Nov 12, 2025
People Behind the Parks: Roger Taylor Sr.
A Legacy of Preservation and Community in Mueller
When you stroll through Mueller’s plazas and parks, you’re walking through the vision of neighbors who spoke up, showed up, and shaped this community. Among the most influential was Roger Lavon Taylor Sr., whose leadership and persistence helped define not just a park, but a neighborhood’s sense of identity.
A Life of Service
Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. was born in Austin on May 30, 1935, and graduated from Anderson High School in 1954. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, he studied Business Administration at Austin Community College and began a long federal career with the Veterans Administration, where he worked for three decades before retiring as a Mail Room Supervisor.
His public service didn’t stop there. In the early 1970s, Taylor founded the J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association, serving as its president for more than ten years. His focus was always the same - strengthening community ties, ensuring equity, and preserving local character during times of change.
The Fight to Save a Landmark
When the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport closed, redevelopment plans called for a total transformation of the site. But amid the excitement for new growth, one important symbol of Austin’s history was nearly lost: the control tower.
Taylor became a driving voice in the effort to save it. As part of the Citizens for Airport Re-Location (CARE) group, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the tower - the heart of the old airport - remained standing. His leadership helped shift the conversation from demolition to preservation, allowing the community to keep a tangible link to its aviation roots.
Today, that decision defines Mueller’s skyline. The tower serves as a visual anchor, connecting the neighborhood’s modern homes and parks to its storied past.
A Plaza That Honors His Legacy
In 2025, the Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza officially opened at 3925 Berkman Drive, wrapping gracefully around the preserved control tower. Designed by Studio Balcones, the plaza blends terraces, native landscapes, shaded paths, and open lawns - a modern park space with historical depth.
As the final named park in Mueller’s redevelopment plan, the plaza serves as both a destination and a reminder: communities thrive when neighbors like Taylor dedicate their time, energy, and heart to shaping them.
From any spot on the plaza, you can look toward downtown Austin and see not just a view - but a story - of what collaboration and civic pride can accomplish.
Why It Matters
At Mueller Residential Group, we often talk about how a neighborhood becomes more than a collection of homes. It’s shaped by the people who care enough to build something lasting.
Taylor’s story embodies the values that define Mueller: community, heart, and home. His work ensured that Mueller’s development respected the area’s heritage while paving the way for a thriving, forward-thinking community. That sense of continuity is one of the reasons Mueller real estate remains so sought-after - it’s not just well-planned; it’s deeply rooted.
FAQ - Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. and the Plaza
Who was Roger Lavon Taylor Sr.?
A U.S. Army veteran, longtime federal employee, and founder of the J.J. Seabrook Neighborhood Association, Taylor was a central figure in local civic life and a key advocate for preserving the Mueller Control Tower during the redevelopment process.
What is the Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza?
It’s a public plaza in the heart of Mueller that surrounds the historic control tower. Completed in 2025, it was the final park named in Mueller’s redevelopment plan.
Why is the control tower significant?
The tower is one of the few remaining structures from the original Robert Mueller Municipal Airport. It’s a symbolic bridge between the neighborhood’s aviation past and its modern rebirth.
Where is the plaza located?
The Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza sits at 3925 Berkman Drive, adjacent to Mueller’s Control Tower.
What does his legacy represent?
Taylor’s legacy represents advocacy, perseverance, and community-first planning - the very values that continue to shape Mueller’s culture and livability today.
Explore More People Behind the Parks
If you’ve enjoyed this story, explore more from our People Behind the Parks series:
Each story connects to the next - showing how history, design, and community advocacy come together to make Mueller one of Austin’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
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Be Part of the Legacy
At Mueller Residential Group, we absolutely love the stories behind the people that shaped the community around us. And we love helping our clients become part of that story. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring what makes Mueller such a special place to live, we’re here to help you find your next chapter.
📞 Call or text us at (512) 829-1351
📩 Email us at hello@muellerresidentialgroup.com
Let’s talk about your goals - and how we can help you make your own mark on the Mueller community.
