ATX-SCA: Impact 10/8/2025

The Calhoun House, a home of pioneering Black educators and civic leaders, was recommended to be designated as a landmark at the Historic Landmark Commission’s Oct. 1 meeting.

What to know: Preservation Austin announced the residence’s nomination and stated that the homeowner and daughter of Thelma and Theodore Calhoun, Patricia Calhoun, has worked alongside the organization throughout the process.

“The history preserved in places like the Calhoun House is essential for future generations of Black Austinites to understand where they come from, the sacrifices made on their behalf and the legacy of strength they inherit,” Preservation Austin president Miriam Conner said. “This is not just history to preserve—it’s a foundation for identity, pride and continued community building.”

What’s else?: According to data gathered by Preservation Austin, 47 of 629 Austin landmarks honored Austin’s Black heritage. The Planning Commission and City Council will hear the case and vote on finalizing the historic landmark designation later this year, a news release states.

• 2401 Givens Ave., Austin

Rainey Street restaurant Emmer & Rye will host events on Nov. 8 and 9 to commemorate its 10th anniversary with specialty chefs and one-night-only dishes.

The specifics: To kick off festivities on Nov. 8, the restaurant will host a special edition of its Breaking Bread Guest Chef Series which will feature Portland chef Gregory Gourdet of concepts Kann and Sousòl.

Chefs Kevin Fink and Tavel Bristol-Joseph will be joined by Gourdet, the team will prepare dishes highlighting the restaurant’s past decade.

On Nov. 9, a celebration will bring together all Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group concepts including Hestia, Canje, Ezov, Kalimotxo, Ladino, Henbit, Fife & Farro, Mezquite, Isidore and Nicosi. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste bites from each restaurant and enjoy cocktails and music from 3-7 p.m. Tickets are $65 and include food and entry with drink tickets available for $15.

• 51 Rainey St., Austin

Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vasquez have announced their latest project, La Mezca, which brings Mexican mezcals and seasonal cocktails to the Mueller area.

The details: The duo behind Veracruz All Natural and Veracruz Fonda & Bar has launched its first mezcalería, La Mezca. Located next to Veracruz Fonda & Bar in Mueller, the business honors small-batch agave spirits and the generations of mezcaleros who create them.

Diners will be able to try more than 20 artisanal mezcals and ancestral agave spirits from family producers in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango and San Luis Potosí. The bar team is led by Sebastian Cajas who will teach patrons about differences between mezcal and tequila, share details about the diverse agave varieties and more.

Alongside its drink options the mezcalería offers street-style tacos and botanas made with house-made nixtamalized corn tortillas crafted by chef Reyna Vasquez. Customers can enjoy tacos in orders of three with fillings including carnitas, fish and barbacoa topped with cilantro, onions and various salsas.

• 1905 Aldrich St., Ste. 125-B, Austin

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.