Georgetown City Council has approved a redesign for the historic building at 817 S. Austin Ave., allowing renovations that were previously denied by the city's Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC). The update will expose the building’s original double gable roof and interior wooden trusses.
Preservation board’s earlier decision
HARC voted on March 24 to reject the proposed facade changes, stating the design didn’t fully comply with downtown overlay guidelines or restore the building’s original appearance. The commission is tasked with reviewing renovations in Georgetown’s historic districts to ensure they reflect the city’s preservation standards.
Council votes to move forward
Council members voted 6 to 1 in favor of overturning the denial during their June 10 meeting. Supporters argued the design met the vast majority of criteria, with 34 out of 37 guidelines satisfied. District 3 Council Member Ben Butler opposed the motion, saying the roof design would make the building stand out awkwardly among neighboring structures.
Honoring the site’s history
The building, constructed in the 1920s or early 1930s, will be renamed the Gauthier Building in tribute to a family with longstanding ties to the property. As part of the council’s approval, the owner agreed to add a historical plaque referencing Lindell, Peterson & Co. Hardware and Implements, which occupied the site in the early 1900s.
What’s next
With a certificate of appropriateness now approved, the property owner can apply for permits to begin renovations. The building's previous tenants, All Things New Florals and Bella and Birdie Interiors, relocated to Austin Lampworks on June 2.
Updated August 23, 2026 to reflect substantive changes.
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