In 2016, the Travis County Commissioners Court may revisit its discussion of potential changes to a historic school site in downtown Austin.

Palm School, located at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Street and I-35 next to the Rainey Street Historic District, now serves as the home of the Travis County Health and Human Services and Veteran Services departments. At a Dec. 15 meeting, county commissioners discussed establishing a committee that would determine a potential future use for the school site that would involve preserving the building and its historical designation—as well as seek additional historical protections.

Commissioner Margaret Gomez recommended the committee include herself, Austin City Council member Kathie Tovo and Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria as well as representatives of the Downtown Austin Alliance and Travis County Historical Commission.

The building served as an elementary school from 1892 to 1976 and was one of the first elementary schools in Austin, according to the Waller Creek Conservancy.

Gomez outlined some recommendations for the school committee, including requests that the committee work to obtain a property appraisal that emphasizes the historical value and hold community meetings with interested groups. Some members of the community have suggested the property remain public rather than be developed privately.

Gomez said the recommended charges would come back to the court for consideration in mid-January.

Commissioner Gerald Daugherty said the land is worth millions of dollars.

“I want to know, can we get some value out of this thing?” he asked, noting the court has learned from its experience with the failed Travis County courthouse bond.

Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said the county has several examples of historic properties that also generate revenue, referencing the Driskill Hotel downtown, and said the county should see what revenue potential there is for the Palm School site.

“I believe that we do have a little more work to do on the charge and possibly the composition of the committee,” she said. "I do hold out the hope that we can find a balance between the economic value and the cultural value.”