After studying the six options presented by the consultants, CasaBella Architects, and considering a proposal submitted by the Norwood Posse, PARD staff are recommending that the Norwood House be restored. Discussions are ongoing as to what portions of the six options, and our proposal, will be included in a final "preferred alternative" for the entire property. There is general agreement that an additional facility will be included, along with reconstruction of original structures, expanded parking, improved access, walkways, a water feature, connectivity to Lady Bird Lake, etc. 

As you probably know, our parks department is perpetually underfunded.....one of the reasons the Norwood House is in its present condition. With no PARD funding currently available to do anything at the site, the Norwood Posse continues to promote the creation of a public/private partnership ( we currently have a commitment of $300,000 to jumpstart the process). We are proposing to restore, operate and maintain the house using primarily private funds. Protective action to prevent further deterioration of the structure is recommended and needed ASAP. This includes, new roof covering, more secure fence and security lighting. The remainder of the site redevelopment would begin later, if voters approve a future bond issue that includes the other Norwood Park upgrades agreed to, and approved by, PARD.

Hopefully, in the not too distant future, the house will once again look like it did in the above photo. The inside of the house is to be reconfigured to meet the needs of an event center available for public rental ( and perhaps some other uses). The design of the rest of the Norwood Park is seen to be driven by the scale and character of this once excellent example of an Arts & Crafts bungalow.

If our proposal is accepted by the City of Austin, the Norwood Posse will dismount and rebrand for the next phase of this adventure. The plan is to form a 501 (c)(3) that will be called the Norwood Park Foundation. The objective is to use all available resources, including volunteers (as appropriate), grants, donations of services, money, and materials to accomplish the objective in a cost effective and timely manner. Many citizens have offered to help with this project, and it is our intent to call upon civic minded taxpayers to help transform this property into a beautiful and useful addition to our public park system.

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