Fannie Davis Gazebo Designated Historic Landmark by City of Austin

The Fannie Davis Gazebo at Vic Mathias Shores, Town Lake Metropolitan Park has been officially designated a historic landmark by the City of Austin during the February 27 City Council meeting. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the gazebo now joins other properties under the stewardship of Austin Parks and Recreation with the City of Austin Historic Landmark status.

Constructed in 1969, the Town Lake Gazebo was the first public structure built to enhance the south shore of Town Lake, now known as Lady Bird Lake. This lake was formed following the construction of Longhorn Dam on the Colorado River in 1960. The Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), established in the 1950s to support women in the construction industry, spearheaded and funded the project. Thirty-five visionary women in Austin saw the potential to create a space for the community to enjoy and dedicated the gazebo to the construction industry.

Inspired by Lady Bird Johnson, a national leader in environmental beautification and later the honorary co-chair of the Town Lake Beautification Committee, the Austin chapter began planning and fundraising for the structure in 1965. Nearly 100 contractors and suppliers enthusiastically supported the gazebo project with donations of materials and labor. The gazebo was dedicated in June 1970, and in 1984, the structure was named in honor of Fannie Davis, a founding member of the Austin chapter of NAWIC.

Ellen Colfax, Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism Program Manager for Austin Parks and Recreation, expressed pride in the recognition of the gazebo’s history: “The Fannie Davis Gazebo was one of the first structures on Austin’s hike and bike trail. The Austin Chapter of Women in Construction not only built it, but has also maintained and restored it since 1970. We are proud to see this history recognized.”

Designed by architect J. Sterry Nill, the gazebo resembles an inverted morning glory flower. The design reflects diverse architectural trends of the 1960s and playfully references Frank Lloyd Wright’s geometric experimentation, combining organic materials with modern forms and the rustic park architecture found in central Texas.

Jesús Aguirre, Director of Austin Parks and Recreation, highlighted the significance of the landmark status: “The gazebo is one of Austin’s modern architectural gems, hidden in plain sight. The City of Austin Historic Landmark status will help raise awareness of this remarkable structure and the Women in Construction organization’s early role in beautifying the shores of Lady Bird Lake.”