The Fannie Davis Gazebo at Vic Mathias Shores, Town Lake Metropolitan Park has been designated a historic landmark by the City of Austin at the February 27 City Council meeting. Noted for its historical and architectural significance, the Fannie Davis Gazebo joins other properties under the stewardship of Austin Parks and Recreation with the City of Austin Historic Landmark status.

The 1969 Town Lake Gazebo was the first public structure built to beautify the south shore of Town Lake, now named Lady Bird Lake, which was created after the construction of Longhorn Dam on the Colorado River in 1960. The Austin Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), established in the 1950s for women working in the construction industry, spearheaded and raised funds for the project. Thirty-five visionary women in Austin saw the possibility of putting something on the shores for all to enjoy and they dedicated it to the construction industry.

Inspired by Lady Bird Johnson, a national leader in environmental beautification and later the honorary co-chair of the Town Lake Beautification Committee, the Austin chapter began planning and raising money for the structure in 1965. Almost 100 contractors and suppliers enthusiastically supported the gazebo project with donations of materials and labor. The gazebo was dedicated in June 1970, and then in 1984, the structure was named for Fannie Davis, a founding member of the Austin chapter of NAWIC.

“The Fannie Davis Gazebo was one of the first structures on Austin’s hike and bike trail. The Austin Chapter of Women in Construction not only built it, but has also maintained and restored it since 1970. We are proud to see this history recognized,” said Ellen Colfax, Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism Program Manager for Austin Parks and Recreation.

The gazebo was designed by architect, J. Sterry Nill, to resemble an inverted morning glory flower. The design reflects diverse architectural trends of the 1960s, and playfully references Frank Lloyd Wright’s geometric experimentation and combination of organic materials with modern forms and the rustic park architecture found in central Texas.

"The gazebo is one of Austin’s modern architectural gems, hidden in plain sight," said Jesús Aguirre, Director of Austin Parks and Recreation. "The City of Austin Historic Landmark status will help raise awareness of this remarkable structure and the Women in Construction organization’s early role in beautifying the shores of Lady Bird Lake."