Bee Cave to move historic schoolhouse to Star Hill Ranch

Though a moving date has not been set, Adam Woolley, the owner of Star Hill Ranch, said he is targeting late April.

What residents should know

Once moved to Star Hill Ranch, the building will no longer be available for meetings, but all existing reservations will be honored, according to a city spokesperson.

In the meantime, the city has yet to decide on a temporary meeting location.

During the meeting, council members discussed the likelihood that public meeting spaces in the new Bee Cave Public Library will be operable by fall 2025.

The cost

Moving the building will only cost about $10,000 more than the demolition process, Parks and Facilities Director Lanie Marcotte said.

"One thing that I found in moving buildings over the years is that a lot of these old buildings will have asbestos in the window putty and lead in the paint, and it can open a can of worms when you start crushing them," said Woolley, who has helped move over 20 historic buildings throughout Central Texas in an effort to preserve them.

A total cost to the city has not been determined, but Woolley estimated it would take about $25,000 to move and agreed to take on the site preparation himself.

Another detail

Woolley said the move will take place overnight to avoid disrupting daytime traffic.

The background

This won't be the first time the city has collaborated with Woolley to help preserve its history.

In 2006, Woolley was tasked with restoring the Old Bee Cave School House after it was moved from its original location on Hamilton Pool Road.

Additionally, Star Hill Ranch is home to two other historic buildings from Bee Cave's past, including the first Bee Cave Post Office & Store and an old farmhouse from the homestead.

The property is used for film sets, community events and private events, such as weddings and award ceremonies.

Quote of note

"The history of the community—we don't have that much left," Woolley said. "It would be a good opportunity to share the history of our town."