Austin’s Historic Landmarks Commission opened its Jan. 8 meeting by acknowledging the recent death of Commissioner Juan Raymond Rubio and pausing the agenda for tributes and a moment of silence.

Commissioner Harmony Grogan, who moved to take the agenda item addressing Rubio out of order, said Rubio’s “passion was infectious” and noted that one of his last achievements was winning historic landmark designation for 1500 East 12th Street. “He changed our preservation community and the city for the better,” Grogan said.

The remarks underscored Rubio’s role as a vocal preservation advocate. Commissioners Kevin Cook, Trey McWhorter, Jaime Alvarez, Carl LaRoche and others described Rubio as energetic and effective in public testimony; several referenced the commission’s recent landmark decision for 1500 East 12th Street and urged colleagues and the public to preserve Rubio’s example.

Commissioner Kevin Cook said Rubio’s testimony at the 1500 East 12th Street hearing was among “the best” he had ever seen and urged colleagues to study it as a model. Commissioner Jaime Alvarez and Commissioner Carl LaRoche recalled Rubio’s broad volunteer work and mentorship in preservation and architecture.

The commission temporarily tabled extended discussion of memorial activities to focus on the evening’s agenda, then returned later for staff updates. Kim McKnight, division manager for the Historic Preservation Office, briefed commissioners on community plans to honor Rubio: Preservation Austin will hold a remembrance service (hosted at the McFarland McBee House) on Saturday with remarks beginning around 4 p.m.; the City Council is scheduled to present a posthumous distinguished service award at its Jan. 30 meeting, and a proclamation and recognition are planned as part of the Preservation Plan kickoff on Feb. 12 at Fiesta Gardens. McKnight said staff and community groups are coordinating those events with Rubio’s family and employer.

Public commenters also praised Rubio’s work. Resident Eric Standridge thanked commissioners for Rubio’s role in the 1500 East 12th Street designation and urged the commission to follow through on protections for that property. Commissioner Kevin Cook reminded the public that the commission has tools such as demolition-by-neglect enforcement to help protect newly designated landmarks.

The commission closed the discussion by asking staff to circulate details of memorial events to the commission and preservation partners and to present any formal recognition at a future meeting.

Evidence for the remarks appears throughout the Jan. 8 transcript, including the commission’s motion to take the tribute item out of order and the staff report summarizing upcoming ceremonial events.

Ending: The commission’s immediate steps are to support the family and community memorials, and staff will return with any formal recognition items for inclusion on a future agenda.