The City of Austin has intervened to halt construction at 1010 East Cesar Chavez Street after a developer exceeded its authorized demolition scope, resulting in the near-total destruction of a 19th-century building that preservationists argue is vital to the neighborhood’s historical character.
The site, previously occupied by the beloved cafe Cenote, is now largely vacant, save for a single wall. The property’s new owner, Haidar Properties, had applied for renovation permits in 2024 to transform the space into a location for the Southern California coffee chain Urth Caffé. Just over a year later, the demolition has left the lot nearly bare, prompting the city to halt operations for an evaluation.
In December 2024, the developer presented its plans to the Historic Landmark Commission, claiming a commitment to preserving much of the building’s original structure. However, the current condition of the site suggests that these intentions were not realized. The developer had assured the commission that over 3,000 square feet of the historic property would remain intact, yet only a small fragment of the original facade is still standing, threatening its chances for historic landmark designation and highlighting the ongoing loss of historic buildings in East Austin.
“It was heartbreaking to see the building torn down like that,” expressed Mary Jenkins, who restored the site and opened Cenote in 2012. Following the passing of her husband and business partner, Cody Symington, in 2021, the property was sold by his family, who were the majority owners.
Although Jenkins felt sorrow leaving the neighborhood and the building, she acknowledged that relocating proved beneficial, allowing for a fresh start. Cenote has since moved to a new location on East Seventh Street, just a few blocks away.
Originally constructed as early as 1887, the mostly demolished structure has been associated with prominent figures in Austin’s history. Despite being classified as a high-priority candidate for local landmark status, it was never formally designated as such.
“I wish we had pursued landmark designation,” Jenkins admitted. “I thought I was leaving it in good hands.” Haidar Properties has not provided any comments regarding the situation. Ingrid Gonzalez Featherston, a representative for the company, had previously outlined plans at a Historic Landmark Commission meeting, stating that the developer had researched the building’s history to identify which elements could be preserved.
Documentation from that December 2024 meeting indicated that developers anticipated retaining 2,622 square feet of the original structure while remodeling an additional 959 square feet of a two-story addition. The plans also included a new roof designed to replicate the original.
In a recent statement, the Development Service Department confirmed that city officials visited the site after receiving a complaint and found that almost all structures had been demolished, with just one wall remaining, which was deemed structurally unsound. “A total demolition was not authorized,” the statement clarified, explaining that the developer needed to update the Site Plan Exemption and secure a demolition permit to proceed with such extensive changes.
The city has issued two stop-work orders in hopes of addressing the unauthorized demolition and related code violations.
Kevin Koch, a member of the Historic Landmark Commission, acknowledged that while he had approved the initial plans, the recent developments resemble a full demolition. “It’s disheartening that it came to this,” he remarked, noting that even under the original plan, more of the facade could have been preserved. He pointed out that the front porch and two exterior walls, which were original and historic, had been maintained.
Koch expressed concern that the extent of the destruction has likely diminished the property’s chances of becoming a historic landmark in the future. “People need to keep an eye on the bigger picture,” he warned. “We’re losing buildings like this all the time.”
