Current Projects
As we continuously work on our current projects we will gradually make progress towards our goals and ambitions for each of these spaces.
Money Raised To Date:
Abilene Courts: $00,000.00
West Texas Utilities Co.: $000,000.00
Abilene Courts:
Paving The Future With The Past
Abilene Courts stands as a visual icon of the city’s mid-century charm, with its streamlined architecture symbolizing the golden age of American road travel.. Built during the rise of car culture, it served as a key stop along the Bankhead Highway, reflecting the growing importance of motor tourism and Abilene’s role as a gateway for cross-country travelers.
“The Abilene Courts is a 1930s tourist accommodation typical of many similar places that have been lost along the historic Bankhead Highway, the earliest paved cross-country highway in America. The Abilene Courts represents an important era in automotive and architectural history in Texas and the United States.
The property was donated to the Abilene Preservation League (APL) in 2020. Years of neglect left the building vulnerable to the elements, resulting in significant damage. The bulk of the original building had to be removed, leaving only the front facade still standing. The APL was able to maintain the structure’s National Register of Historic Places designation despite 95% of the original structure having been demolished..” - Preservation Texas; Most Endangered Places, 2014
West Texas Utilities Co.
Powering The Future With The Past
The WTU power plant remains a standout structure along the city’s downtown skyline. Featuring early industrial nuances and architecture that makes it uniquely one-of-a-kind compared to other structures across Texas. Erected at a crucial time when Abilene outgrew its power needs, this plant went on to provide power for Texas and five other states.
“The West Texas Utilities (WTU) Power Plant, completed in 1922, was designed by Dallas architect Wyatt C. Hedrick. The innovative design of the industrial space incorporated plentiful natural light, as well as a smokestack which remains a dominant feature of Abilene’s skyline. The plant was one of about six of its kind built in Texas in the early 20th century. The WTU plant served as a regional electricity provider until the 1960s, and helped shape the energy industry and economy of West Texas.
The facility is individually listed on the National Register but has sat vacant for decades. The [Previous] owner considered demolishing the structure.
The Abilene Preservation League (APL) negotiated with the WTU owner to transfer ownership of the property so it can be protected. American Electric Power (AEP) ended its search to find a buyer and asked the APL to take on that preservation role. Volunteers are currently working on researching and documenting the WTU’s history.. - Preservation Texas; Most Endangered Places List, 2022