The African-American Cultural & Heritage Facility project centered on the rehabilitation of the nearly 130-year-old Dedrick-Hamilton House at 912 East 11th Street, a historic landmark deeply tied to the community’s cultural heritage. MWM DesignGroup faced complex challenges on this compact, steeply sloped urban site, which included multiple heritage trees and strict preservation requirements.
Extensive site studies and development assessments, conducted on behalf of the City, shaped a design that honored the site’s history while improving public access. The final plan preserved and integrated existing heritage trees, balanced pedestrian access from East 11th Street with discreet vehicular access from Juniper Street, and adhered to the rigorous standards of the East 11th Street NCCD, the East 11th and 12th Street Urban Renewal Plan, and historic preservation guidelines.
By revitalizing the Dedrick-Hamilton House and creating a new cultural hub, the project strengthened community connections and provided a lasting space to celebrate African-American heritage in East Austin.