We are pleased to announce that our firm has been selected to provide architectural design services for two new noteworthy projects, whose goals are to preserve the architecturally and culturally significant neighborhoods of Clarksville and Robertson Hill in central Austin.

Both the Clarksville and Robertson Hill neighborhoods are historically valuable, as they were settled by many of Austin’s first African-American families in the 19th century. However, the neighborhoods have been targets of aggressive development without historic context in the past few years. The new projects plan to preserve many of the remaining structures by connecting two of the original units to create a home large enough for today’s standards, yet retaining the look of the original tiny homes. These major projects are both notable and unique in that they represent the combined efforts of the proactive Robertson Hill neighborhood with the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing & Community Development Corporation (NHCD) and visionary private developer Tom Blackwell, who is the owner/developer of the Clarksville project.

Tom Hatch, Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects’ founder, will lead the design team. “We are honored to have been chosen for these projects, and elated that both neighborhoods will not only be preserved, but will remain vital, thriving communities”, he noted. Mr. Hatch has been deeply involved in Austin’s civic life through participation in public boards, non-profit organizations, and neighborhood organizations, and through his service as an ongoing resource to numerous private and public organizations. In 2008, Tom was honored with the John V. Nyfeler, FAIA Community Service Award and in 2011, he was elevated to fellowship in the American Institute of Architects for his career-long commitment to affordable housing in Texas.

Our Senior Partner, Tom Hatch, FAIA has played a significant role in providing affordable housing in Austin’s east side neighborhoods. As architect on many affordable housing projects, he has helped shape east Austin by making its neighborhoods safer while maintaining a sensitivity to its unique history.

The Guadalupe Neighborhood, one of the city’s fastest changing neighborhoods is among these neighborhoods. Michael Barnes, of the Austin American Statesman wrote an article in the newspaper’s REAL Magazine, shining a spotlight on this neighborhood and took some time to chat with our very own, Tom Hatch.

Small town in the big city
In close-in Guadalupe neighborhood, history blends with hipster hangouts

One inescapable fact about the Guadalupe neighborhood: It rests atop a steep hill.

In fact, this high point on the wooded prairie is also known as Robertson Hill, named for Dr. Joseph W. Robertson, who purchased the land around the French Legation in 1848. His descendants lived here for almost 100 years. At least one street, Lydia, still bears a family member’s name. Full article>>