Buford Tower originally served as a training facility for Austin firefighters between 1930 and 1970. In 1978, the tower was restored and dedicated to Austin Fire Department Captain James Buford. The structure is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses the Kitchen Memorial Chimes. The Buford Tower incurred fire damage in 2021 and will be undergoing repairs. The project is in the construction phase. District 9
Background
Buford Tower is a six-story brick building that was constructed in 1930 as the Austin Fire Drill Tower and served as a training facility for Austin firefighters until the 1970s. The building was designed by architects Hugo F. Kuehne, Sr. and J. Roy White and constructed by Rex D. Kitchens. In 1978, the tower was restored by the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction and was dedicated to Austin Fire Department Captain James Buford, who was the first Austin firefighter to die in the line of duty. The building also houses the Kitchen Memorial Chimes. The structure has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2016 and is part of the City of Austin’s parkland system and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD). The Austin Firefighters Association holds its annual 9/11 memorial at the site.
Project Description
The Buford Tower was extensively renovated following fire damage in April 2021. Damaged brick and concrete plinth were repaired and all windows were replaced in accordance with historic preservation standards. The surrounding landscaping has been restored along with updates to the interior electrical components and carillon chimes.
Anticipated Schedule
- Spring 2022: Permitting and Bidding Phase (complete)
- Summer 2022: Construction began (complete)
- Fall 2023: Construction completed
Contact Information
For more information or questions, contact Alyssa Tharrett, Project Manager, by email or phone at (512) 974-9508.
After the fire damage, April 2021