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As Chief Historian for the Texas Historical Commission (THC) from 1998 through 2000, Jim Steely worked with citizens and organizations to preserve Texas' architectural, archeological and cultural landmarks. He also held an Adjunct Lecturer position at the University of Texas School of Architecture from 1997-2002.

In 1997 the University of Texas at Austin announced plans to demolish the Maxey House at 107 W. 27th Street, Austin, Texas, to make way for a parking garage. The 1909 house had once been the home of U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Maxey and his wife, Francis Campbell Maxey. In his position at the THC, Steely was involved in the effort to save the building and worked with local preservationists, All Saints Church and the University of Texas to find a solution. Although THC requested the University not disturb the house and instead redesign the garage, the University decided to sell it for a nominal price to someone who was willing to move the house. A local construction company owner bought the house and moved it to East 33rd and Duval. While the house was saved from destruction Steely was left "still pondering this issue of how much history is lost once the house is moved."

The former St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church located at 211 West Johanna St, Austin, Texas, now the home of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Austin and Travis County, was constructed in 1939 and is designed in the Mission Revival Style. In 2002, Lauren Broussard, as part of project for a course in Building Documentation at the University of Austin, School of Architecture, Historic Preservation Program taught by Steely, researched the property and completed an application for the National Register of Historic Places. The application was not submitted by request of the owner.