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Preservation News and Events
Historic property tax exemption applications due April 30
Applications are die at the Williamson County Appraisal District by April 30, 2019. The form may be downloaded from the WCAD Forms page. If you applied in 2018, please ensure that all “needs maintenance” items have been addressed, as staff anticipates that no extensions past April 30 will be granted. Please refer to the historic tax exemption page for more information:
May is National Preservation Month
May 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Pioneer Days at Old Settlers Park (free)
Come out to dip candles, churn butter, make corn husk dolls and rag balls, or wander through reenactment camps and a fully stocked general store . (sponsored by the Williamson Museum)
May 5: Historic Sites Day (various locations)
Admission is free to all 22 Texas Historical Commission state historic sites (sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission).
May 18: Did You Know? Legends of People and Events in Round Rock History
Presentation by local historian Jane DiGesualdo, co-author of Historical Round Rock, Texas. 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Williamson Museum on the Chisholm Trail. (co-sponsored by Round Rock Preservation and the City of Round Rock).
May 31: Nominations due for the 2019 Local Legend Awards
The Historic Preservation Commission is seeking nominations for the 2019 Local Legend Awards. The Award recognizes individuals, families, businesses, groups, publications, and organizations that have had a positive and lasting impact on the culture, development, and history of Round Rock. Please see the Local Legend page for nomination instructions and selection criteria.
Historic Preservation in Round Rock
The St. Charles Hotel (built ca. 1870) is now Williamson Museum on the Chisholm Trail
The City of Round Rock was founded in the 1840s where the Chisholm Trail crosses Brushy Creek, at the area now known as “Old Town.” In 1876, many of the businesses and residents moved to the current downtown area (“New Town”) when the railroad extended its tracks there. Since then, the City has grown steadily.
As it grows, the City of Round Rock works with owners of older and historic properties to encourage maintenance and upkeep, as well as retention of the historic character of buildings, structures, sites, and districts. The Department of Planning and Development Services (PDS) manages the City’s historic preservation programs. These include:
- Advising property owners who want to renovate historic buildings and approving their proposed changes
- City-wide preservation planning
- Maintaining an inventory of historic properties
- Designating local landmarks and historic districts
- Managing a property tax exemption program available to historic property owners
- Educating the public about Round Rock’s history and the City’s preservation programs
Find the Information You Need
Historic properties in Round Rock
Historic Architecture in Round Rock
Designated Historic Landmarks
Downtown Historic District (National Register District)
Chisholm Trail Historic Area
Downtown Historic Building Information Placards
Historic Round Rock Guide and Walking Tour (map/brochure, pdf)
Local history
The Historic Round Rock Collection
Preservation Minutes (videos about Round Rock history and preservation)
Local Legends
Local History Resources
Sam Bass and the Great Round Rock Shootout of July 19, 1878 (brochure, pdf)
Preservation program information
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) 2019 meeting schedule
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Goals for 2018-2019
Certificate of Appropriateness application packet
Historic Designation & Historic Overlay Zoning
Historic property Tax Exemption
2010-2013 Survey and Inventory of Historic Resources
Designation of Historic Landmarks and Historic Districts (brochure, pdf)
Historic Design Guidelines for Residential Properties (pdf)
Historic Design Guidelines for Commercial Properties (pdf)
Partial Tax Exemption for Historically Significant Properties (brochure, pdf)
Protecting Historic Properties: A Citizen’s Guide to Section 106 Review (brochure, pdf)
Contact Us
Planning & Development Services Department
301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Suite 210 (map)
Round Rock, Texas 78664
Phone: (512) 218-5428
Fax: (512) 218-3286
Walk-in hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday