Preservation Austin Celebrates Austin's History Through Annual Homes Tour

The nonprofit works to protect historic places as the city rapidly redevelops

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:49pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting the blurred details of a historic home's architecture and surrounding landscape, conveying the atmospheric mood and timeless quality of Austin's historic neighborhoods.Preservation Austin's annual Homes Tour celebrates the city's architectural heritage and the stories behind the historic properties that give Austin its unique character.Austin Today

As Austin continues to rapidly grow and redevelop, the nonprofit Preservation Austin is working to ensure the city does not lose sight of its roots. The organization's annual Homes Tour showcases 10 historic properties across the city, highlighting diverse architectural styles and the stories behind the homes and their residents. This year's tour includes a 1970s Northwest Austin home with original details and a sweeping view of the city, which was built by the Dacey family who ran a longtime shoe store on Congress Avenue.

Why it matters

Preservation Austin's work aims to honor Austin's past and ensure it remains part of the city's future, as redevelopment and affordability pressures reshape neighborhoods faster than ever. The annual Homes Tour is a visible celebration of the organization's mission, inspiring residents to appreciate and advocate for historic places in their community.

The details

Preservation Austin, a citywide nonprofit founded to protect historic places, chooses a mix of architectural styles, eras and neighborhoods to reflect Austin's unique history for the annual Homes Tour. This year's tour on April 18-19 will feature 10 properties, including a 1970s Northwest Austin home owned by Lori Plicque. The Plicque home was built by members of the Dacey family, who ran a well-known shoe store on Congress Avenue for decades.

  • Preservation Austin's annual Homes Tour is scheduled for April 18-19, 2026.
  • The Plicque family home, built in the 1970s, is the first of that decade to be featured on the Homes Tour.

The players

Preservation Austin

A citywide nonprofit founded to protect historic places in Austin and empower the community to shape a more inclusive, meaningful and resilient culture through preservation.

Lindsey Derrington

The executive director of Preservation Austin, who says the organization's main goal is to honor Austin's past so it can stay part of the city's future.

Lori Plicque

An Austin native who fell in love with the 1970s home featured on the Homes Tour, which was built by members of the Dacey family who ran a longtime shoe store on Congress Avenue.

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What they’re saying

“We exist to empower Austinites to shape a more inclusive, meaningful and resilient community culture through preservation. It's not just about buildings. It's about the people who inhabit them and the stories they tell.”

— Lindsey Derrington, Executive Director, Preservation Austin

“It hadn't been touched since the day it was built. The light, the view, the little touches, everything about it felt like Austin.”

— Lori Plicque, Homeowner

“I want people to understand the origins of Austin and the families who helped build it. This house carries that story.”

— Lori Plicque, Homeowner

What’s next

Preservation Austin's 2026 Homes Tour will take place on April 18-19, showcasing 10 historic properties across Austin and celebrating the city's unique architectural and cultural heritage.

The takeaway

Preservation Austin's work to honor Austin's past and empower the community to shape the city's future through historic preservation is crucial as rapid redevelopment threatens to erase the local character and stories that make Austin unique. The annual Homes Tour is a valuable way for residents to connect with and appreciate the city's history.