective storytelling.  Strengthens Austin’s identity as a global destination for creativity. TEXAS TAX CODE CHAPTER 351.101 SUBSECTION 5 In accordance with state statute (Tax Code Chapter 351) any expenditure of hotel occupancy taxes must meet two criteria: • The expenditure must directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry; and • It must fit into one of the state’s statutorily approved functions. For historic preservation and restoration projects or activities and promotional programs to encourage tourists and convention delegates to visit preserved historic sites or museums, the project must be: • At, or in the immediate vicinity of, convention center facilities or visitor information centers; • Located in the areas that would be frequented by tourists and convention delegates. HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT Austin’s rich and diverse heritage is a key part of its identity, shaped by history and generations of creative and cultural leaders. The Heritage Preservation Grant supports historic places and safeguards the stories, values, and identities that make Austin unique. Through the use of this grant, we honor the past, empower the present, and ensure that future generations will inherit an Austin that remembers and respects its roots. The program aims to preserve and promote preservation projects; expand access to historic spaces and heritage resources; showcases local stories rooted in history; support the creative economy; and promote tourism and the hotel industries. REQUIREMENTS • Historic designated • Evidenced tourism marketing • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT OVERVIEW Agreement Term: 2 years Eligibility: Non-Profit / For Profit Funds project costs (no match) Project & Admin Management Fee: 10% of award Tourism Marketing Training Review and Approval: Historic Landmark Commission and Architectural Review Committee REQUIREMENTS • Historic designated • Evidenced tourism marketing • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ CAPITAL PROJECT FY26 UPDATES Local Historic Designation: 10 points for new local designation Bids: Single packaged bids (Lead, Preservation Architect, Contractor) Creative Reset and Community Benefits Two Grant Types: Capital (up to $250K) Heritage Events (up to $150K) REQUIREMENTS • Historic designated sites (or THC eligible) • Evidenced marketing to attract and expand audiences and tourism • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ INTERIOR CAPITAL PROJECT FY26 UPDATES Flooring Masonry Walls Safety Upgrades The Secretary of Interior’s Standards • Repair existing floors The Secretary of Interior’s Standards • Repoint deteriorated The Secretary of Interior’s Standards The Secretary of Interior’s Standards and replace deteriorated portions (duplicate and replace the documented historic appearance of interior features and finishes – consider color, texture and pattern) • (The Secretary of Interior’s Standards, p204) The Secretary of Interior’s Standards The Secretary of Interior’s Standards mortar joints (disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks, or damaged plaster on the interior) • (The Secretary of Interior’s Standards, p204) The Secretary of Interior’s Standards The Secretary of Interior’s Standards • Non-intrusive fire safety upgrades (fire alarms, egress stairways) • New mechanical and electrical system updates in closets, service areas, and wall cavities to preserve the restoration-period character of the interior space • (The Secretary of Interior’s Standards, p71) REFERENCE: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (36CFR Part 68), Washington, D.C., [2017]. ADDITIONAL Requirements: • Exterior Capital Project Request • Preservation Architect • Sensitive Treatment Plan • Updates: Preservation Architect • All submitted files will be shared with the HPO. HERITAGE EVENTS Austin’s rich and diverse heritage is a cornerstone to its identity – a vibrant tapestry woven from its history and generations of creative and cultural innovators. The Heritage Preservation Grant is not just an investment in places – it is an essential commitment to safeguarding the stories, values, and identities that define our city. Through the use of this grant, we honor the past, empower the present, and ensure that future generations will inherit an Austin that remembers and respects its roots. Heritage Events – Past to Present: • Supports special events, exhibits, historic tours, and programs that highlight local history and storytelling, connect communities, and engage both residents and tourists. • Events should include historic research and highlight the history of the site. • Projects must provide a public benefit to both residents and visitors • Increases access to heritage resources and programs REQUIREMENTS • Evidenced marketing to attract and expand audiences and tourism • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ HERITAGE EVENTS FY26 UPDATES Project Type Heritage Event (Historic Designated Site) • Project takes place at a historic designated site, historic district, or within a Council-approved heritage district. Heritage Event (Eligible and Actively Pursuing Historic Designation) • Project takes places at sites or districts found eligible and approved for historic designation. • Historic designation must be completed within the grant agreement period. Consultant fees related to the designation process are eligible expenses. Award Up to $150,000 Up to $50,000 Heritage Event • If the original site cannot be used or is no longer existing, applicants may propose an alternative historic location (with or without a designation). Up to $25,000 • Applicants must explain why and how the site helps tell the story of an important historic event, person, community, group, or the city and how the project will promote tourism and the hotel industry. (Historical Associations or Cultural Values Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application) 4Culture Heritage Projects https://www.4culture.org/grants/heritage-projects/ Plano Heritage Events (HOT Funds) FY 2025-26 Heritage Preservation Grants Workshop EXAMPLES of Heritage Events & Projects that Do Not Require a Historic Designation: • • • Activity must also include a printed and digital itinerary of the site and nearby historic museums, promoted to tourists, with materials serving an educational purpose for visitors. REQUIREMENTS • Evidenced marketing to attract and expand audiences and tourism • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ BRIEFING ON FY 2025 HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS H I S TO R I C L A N D M A R K C O M M I S S I O N FEBRUARY 5, 2025 Grant Agreement Requirements HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT REQUIREMENTS Project Teams: Preservation Architect, Contractor, and Project Lead (Capital) Project Details: Require Technical Project Updates from Preservation Architect (Capital) Adhere: Local and National Historic Building Standards (Capital) Completed & Approved: Interim & Final Reports Completed: Preservation Budget and Work Plan Photo Documentation (Before, During, and After) REQUIREMENTS • Historic designated sites (or THC eligible) • Evidenced marketing to attract and expand audiences and tourism • Open and accessible grounds • Occurs in Austin City Council District or ETJ BRIEFING ON FY 2025 HERITAGE PRESERVATION GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS H I S TO R I C L A N D M A R K C O M M I S S I O N FEBRUARY 5, 2025 Heritage Preservation Grant Project Updates HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Austin Parks Foundation (Henry G. Madison Log Cabin) 2300 Rosewood Avenue GRANT AMOUNT: $237,000 DATE OF APPROVED FINAL REPORT: FY24 Project in Progress PROJECT SCOPE: Foundation; Site Work; Log Cabin Walls and Chinking; Roof; Doors and Windows; ADA accessibility Pathway; Historically Appropriate Security Lighting; Cataloging, Documentation, and Samples (All Images) During construction, Images by Austin Parks Foundation from May-June 2025 Center for Women & Their Work, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson Grocery and House) 1311 E Cesar Chavez Street & 94 Navasota Street GRANT AMOUNT: $104,428 DATE OF APPROVED FINAL REPORT: June 2025 PROJECT SCOPE: Roof; Gutters; Doors and Windows; Foundation “[Grant] helps make preservation more accessible and ensures that this important work remains a priority within our communities. With the support of this grant, Women & Their Work was able to undertake essential restoration of our historic gallery and education space in East Austin. As a nonprofit, this funding was instrumental in making the project possible. Preserving these buildings allows us to maintain them as vibrant community hubs— welcoming audiences to engage with exhibitions, performances, workshops, discussions, and gatherings that foster connection and creativity." - Jordan Nelsen, Gallery Director, Women & Their Work (Top Left & Bottom Right) Images by Women & Their Work from August 2024 & June 2025 (Top Right & Bottom Left) Image by Essentials Creative from July 2024 & March 2025 EDUCATIONAL PROJECT BETHANY CEMETERY ASSOCIATION OF TRAVIS COUNTY 1308 Springdale Road GRANT AMOUNT: $95,000.00 DATE OF APPROVED FINAL REPORT: FY24 Project in Progress PROJECT SCOPE: Tour Development, Educational Collateral, and Marketing Promotions. (All Images) Interpretive signage telling the story about the lives of the community and the land, Images by KVUE EDUCATIONAL PROJECT DAA and Mexic-Arte Museum Collaboration at Republic Square Park 422 Guadalupe Stret GRANT AMOUNT: $250,000.00 DATE OF APPROVED FINAL REPORT: FY24 Project in Progress PROJECT SCOPE: Republic Square Heritage Events “The Heritage Preservation Grant has been a transformative force in preserving and celebrating Austin’s Mexican American legacy… This grant is more than an investment—it’s a commitment to cultural preservation, ensuring that the voices, traditions, and contributions of our communities remain at the heart of Austin for generations to come.” - Raasin McIntosh, VP Urban Activation Downtown Austin Alliance” (All Images) Images produced by DAA Thank You Email: heritagetourism@austintexas.gov austintexas.gov/heritage-preservation-grant HERITAGE TOURISM DIVISION AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT