Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Austin Halts Work After Near-Total Demolition of Former Cenote House on East Cesar Chavez

Inspectors found unapproved demolition, triggering an investigation that requires new plans.

Only the front facade remains of a 19th-century Victorian home at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. in Austin on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The roughly 140-year-old building, which previously housed Cenote coffee, was recently demolished, drawing concern from some community members who had hoped it would be preserved.
Only the front facade remains of a 19th-century Victorian home at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. in Austin on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The roughly 140-year-old building, which previously housed Cenote coffee, was recently demolished, drawing concern from some community members who had hoped it would be preserved.
Only the front facade remains of a 19th-century Victorian home at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. in Austin on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The roughly 140-year-old building, which previously housed Cenote coffee, was recently demolished, drawing concern from some community members who had hoped it would be preserved.
Image

Overview

  • City inspectors responding to a March 6 complaint reported that entire structures at 1010 E. Cesar Chavez were torn down, leaving only one unsound wall.
  • Stop-work orders issued March 12 put construction on hold as the owner must submit a revised site plan and updated building permits or risk permit revocation.
  • Haidar Properties had told the Historic Landmark Commission in 2024 it would renovate for Urth CaffĂ© and retain thousands of square feet of the original structure.
  • Managing partner Adam Hadair says engineers found rotting beams and asbestos, asserting the building could not be safely salvaged.
  • Preservation advocates and a Landmark commissioner say the near-total loss undermines potential landmark eligibility and erodes culturally significant East Austin fabric.