Heritage Preservation Grant

Heritage Preservation Grant Guidelines

Grant awarded in the following categories:

Technical Assistance

• SCHEDULE an in-person site-visit or a Virtual Meeting to discuss a potential future proposal.
• Learn more about Application Assistance opportunities.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

• 501(c)(3) Nonprofit or State of Texas Nonprofit
• For-Profit Business (must have EIN)
• Two years minimum operating history in the City of Austin / MSA
• Leaseholder or Owner (for Capital Improvement Projects)
• Applicants may qualify for one Heritage Preservation Grant per funding cycle  

Ineligible Applicants

• Applicants whose nonprofit status has been revoked by the Internal Revenue Service
• Applicants unable to demonstrate at least two years of operating history within the Austin metro area
• Applicants who are receiving or requesting funding from other ACME Funds for the same proposal, same activities, and/or expenses within the same contract period
• Full-Time City of Austin Employees  
• Individuals younger than 18 years old  
• Residential properties that are occupied

Expenses

Eligible Expenses

• For HOT funded programs, eligible expenses include—but may not be limited—to compensation, marketing and outreach, insurance, supplies, permits, rentals, production, and performance and service fees related to the grant-funded activities promoted to tourists.
• For grants over $10,000, potential for up to $2,000 for project-related equipment purchases/repairs, dependent upon the program and with ACME staff approval.
• See individual project category for additional eligible expenses. 

Ineligible Expenses

• Activities that occur outside Austin

• Acquisition of property

• Archeology excavation projects

• Audits unless required by funding agreement

• Awardees are prohibited from “double dipping” (see definition in Appendix A: Definitions) with their grant funds to cover the same expenses or activities.

• Awardee travel costs, including gas, flights, hotels, tolls, parking, and ferries, however limited travel costs for participating artists brought to Austin by the awardee may be eligible with ACME staff approval

• Capital projects with no historic designation or are not eligible for historic designation

• Capital projects that do not meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties or local Historic Design Standards

• Consultants who are members of an applicant’s board or who are employees

• Curriculum development or programming, scholarly or academic research, and any related activities

• Existing debts, fines, contingencies, penalties, interest, litigation costs or taxes, excluding sales tax and payroll taxes  

• Food and hospitality

• Fundraisers, capital campaigns, and benefits, including entertainment and receptions

• Furnishings

• Historic properties with fencing in front of, or near, the property that would obscure or prevent visual observation of the building from the public right-of-way

• Landscaping or cultural landscape projects 

• Murals

• New building construction or expansion 

• Payments to students or interns whose employment is tied to class credit

• Preservation, heritage events, and historic projects not associated with a historic site

• Proposals at City-owned historic sites that have not been approved by the managing department

• Property taxes or any other tax

• Purchase of gifts, awards, cash prizes, scholarships, contributions, donations, or re-granting of funds

• Purchase of gasoline

• Right-of-way signage

• Start-up costs of a new organization, for example, expenses associated with filing for an LLC, or nonprofit status

Project Categories

Capital Improvement Projects

Capital Improvement Projects (Maximum award: $250,000)

Support capital improvement projects at historic sites – designated or eligible for designation that attract tourists. The site must be open, and its history must be actively marketed to tourists.

If awarded, all capital project proposals are required to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Office, Architectural Review Committee (ARC), and/or the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC).  

Capital Improvement Project Types

• American Disabilities Act (ADA) exterior access
• Awning rehabilitation / repair
• Cast iron restoration / repair
• Door / window / screen / trim restoration/repair
• Façade elements
• Foundation stabilization
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation / repair (does not require an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
• Historic accessory structures
• Interior: Electrical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Interior: Mechanical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Interior: Flooring (must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) see pg. 204)
• Interior: Safety Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
• Interior: Masonry (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Masonry rehabilitation / repair
• Millwork rehabilitation / repair
• Paint (in kind; must match existing unless pre-approved)
• Professional services or consultants required to support the project, such as Preservation Architects, Interpretive Planners, Architectural Historians, and other professional services contracts to support the project, its long-term preservation, or historic designation
• Roof Repair
• Sign installation (on private property and must comply with Historic Sign Standards)

Capital Project Requirements

• Grounds must be accessible, open, and marketed to tourists with reasonable visitation hours
• Interior project proposals must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Interior projects must include a sensitive treatment plan which emphasizes preserving significant historic features and materials while minimizing physical and visual impact as recommended by The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Maintain historic designation
• Projects must occur at a designated historic site or a contributing property within a designated historic district. Verify the historic designation of a site using the City of Austin Historic Property View Finder 
• Projects must occur at a site eligible for local, state, or national historic designation, or determined eligible for designation by the Texas Historical Commission. Designation must be completed within the agreement term
• Project management fee and project administrative expenses are allowed up to 10% of the grant award (not to exceed $20,000) for capital projects
• If awarded, projects must be reviewed and approved either by the Historic Preservation Office and/or the Historic Landmark Commission after a preliminary review by the Architectural Review Committee
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists
• Proposals on private property must include Owner Authorization with the application. Here is a link to the Owner Authorization Form. It can be used for historic public or private sites unless the managing City department gives other instructions.
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.  
• Proposals must include one complete bid package (see definition) with bids from a contractor, (Preservation) Architect, subcontractor and vendors.  
• Proposals must include recommendations from an Architect or equivalent professional based on The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and/or the City of Austin Historic Design Standards
• Proposals must adhere to City of Austin Historic Design Standards and/or The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Proposed historic site may require an on-site assessment or review
• Proposals with City-owned sites must be approved by the managing department before applying for a grant
• Properties determined to be eligible for historic designation. If a property is not designated at the time of the application, the applicant must provide a determination of eligibility with the application and sites must be historically designated by the end of the grant agreement term
• Applicant must include marketing expenses in their budget proposal

Heritage Events

Support proposals that expand access to historic places and heritage experiences by highlighting local history and storytelling, connecting communities, and drawing both residents and tourists at historic sites. While bids are not required for Heritage Events, a proposed budget breakdown is required as part of the application process.  

Sites must be historically designated (or eligible for historic designation), occur with in an approved by the City Council as a heritage district or corridor, or historically significant.

• Events must include historic research and highlight the history of the site

• Applicants must identify a specific location, with or without a historic designation, and explain why it’s historically important and how it connects to the project or activities

• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)

• Applicants must explain how the proposal will uncover untold stories associated with the location

• Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums or heritage sites

Heritage Events WITH Local, State, or National Designated Historic Location (Maximum Award: $150,000)

• Project must occur at a designated historic site, historic district, or within official City of Austin heritage districts

 

Heritage Events - Eligible Properties WITHOUT Historic Designation but Pursuing Designation or a Historic Location   (Maximum Award: $50,000)

• Project may occur at a site eligible and pursuing a local, state, or national historic designation
• If pursuing, the historic designation must be completed within the grant agreement term
• Explain why the selected site is historically important and how it connects to the project or activities.
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)

 

Heritage Event Project Types

• Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationally
• Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
• Projects or activities in heritage districts with historic assets previously approved by the City Council (includes the Red River Cultural District, African American Cultural Heritage District, and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor)
• Production of special events and programs that highlight the history of the site
• Tour development: historic, heritage, legacy business, and natural resources 

 

Eligible Heritage Event Expenses

• Equipment rentals 

• Historic designation consultant expense is eligible; the designation must be completed within the grant agreement term

• Historic marker (applications must indicate eligibility from the Texas Historical Commission in advance)

• Honoraria for oral history interviews services rendered 

• Marketing and advertising promotions 

• Non-expendables for tour development tourist-benefitting expenses, not to exceed $2,000 without AACME staff approval to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and City policy

• Production, historic research, operations, and administration of heritage tourism activities that support the event and promote tourism 

• Project insurance 

• Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) 

• Travel-related costs for visiting speaker/contractor coming to Austin for funded activity that directly benefits and is promoted to tourists  

 

Heritage Event Requirements

• Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.
• For projects planned for Austin History Center (AHC) please use this form. This form is due to AHC by August 4 for Heritage Events at AHC.
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
• Preservation projects and programs that highlight storytelling and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
• Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
• Proposals at City-owned site must gain approval through the managing department
• Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
• Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists

Evaluation Review & Scoring

Capital Improvement Project Evaluation Review & Scoring

Review the Capital Improvement Project Detailed Scoring Rubric: English, Spanish

Category	Criteria	Max Points
Preservation Impact	Site Background: What is the history of the proposed historic site?  Project Details, Team, Budget Table, and Bid Package: Describe the proposed work. This includes repairs, preservation work, or other improvements to the site. If your project includes interior work, you must also include an exterior project. Name the project team that will plan, supervise, or do the work. Include the project manager, preservation architect, and any contractors. A complete Bid Package for the proposed work.  It must include recommendations from a preservation architect or another qualified professional. The Bid should highlight preservation design standards  Project Budget: Completed Budget Table and detailed description for each item Explain how the budget supports the project  Historic Standards & Urgency: How does the project meet the Design Standards of the City of Austin or the Secretary of the Interior? Describe the urgency of the proposed project. Photos of the current condition of the project area required  Long-Term Preservation: Is there a plan that supports the steps needed to preserve the building? UPLOAD the site’s PRESERVATION PLAN, HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORT, ENGINEERING REPORT, ETC if available	Up to 50
Tourism Impact	Storytelling: How have you used storytelling to attract visitors and tourists to your site? Describe your past exhibitions.  Describe unique ways of sharing the history of your site.  Include how you make heritage resources more accessible and engaging to visitors.  Marketing and Advertising: How will you market your historic site to residents, visitors and tourists? How will you attract new audiences, including residents, visitors, and tourists    How are you promoting Austin as a heritage tourism destination?  How will you measure success?	Up to 30
New Voices, Historic Places	Community Collaborators: Describe the site’s history of community collaborations. How do you use your site to support others through shared space, events, or creative activities?  How did those partnerships show the community’s voice, values, and involvement in heritage tourism?  New Applicant: Have you ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant?	Up to 15
New Local Designation	Is your site pursuing a City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation? Documentation required	5
Tie-Breaker Questions	Applicants who have applied in the Heritage Preservation Grant previously and never been awarded   Applicants who have been in operation in Austin the longest Applicants who received the highest total score in the Preservation Impact Section	N/A

 

Heritage Event Evaluation Review & Scoring

Review the Heritage Event Detailed Scoring Rubric: English, Spanish

Category	Criteria	Max Points
Preservation Impact	Site Background:  History of the proposed historic site. Describe the location and its past and current uses Explain how visitors learn about the location's history.  Historic documentation required  Project: Details, and Team: Describe the proposed event and how it connects to the site’s history  Describe the project management team. List similar projects each key team member has completed.  Project Budget:  Completed Budget Table and detailed description for each item Explain how the budget supports the project	Up to 50
Tourism Impact	Storytelling:  How have you used storytelling to attract visitors and tourists to your past events? Describe your past events. Describe ways you have shared history with the public.    Marketing and Advertising:  How will you market your event to residents, visitors and tourists?    How will you attract new audiences, including residents, visitors, and tourists?   How are you promoting Austin as a heritage tourism destination?  How will you measure success?	Up to 30
New Voices, Historic Places	Community Collaborators Describe how your event will include community collaborators. Describe how working together will show the community’s voice, and values.  Describe how working together will bring new people to the site, including tourists. Describe how you will develop a heritage tourism itinerary.  Your heritage tourism itinerary must include: A printed and digital itinerary for visitors, including information about your event,   a site map of your event, and    a listing of nearby historic museums, sites, or attractions First-Time Applicant  Have you ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant?	Up to 15
New Local Designation	Is your site pursuing a City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation? Documentation required	5
Tie-Breaker Questions	Applicants who have applied in the Heritage Preservation Grant previously and never been awarded   Applicants who have been producing work in Austin the longest Applicants who received the highest total score in the Preservation Impact Section	N/A

Awardee Commitments

If selected for a Heritage Preservation Grant award, awardees will be expected to complete the following per terms of their agreement:

• Pre-Agreement– Must be completed before the Grant Agreement and first payment are processed:

  • Completion of Agreement Kick-Off Meeting and Quiz
  • Provide updated activity and budget
  • Review and approval from the Historic Preservation Office (Capital Improvement Projects only) 

• Grant Agreement Requirements

  • Completion Capital project for Capital Grant Awardees or the public event for Heritage Event Awardees

  • Post public activity to VisitAustin

  • Marketing compliance (use of required logo and publicity statement)

• Progress Report – 

  • Required of Capital Projects – Due once the first 50% payment has been fully expended

  • Required of 24-month grant agreement projects only – Due once the first 50% payment has been fully expended

  • Not required for 12-month grant agreement projects

• Final Report – Due within 30 days of all funded activities:

  • Required of all projects

  • Proof of funds spent (e.g., receipts, financial statements)

  • Audience and participant data

  • Documentation that funded activities occurred

  • Proof of marketing compliance (use of required logo and publicity statement)

  • Completion of two (2) Miles Partnership Tourism Marketing Trainings 

Heritage Preservation Grant Application Preview

Application Questions - Capital Improvement Projects

Site Background

• What is the history of the proposed historic site? Your answer must include the architectural style, its main features, and past and current uses.  
• Historic documentation and photos required  
• Describe how visitors learn about the project site’s history.  

Project Details, Team, Budget Table, and Bid Package

• Describe the proposed work. This includes repairs, preservation work, or other improvements to the site. If your project includes interior work, you must also include an exterior project.  
• Name the project team that will plan, supervise, or do the work. Include the project manager, preservation architect, and any contractors.  Your answer must include: Short bios, relevant skills, and websites for each key team member. List similar preservation projects each key team member has completed.  
• Upload a complete Bid Package for the proposed work. The Bid Package must include: Recommendations from a preservation architect or another qualified professional. How the proposed scope of work meets preservation design standards.
• Budget Table and Narrative. Your answer must include: Explain how your budget supports your project. Describe other resources that will help you complete your project, such as in‑kind support or other funding sources. 

Historic Standards & Urgency

• How does the project meet the Design Standards of the City of Austin or the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards?
• Describe the urgency of the proposed project. Your answer must include: Why is the proposed project your highest priority right now?  
• Photos of the current condition of the project area and a site map that highlights the areas where the proposed work will occur. 

Long-Term Preservation

• Is there a plan that supports the steps needed to preserve the building?  
• Upload (if applicable): Preservation Plan, Historic Structure Report, Engineering Report, etc. 

 

TOURISM IMPACT

Storytelling

• How have you used storytelling to attract visitors and tourists to your site? Your answer must include: Describe your past exhibitions. Describe unique ways of sharing the history of your site. Include how you make heritage resources more accessible and engaging to visitors.

Marketing and Advertising

• How will you market your historic site to residents, visitors and tourists?   Your marketing plan must include: How will you attract new audiences, including residents, visitors, and tourists. How you are promoting Austin as a heritage tourism destination. How will you measure success. 

NEW VOICES, HISTORIC PLACES

• Describe the site’s history of community collaborations. Your answer must include: How do you use your site to support others through shared space, events, or creative activities? How did those partnerships show the community’s voice and values?  
• Have you ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant?  

NEW LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION

• Is your site pursuing a City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation?     

• Documentation required  

Application Questions - Heritage Events

PRESERVATION IMPACT

Site Background

• Select your proposed event type(s): Historic Tour, History Exhibit, Heritage Festival tied to the history of the proposed site, Storytelling or Oral History events, Historical Reenactments, Community Heritage Days (Celebrations honoring a neighborhood’s cultural roots, immigrant heritage parades, local history fairs), or List Other heritage event  
• What is the history of the proposed historic site? Your answer must include: The site’s history, key features, and its past and current uses.
• Historic documentation required  
• Describe how visitors learn about the project site’s history. 

Project: Details and Team 

• Describe the proposed event and how it connects to the site’s history. Your answer must include:  Describe your proposed event (When, Where, What, How). Describe how the proposed event connects to the site’s history. Describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight. Explain how your project will present untold stories associated with the location.
• Describe the project management team. List similar projects each key team member has completed. Your answer must include:  Key team members, their skills, and their roles. If you plan to collect oral histories, you must have an oral history expert or consultant on your team. Describe your team’s connection to the history of the site. 

Project Budget

• Completed Budget Table and narrative. Your answer must include: Explain how your budget supports your project. Describe other resources that will help you complete your project, such as in‑kind support or other funding sources.

 

TOURISM IMPACT 

Storytelling

• How have you used storytelling to attract visitors and tourists to your past events? Your answer must include: Describe your past events. Describe ways you have shared history with the public. 

Marketing and Advertising

• How will you market your event to residents, visitors and tourists? Your marketing plan must include:  How will you attract new audiences, including residents, visitors, and tourists. How are you promoting Austin as a heritage tourism destination. How will you measure success 

 

NEW VOICES, HISTORIC PLACES 

• Describe how your event will include community collaborators. Your answer must include: Describe how working together will show the community’s voice and values. Describe how working together will bring new people to the site, including tourists
• Describe how you will develop a heritage tourism itinerary. Your heritage tourism itinerary must include: A printed and digital itinerary for visitors, including information about your event, a site map of your event, and a listing of nearby historic museums, sites, or attractions

• Have you ever received a Heritage Preservation Grant? 

 
NEW LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION 

• Is your site pursuing a City of Austin Local Historic Landmark designation?   

• Documentation required  

Application Documentation - Required Evidence

• 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter (for nonprofit)
• Most recent IRS Form 990 filings (for nonprofit)
• City department pre-approval for projects on City property  
• Detailed project budget table with cost estimates
• Historic documentation (historic designation, photographs, narrative, maps, etc.)
• Two years of operating experience in Austin / MSA
• One complete bid package – including architect, contractor, and subcontractors (for capital projects)
• Ownership authorization (for capital projects)
• Preservation plan, historic structure report, engineering report, if available (for capital projects)
• Photos of the current condition of the proposed project area (for capital projects only)
• A site map that highlights the areas where the proposed work will occur (for capital projects only) 

Frequently Asked Questions

Application 

Can you provide more detail on the complete bid requirement? 

Capital project applicants must submit one complete bid package with the proposal. The bid package must include bids from a contractor, (Preservation) Architect, subcontractor and vendors to support the project proposal.

Eligibility

How do I know if my property is eligible?

A property can be designated at the local, state or national level. To verify the historic designation of a site, please visit the City of Austin Property Viewfinder, the Texas Historical Commission Sites ATLAS, or the National Register of Historic Places Database. Additional historical research resources can be found on the Historic Research Resources page. 
 

My property is eligible for a historic designation. How do I apply for a local City of Austin historic landmark? 

To be eligible for landmark designation, a building must be 50+ years old, retain historic integrity, and meet two of five criteria for significance: architecture; associations with important people, groups, or events; archeology; community value; or landscape feature. For information on the historic zoning application, visit the Planning Department Historic Preservation Office site. 
 

Does my capital project need to obtain a letter of authorization from the property owner?

Yes, all projects must include a completed Owner Authorization Form. 
It can be used for historic public or private sites unless the managing City department gives other instructions. Upload the formal approval from the managing City Department.

For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28, 2026 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application. 

For projects planned for Austin History Center (AHC) please use this form. This form is due to AHC by August 4, 2026 for Heritage Events at AHC.

For questions or to request approval for projects within other City departments, please contact the managing City Department. 

Is the restoration of historic interiors an eligible expense within the grant?

Yes, the grant supports select historic interior projects. Interior project proposals must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal. Interior projects must include a sensitive treatment plan which emphasizes preserving significant historic features and materials while minimizing physical and visual impact as recommended by The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The allowed interior project types are:

• Electrical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)

• Mechanical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)

• Flooring (must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) see pg. 204)

• Safety Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)

• Masonry (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) 

Funding

What is the source of funding for this program?

The Heritage Preservation Grant is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) authorized by Texas Tax Code Section 351.101(a)(5). Austin City Council Resolution No. 20181004-033 allocated 15% of the Historic Preservation Fund for the Heritage Preservation Grant and eligible historic preservation and preservation projects or activities. 

What is the maximum award under the Heritage Preservation Grant?

The maximum grant awards range from $50,000 to $250,000 depending on the project type. 

How many recipients will be awarded grants?

The number of grants will depend on the number of eligible applicants, final scoring, and available funds. 

Are matching funds required for this grant program?

No, the grant may cover 100% of project-related costs. 

Can I submit more than one application per grant cycle?

Applicants may submit either a Capital Improvement Project or a Heritage Event project proposal per funding cycle. Only one application per lead applicant will be considered. For capital projects, only one (1) grant agreement per historic site address, regardless of the applicant organization. Applicants with an open Heritage Preservation Capital Improvement Project Grant may not receive additional Heritage Preservation Capital Improvement Project Grants at the same site address until all open HPG Grants have been closed out.    

Can marketing expenses be included in the project budget proposal to support our tourism marketing efforts?

Yes. Expenses to market the historic project site to tourists are eligible expenses for both project types. 

Heritage Preservation Grant History

History

Austin City Council Resolution No. 20181004-033

 

Austin City Council Resolution No. 20170831-060

 

Austin City Council Resolution No. 20160818-075

 

Recommendations on Historical Preservation Fund and Heritage Grant Program

 

Visitor Impact Task Force Final Report

FY 2025 Awardees

Heritage Preservation Grant Awardee	Proposal	District	Amount
905 Ltd	Mutual Building Restoration and reconstruction project	9	$208.628.77
Austin History Center Assn Inc	John Henry Faulk Building Planning Proposal	9	$30,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The)	Paramount Theatre Front Façade and Window Restoration	9	$212,756.51
Austin Theatre Alliance (The)	Stateside Theatre Replica Blade Sign Installation	9	$204,221.55
Deep Eddy Cabaret Llc	Deep Eddy Grocery & Cabaret Restoration Project	10	$222,455.34
Dennis Jacob Berry	Oakwood Cemetery Jacob Fontaine History Tour and Podcast	1	$120,008.08
Downtown Austin Development Corporation	Republic Square Heritage Programming and Events	9	$178,166.44
Emergence Texas Realty	Berner-Clark-Mercado House Restoration and Rehabilitation Project	3	$216,443.05
Flower Hill Center	Dr. R.K. Smoot Family Home West Wing Foundation Stabilization	9	$219,475.86
German Texan Heritage Society	German Free School Front Wall Restoration	9	$147,385.10
Huston-Tillotson University	Administration Building Foundation Stabilization	1	$190,460.26
Hutson Gallagher Inc	Zimmerman Cabin Restoration Project	4	$219,273.53
John L Cazares	Green & White Grocery Restoration Project	3	$169,535.45
Karen Joan Kocher	Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse Barton Springs Animated History Development	8	$118,996.79
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Texas	Neill-Cochran House Museum VR and Digital Tour Development	9	$83,765.61
Soul of Latin American International Education Services Llc	Black East Austin Heritage Programming and Events	1	$221,444
St. John Regular Baptist Assn	7501 Blessing Avenue Planning Proposal	4	$30,000
Texas Book Festival	History of Texas Book Festival at State Capitol	9	$102,977.34
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum	Charles Umlauf House and Studio Exterior Lighting and Gate Repair	5	$22,044.94
W H Passon Historical Society, Inc	Restoration Project	1	$156,515.63

FY 2024 Awardees

Heritage Preservation Grant Awardee	Proposal	District	Amount
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Baker, Llc	Baker School Window and Trim Repairs	9	$250,000
Haunted Texas Corporation	Hofheintz-Reissig Store Event and Tour Development	9	$138,140
Austin Parks Foundation	Henry G. Madison Log Cabin Restoration	1	$237,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The)	Stateside Theatre Blade Sign Replica and Installation	9	$250,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The)	Paramount Theatre Balcony Doors, Transom, Pediments	9	$250,000
Austin Woman's Club	North-Evans Chateau Planning Proposal	9	$30,000
Bethany Cemetery of Travis County	Interpretive Signage and Promotions	1	$95,000
Broken Spoke	Porch Repair	5	$50,000
Center for Women & Their Work, Inc	Johnson & Johnson Grocery and House Restoration	3	$104,428
Downtown Austin Development Corporation	Republic Square Heritage Events	9	$250,000
Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms Foundation	Dodson Farm House Restoration	1	$161,800
Housing Authority of Austin	Rosewood Courts VR Storytelling Project and Tour Development	1	$250,000
Huston-Tillotson University	Evans Hall Restoration	1	$145,323
Laguna Gloria (The Contemporary Austin Museum)	History & Nature On-Site Multimedia Tour Development	10	$250,000
The Foundation for the Preservation of the Historic Millett Opera House, Inc.	West Wall Repointing	9	$87,750
Pease Park Conservancy	Black History Interpretive Plan Implementation Project	10	$250,000
Preservation Austin	Red River International House Homes Tour Event Marketing	9	$30,000
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum	Charles Umlauf House and Studio Planning Proposal	5	$30,000
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy	Sir Swante Palm Park	9	$30,000
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc	Thompson House Archival Center Restoration	1	$250,000
421 Sixth LP	Kreisle Building Roof Repair and Accessibility	9	$246,803
421 Sixth LP	Paggi Carriage Shop Roof Repair	9	$248,568

FY 2023 Awardees

Heritage Preservation Grant Awardee	Proposal	District	Amount
Austin Parks Foundation	Henry G. Madison Log Cabin Structural Improvement	1	$30,000
Austin Theatre Alliance (The)	Paramount Theatre East Wall Rehabilitation	9	$250,000
Broken Spoke	Roof Repair	5	$175,000
Downtown Austin Development Corporation	Heritage of Republic Square Programming & Events	9	$30,000
E4 Youth, Inc	Rogers Washington Holy Cross Historic District Mixed Reality Tour Development	1	$150,000
Flower Hill Foundation	Restoration and Rehabilitation Project	9	$215,132
Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, Inc.	Real Places Conference	1	$40,000
German Texan Heritage Society	Historic Staircase Reconstruction	9	$240,684
Hillside Farmacy	ADA-Compliant Pathways and Parking	1	$29,880
Housing Authority of the City of Austin	Pathways at Rosewood Courts Kiosks: Amplification of African American History	1	$82,000
Huston-Tillotson University	Old Administration Building Restoration	1	$217,828
Indie Meme.org	Asian American Historical Archival Project at Austin History Center	9	$45,600
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue LTD	HVAC and exterior improvements	9	$137,293
Leadership Austin	Walk of the Town Interactive Tour Phase II	9	$138,875
National Society of the Colonial Dames in America in Texas	Neill-Cochran House Museum Slave Quarters Restoration	9	$109,000
Pollen Architecture, Inc	Friends of the Ney Museum: Comprehensive Restoration Plan Update	9	$30,000
Preservation Austin	McFarland House Renovation	9	$250,000

 

FY 2021 Awardees

Heritage Preservation Grant	Proposal	District	Amount
Capitol View Arts	HTU Evans Industrial Hall Interpretive Project	1	$31,083
Austin Revitalization Authority	Richard Overton Museum Development Plan	1	$71,987
Huston-Tillotson University	Old Administration Building Roof Replacement	1	$120,480
Metropolitan AME Church	Bell Tower Structure Stabilization	1	$120,199
Save Austin's Cemeteries	Evergreen Cemetery Virtual Tour and Video	1	$13,267
Black Austin Historic Tours	Dedrick-Hamilton House: Black Austin Historic Tour Development	1	$5,250
Ciscos Restaurant Bakery & Bar	Façade Exterior Restoration	3	$210,977
First Church of Nazarene	Foundation Repair	3	$67,654
Austin Parks Foundation (Austin Tejano Trails)	Collateral, Trail Guide Translation, Tour Guide Microphone	3	$21,740
Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, Inc.	Collateral	8	$3,071
Austin Theatre Alliance (The) - Paramount	Exterior North Wall Rehabilitation	9	$202,208
Humanities Texas Inc	Byrne Reed House Repair and Stabilize SE Porch	9	$71,063
Pease Park Conservancy	Tudor Cottage Revitalization	9	$203,792
German Texan Heritage Society	Sign and Historic Staircase Preservation Plan	9	$37,148
Leadership Austin	Historic Site Walk of the Town Interactive Tour Development	9	$99,350
Shoal Creek Conservancy	Historic Audio Walking Tour	9	$13,978
Friends of the Austin Parks of Austin: Mayfield Park	Restoration of historic masonry	10	$37,492
Laguna Gloria (The Contemporary Austin Museum)	Signage and bilingual visitor guide	10	$54,574

FY 2020 Awardees

Heritage Preservation Grant Projects	District	Amount
Austin Scottish Rite Theater (Restoration)	1	$223,700
French Legation (Rehabilitation)	1	$237,099
German Texan Heritage Society (Restoration)	9	$53,613
Haskell House (Restoration)	9	$46,452
La Peña (Roof repair)	9	$138,030
Laguna Gloria Museum (Restoration and ADA-accessible path)	10	$215,767
Neill-Cochran House Museum (Historic fencing)	9	$151,793
Paramount Theatre South Wall (Rehabilitation)	9	$233,700
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (Designation and tourism video)	5	$20,000
Uptown Sports Club (Structural stabilization and reconstruction)	3	$198,462
Waterloo Greenway (Wedig Hardeman improvements)	1	$73,107