The fate of a century-old storefront at the corner of East 12th and Comal streets remains up in the air, with debate over its merits as preservation-worthy intensifying at the city's Historic Landmark Commission.
The case for preservation revolves around the site's diverse history as a German grocery, beer hall, Black barbershop, and music venue, highlighting the area's changing demographics.
"This building does not deserve the same recognition as landmarks like the historic Kealing Jr. High School, it would be an affront to the Black community of Austin," said former reverend Freddie Dixon.
"I don't mean to be crude here, but most of us know this site as a whorehouse, or a crack den," neighbor Elliot Dew remarked bluntly.
Collection
[
|
...
]