The work to restore the exterior of the historic airport control tower is wrapping up and the tower can now be seen in its original blue-hued glory. Over the last year – with a slight interruption to accommodate some nesting barn owls – Catellus, the master developer of Mueller, worked to restore the tower’s original contrasting light and dark blue porcelain panels and alternating clear glass panels on several floors reflecting the appearance of the tower as it was originally built in 1961.

Designed by native Austinites Arthur Fehr and Charles Granger, at its debut in 1961 the concrete-frame, flared control tower and the adjoining new terminal building became a symbol of Austin entering the Jet Age and received many accolades for its progressive design.

In addition to the renovation of the control tower, in 2007, Catellus worked to stabilize the 1943 Browning Hangar, one of the airport’s original hangars serving general aviation and training needs. The stabilization work included installing a new roof to protect the glue laminated wooden arches – an innovative construction method born out of World War II era ingenuity to conserve metal for the war effort.

Also standing as a reminder of Mueller’s former life as a bustling airport is the building that once served as the international terminal for the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport and the airport’s administration building. After completing a renovation of the 1930’s structure in 2006, the building has served as the home of Mueller Central, the community’s information center, and offices for Catellus.

While the future use of the tower and the hangar have yet to be determined, these preservation efforts are important to keeping the history of Mueller and Austin alive – take a tour of Mueller and stop by these landmark destinations to see for yourself.