1933 Austin Public Library
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Overlooking one of the city's four public squares platted in 1893, this site was obtained from the Texas Legislature in 1913 for a public library. Completed in 1933, this building represents the most prominent public work of Austin native Hugo Kuehne, founding dean of the University of Texas School of Architecture. Designed in the Italian renaissance style, it features the work of some of Austin's finest craftsmen, including ironworker Fortunat Wiegl, wood-carver Peter Mansbendel, and fresco artist Harold "Bubi" Jessen. It served as Austin's main public library until 1979. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark- 1993
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Completed in 1933 on a public square platted four decades earlier, this Italian Renaissance–style building was the finest public work of Austin native Hugo Kuehne, founding dean of the University of Texas School of Architecture. It showcased the city's best craftsmen — ironworker Fortunat Weigl, wood-carver Peter Mansbendel, and fresco artist Harold "Bubi" Jessen. It served as Austin's main public library until 1979.
Why it matters
A Depression-era civic library, it embodies the American faith that a beautiful, freely open house of books belongs at the heart of a city.
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Related people
- · Hugo Kuehne
- · Fortunat Weigl
- · Peter Mansbendel
- · Harold Jessen
Themes & tags
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