PHOTO GALLERY: Palm House move

Published on January 31, 2024 under RRnews

The historic Andrew J. Palm House was moved from East Main Street to a new location near its original home at the Old Settlers Association grounds late Tuesday evening.

The relocation is part of the City’s renovation plan for the Griffith Building, the former library site, on Main Street. The vacated site will be transformed into a walkway linking Prete Plaza and the new Round Rock Public Library courtyard, adjacent to a 289-space parking garage. The renovated Griffith Building will house the Round Rock Visitors Center, a two-story Arts and Culture gallery and the Round Rock Chamber.

The original two-room home was braced and relocated just northwest of its original location on the property. The chimney has been disassembled and will be reassembled. Remaining Chamber additions are being demolished. The City of Round Rock coordinated the moving of artifacts from the Palm House to Old Settlers Association before the move.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, sliding beams were set up on-site, and the Palm House was moved down these beams to the property line within the fenced area. On Monday, Jan. 29, the house was moved onto a portion of Main Street for crews to reposition moving beams and attach dollies underneath the house for easier transportation. Tuesday involved final preparations, bracing and a thorough safety check before the actual relocation of the Palm House, which began around 10 p.m. The home traveled north on Mays Street and east on Highway 79 to reach its final resting spot.

The move was funded by hotel occupancy tax revenues, which are paid by visitors staying in Round Rock hotels.