The historic Andrew J. Palm House was shifted off of East Main Street to a quieter spot close to its original standing ground by the Old Settlers Association, Round Rock officials confirmed. The relocation that occurred this past Tuesday wraps into the city's broader strategy to revamp the downtown area, which will see the old Griffith Building turned into a nexus of community engagement.
City plans include the Griffith Building's transformation into a new walkway that will connect Prete Plaza to the upcoming Round Rock Public Library courtyard, as per the details shared by the City of Round Rock. Situated alongside will be a 289-slot parking structure, anticipated to alleviate some of the downtown traffic congestion. The Griffith Building itself is set to become a hospitable spot for tourists as the new Round Rock Visitors Center, complete with a two-level Arts and Culture gallery and the Round Rock Chamber.
Signed, sealed, delivered! đź’Şđź‘Ź The historic Palm House was successfully moved overnight from Main Street to Old Settlers Association grounds. This location right outside Old Settlers Park is just northwest of the home's original location when it was built in 1873 before being… pic.twitter.com/2tzu5YV22s
— City of Round Rock (@roundrock) January 31, 2024
The Palm House, originally a two-room establishment, has been carefully reinforced for the move. Its chimney, taken apart brick by brick, awaits reassembly at the new location. Following the relocation, the remaining extensions of the Chamber on the site are slated for demolition. The City, as mentioned on the official web portal, took the initiative in the moving of valuable artifacts from the Palm House to the Old Settlers Association prior to the main event on Tuesday.
Preparation for the move was meticulously planned, and shared by city officials. Beams were positioned on Jan. 27th to slide the structure to the property's perimeter. Come Monday, the Palm House was shifted onto Main Street to allow crews to slide the beams under the house, fitting it with dollies that made the final move less cumbersome. Orientation of the moving beams and ensuing final checks paved the way for the actual move, commencing close to 10 p.m. The Palm House journeyed north on Mays Street, then took an eastward turn on Highway 79 to arrive at its new destination.
Funding for the move came from the hotel occupancy tax revenue, proving that the out-of-town guests not only bring their business but have now contributed to Round Rock's historical preservation. According to statements from city officials, this fund specifically supports endeavors that promote tourism and the convention industry in Round Rock.
