Here is a copy of my e-mail, November 18, 2012,to the Round Rock Historic Preservation Commission: As the Round Rock HP Commission meets to recommend the fate of the Harris Stagecoach Inn; I ask the HP Commission to remember, it is the commission’s mission to keep the history of Round Rock alive through preservation of its most significant historic structures. I understand, once a historic building is relocated, that structure cannot be designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (even if changes are made to eliminate the inappropriate changes made to the structure). With that said, the Harris Stagecoach Inn still remains the oldest structure in Round Rock (if you use the date when construction began on the Inn). The Inn played a key role in early-day lodging and transportation. The Inn provided the first public lodging in Round Rock and is one of the few remaining stagecoach stops in Texas; as today according to the Texas Historic Commission, there are only 20 stage stops listed as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks. Because demolition is the ultimate failure of historic preservation, the Round Rock HP Commission should only recommend demolition after every possible option has been explored. I believe the HP commission should not make their final recommendation until a feasibility study has been completed to determine if the Harris Stagecoach Inn can relocated; and if relocation is possible, a decision should not be made until a cost estimate determines if relocation costs are affordable to the City of Round Rock. Should a feasibility and cost study determine relocation is not a viable option for the inn; I think the HP Commission should meet again to recommend the most effective use of original construction materials in the Harris Stagecoach Inn. (Should the city give the property to Mr. Davol, who wants to relocate the stones in the Inn to Florence, where he promises to reconstruct the inn on his ranch? Should the city use the stones as a part of the Bathing Beach Park Project? Should the city allow someone to sell the stones as souvenir stones to raise money for future preservation projects? Are there other options for the original stones from the Inn?) I trust the Round Rock HP Commission will explore every option in trying to preserve the Harris Stagecoach Inn. Shirley Marquardt
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 04:15:14 +0000
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