Preserving New Braunfels regularly hosts walking and driving tours and special events highlighting buildings and places in our community. These are led by volunteers who have knowledge of our town and the historical record encapsulated by the building and location.
Historic preservation, though often seen as bureaucratic, is essential for protecting spaces of cultural and historical importance. From ancient sites to American landmarks, preservation reflects a community’s commitment to honoring the past. Efforts like saving Mount Vernon, led by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, highlight the movement’s roots. Preserved buildings and neighborhoods offer insight into past craftsmanship and planning, helping inform and enhance the lives of present and future generations.
The Dittlinger Office Building in New Braunfels reflects early 20th-century German modernist design, influenced by Hippolyt Dittlinger’s ties to Cologne’s Deutscher Werkbund movement. Built after his exposure to European industrial architecture, the building’s minimalist style shows clear links to designers like Peter Behrens. It stands as a rare local example of European modernism, with preservation focused on maintaining its original exterior and discreetly placing any necessary modern updates.
At the corner of Garden Street and Seguin Avenue stands a once-grand cottage-style home, now vacant but still hinting at its former charm. Once the residence of New Braunfels Mayor F. G. Blumberg (1922–1924), the house remains a rare example of late 19th to early 20th century architecture along a historic city thoroughfare.
Article in the Herald Zeitung by Tara Kohlenberg of the Sophienburg Museum explores West San Antonio Street, shared by Preserving New Braunfels to support local history, culture, and community.
The German settlers who came to New Braunfels in the 19th century, did so to better their lives and that of their descendants. Before and after these pioneers, other peoples came here seeking a better life. Preserving New Braunfels exists to highlight, preserve and share the historical record, buildings, sites, and cultural traditions of individuals who came to this place to live and work. The people and their stories surrounding these locations are the foundation on what makes this community unique and successful. Buildings, sites, and cultural traditions survive through use and exist because these were and remain important to the people in a community. Old buildings can have new life as commercial or residential structures, historic sites can be locations for new traditions and cultural events. Preserving New Braunfels supports our local historic organizations, the restoration and conservation of buildings and sites important to our past, and stories and cultural events that enrich our community for the future. We encourage your donations and participation in our mission.
These buildings and places were selected by our organization as important to the story of New Braunfels. New locations are added upon consultation within our network of experts.
Opportunities for the purchase of historic buildings and places regularly occur and we highlight these for the benefit of those in the community who are attuned to the importance of historic preservation. To list your property, contact us at: xxxxx Once a property is submitted we will review the listing and if it meets our guidelines, will consider it for inclusion on our website and link to your realtor's website.
The Heritage Society of New Braunfels preserves and promotes the city's history and cultural heritage through site conservation, educational programs, and community events.
The New Braunfels Texas Community Foundation supports local philanthropic efforts by funding community projects, educational initiatives, and social services to enhance the quality of life in the area.
The New Braunfels Conservation Society preserves the city's historical and cultural landmarks through restoration projects, educational initiatives, and community engagement.
The New Braunfels Sophienburg Museum and Archives preserves and showcases the city's 1845 German settler history through its extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents.
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) preserves Texas's cultural and historical heritage through historic preservation programs, landmark designations, site oversight, heritage tourism promotion, and local preservation support.
Preserving New Braunfels is dedicated to maintaining and fostering the historical foundation that makes New Braunfels so special. Join us to become a partner in maintaining, improving, and preserving the historical character of this special place.
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email: lark@larkmason.com
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