In 2011, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) completed a feasibility study to assess the condition of an existing Arts and Crafts wood frame bungalow house dating to 1922, on approximately 9 acres of the Norwood Tract at Town Lake Metropolitan Park at 1012 Edgecliff Terrace, Austin Texas. This area of parkland lies along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, just west of IH-35 and north of Riverside Drive. After the assessment and public engagement, Council approved the staff-recommended option for the rehabilitation of the house and grounds. The Norwood Park Foundation, a local non-profit entered into an agreement with the City in 2013 to begin work on the house and grounds for the future operations and maintenance of the facility as a park amenity. Due to escalating construction costs, this project is currently on hold. District 9
Background and Site History
In 1922, local developer Ollie O. Norwood and his wife, Calie Norwood built a small bungalow on the bluffs above the south bank of the Colorado River just west of the area where Interstate 35 now crosses Lady Bird Lake. The Norwood House occupied a 3-acre estate that included a rose garden, a greenhouse, a decorative fountain, a gazebo/teahouse, and the first geothermal-fed swimming pool in Austin.
The City of Austin purchased the Norwood Estate, including the house in 1985. The City recognized the historic significance of the house and has been designated a City of Austin historic landmark.
The Norwood House circa the 1920s, classic Arts & Crafts bungalow in the California Craftsman style. Photo credit: Austin History Center, Austin Public Library C01463a
In 2013 the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department agreed with the Norwood Park Foundation for the stabilization and rehabilitation of the house and grounds to support programming of the space for community meetings and events for potential revenue for the maintenance and operations of the site. In 2015, the Norwood Park Foundation completed the removal of hazardous materials from the house, adjusted the siting of the house to its original placement, and stabilized the structure. Since then the Foundation has been working on conceptual plans for the rehabilitation and improvements to the park to support the proposed programming.
Photo credit: Austin History Center, Austin Public Library PICH 06754a
Preliminary Concept
Timeline
The Norwood Park Foundation received a site development permit in August of 2021. Due to escalating construction costs, the project is currently on hold.
Funding and Resources
The funding for the current phase of the Norwood Estate Rehabilitation is made possible through the 2018 General Obligation Bond Package and Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding to support projects and initiatives that meet allowable uses as defined under Chapter 351 of the Texas Tax Code. HOT revenue is an essential tool for the promotion of tourism and supports the growth of the tourism, convention, and hotel industry. PARD is an important partner in this effort as public parks, museums, and cultural centers are among the top tourist attractions in the City.
Contact Information
For more information, email danne.williams@austintexas.gov or HistoricAustinParks@austintexas.gov