New Commissioner Jeffrey Acton joins Austin Historic Preservation Commission

In the heart of Austin's city hall, a new chapter in historic preservation began to unfold as the Historic Landmark Commission convened on April 2, 2025. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the commissioners gathered, some familiar faces and others new, ready to discuss the future of the city’s cherished landmarks.

Among the notable introductions was Commissioner Jeffrey Acton, who shared his journey from architectural engineering to historic preservation. "I quickly realized I didn't want to do math all day," he chuckled, reflecting on his early career in Boston, a city steeped in history. Acton expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to Austin's preservation efforts, highlighting his commitment to safeguarding the city’s rich heritage.

Commissioner Harrison Eppright, another passionate advocate for preservation, introduced himself as the manager of visitor services for Visit Austin. With a deep-rooted love for the city, he has dedicated his career to sharing Austin's history through tours and community engagement. "I'm just so glad to be a part of this organization," he said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the stories that shape the community.

The meeting also noted the absence of several commissioners, including Roxanne Evans and Carl LaRoche, while Jaime Alvarez was reported to be running late. Despite these gaps, the spirit of collaboration and dedication to Austin's historic preservation was palpable among those present.

As the commission moves forward, the contributions of new members like Acton and Eppright promise to invigorate discussions around the preservation of Austin's historical sites. Their shared passion for history and community engagement sets a hopeful tone for future initiatives aimed at protecting the city’s unique cultural landscape. The meeting concluded with a sense of purpose, as commissioners prepared to tackle the challenges ahead in preserving Austin's vibrant history for generations to come.