AUSTIN, Texas — A teal-colored house near the corner of Third and Chicon streets in East Austin sticks out. Not only because of its color but its age.
The Historic Landmark Commission said 1805 E. Third Street was built in 1911. Today, it's known to be cluttered on the inside, with a deteriorating structure and partially caved-in roof.
"But to us, it's beautiful," said Bertha Delgado, the president of the East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association. “We have three leaders that were rooted out of this house.”
Those three leaders are of the Herrera family, who Delgado said is well-known in the East Austin community.
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The Herrera House, as it's known by the Historic Landmark Commission, was home to AISD's first Mexican American teachers – sisters Consuelo Herrera Mendez and Mary Grace Herrera.
Mendez passed away in 1985, and Herrera passed away in 1992, according to the Historic Landmark Commission.
It was also home to well-known AISD trustee and East Austin activist Diana Herrera Castañeda. She passed away in 2016.
“Everyone in East Austin knew that Mexican American women were born, were taught, were educated, were instilled all from this land," said Delgado.
On July 22, the Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously to recommend the site to become a historic landmark.
But this isn't a done deal yet. It first has to go through the City's Planning Commission and then before the city council.
The current owner, Rex Bowers, opposes the historic zoning.
According to our partners at the Statesman, the current owners purchased the home in foreclosure to build a new house. They cite the house's caved-in roof and walls as too costly to repair.
A man who spoke on behalf of the owner said at the July 22 meeting that Bowers was willing to put up a plaque in front of the house.
Delgado said that isn't enough.
"I want people to come and drive by and look and say, 'Wow,'" said Delgado.
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