.png)
Molly Alexander received the highest honor for public architecture from Austin’s chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Alan Taniguchi Award.
Alexander earned her prestigious award after decades of dedication to the betterment of local historical districts in Elgin and Austin.
Her transformative work in downtown development began in Elgin in 1991, where she managed the Main Street Revitalization Program’s $1.5 million reinvestment, creating over 100 jobs and leading the efforts for the area’s designation as a National Register Historic District. She has since transitioned to Austin, where her programs like “Writing on the Wall” continue to bring in visitors and promote city-wide art through murals. Alexander’s work has been critical to the revival of Elgin’s and Austin’s downtown districts as a walkable, livable historic area, speakers said.
“This award is given jointly from AIA Austin and the Austin Foundation for Architecture to a person whose work has benefited the public, and advances the built and natural environment of Austin,” said Executive Director Ingrid Spencer. “Her strategic expertise and public space management, alone, warrants great recognition.”
Her leadership, experience, and passion for downtown revitalization, economic development, and city making as part of the Downtown Austin Alliance has resulted in a transformative initiative for the community.
Alexander continues to serve on the Elgin Historic Review Board, the Elgin Economic Development Corporation and operates her own two downtown establishments, The Owl Wine Bar and Home Goods and Elgin Drygoods.
