Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Planning were honored for their contributions to preserving and celebrating local heritage at the 65th Annual Preservation Merit Awards on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q in downtown Austin, Texas.

Established in 1960, Preservation Merit Awards honor visionary approaches to preserving Austin’s unique architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage. Each year, the program recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, organizations, and institutions whose efforts help sustain and celebrate the city’s rich history.

This year’s awards honored a wide range of projects, including the restoration and thoughtful expansion of historic homes and the rehabilitation of well-known City landmarks. The awards also celebrated the City’s new Equity-Based Preservation Plan and Austinites who uplift their communities through storytelling, education, and advocacy for equity in preservation.

Austin Parks and Recreation Awards Buford Tower and Kitchens Memorial Chimes 

Preservation Award for Rehabilitation

Haskell House and the Story of Clarksville Documentary 

Special Recognition Award for Education

Henry G. Madison Cabin 

in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation 
Preservation Award for Restoration

Austin Planning Award Equity-Based Preservation Plan 

Special Recognition Award for Media and Scholarship 

Each project represents the City’s continued commitment to honor the places and narratives that showcase Austin’s rich history and vibrant present.  For more information about the Preservation Merit Awards, visit preservationaustin.org. Â