Round Rock's historic Palm House undergoing restoration

One of Round Rock's historic buildings is getting a fresh new look.

What's happening

The Andrew J. Palm House, located near Dell Diamond, is undergoing a restoration project to include:

• Refreshed partial structural framing
• A new front porch, support columns and an American Disabilities Act-compliant ramp
• A new rear deck and exterior cedar siding
• Refurbishing all original windows and shutters, as well as interior doors and replacement of entry door
• New shake roof
• New electrical service and lighting; heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; insulation for flooring and some walls

Remember this?

This comes over two years after the historic home was relocated from downtown Round Rock for the construction of a paseo connecting Prete Plaza to the new Round Rock Public Library.

For nearly 50 years, the home served as a museum and operating location for the Round Rock Chamber.

The backstory

The original two-room house was built in 1873 on Palm Farm, which is now the Old Settlers Association property.

The Palm family donated the home to the Round Rock Chamber, and the house was relocated downtown in 1976, serving as a Palm Museum and space for chamber operations, according to the city.

As the Palm House is considered a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, recent plans for moving the building had to be approved by the Texas Historical Commission.

While the state commission traditionally discourages the relocation of historic structures, it has made an exception in this case, noting the home—having been moved before—is set to return to its original property and will retain its historic designation, according to a city news release.

More history on the Palm House can be found on the historical marker database.

What's next?

Per the city, the restoration, which began in March, is expected to be complete by the end of July.

Haley McLeod contributed to this report.