The first phase of improvements to Brush Square, one of the three historic public gathering spaces designated in Austin's original plat, is officially complete.
Five-plus years in the planning and another year in initial execution, the renovation includes both spiffing up the square and the restoration of the O. Henry Museum at 409 East Fifth Street.
Included in the Phase I implementation are "improvements to the sight lines and circulation through improved grading and drainage as well as new walkways, an expansive event lawn, seat walls, raised decking, interpretive signage, new lighting and site furnishings, and landscaping," according to a city press release.
Restoration of the O. Henry Museum restoration entailed roof repairs, window and door restoration, wood siding repair and repainting, upgrading HVAC and security systems, new wiring, and installation of a fire protection system. Site improvements include landscape, irrigation and lighting, and construction of a new stone patio at the back of the house.
Along with Wooldridge and Republic squares, Brush Square was included in the original plan for the city, drawn up by Edwin Waller in 1839. It was a public market and cotton yard until it was developed into a park in 1913. In addition to the O. Henry Museum (moved there in 1934), it's the site of Central Fire Station #1, built in 1938, and the Susanna Dickinson Museum, relocated in 2001.
Money for the improvements came from the city's Historic Preservation Fund, derived from the Hotel Occupancy Tax, and the Heritage Tourism Division of the Economic Development Department.
