Preserving New Braunfels regularly hosts walking and driving tours and special events highlighting buildings and places in our community. These are led by volunteers who have knowledge of our town and the historical record encapsulated by the building and location.
Historic preservation, though often seen as bureaucratic, is essential for protecting spaces of cultural and historical importance. From ancient sites to American landmarks, preservation reflects a community’s commitment to honoring the past. Efforts like saving Mount Vernon, led by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, highlight the movement’s roots. Preserved buildings and neighborhoods offer insight into past craftsmanship and planning, helping inform and enhance the lives of present and future generations.
At the corner of Garden Street and Seguin Avenue stands a once-grand cottage-style home, now vacant but still hinting at its former charm. Once the residence of New Braunfels Mayor F. G. Blumberg (1922–1924), the house remains a rare example of late 19th to early 20th century architecture along a historic city thoroughfare.
Article in the Herald Zeitung by Tara Kohlenberg of the Sophienburg Museum explores West San Antonio Street, shared by Preserving New Braunfels to support local history, culture, and community.
The Dittlinger Office Building in New Braunfels reflects early 20th-century German modernist design, influenced by Hippolyt Dittlinger’s ties to Cologne’s Deutscher Werkbund movement. Built after his exposure to European industrial architecture, the building’s minimalist style shows clear links to designers like Peter Behrens. It stands as a rare local example of European modernism, with preservation focused on maintaining its original exterior and discreetly placing any necessary modern updates.
New Braunfels was once lined with grand mansions built by successful German entrepreneurs. One notable example, the Holz-Timmerman House at 417 West San Antonio Street, showcased classical revival style before falling to time and costly upkeep. Tara Kohlenberg explores its story in a recent Herald-Zeitung article.
On March 25, 2025, New Braunfels, Our Beautiful City was the topic of a panel at Lark Mason Gallery, sponsored by Preserving New Braunfels. Moderator Lark Mason led speakers Brett Davidson, Wesley Osborn, Akiko Fujimoto, and Brit King in sharing their work in architecture, culinary arts, music, and philanthropy. Each highlighted efforts that enrich the city's heritage and culture. The event supported Preserving New Braunfels’ mission to celebrate and protect the city’s historic, natural, and cultural legacy.
Tuesday, March 25 · 5 - 7:30am CDT. Doors at 4:55am
email: lark@larkmason.com
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