The Austin Historic Landmark Commission convened on July 2, 2025, to discuss significant zoning changes and the relocation of historic structures in the city. The meeting focused on the proposed zoning adjustments for the Castleman Bowl site and the relocation of the Trask House and Castleman Bull House.

The session began with a review of the zoning map, where it was clarified that Tracts 2 and 3, which include the vacated alleyway and the area surrounding the Castleman Bowl site, are already zoned as Central Business District (CBD) and will not undergo any changes. This procedural step is necessary to consolidate the zoning case for the area.

Following this, the commission opened a public hearing regarding the zoning changes. No public comments were received, leading to a unanimous decision to close the hearing. A motion was then made by Commissioner Eppright to approve the requested zoning changes based on staff recommendations, which was seconded by Commissioner McGuire and passed unanimously.

The commission then moved on to discuss the relocation of the Trask House, located at 217 Red River Street. The proposal involves moving the house to the Convention Center property near its original location, as part of a broader plan to accommodate the construction of a new underground chiller facility. If relocation to the Convention Center proves unfeasible, the house will be moved to Pioneer Farms, a site already zoned for historic structures.

The relocation plan includes thorough preparation of the buildings, including bracing and photographic documentation, and temporary storage during construction. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining the historical integrity of the structures, with plans for interpretive signage and landscaping at the new site.

The discussion then shifted to the Castleman Bull House, which will also be relocated in accordance with the same city council resolution. Similar to the Trask House, the Castleman Bull House will be prepared for moving and temporarily stored before being placed in a newly zoned area, rotated to face the Waterloo Greenway trailhead.

Both proposals received positive feedback from the Architectural Review Committee, which recommended that the buildings be relocated as close to their original locations as possible while ensuring they remain intact. The commission expressed support for the relocation efforts, recognizing the importance of preserving Austin's historical context amid urban development.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to balancing development with the preservation of its historical landmarks, with unanimous support for the zoning changes and relocation plans. The commission will continue to monitor the progress of these initiatives as they move forward.