University Junior High School

University Junior High School, Austin, Texas: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

University Junior High School (UJH) in Austin, Texas, is a landmark of deep historical, architectural, and social significance. Established in 1933 through a collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin (UT) and the Austin Independent School District (AISD), UJH served as both a public junior high school and an innovative laboratory school for UT’s College of Education. Its Spanish Revival architecture, designed by George Dahl in consultation with Paul Philippe Cret, made it a visual standout and a symbol of educational progress in Depression-era Texas. UJH also played a pioneering role in civil rights history, becoming the first public junior high in Austin to voluntarily integrate in 1957—well ahead of most other schools in Texas and the broader South.

Although UJH ceased operations as a school in 1967 and was later repurposed for university use, including housing the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, the building remained a powerful symbol of social progress and community empowerment. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 recognized its cultural and architectural value. However, the building’s demolition in 2024—amid debates about heritage, memory, and urban development—highlighted ongoing challenges in historical preservation.

This guide delves deeply into UJH’s history, cultural impact, and architectural details. It provides practical information for exploring its legacy, with recommendations for engaging with related sites and resources. Whether you are interested in civil rights, educational innovation, or architectural heritage, this guide offers critical context and actionable tips.

For further reading and updates, see sources such as Preservation Texas, The Daily Texan, and the Austin History Center.

Historical Overview

Origins and Architectural Design

UJH was conceived as a dual-purpose institution—a public junior high school and a laboratory for training future educators at UT (Preservation Texas; Historic Structures). The Spanish Revival building, completed at a cost of $375,000 in 1933, featured a U-shaped layout with classrooms, laboratories, gymnasiums, and a central patio fostering a sense of community. Its design and facilities set a new standard for educational buildings in Texas.

Educational Innovation and Community Role

UJH opened on September 26, 1933, serving up to 900 students and acting as a key training site for UT’s College of Education. Alumni remember the school’s modern facilities and the vibrant presence of student teachers. The school quickly became a source of community pride and educational excellence (Historic Structures).

Pioneering Desegregation and Civil Rights Progress

In 1957, UJH became the first public junior high in Austin to integrate voluntarily, reflecting the demographics of its East Campus neighborhood (Wikipedia; Preservation Texas). This action predated widespread desegregation in Texas and was recognized as a milestone in the city’s civil rights journey (The Daily Texan).

For context, Austin’s public schools had long reflected the city’s segregationist policies, with Black and Mexican American students relegated to underfunded institutions such as Kealing Junior High and Anderson High School (Austin History Center, Segregation Bibliography). The integration of UJH was shaped by the activism of civil rights organizations like the NAACP and the Austin Equal Citizenship Corporation (Black Citizens’ Task Force Records; AECC Records). Research highlights the importance of teacher bonding, peer relationships, and extracurricular activities in supporting this transition (PMC Article on Social Integration).

Closure, Repurposing, and Preservation Debates

UJH closed as a school in 1967, following UT’s expansion and the displacement of local families. The building was repurposed for academic use, most notably housing the UT Child Development Center and, from 1993, the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (Preservation Texas; Wikipedia). Artist Raúl Valdez’s mural, “Heart & Soul,” painted in the 1990s, became a cultural highlight, depicting social justice themes. The building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

In 2024, UT announced plans to demolish the building for a new football practice facility, sparking a wave of advocacy from preservationists and alumni (KUT; Austin Chronicle). Preservation Austin and the “save the past for the fUTure” coalition sought to protect the building, achieving State Antiquities Landmark status in July 2024. However, the Texas Historical Commission ultimately granted a demolition permit, citing safety and compliance concerns. The university pledged to salvage architectural elements and produce a commemorative film (KUT).

Community Memory and Cultural Legacy

Despite demolition, UJH’s influence continues through alumni networks, community advocacy, and archival collections at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. The school remains a touchstone for discussions about equity, civil rights, and the preservation of underrepresented histories (The Daily Texan). The fate of the building has sparked debate about the balance between development and heritage, with advocates urging continued commemoration.

Visiting Information and Access

Current Status

As of June 2025, the original building no longer exists, and the site is closed to the public. There are no visiting hours or tickets available for entry. However, commemorative materials, including a documentary film and salvaged architectural elements, may be accessible through the University of Texas and local museums in the future.

How to Explore UJH’s Legacy

On Campus: Visitors can explore the UT Austin campus, where historical markers and commemorative projects may be established.
Nearby Attractions: The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, Blanton Museum of Art, and other campus sites offer exhibits and archives related to Austin’s educational and civil rights history.
Virtual Resources: Archival photos, documents, and digital exhibitions are available through the Austin History Center and UT’s digital collections.

Accessibility

The UT campus is generally accessible, with ramps and accessible facilities. For specific accommodations, contact the university ahead of any visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the University Junior High School building open for public visits?
A: No, the building was demolished in 2024. The site is closed to the public.

Q: Are there memorials or exhibitions commemorating UJH?
A: Efforts are ongoing to install markers and display salvaged elements. The planned documentary film and university resources may provide public access to the school’s history.

Q: Where can I learn more about UJH’s legacy?
A: The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, Austin History Center, and UT digital archives offer extensive resources.

Q: What other historical sites can I visit nearby?
A: The UT campus features several important sites, including the Blanton Museum of Art, Texas Memorial Museum, and the LBJ Presidential Library.

Key Dates and Milestones

1933: UJH opens as a joint UT and AISD project (Historic Structures).
1957: First public junior high in Austin to integrate (Wikipedia).
1967: School closes; building repurposed for UT use (The Daily Texan).
1993: Becomes home to the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (Preservation Texas).
2001: Added to the National Register of Historic Places (Wikipedia).
2024: Demolition approved and initiated (KUT).

Preservation and Community Response

The debate over UJH’s demolition has highlighted tensions between urban development and the need to protect local heritage. Community leaders, historians, and alumni have advocated for adaptive reuse and more transparent decision-making. While the Texas Historical Commission granted demolition approval, advocates continue to emphasize the importance of preserving sites that reflect diverse histories (Austin Chronicle; Preservation Austin).

Summary and Visiting Tips

Despite the loss of the original building, UJH’s story endures through community memory, archival collections, and public commemorations. Visitors interested in Austin’s civil rights and educational history should explore related exhibits and digital resources. Engagement with heritage organizations and staying updated through official university channels are the best ways to remain connected to this important chapter in Austin’s past.

Tips for Engagement:

Explore the UT Austin campus and its museums.
Visit the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History for UJH archives.
Attend public events or exhibitions commemorating UJH’s legacy.
Stay informed via Preservation Austin and local news.

Call to Action

University Junior High School’s legacy is a testament to Austin’s progress in education, civil rights, and community identity. As the city continues to grow, preserving and honoring such histories is vital. Download the Audiala app for guided historical tours and updates, support heritage organizations, and explore Austin’s rich tapestry of historic sites.