A recent view of the Palm School facing Cesar Chavez Street. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Built as an elementary school in 1892 and serving that purpose until 1976, the building now known as the Swante Palm School located at the northwest corner of Cesar Chavez Street and the I-35 Frontage Road has plenty of history behind it. The building, currently used as office space for Travis County’s Health and Human Services Department, is considered historic in part due to its 84-year tenure as a school and gathering place for the surrounding Mexican-American community.
A view of the Palm School building in the early 20th century. Image: Austin History Center
But the development of the Palm School property is now on the table, as the county prepares to relocate its offices elsewhere. It’s clear to that the site is historic and deserves at least some form of preservation, even if the more recent (and less attractive) additions to the original building don’t stick around. The county’s commissioners are currently seeking input from the public regarding the future of the building, and what priorities should be considered as part of a potential plan for redevelopment:
Travis County Palm School Survey – Click Here
A diagram and map showing a timeline of the Palm School’s construction. Click for a larger view. Image: Antenora Architects / Limbacher & Godfrey / McCann Adams Studio
Since we’re big fans of smart development that plays nice with historic preservation, we’d love for you to fill this survey out. It closes on August 8, so you’ve got almost a week to get it done. It’ll take like five minutes, so get to it!
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