Austin Woman’s Club Receives $217,294 Heritage Preservation Grant for Chateau Bellevue Capital Improvements

Grant from Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment will support critical exterior door, drainage, weatherproofing, and lead-based paint remediation work at historic Chateau Bellevue

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Woman’s Club DBA Chateau Bellevue has been awarded a $217,294 Heritage Preservation Grant through the 2026 Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Award for Heritage Preservation Grant program to support essential capital improvements at Chateau Bellevue.

The grant will help fund critical preservation and safety work designed to protect the historic building from water intrusion, structural deterioration, and continued material damage. Chateau Bellevue will remain open during the improvement work and continues to welcome visitors.

“Chateau Bellevue is more than a historic building. It’s a living part of Austin’s civic, cultural, and architectural story,” said Mary Ann Golden, President of Austin Woman’s Club. “This grant allows us to move forward with essential preservation work that protects the building’s historic character while helping ensure it remains safe, functional, and accessible for the community.”

The grant-funded improvements include the installation of custom copper pans at 10 exterior door patio locations to guide rainwater away from the building; repair and restoration of nine exterior wood doors; replacement or repair of door jambs; installation of new Pemko automatic door bottoms, new metal thresholds, and silicone weatherstripping; and the construction of one historically appropriate replacement exterior wood door where existing material has deteriorated beyond repair.

The project will also include lead-based paint remediation on the third floor. This portion of the work will include sealing the third floor from the rest of the building, scraping loose and peeling paint from walls and ceilings, and preparing, priming, and painting affected walls, ceilings, doors, and trim.

Whenever feasible, original materials will be retained. Replacement materials and finishes will be selected to match the building’s historic precedent.

“These repairs are needed now because water intrusion can cause extensive damage to the building, including the wood floors and historic materials,” said Andrea Mercury, Building Chair. “Preservation is not a one-time project. A historic building requires ongoing care, maintenance, and investment. This grant helps us do the work required to sustain Chateau Bellevue for future generations.”

Grant-funded activities must occur between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. The term of the agreement runs from January 1, 2026, through March 1, 2028.

Capital improvements at Chateau Bellevue are supported in part by a Heritage Preservation Grant from Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment.

About Austin Woman’s Club / Chateau Bellevue

Austin Woman’s Club DBA Chateau Bellevue is dedicated to the stewardship, preservation, and continued use of Chateau Bellevue, one of Austin’s treasured historic properties. Through preservation, programming, and community engagement, Austin Woman’s Club works to ensure the building remains a meaningful and active part of Austin’s cultural and civic life.

Chateau Bellevue is open for visitors and welcomes the community to experience the history, architecture, and legacy of this remarkable Austin landmark. For visitor information, tours, events, or rental inquiries, visit www.chateauatx.com or contact our Sales Manager at sales@chateauatx.com or 512-472-1336.

To learn more about becoming a member of Austin Woman’s Club, contact Debbie Cochran, Membership Chair at dharrison50@me.com. Membership offers the opportunity to support the preservation of Chateau Bellevue, participate in club programming, and connect with women committed to civic, cultural, and community engagement in Austin.