McFarland House: Our Future Home

This beloved building will be home to Preservation Austin's office, becoming a community-focused hub for preserving Austin's heritage and supporting preservation advocacy. Purchased by Preservation Austin in 2019, we are modeling the stewardship we want to see in our community.

Built in 1947, this rare local example of the Streamline Moderne style embodies the history of postwar Austin. The McFarlands, a middle-class family, designed this unusual home themselves. In 1962 it became rental housing for students, servicemen, and musicians.

The McFarland House's rehabilitation is supported by $100,000 in grant funding, including support from the City of Austin Heritage Preservation Grant Program, The Still Water Foundation, Texas Preservation Trust Fund, along with state historic tax credits.

Help us to preserve this Austin icon by donating to Preservation Austin today

TIMELINE

2014

The McFarland House faced demolition in 2014 before PA and others intervened to secure its City of Austin Landmark status.

2019

PA purchased the McFarland House and had it listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

2019-2020

Phase 1 rehabilitation included site work, flatwork, foundation, new flooring, paint, appliances, and landscaping.

2021-2022

Phase 2 rehabilitation included a new upper roof on the main house and upgraded electrical systems.

2022-2023

Phase 3 rehabilitation will include structural upgrades to ensure the building's safety and future, including repairs to the cantilevered eaves and balcony.

fall 2023

Our staff will occupy the space.

Sponsors

We are tremendously grateful to the following sponsors who supported this project through donations of their time, expertise, and materials.

Landscape Design
David Wilson Garden Design

Landscape Installation -  Material and Labor  
WLE

National Register Nomination  
Hutson-Gallagher, Inc.

Deed Restrictions  
McGinnis Lochridge

Flooring
Chuck Caudill Flooring LLC

Decking
Eastside Lumber & Decking

Paint
Sherwin-Williams

Fireplace
Alice Eichner - An Inside Job Interior Design + Anonymous Donor