The Diversity of Austin Avenue

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Walk down Austin Avenue and you're essentially walking through an open-air museum of Waco's architectural history. Conceived around 1849, this corridor is noted for its incredible architectural diversity. You'll find a mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, with more than twenty-five homes in the area selected as architecturally significant local preservation properties.

The street has seen it all, from the early days of the city's central business district to the devastating 1953 tornado that forced a long rebuilding period. From grand mansions to modest storefronts, the buildings here tell the story of a city that has constantly reinvented itself while holding onto its historical roots.

Updated June 2026