[LoneStarMike]

This is an article with old photos that discusses some of the history of that building at 901 Congress Avenue that most likely will be razed.

The Historic Building That Isn't: Wrecking Ball for 19th Century Structure
by Jeffrey S. Kerr
The Austin Post
August 8, 2012

When does an historic building stop being historic? When it’s remodeled? Damaged and repaired? Covered over with a new façade? How about if its appearance is altered and later restored? What if the restored appearance, while true to the original building’s era, differs from the original? Is it worth preserving?

If you are the owner of the 19th-century structure at 901 Congress Ave. in Austin, the answer to the last question is an easy “no.”

The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank that owns the building, has been granted permission for demolition. In a recent article in the Austin American-Statesman, foundation spokesman Joshua Treviño spoke of creating a new “landmark” to replace the old.