If one thing can be said about me, it’s that I love community – especially the Mueller neighborhood, where I live and office. In this installment of People Behind the Parks I’m honored to share a story of Mr. Roger Lavon Taylor Sr., whose steadfast community advocacy helped shape the neighborhood we love today.
A Legacy of Service and Civic Muscle
Roger Lavon Taylor Sr., born May 30, 1935 in Austin, graduated from Anderson High School in 1954 and went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Army. After his military tenure, he studied Business Administration at Austin Community College before embarking on a long career in the federal government – ultimately retiring from the Veterans Administration after 30 years as a Mail Room Supervisor.
In the early 1970s, Taylor founded the J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association and served as its president for more than a decade. He moved with his family just south of the then-active Robert Mueller Municipal Airport (RMMA) – which would eventually become the Mueller neighborhood – and became a vocal advocate for change.
The Big Pivot – Saving a Landmark
Here’s where the local-real-estate nerd in me perks up: During Mueller’s long transformation from airport to urban village, Taylor emerged as a key figure. He was a member of the Citizens for Airport Re-Location (CARE) group and played a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of the historic airport control tower rather than its demolition.
Why does that matter? The control tower is more than a quirky mid-century relic. It anchors Mueller’s identity – a visual link to the site’s aviation past, retained because the community, with Taylor’s leadership, said “This stays.” The result: the tower remains a landmark, the neighborhood retains character, and the final piece of the redevelopment puzzle became something that respects both history and forward motion.
The Plaza That Honors His Work
On March 29, 2025, the newly completed Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza officially opened in the heart of Mueller – the final named park in That 20-year plan for the area. The plaza wraps around the historic tower with terraced landforms, shaded paths, native prairie plantings, and open lawn spaces – a thoughtful fusion of design and legacy.
Its location (3925 Berkman Dr) provides a unique vantage point back toward downtown Austin and a living tribute to Taylor’s vision for community and place.
Why This Matters in Real Estate
Here’s the real-estate angle: Neighborhood character, walkability, historical touchpoints, and thoughtful open space all drive demand. When we talk about Mueller’s appeal – its strong resale performance, premium walk-scores, and unique sense of place – you’re seeing the echoes of civic leadership like Taylor’s. It’s not just homes built; it’s a community crafted. If we ignore the “why” behind the walls, we miss the story that makes the property market tick.
More People Behind Mueller Parks
If you’re digging into the “People Behind the Parks” series, you’ll want to check out other installments right here on my blog:
- People Behind the Parks: Ella Wooten
- People Behind the Parks: John Gaines
- People Behind the Parks: Jessie Andrews
- People Behind the Parks: Mary Elizabeth Branch
- People Behind the Parks: Isamu Taniguchi
These stories reinforce why Mueller doesn’t feel like just another development – it feels like home for a reason.
Thanks for joining me in exploring one of Mueller’s unsung champions. When you’re walking the trails, pausing at the tower, or just admiring your neighborhood, remember: people like Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. helped make it happen.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Mueller – or want to talk through how the neighborhood’s unique history may influence your property strategy – I’d love to talk!