Around the Courthouse Square: Historic Preservation and Economic Development
November 20-21, 2025
The 2025 Duda Forum on Historic Preservation and Sustainable Development brought together preservationists, community leaders, and courthouse experts for two days of insight and inspiration in Austin and New Braunfels. With Texas’s historic courthouses taking center stage, attendees explored challenges of restoration, community impact, and the importance of preserving these iconic landmarks.
Read the full recap below by THF President and CEO David Preziosi for this year's highlights, and be sure to sign up for emails to be notified about next year's forum!
Speakers
Comal County Courthouse Story
Judge Sherman Krause, Comal County
Tere O'Connell, O'Connell Architecture
Texas Courthouse Preservation Program
Susan Tietz, Texas Historic Commission
Historic Importance and Preservation of Courthouses Panel
Judge Jerry Bearden, Mason County
Alexis McKinney, Architexas
Michael van Enter, van Enter Studios
Technical Challenges with Courthouse Restoration Panel
Judge J.D. Clark, Wise County
Jack Pyburn, Lord Aeck Sargent
Dale Sellers, Phoenix I Restoration & Construction
Community Impact of Courthouses Panel
Josie Falletta, San Marcos Main Street
Rush Harris, Marshall Economic Development
Chris Moore, Texas Main Street Program
Tour of Comal County Courthouse
Tere O'Connell, O'Connell Architecture
