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Commission creates Barton Springs Bridge working group after public plea to save structure
Summary
The commission approved a working group to track the federal review for the Barton Springs bridge and appointed Vice Chair Roxanne Evans, Commissioner Acton and Commissioner LaRoche (pending legal confirmation) to the group after public speakers urged redirecting a federal grant to rehabilitation rather than demolition.
The Historic Landmarks Commission voted on July 1 to create a working group to monitor and engage with the federal historic review process for the Barton Springs bridge and to communicate with relevant parties as the review proceeds.
Bill Bunch of Save Our Springs Alliance and other public speakers urged the commission to stay engaged, noting the bridge was listed by Preservation Texas as one of six most endangered places in Texas for 2026 and asking the city to consider redirecting a pending federal grant from demolition to rehabilitation. Bunch said Preservation Texas’ listing and the centennial celebration of the bridge increase momentum to save it.
Commissioners moved to create the working group and to appoint Vice Chair Roxanne Evans, Commissioner Acton and Commissioner LaRoche (LaRoche to confirm with the legal department) to the group. Staff clarified the working group is not a formal staffed subcommittee and is intended to enable a small set of commissioners to remain closely informed and report back to the full commission. The staff representative said the city’s role in the federal review process is limited but that a dedicated group will streamline engagement.
Commissioners and public speakers emphasized the need to coordinate with federal reviewers and with community stakeholders as the Section 106/federal historic review proceeds. The motion passed unanimously.
