Out & About: Googie-style gazebo by lake back in pristine condition

Built by the Women in Construction in 1970, the Fannie Davis Gazebo anchors lake trail 

By Michael Barnes

American-Statesman Staff 

Photo from Culture Map Austin, courtesy of Austin Parks and Recreation.

Sunshine sparkled through the three revived fountains. A forgiving wind blew through the jagged overhangs that define the octagonal structure that sits behind a kidney-shaped pond.

Lovers of the Fannie Davis Gazebo couldn’t have picked a better day to rededicate the 1970 edifice, the first structure built on Lady Bird Lake after the Longhorn Dam was completed.

On Oct. 27, the original builders — and those who protected it through the years — gathered just south of the pool to recount the story of the modernist gazebo, which on several occasions faced removal or radical redesign. Every time, the mighty force that conceived and built it — the Austin chapter of Women in Construction — intervened.

Read more on Austin 360 

Photo of re-dedication shared by Charles Peveto

 

Photos from Mid Tex Mod's Tour Day

On Friday, October 5, 2012, Mid Tex Mod helped kick of Docomomo US's national tour day.

The event was held at the First Baptist Church at 901 Trinity Street, in downtown Austin, Texas. The church was constructed in 1969-70 and designed by Barnes, Landes, Goodman and Youngblood.

Bell tower at First Baptist Church. The tower contains the original bell from the 
first First Baptist Church, now demolished. Photo by Charles Peveto

 Photo by Charles Peveto.

Building dedication plaque. Photo by Charles Peveto.

Ms. Mod at the podium. Photo by Charles Peveto.

Anna Mod of Houston Mod spoke about the history of modern architecture in Houston and presented her new book, Building Modern Houston. Her talk was a whirlwind tour that included the story of the Astrodome, landmarks of NASA history, architecture of private homes and post-war suburban expansion. It included Houston's earliest modern-era skyscrapers that transformed the Houston skyline, among other fascinating adventures in Texas modernism.

Photo contributed by Emily Ardoin.

Anna Mod signs copies of her book. Photo by Charles Peveto.

After the talk, Jack Goodman gave attendees a special tour of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Goodman was an engineer and partner in the firm that designed the church. Read or contribute more about the First Baptist Church on the Austin Historical Survey Wiki.

Photo by Emily Ardoin.

Mr. Goodman talks about the design of the church. Photo by Jessica Anderson.

Photo by Jessica Anderson.

Photo by Jessica Anderson.

Photo by Jessica Anderson.

Mark your calendar! Oct 5. Building Modern Houston and Tour of First Baptist Church

Anna Mod will take you on a slideshow tour of Building Modern Houston. Then join a walking tour of First Baptist Church with Jack Goodman.

Friday, October 5, 2012
6:30 pm
The Chapel at First Baptist Church

901 Trinity Street

Austin, Texas

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT 

(Read and contribute information about the First Baptist Church on the Austin Historical Survey Wiki.)