Faulk Building Moves Closer to Listing on National Register

On Jan. 14, 2023, the Texas Historical Commission unanimously approved the nomination to add the John Henry Faulk Central Library Building to the National Register of Historic Places. The THC approval came at its State Board of Review Meeting in Houston.

The AHCA’s Austin History Center Campus Expansion Committee is now coordinating with THC staff on a timeline for finalizing the Faulk nomination prior to sending it to Washington, D.C. for final approval.

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's inventory of properties deemed worthy of preservation. It’s part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources, and is part of an effort to promote preservation nationwide. The THC administers the program in Texas, in coordination with the National Park Service.

Listing a property in the National Register provides the basis for most preservation activities under federal and state programs and establishes basic eligibility for financial incentives, including federal tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic buildings. The designation will open the door to fundraising opportunities that will provide fuel for the vision AHCA shares with Austin Public Library of a two-building AHC campus, consisting of the existing 1933 AHC building and the 1978 Faulk building.

“We appreciate our partnership with Austin Public Library in recognizing the significance of the Faulk Building, part of the AHC Campus,” said AHCA President Kent Collins. “Having both buildings designated as historically significant will facilitate the pursuit of funding to realize our shared vision.”