Nay to Ney Landscape Plans

Courtesy of John Moore

Hyde Park residents are keeping a watchful eye over one of its elderly neighbors – the Elisabet Ney Museum, which the Austin Parks and Recreation Department temporarily closed earlier this week for restoration of the former studio/home of artist Ney. While neighbors support restoring the studio, many oppose landscape design plans that call for removing historic trees and vegetation and replacing them with prairie grass and small cedars. The replanting is intended to return the landscape to its original state when Ney lived at the studio, but resident John Moore says there is evidence to suggest that the mature trees to the gate's left in this photo were there when Ney lived there between 1892 and 1907. "We were getting ignored until [PARD Director] Sara Hens­ley got word of it, and it is because of her we even got anyone to listen to us about this project," Moore said. PARD is now working with the Texas Historical Commission to save the trees. Another sticking point is a long-range plan to demolish the historic centennial wall (in foreground), although it appears to be safe for now, due to lack of funding. Those wishing to comment on the plans may contact THC Deputy Executive Director Mark Wolfe, mark.wolfe@thc.state.tx.us.