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The Austin AGC Celebrates 75 Years!
The year 2021 marks our 75th anniversary as a trade association for commercial builders working in Austin and throughout Central Texas! In recognition of this important 75th anniversary milestone, over the course of 2021 we’ll share a regular “This Month in Austin AGC History” post in which we'll highlight interesting anecdotes and fun facts sourced from our archives. We hope you’ll enjoy these posts and grow to appreciate, as we certainly do, all the construction professionals over the years here who laid the foundation for the built environment of Austin we know and love today, a city widely considered to be the one of the best in America!
January 1948
January 1948 – Austin AGC Leases Land for Only $1 Per Year on Fredericksburg Road (now South Lamar) for New Office and Planroom.
Back in 1946 when the Austin AGC was founded, the Board of Directors met twice monthly at the Driskill Hotel downtown. During an October meeting that year, a “rent or build” question with regard to office space arose, and a search committee was formed to scout potential locations around town to house a permanent office space and plan room for the growing membership. Interestingly, and just like in today’s Austin real estate market, the search committee noted that it was “extremely difficult to find suitable quarters for a reasonable rent” at the time.
Click here to read full story.
Back in 1946 when the Austin AGC was founded, the Board of Directors met twice monthly at the Driskill Hotel downtown. During an October meeting that year, a “rent or build” question with regard to office space arose, and a search committee was formed to scout potential locations around town to house a permanent office space and plan room for the growing membership. Interestingly, and just like in today’s Austin real estate market, the search committee noted that it was “extremely difficult to find suitable quarters for a reasonable rent” at the time.
Click here to read full story.
February is Outstanding Construction Awards Month
February at the Austin AGC is one of our favorite times of the year as we host the annual Outstanding Construction Awards celebration to recognize and honor some of the best area building projects completed during the previous year by AGC member firms. This reception and dinner event brings together owners, architects, general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, and service providers, as well as family and friends of the award recipients. On this special night building professionals trade in their muddy boots and hardhats for fancier dress, and their conversations center not on the building headache of the day but on the celebration of jobs well-done!
Click here to read full story.
Click here to read full story.
March 1971 – Legislative Briefing at the Austin AGC and Creation of a Statewide Lobbying Office
The date was March 2, 1971 and Austin AGC Chair Tommy Lawless called the monthly Board meeting to order at 4:00pm in our recently built office building on South Lamar. He introduced guest speaker and veteran lobbyist, Mr. Wayne Hall, to talk about some of the over 1,000 legislative bills that had been introduced in the State Legislature that year, many of which could impact commercial construction. Mr. Hall noted he had been attending sessions of the Texas legislature for 20 years and was employed by the Houston AGC since 1967 to serve as their representative at the State Capitol. Immediately after his comments to the Austin AGC Board, Wayne departed for the old Mueller Municipal Airport to catch a plane for Dallas where he was scheduled to provide a similar report to contractors there later that evening. By the end of that Austin AGC Board meeting, members in attendance agreed to contribute funds annually to the Houston Chapter in exchange for legislative information provided by Mr. Hall.
Click here to read full story.
Click here to read full story.
April 1969 - The Building Committee Discusses Options for the Plan Room
The Austin AGC Building Committee met on April 9, 1969, to discuss design and financing of a new office space at 609 South Lamar Boulevard to replace the old structure. Mr. Robert C. Gray, Chairman of this Committee, called the meeting to order at 3pm and asked if anyone had a proposed sketch or other suggestion to offer. One submittal called for a single-story building of roughly 3600sf, but after discussion it was agreed upon by the four members in attendance that there should be two stories of roughly 2400sf each, with the first floor set up for a plan room and offices.
Click here to read the full story.
The Austin AGC Building Committee met on April 9, 1969, to discuss design and financing of a new office space at 609 South Lamar Boulevard to replace the old structure. Mr. Robert C. Gray, Chairman of this Committee, called the meeting to order at 3pm and asked if anyone had a proposed sketch or other suggestion to offer. One submittal called for a single-story building of roughly 3600sf, but after discussion it was agreed upon by the four members in attendance that there should be two stories of roughly 2400sf each, with the first floor set up for a plan room and offices.
Click here to read the full story.
May 1971 - OSHA Safety Standards Lead to Creation of Safety Program
In December 1970 President Richard Nixon signed The Occupational Safety and Health Act into law, calling attention to a need to protect workers against hazards encountered on the job. At that time the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was also established within the Labor Department to set and enforce new workplace safety and health standards. The first OSHA safety standards were published on May 29, 1971 and, according to Austin Chapter meeting archives, the new rules were a regular topic of conversation in the industry amid speculation as to how day-to-day construction work would be impacted.
Click here to read the full story.
In December 1970 President Richard Nixon signed The Occupational Safety and Health Act into law, calling attention to a need to protect workers against hazards encountered on the job. At that time the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was also established within the Labor Department to set and enforce new workplace safety and health standards. The first OSHA safety standards were published on May 29, 1971 and, according to Austin Chapter meeting archives, the new rules were a regular topic of conversation in the industry amid speculation as to how day-to-day construction work would be impacted.
Click here to read the full story.
June 1946 - Houston AGC Transfer Counties in June 1946 to Newly Formed Austin AGC
On June 4, 1946, leaders of the newly formed Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (Austin AGC) held their regular weekly meeting at the Driskill Hotel beginning at 12:30pm. In attendance that day were 9 contractor members and topics on the agenda included labor and wage concerns among local bricklayers, as well as fundraising for a World War II veterans dormitory building in the amount of $1 million.
Perhaps most importantly though for the AGC Chapter was a letter from the Houston AGC congratulating Austin contractors on creation of their new organization. The letter also noted that the Houston Chapter had unanimously voted to relinquish 17 counties previously under their jurisdiction to the Austin Chapter, effective June 1, 1946. With that agreement complete, the road was paved for the Austin AGC to formally receive an official charter from the AGC of America, an important document that is framed and proudly displayed today in our building’s front entry.
Click here to read the full story.
On June 4, 1946, leaders of the newly formed Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (Austin AGC) held their regular weekly meeting at the Driskill Hotel beginning at 12:30pm. In attendance that day were 9 contractor members and topics on the agenda included labor and wage concerns among local bricklayers, as well as fundraising for a World War II veterans dormitory building in the amount of $1 million.
Perhaps most importantly though for the AGC Chapter was a letter from the Houston AGC congratulating Austin contractors on creation of their new organization. The letter also noted that the Houston Chapter had unanimously voted to relinquish 17 counties previously under their jurisdiction to the Austin Chapter, effective June 1, 1946. With that agreement complete, the road was paved for the Austin AGC to formally receive an official charter from the AGC of America, an important document that is framed and proudly displayed today in our building’s front entry.
Click here to read the full story.
July 2013 - Organizational Meeting Held to Launch the Construction Leadership Council (CLC)
On July 12, 2013, a small group of young construction professionals met over a phone call to discuss the formation of a new organization within the Austin AGC specifically designed for people in the early years of a construction career looking to grow their professional network and knowledge of the industry. This meeting did not happen by chance, rather it had been initiated several months prior by the Austin AGC Chairman at the time, Kenton Heinze with Braun and Butler Construction. In the early 2000s Kenton had been active in a previous group of emerging construction professionals at the Chapter (then known as the Young Constructors Forum, or YCF) and spoke about how it had been extremely valuable for him when he began his career many years ago.
Click here to read the full story.
On July 12, 2013, a small group of young construction professionals met over a phone call to discuss the formation of a new organization within the Austin AGC specifically designed for people in the early years of a construction career looking to grow their professional network and knowledge of the industry. This meeting did not happen by chance, rather it had been initiated several months prior by the Austin AGC Chairman at the time, Kenton Heinze with Braun and Butler Construction. In the early 2000s Kenton had been active in a previous group of emerging construction professionals at the Chapter (then known as the Young Constructors Forum, or YCF) and spoke about how it had been extremely valuable for him when he began his career many years ago.
Click here to read the full story.
August 1947 - Austin AGC Barbecue Attracts 250 Attendees for First Ever Social Event
A meeting of the Austin AGC membership took place at noon on August 19, 1947, in the Chapter office. Among the business discussed that day was a report from Entertainment Committee Chair, Roland Moore with Moore Construction Company, about plans for an AGC barbecue scheduled September 18th at the Shelton Lodge on Bluff Springs. (This venue is believed to have been near what is today the intersection of E. Slaughter Lane and Bluff Springs Road in Southeast Austin, adjacent to Onion Creek.) Chair Moore noted that invitations were extended to all local architects and engineers, as well as to members of the City Council.
According to meeting minutes from a subsequent October 7 Board meeting, “a very enjoyable time was had by all” at this first ever Austin AGC networking event. In fact, Chair Moore reported that while only 96 reservations had been received at the office, an estimated 250 people attended. He then presented a bill in the amount of $392.81 (roughly $4,750 in today’s dollars) for reimbursement. That amount included $40 for musical entertainment, $85 for food, $54 for labor, as well as $185 for 44 cases of beer, 10 cases of soft drinks and 500 pounds of ice.
Click here to read full story
A meeting of the Austin AGC membership took place at noon on August 19, 1947, in the Chapter office. Among the business discussed that day was a report from Entertainment Committee Chair, Roland Moore with Moore Construction Company, about plans for an AGC barbecue scheduled September 18th at the Shelton Lodge on Bluff Springs. (This venue is believed to have been near what is today the intersection of E. Slaughter Lane and Bluff Springs Road in Southeast Austin, adjacent to Onion Creek.) Chair Moore noted that invitations were extended to all local architects and engineers, as well as to members of the City Council.
According to meeting minutes from a subsequent October 7 Board meeting, “a very enjoyable time was had by all” at this first ever Austin AGC networking event. In fact, Chair Moore reported that while only 96 reservations had been received at the office, an estimated 250 people attended. He then presented a bill in the amount of $392.81 (roughly $4,750 in today’s dollars) for reimbursement. That amount included $40 for musical entertainment, $85 for food, $54 for labor, as well as $185 for 44 cases of beer, 10 cases of soft drinks and 500 pounds of ice.
Click here to read full story
September 1948 - Membership Picks Up (and we find interesting connection between AGC leadership and the Hotel St. Cecilia!)
On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 7, 1948, the Austin AGC Board of Directors held a lunch meeting in the Chapter offices beginning at 12:15pm. With membership growing steadily since the Chapter started in 1946, staff was directed to compile a printed directory with the names, addresses and contact information of all Chapter companies for distribution to members and industry partners. While a copy of that document does not exist today, records indicate that roughly 30 companies were members of the Austin AGC at the time, with 10 of those being “Active Member” general contractors and the remaining 20 or so specialty contractors, suppliers and service providers assembled as “Associate Members.” \
A big reason for associate firms – particularly the specialty contractors - to join was access to Chapter plan room and the bidding information therein. The plan room had become increasingly popular to the point where, at a Chapter Board meeting in June 1949, associate members asked Vice President Leslie Crockett and the other general contractors in attendance about getting two sets of paper plans for each project bidding - especially for the larger jobs - so there would be less waiting to review them and furnish a price.
Click here to read the full story.
October 1950 – Austin AGC Leadership Supports Bond Proposal to Accommodate City Growth
Dealing with population growth may seem like only a recent headache for the Austin community, but it is certainly not a new concern for City leaders and the local construction industry. In fact, way back on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 17, 1950, the Austin AGC held a membership meeting, and guests in attendance included City Manager Walter Seaholm and Austin School Board Member Noble Prentice invited to discuss a proposed $20 million (roughly $227 million today) bond election on the ballot in November.
Click here to read full story
Dealing with population growth may seem like only a recent headache for the Austin community, but it is certainly not a new concern for City leaders and the local construction industry. In fact, way back on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 17, 1950, the Austin AGC held a membership meeting, and guests in attendance included City Manager Walter Seaholm and Austin School Board Member Noble Prentice invited to discuss a proposed $20 million (roughly $227 million today) bond election on the ballot in November.
Click here to read full story
November 1965 - A look back at the Calcasieu Lumber Company, Workforce Diversity, and the new Culture of CARE Initiative
At an Austin AGC meeting in November 1965, the Calcasieu Lumber Company missed out on the chance to pocket nearly $400 (in today's dollars) from the monthly meeting door prize, perhaps because the company was massive at the time and busy supporting the supply needs of local builders. A photo of the company offices in 1946 downtown Austin serves as a reminder about advances in race relations over the years, and we take a look at the new AGC Culture of CARE initiative.
Click here to read the full story.
At an Austin AGC meeting in November 1965, the Calcasieu Lumber Company missed out on the chance to pocket nearly $400 (in today's dollars) from the monthly meeting door prize, perhaps because the company was massive at the time and busy supporting the supply needs of local builders. A photo of the company offices in 1946 downtown Austin serves as a reminder about advances in race relations over the years, and we take a look at the new AGC Culture of CARE initiative.
Click here to read the full story.
December 2021 - Holiday Party Ties Past and Present Together
On December 7, 2021, over 100 construction professionals gathered at the Driskill Hotel for the annual Austin AGC Holiday Party event. Guests enjoyed the ambience of the historic hotel along with delicious food and beverages, background sounds from a local Austin musical duo, and great networking with industry colleagues. The Chapter chose this location in homage to our 75th anniversary we’ve been celebrating throughout the year. Founded in 1946, the Chapter’s first organizational meetings were held at the Driskill until a permanent location for our offices was established on South Lamar in 1947.
Click here for the full story.
On December 7, 2021, over 100 construction professionals gathered at the Driskill Hotel for the annual Austin AGC Holiday Party event. Guests enjoyed the ambience of the historic hotel along with delicious food and beverages, background sounds from a local Austin musical duo, and great networking with industry colleagues. The Chapter chose this location in homage to our 75th anniversary we’ve been celebrating throughout the year. Founded in 1946, the Chapter’s first organizational meetings were held at the Driskill until a permanent location for our offices was established on South Lamar in 1947.
Click here for the full story.
