May is National Historic Preservation Month, so this month’s article focuses on our city’s history and the role historic preservation plays in our local economy.
March 21st, 2024, marked 179 years since the first settlers crossed the Guadalupe River into what would later become New Braunfels. While the New Braunfels of 1845 has long since changed, there are still physical remnants of this bygone time that exist today and, if you know where to look, you can easily spot them. When the German settlers forged their new path to New Braunfels, they brought with them some traditional construction methods, including fachwerk, a construction method that involves framing a house and filling the spacing between the frame with mud bricks. In New Braunfels that mud brick exterior is sometimes covered with a layer of plaster or wood siding. A good example of this method can be found at the corner of West Mill and North Castell and is being used a gallery and auction house. Another example is located next to the Comal County Tax Assessor’s office at 259 N Seguin Street. Since the mud bricks are usually concealed from immediate view other visual hallmarks include steeply-pitched roofs that fully cover a front porch with decorative woodwork and railings.
While these treasured buildings are integral to New Braunfels' heritage, they are only one part of our story. From the quaint charm of Naeglin’s Bakery to the storied elegance of The Faust Hotel and the Brauntex Theatre, these architectural treasures serve as tangible links to the city's past and span over multiple decades. Many of them lay within the boundaries of one of our four local historic districts or are designated historic landmarks, which adds a layer of protection for these special buildings. The Historic Landmark Commission, composed of nine community members appointed by the City Council, are the guardians of New Braunfels' built heritage. Tasked with reviewing requests for alterations to historically designated buildings, the Commission ensures that any changes adhere to the City’s preservation standards, safeguarding against hasty demolition or unsympathetic alterations. Several projects in the Downtown Historic District have gone before the Historic Landmark Commission in recent months including the former Seguin Beauty School building on West San Antonio Street and the former City Hall building on North Seguin Avenue.
As New Braunfels continues on a trajectory of growth and development, it is imperative to prioritize the preservation of both our tangible and intangible heritage, hand in hand with redevelopment efforts. As a resident, there are several ways you can get involved with local preservation efforts. As mentioned above, the Historic Landmark Commission reviews cases monthly, on the second Tuesday of each month, and are open to the public. They provide an opportunity to learn what’s happening with local historic properties, and with City-related historic preservation projects and initiatives. Additionally, the Land Development Ordinance project includes revisions to the current historic preservation ordinance. Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the City’s website, and there will be additional outreach opportunities as the City gets closer to starting on the historic preservation section.
The City also has a strong partnership with the Comal County Historical Commission, further bolstering our commitment to preserving the City’s rich heritage. Recently awarded a joint grant by the Texas Historical Commission, efforts are underway to nominate the Downtown Historic District and its surrounding areas for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation not only bestows recognition, but also unlocks a treasure trove of financial incentives and grant programs aimed at supporting the preservation and rehabilitation of these cherished landmarks. Tax credits, grants, and access to federal funding provide crucial support for restoration projects, ensuring that these architectural gems continue to stand the test of time.
Beyond the intrinsic value of preserving our heritage lies a compelling economic argument. Heritage tourism, fueled by the allure of historic landmarks and cultural sites, injects vitality into the local economy. By nurturing our historical legacy, New Braunfels not only enriches its cultural fabric but also cultivates a thriving economic ecosystem. While external tourism is important to the local economy, I encourage residents to also be tourists in New Braunfels. Take a stroll through the Sophienburg Hill historic district, lose yourself in Downtown while reading one of the may State historic markers, or visit one of our local museums and heritage sites to learn more about the rich history of this beautiful place we call home.
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Mayor Neal Linnartz