Support Us Button Widget
City

Buford Tower repairs complete two years after fire damage

The historic fire drill tower in Downtown Austin has been restored with new windows and updates to its brick and concrete plinth.

October 30, 2023 • 
London Gibson
Buford Tower in Downtown Austin, with the sun setting to the left.

Downtown Austin’s nearly 100-year-old Buford Tower is now cared for by the Austin Parks and Recreation department.

Photo by richlv, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

More than two years after a fire engulfed it in flames, the historic Buford Tower is now fully restored.

The six-story building — a 1930s-era firefighting training tower on Cesar Chavez Street downtown — was damaged in April 2021 by a fire that spread to it from a nearby encampment.

As a result, the tower’s brick, concrete plinth, indoor electrical components, and carillon chimes needed repairs. The building also required window and landscaping replacement.

This isn’t the first time the tower has been restored. The building was last revamped in 1978, the same year it was renamed in honor of former Austin Fire Department captain James Buford.

The tower is on the National Register of Historic Places — learn more about its history.

More from ATXtoday
The ornate interior of the historic Paramount Theatre in Austin. Audience members are filling the seats and the big screen on the stage displays the words "The Paramount Summer Classic Film Series" while filmmaker Robert Rodriguez speaks on stage.
Culture
Bleak Week returns during Paramount Theatre’s Summer Classic Film Series
Fans of thrilling, tear-jerking, and frightening films can watch eight films on the big screen this summer.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A shop interior displaying Western-themed clothing. Jackets, plaid shirts, and dresses hang neatly. Cowboy boots and shoe boxes line the shelves.
Business
Ariat celebrates Austin opening with passport crawl + block party
The western wear brand is kicking off its first Austin store by inviting local stores on the strip to party all weekend.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A group of people gather outdoors in a wooded area, sitting and chatting in front of a large, colorful, hand-painted banner that reads "Happy Birthday Eeyore." The banner is filled with vibrant, abstract art and patterns. Some people have body paint, and a decorated bicycle is leaned against a tree. The setting is festive and communal, with a creative, artsy vibe.
History
The history behind Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Austin, TX
This weird Austin festival celebrates the gloomy donkey from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh” series.
April 23, 2026
 · 
STAFF
A rooftop patio with colorful woven ottomans, wooden tables, and metal chairs, overlooking a cityscape of modern glass skyscrapers.
Culture
Little-known perks at the Austin Public Library
The services offered at local Austin Public Library branches are pretty useful in our books.
April 22, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, as seen from between trees on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
How to protect Austin’s urban forest of 42 million trees
It may be Earth Day, but we’re offering tips and tools for supporting Austin’s thriving urban forest 365 days a year.
April 21, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
A woman in a denim jacket stands smiling in a lush garden with a water fountain. The background features greenery and a mural of an eye.
Business
Good Grief: How Austinite Veronica Pulido turned tragedy into creation
The winner of Austin FC’s Dream Starter competition started an online platform to help people navigate serious illness and end-of-life care for their loved ones.
April 20, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_W Block of Red River_No Text.jpg
City
Red River Cultural District unveils five-year strategic enhancement plan
The Soundtrack to the Future plan outlines improvements to the venue facades, curb appeal, and safety features.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Downtown Austin from the east, featuring train tracks running through a busy street, lined with trees and vegetation in the foreground. Modern high-rise buildings with glass and steel facades dominate the skyline, interspersed with older, low-rise structures. Cars navigate the streets below, and traffic lights and street signs add to the busy, bustling atmosphere. Clear skies with light clouds above the city.
Culture
If Downtown is Austin’s living room, what does that make the rest of town?
Mayor Kirk Watson calls Downtown “Austin’s living room,” so we’re speculating on what that means for the rest of the city.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant mural with the text "Greetings from 78666 San Marcos" featuring illustrations of a yellow rose, a historic city hall, and other local landmarks integrated into the zip code. The mural is painted on a red wall with a small sign on the bottom right indicating sponsorship.
Play
Get in — we’re going to San Marcos, Texas
The Mermaid Capital of Texas, home to Texas State University, and riverside town is a great place to take a day trip — we’ve got all the spots to hit when you visit.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
One person handing a bag of food to another person on the porch of a home
Play
40+ volunteer opportunities in Austin
This list of volunteer opportunities in Austin, TX includes everything from building homes for people in need to fostering shelter animals.
April 8, 2026
 · 
STAFF