Historic Home Moves to Make Way for Student Housing

Rendering shows the proposed student housing facility.

AUSTIN, TX— Austin City Realty founder David Kanne owns the Dabney-Horne house , which was zoned historic in 1992, and Kanne currently uses it as his company’s headquarters. Kanne requested the city council approve the relocation of the house to nearby 901 Shoal Cliff Ct., next to a 1920s bungalow Kanne also owns. The Austin City Council voted in favor of removing a restrictive covenant on the Dabney-Horne home in UT’s West Campus, allowing it to be moved one-half mile from its current location at 507 West 23rd St. City of Austin staff, the Historic Landmark Commission and the Planning Commission supported approval of the item. The council also approved historic zoning for the Littlefield home, ensuring its legacy in Austin. “I applaud council’s decision,” said Kanne. “Our plan is to now move these historic structures next to each other in a residential neighborhood near campus overlooking Shoal Creek. We will then restore and preserve them for the long term. I want to do everything I can to ensure they are here for future generations to enjoy.” After the Dabney-Horne home is relocated, Kanne plans to sell the site on 23rd St. to Johnson Trube & Associates, an Austin-based developer with plans for a new student housing development. The proposed 175-foot project will provide approximately 670 beds for students, of which 10% will be offered as affordable housing at 60% MFI. There will be 22 floors total encompassing 212 units, along with four below-grade parking stalls and 18 above-grade stalls. Kanne tells GlobeSt.com: “The relocation of the historic Dabney-Horne home on West Campus will also allow for the development of a new student housing community. The location is on the hard corner at West 23rd and Nueces, offering tower and downtown views.” Council members delayed their votes on this issue to better understand the proposal in front of them and their options for preservation. “The decision will have a positive impact on our community in several ways,” said Kanne. “Two historic homes are being preserved, a new housing community near campus will offer students a quality college living experience, and more affordable housing options will be available. It’s certainly ACR’s privilege to play a small part.”