Preservation Austin has recently announced that Pease Park Conservancy is a recipient of a 2021 Preservation Merit Award for the Rehabilitation of The Tudor Cottage at Pease Park. The 61st annual Preservation Merit Awards recognize ambitious and innovative approaches to preserving the city’s historic places. Pease Park Conservancy is honored to be among the fourteen recipients of this award this year that recognizes leadership in the restoration and preservation of Austin’s most historic and iconic places.
The most recognizable landmark of Pease Park, The Tudor Cottage was built in the 1920s and had deteriorated over the years that followed. As a part of a larger renovation project of Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park, the Conservancy hired Clayton Korte to breathe new life into this historic structure and it was transformed into a beautiful venue that can be used by community members for events and gatherings.
With generous support from the Moody Foundation and other key donors, Pease Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, managed the $10 million renovation of Kingsbury Commons, the southern 7-acres of Pease Park, that concluded in July of 2021. The renovation of the Tudor Cottage was a key component of this project.
“The Tudor Cottage was built during the Civilian Conservation Corps-era and we knew how important it was to maintain its historic architecture and character. It is such an honor to receive this award from Preservation Austin, an organization that deeply values Austin’s beautiful history and culture.”
“The rehabilitation of the Tudor Cottage creates a space for our community to gather and connect, while maintaining the historic building’s structure and charm. A large, north-facing window and glass doors flood natural light into the room and connect the interior space to a new terrace overlooking the rest of the park, making it the perfect venue for any event.”
“The Pease Tudor Cottage is one of Austin’s earliest park structures and was developed in the 1920s by the local civic group, Austin Kiwanis Club. It is fitting and exciting that the building’s exemplary rehabilitation is the result of a successful collaboration with the Pease Park Conservancy. Civic partnerships have historically played an important role in the development of the park system and continue to transform and enhance our public spaces. The Parks and Recreation Department celebrates this recognition in partnership with Pease Park Conservancy.”
Preservation Merit Award recipients will be honored at the Preservation Merit Awards Celebration at Waterloo Greenway Conservancy’s historic Symphony Square on Thursday, December 2 from 6 pm to 8 pm. This cocktail reception is one of Preservation Austin’s largest fundraisers and helps sustain the nonprofit’s advocacy and educational programming.
About Pease Park and Pease Park Conservancy
Pease Park Conservancy was formed in 2008 and celebrates the diverse ecology and history that make Austin’s first public park valuable and unique. The Conservancy works to restore, enhance and maintain this 84-acre public green space for the sustainable use and enjoyment of all. Unfolding across 84 acres, Pease Park is a series of connected green spaces running along Lamar Boulevard from West 15th to West 31st Streets, providing residents and visitors alike with an intimate, yet sprawling, natural amenity. Owned by the City of Austin, Pease Park is a public district park, maintained, operated, and programmed by Pease Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.
About Clayton Korte
Clayton Korte creates places that celebrate their environment and exalt the human experience at the intersection of architecture, authenticity, and craft. What began as a small architecture practice in 1983 has evolved into a firm today that includes interior design and brand services with offices in Austin and San Antonio. Though their Texas architecture roots run deep, work on winery, ranch, hospitality, and residential projects have taken Clayton Korte to California, Maryland, Hawaii, and beyond.
About Austin Parks and Recreation
Austin Parks and Recreation seeks to inspire our community to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. This City of Austin Department protects and maintains parkland, urban forest, and trails as well as offering sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and nature and aquatic activities for Austinites. For more information visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks.