2026 CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL PRESERVATION SUMMIT

BUILDINGS ON THE MOVE: Case Studies in Relocating Historic Structures

Thursday, August 13, 2026 | Historic Old Town, New Braunfels

Join Preservation Texas in New Braunfels for a one-day Summit exploring the challenges, opportunities, and best practices involved in moving historic buildings. Through a series of recent Central Texas case studies, speakers will examine the historical context behind building relocations and share lessons learned from projects that have successfully balanced preservation goals with practical realities. Designed for preservation professionals, community advocates, property owners, and volunteers, the program will address the policy, advocacy, planning, and logistics involved in these complex projects.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Braunfels Conservation Society’s Historic Old Town (1300 Church Hill Drive), a 3.5-acre heritage village featuring 18 relocated nineteenth-century German-Texan structures. During the lunch break, attendees will have the opportunity to tour several of the site’s historic buildings. Lunch is included with registration. A virtual attendance option is also available.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event!

Pictured above: 1849 Spiva-Welsch Barn in New Braunfels being moved to the New Braunfels Conservation Society’s Historic Old Town plaza in 1972.

Summit Schedule

10:00 a.m. WELCOME & INTRODUCTION
Evan Thompson, Executive Director, Preservation Texas

10:30 a.m. PANEL A: RELOCATING HISTORIC BUILDINGS FOR MUSEUM & INTERPRETIVE USE

  • TINER HENDRICK HOUSE, SUTHERLAND SPRINGS
    Melinda Creech, Founder, Friends of the Tiner Hendrick House

  • DESSAU LUTHERAN CHURCH, AUSTIN
    Michael Ward, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms

11:45 a.m. LUNCH BREAK & HISTORIC OLD TOWN TOUR
Lunch will be provided.

1:00 p.m. PANEL B: RETURNING RELOCATED HISTORIC BUILDINGS TO THEIR ORIGINAL SITES

  • PALM HOUSE, ROUND ROCK
    Ben Heimsath, Principal, Heimsath Architects

  • BUDA MOPAC RAILROAD DEPOT, BUDA
    Jennifer Storm, Chief Executive Officer, Buda EDC

2:30 p.m. PANEL C: POLICY, ADVOCACY, & LOGISTICS

  • RELOCATION & DECONSTRUCTION ORDINANCES, AUSTIN
    Lindsey Derrington, Executive Director Preservation Austin

  • HISTORIC STRUCTURE MOVING LOGISTICS, STATEWIDE
    Gator Dodson, Owner, Dodson House Moving

3:45 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS & ADJOURN

Registration

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION:

  • Preservation Texas Member Registration: $40

  • Non-Member Registration: $50

In-Person Registration

VIRTUAL REGISTRATION:

  • Preservation Texas Member Virtual Registration: $20

  • Non-Member Virtual Registration: $25

Virtual Registration

If you are unsure of your current Preservation Texas membership status, please email hunick@preservationtexas.org to inquire.