Austin's Central Auction Oak Is Centerpiece of Republic Square Landscape

One unique element to the Republic Square project in Austin, Texas is a custom cast iron tree grate (Ironsmith) in three 120????? sections for the central Auction oak. The grate incorporates the Six Flags of Texas. The pebbled texture finish of the grate's central circumference has a leathery textured look, representative of the rugged history of Texas.

In 1839, as part of a new capitol-building project for the young Republic of Texas, Republic Square became one of three public squares in Austin. Republic Square and its ''Auction oaks'' remain to this day.

In the mid 1970s, the site was used as a parking lot, but was rescued by Austin Parks and Rec and the Sierra Club and returned to park status. TBG Partners did the redesign of the space. TBG's vision was to preserve the green space, but make it more functional, and, of course, to protect the Auctions oaks.

The Auction Oaks at Republic Square project is the result of $450,000 worth of improvements: berm and sidewalk removal in and around the oaks; transplanting of several street trees impacting the oaks' growth; and restoration of the area beneath the oaks. Design elements include native plantings, and 30-inch stone columns and metal bollards, with chains linking the columns. A specially constructed stone deck under the central oak protects the tree roots, lets people enjoy the shade in moveable chairs, and is a platform for performers.

Ironsmith was contacted to make a custom tree grate for the central Auction oak. It required the largest tree grate castings (60 sq. ft.) the company ever made. Coordinating with the structural engineer, Ironsmith also designed a custom support frame to support the tree grate, and custom supports within the frame to support up lights.

The grate's Six Flags of Texas elements were cast separately from the main castings. Individual aluminum patterns with a different texture to define the different colors were made, then cast iron samples produced for client approval.

The Republic Square project was funded by the Austin Parks Foundation through donations from the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the Downtown Austin Alliance, the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, Gables Residential, Woodmen of the World, the General Services Administration and TBG Partners, Inc.