Cape’s Dam could get on track as landmark

It’s been the subject of a heated debate for years, but on Thursday night Cape’s Dam and the ditch engineering structure associated with it could gain historical landmark status. 

The Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing and consider designating the dam and ditch structure as a local historical landmark. The commission approved the initiation of a petition for historical status for the dam at its meeting last month. 

Cape’s Dam was built in 1867 to divert water from the San Marcos River and eventually to power a mill. In 1985, the dam was found to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) because of its significance to commerce and engineering. City staff is recommending approval of historical status for Cape’s Dam and the ditch structure, citing its historical significance, suitability for preservation, educational value and satisfaction of criteria for inclusion in the NRHP. 

Nearly three years ago, the city — which owns the dam — had decided to let the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remove the structure under its “fish pass” program, based on research by Thomas Hardy, Ph.D., from The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment about the effects the dam’s removal would have on the river. However, work toward removing the dam halted.

In other business Thursday night, the commission will discuss the possible designation of Cheatham Street Warehouse as a local historical landmark. According to the city planning department, staff reached out to Randy Rogers, owner of Cheatham Street Warehouse, about the historical designation. Rogers had stated that he and his partners are not interested in a designation for the venerable live music venue. 

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet at 5:45 p.m. Thursday in the council chambers at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St.