Central Austin Realty Bits

In a 3-2 vote, Travis County commissioners did the right thing today and retained the historic property tax exemption for 2011.  Judge Biscoe and Commissioners Gomez and Huber gave a thumbs up to historic preservation tax incentives. City of Austin and AISD are still mulling over whether to change their policies. Let's hope our elected officials continue to see the value of preserving our past. 

This vote was a victory for the history and heritage of our town.  Commissioners expressed an interest in identifying more properties east of I-35 for historic designation...a great idea!  Meanwhile residents of buiildings like the Brown Building are happy that they retain part of their low property tax rate.

UPDATE:  Austin Independent School District also voted to put in place the historic exemption for 2011 along with the City of Austin.  

Historic Brown Building Lofts for sale:   http://trueaustinhomes.com/listings.asp

Jeff Harris, Broker

jeff@trueaustinhomes.com

Originally part of the 350+ acre estate of former Governor Elisha Pease, Old Enfield began development in phases around 1916 in Austin, Texas.  Decendants of the Governor started the Enfield Development Co. to build homes west of Shoal Creek near downtown Austin and the University of Texas.   Both grand and more modest homes were built in the subdivisions and today these graceful properties are reminescent of an earlier, easier time. 

Much restoration has taken place in the area and some of Austin's most significant residences stand here as a testament to those gentler decades.  The historic Pease mansion, completed in 1853 and also known as "Woodlawn", still anchors the neighborhood and has been restored on its remaining 4 acre parcel.

Adjacent to Old Enfield are the historic neighborhoods of Clarksville and Pemberton.  Tarrytown lies to the west.  Homes in Old Enfield today range from the upper 300's to several million dollars.