The Old Stage Coach Inn, which has stood near RM 620 for more than 160 years, will likely have a new home, surrounded by buildings of a similar era.


Round Rock City Council is considering several plans to move the historic structure because of planned future improvements to the road on which it currently sits, RM 620.


One relocation possibility, discussed at a February council meeting, would entail transferring the building to a historic park near Round Rock’s future Bathing Beach Park and the Williamson County Living History Museum.


A contractor would move the building with a cage-like contraption that would encase the building and move it as is, preserving the historic mortar and construction.


The proposed move would cost $758,107 and take a full night to execute.


Shirley Marquardt, president of Round Rock Preservation, said she would like to see the nonhistoric elements stripped out of the building upon its move. Round Rock Preservation is a nonprofit that advocates for historic preservation of Round Rock structures.


“They would replace the metal windows and finish the interior to the original configuration,” she said.


Until the council makes a final vote on whether or not to move the inn, it will not be touched.


Director of Planning and Development Brad Wiseman said there is no timeline for the move or when council will take a vote.


He said the city is currently investigating what elements of the move the city could do through its own departments to save money.


Round Rock Preservation has started a fundraising effort to raise money for the proposed move. The organization is accepting donations online, through the mail or via a Go Fund Me account.


Should the inn move, Wiseman said he is confident it will be near the new location of the Williamson Museum in Round Rock, which opened June 3.


The museum features actors who portray Round Rock residents in the 1870s, living life in a house constructed during the same period. The actors interact with museum-goers, showing them typical activities of the time.


The museum's executive director, Mickie Ross said the museum has been looking to move to Round Rock for some time.


"To have the history of Round Rock preserved right there will be a huge draw for residents and visitors alike," she said.