Downtown Mural Awaits a New Home

On the corner of Sixth and Guadalupe, the Starr Building has sat empty of business since the state comptroller moved out in 2005. But remaining inside is a unique piece of Texas art history that the state and federal governments are working to save from the threat of the wrecking ball.

The untitled mural by leading Texan modernist artist Seymour Fogel fills a wall on the second story of the former tax office. In 1954, Fogel, an apprentice of Diego Rivera and a staff member at the University of Texas College of Fine Arts, was commissioned by American National Bank to create a mural for the bank's new Austin branch. The result, a 28-foot abstract swathe of geometric shapes, has survived in remarkable condition – except for a hole punched through it for a fire alarm. "It's important, because it was nationally one of the first examples of the integration of art and architecture," said attorney Robert Summers, who first saw the mural in 2003 when a custodian let him in. "I made him promise to tell me if he would ever see a wrecking ball there."

When the comptroller moved to the Lyndon B. Johnson State Office Building, the Starr Building – and the mural – were transferred to the General Land Office for eventual sale. With the doors locked, the mural is untouched. "Our role is to do nothing, which is good," said GLO spokesman Jim Suy­dam. "It's doing nothing but rising in value."

"The best preservation would be to find a developer interested in preserving the mural and the building," said Lisa Harvell of the Texas Historical Commission's Architecture Division. But in case that doesn't happen, steps are being taken to find the Fogel a new home. Made of concrete on a steel frame, it can be moved in one piece. So Summers contacted Judge Lee Yeakel and Magistrate Judge Andy Austin of the U.S. Western District, and they proposed moving it to Austin's new federal court building. Architect Mack Scogin approved, and the U.S. General Services Administration, the federal government's acquisition agency, began negotiations with the GLO. "Everyone's on the same page," said GLO marketing manager Laura Rogers.

Texas has already lost two Fogels, in 2002, when Hous­ton's Petroleum Club was converted into condos. But the Starr mural seems safe, as the administration's Fine Arts Division this week sent a letter recommending accepting the mural. Now Sum­mers, with the Friends of the Texas Historical Commis­sion, plans to raise $500,000 for renovation and relocation. "After many months of trying to get everyone together, things seem to be moving," Summers said.

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For fundraising-effort details, call 936-2241 or see www.arts.state.tx.us/fogelmural/fogel.asp.