Raleigh Austin briefs Historic Landmark Commission on cultural trust investments, East Eleventh redevelopment and preservation goals

Raleigh Austin officials briefed the City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission on May 7 about the organization's portfolio of cultural-preservation projects, including investments through a cultural trust, renovation and theater preservation projects and early-stage work on the East Eleventh Block 16/18 redevelopment.

Anne Gatling Haines, chief transactions officer at Raleigh Austin, told the commission the agency is a local government corporation and a 501(c)(3) that aims to “address affordability in Austin, including historic preservation.” She said the agency was created in late 2020, the board was seated in 2021, and Raleigh Austin began operating with initial funding intended to produce longer-term real estate investments that support arts, music and cultural organizations.

Why it matters: Raleigh Austin’s approach is aimed at combining small public seed funds with tax credits, philanthropic grants and…