Two major restoration efforts led by the Austin History Center Association (AHCA) are now complete—each preserving a piece of Austin’s civic history, saving valuable resources for the future, and investing in public spaces for our whole community.
The most visible change: the original and historic lanterns are back in place on the front of the 1933 Austin History Center. After more than five years in storage, these masterful fixtures—removed during conservation of the building’s Loggia Frescos—have been carefully restored and reinstalled as they once were over 90 years ago. At one point covered in grime, damaged, and missing elements due to vandalism or past maintenance, they were brought back to life thanks to AHCA’s early commitment to fund their restoration. With additional sconces added to match, the lanterns now light the building’s historic face once more, just as they did nearly a century ago.
This restoration was guided by the expertise and dedication of Charles Peveto and Candace Volz, whose leadership ensured the fixtures were historically accurate and built to last.
Meanwhile, across the street in the Faulk Building, 146 original Herman Miller chairs—fixtures of the building for decades—are being professionally cleaned and restored. The effort preserves an iconic design legacy while saving over $250,000 in replacement costs. These chairs will be used not only by AHCA staff but in public conference rooms accessible to the community—making this a restoration project that benefits all who walk through the building’s doors.
Both efforts reflect AHCA’s commitment to preserving not just Austin’s stories—but the very spaces that hold them. Our work begins at the History Center, but it doesn’t stop there. We’re restoring what matters and ensuring that history remains part of Austin’s future.
Support our work by becoming an AHCA member for as little as $5/mo, or by making a one-time donation today.
