0.a - Public Communication - Request for Historic Landmark Consideration of 1914 E 12th St — original pdf

Backup

Sturgill, Hunter From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Ms. Haven L Verrett Saturday, February 21, 2026 4:26 PM Historic Preservation Office; Sturgill, Hunter; Contreras, Kalan; McKnight, Kim; historiclandmarks@austintexas.gov Rudd, Mueni L. Request for Historic Landmark Consideration – 1914 E 12th Street (Ideal Barber Shop / Alcove Grill Site) Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Haven Verrett, and I am a student at Huston-Tillotson University enrolled in SOCI 4308: Cultural Advocacy and Community-Led Preservation. I am writing to respectfully request consideration of the historic property located at 1914 E 12th Street in East Austin, which is currently home to Ideal Barber Shop and was historically associated with the Alcove Grill. Ideal Barber Shop, founded in 1948, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating Black-owned barbershop in Austin. For decades, it has served as more than just a place for haircuts. It has been a community gathering space where residents connected, shared information, mentored younger generations, and built social and political awareness during segregation and beyond. Historical records show that this same property also housed the Alcove Grill beginning in the late 1940s. The grill operated as a Black-owned restaurant and gathering space that contributed to the cultural and economic life of East Austin’s Black community at a time when access to many public spaces was limited. As one historic property that supported multiple Black-owned businesses, 1914 E 12th Street represents an important example of Black entrepreneurship, resilience, and community building in East Austin. Its history reflects the broader story of East Austin as a center of Black cultural and economic life. Because of ongoing development pressures and the importance of preserving historically underrepresented spaces, I respectfully ask that the Commission consider reviewing this property and placing it on a future Historic Landmark Commission agenda for discussion of potential historic designation. 1 Thank you for your time and for the work you do to preserve Austin’s history. Sincerely, Haven Verrett Huston-Tillotson University SOCI 4308 Student CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov". 2