Austin, Texas story
Rescued from the Oven
Think of the smell of fresh, warm bread drifting through the streets of Austin back in the late nineteenth century. In 1876, a Swedish immigrant named Charles Lundberg built a han…
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Think of the smell of fresh, warm bread drifting through the streets of Austin back in the late nineteenth century. In 1876, a Swedish immigrant named Charles Lundberg built a handsome bakery in downtown Austin. For decades, it was a bustling commercial hub, serving the community's daily needs.
Even after Lundberg sold it in 1906, the ovens kept baking under the Maerki Baking Company all the way until 1936. But as the decades rolled on, the historic structure faced the threat of progress. In 1963, the building was rescued from demolition, thanks to the passionate preservation efforts of the Austin Heritage Society and the Junior League.
It was eventually deeded to the City of Austin in 1980. Today, the Old Bakery and Emporium operates as a vibrant art gallery and artisan shop, a beautiful testament to the power of community preservation. Let's keep stepping.
Updated June 2026