Preserving Austin’s Rich History and Culture: The Thinkery, Fonda San Miguel, and the Rainey Street Historic District.

The Thinkery, Fonda San Miguel, and the Rainey Street Historic District are three distinct places in Austin, Texas, that showcase the city’s rich culture and history. While they may seem unrelated at first glance, a closer look reveals a common thread connecting them: preservation.

The Thinkery, located in East Austin, is a hands-on children’s museum that encourages learning through play. However, it also serves as a reminder of Austin’s commitment to preserving its history. The museum is housed in a renovated building that was once part of the Mueller Airport, which operated from 1942 to 1999. Instead of demolishing the building, the city chose to repurpose it, preserving a piece of Austin’s aviation history.

Similarly, Fonda San Miguel is a Mexican restaurant that has been a staple in Austin’s culinary scene since 1975. The restaurant’s founders, Tom Gilliland and Miguel Ravago, were committed to preserving the traditional flavors and techniques of Mexican cuisine. They even traveled to Mexico to learn from local cooks and bring those flavors back to Austin. Today, Fonda San Miguel continues to honor its founders’ commitment to tradition, offering a menu that celebrates the rich culinary history of Mexico.

Finally, the Rainey Street Historic District is a neighborhood in downtown Austin that has been preserved and repurposed as a hub for entertainment and nightlife. The area was once home to a number of historic homes, many of which were at risk of demolition due to development. However, in the 2000s, the city stepped in to preserve the homes and turn the area into a vibrant entertainment district. Today, visitors can enjoy a drink at a bar housed in a historic bungalow or listen to live music in a backyard turned concert venue.

In all three cases, preservation is key. Whether it’s repurposing an old building, preserving traditional cuisine, or saving historic homes from demolition, Austin has shown a commitment to preserving its past while still embracing its future. These three places serve as reminders of that commitment and offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.

In conclusion, The Thinkery, Fonda San Miguel, and the Rainey Street Historic District may seem like disparate places, but they all share a commitment to preservation. By honoring the past while still embracing the future, they offer a unique glimpse into Austin’s rich cultural heritage. As Austin continues to grow and change, it’s important to remember the importance of preservation and the value it brings to a city’s identity.

Sources:

– “About The Thinkery.” The Thinkery. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://thinkeryaustin.org/about/.
– “Our Story.” Fonda San Miguel. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.fondasanmiguel.com/our-story/.
– “Rainey Street Historic District.” Visit Austin. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.austintexas.org/visit/plan-your-trip/neighborhoods-and-districts/rainey-street/.