South Central Austin Edition | January 2024

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 10 JAN. 30FEB. 28, 2024

2024 Annual Community Guide

The Texas Department of Transportation's $4.5 billion I35 expansion project will kick o in mid-2024 with reconstruction of the Riverside Drive intersection.

FALCON SKY PHOTOGRAPHYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

I35 overhaul ahead

RENDERING COURTESY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

improve walkability, and mend the physical and symbolic scar I-35 created though the city’s center by increasing east to west connections to help pedes- trian and driver mobility.

Over the next year, drivers will sit through the onset of trac congestion and lane closures on I-35 that could persist for the next decade. Residents will also see businesses displaced by the project relocate or inevitably close. City leaders are hopeful it will alleviate congestion,

BY KATY MCAFEE

The Texas Department of Transportation will turn dirt on the I-35 Capital Express Central project this year, the biggest and most costly highway project in Austin at $4.5 billion.

CONTINUED ON 22

Also in this issue

Impacts: 20-course omakase restaurant now open (Page 6)

Government: Former Austinpolice chief rejects city role (Page 11)

Annual Community Guide: Austin area snapshot (Page 17)

Annual Community Guide: Food marts boomed in 2023 (Page 21)

2024 Annual Community Guide Sponsors

• Austin Water

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This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

Late payment fees do apply

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

Original Owner

New Owner

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

There are payment options everywhere

Remove the license plates and electronic tag from vehicle to avoid future charges.

When selling your vehicle, remove the vehicle from your electronic tag account. If you’ve sold your vehicle, fill out a Vehicle Transfer Notification and submit it with the required documentation to the DMV. You may receive a toll bill in the mail until the new owner registers the car. If you receive a Pay By Mail bill, please contact us so that you won’t be held responsible.

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Austin Light Rail is Moving Forward

Austin is growing, and so is the need for more transit options. Implementation of Austin Light Rail has begun, including the effort to secure federal funds. ATP is advancing environmental studies to support the federal process. Please join us to provide input on station location and other design options.

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez April Kelley Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson

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Impacts

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL,ZARA FLORES & KATY MCAFEE

Now open

MOPAC

BUELL AVE.

183

STECK AVE.

3 Homewatch CareGivers Local husband-and-wife team Meresha and Imo Eshiet started the in-home care business to offer nonmedical services focusing on everything from dementia to respite, hospital discharge, those with chronic conditions and more. • Opened Dec. 4 • 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Ste. 104, Austin • www.hwcg.com/austin

6 Los Campeones Gym Austin North Local Timothy Mantel opened his second Austin- area Los Campeones Gym. The 21,000-square-foot facility offers five specialized rooms, including for bodybuilding, powerlifting and more—each filled with an assortment of equipment. Ten trainers offer their services, in addition to massage and physical therapy, and a place for members to meal prep. • Opened Jan. 10

HIGHLAND MALL BLVD.

290

• 6406 N. I-35, Ste. 2450, Austin • www.loscampeonesaustin.com

North Central

• Opened Jan. 6 • 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 520, Austin • www.heyrowan.com

service will open this spring. The service offers meals through a variety of restaurant partnerships. • Opening March 1 • 3405 Steck Ave., Ste. 106, Austin • www.mealbux.com

Now open

4 Four 22 Realty Group Owned by broker Lisa Waltke, Four 22 offers apartment- locating services in addition to facilitating home sales. • Opened Sept. 10 • 8820 Burnet Road, Ste. 506, Austin • www.four22leasing.com, www.four22realtygroup.com

1 Craft Omakase Service industry veterans Tim Boyer, Nguyen Nguyen and Charlie Wang debuted a new 20-course Japanese eatery called Craft Omakase. • Opened Dec. 6 • 4400 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 102, Austin • www.craftomakase.com 2 Rowan Nurse-led ear-piercing studio Rowan opened in its first Austin location.

In the news

7 Gordon Automotive As of Sept. 1, Daniel Wisian took ownership of the automotive shop founded by Mike and Katie Gordon in 1966. Wisian said the shop will keep the Gordon Automotive name and continue to offer the same services. • 2417 Buell Ave., Austin • www.gordonautomotive.com

Coming soon

5 MealBux The specialized, halal-certified box meal delivery

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & ZARA FLORES

Coming soon

Now open

2 Little Swedish Hill A spin-off of Swedish Hill is slated to open in the coming weeks, which will be a miniature version of its predecessor. The shop will have an all-day menu, coffee bar, pastries and sandwiches but with limited seating. • Opening winter 2024 • 1128 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.swedishhillaustin.com

GUADALUPE ST.

Relocations

3 Hearth & Soul Founder Susie Transou will move her shop, which sells clothing, accessories and furniture, from 2727 Exposition Blvd., Austin, to the downtown area. The Tarrytown location’s final day will be Feb. 16. • Opening Feb. 7

6 Uchiba Austin Chef Tyson Cole opened the cocktail bar and restaurant with a focus on pairing cocktail sippers and small bites. Uchiba Austin offers a full bar, in addition to a sushi bar with a yakitori grill offered in both the indoor and outdoor dining areas. • Opened Oct. 6 • 601 W. Second St., Austin • http://uchiba.uchirestaurants.com

• 904-D W. 12th St., Austin • www.hearthandsoul.com

MT. BONNELL RD.

In the news

MOPAC

W. 35TH ST.

4 The Contemporary Austin The modern art museum downtown celebrated its 10- year anniversary as The Contemporary Austin in 2023, which offers exhibitions, educational opportunities and events throughout the year at both of its locations including Laguna Gloria. • 4A 700 Congress Ave., Austin; 4B 3809 W. 35th St., Austin • www.thecontemporaryaustin.org

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Downtown/West Campus

7 Pacha Organic Cafe The coffeehouse served organic drinks, in addition to made-from-scratch food such as sandwiches, quiches and salads. • Closed Dec. 31 • 2915 Guadalupe St., Austin 8 Swedish Hill The bakery, deli and neighborhood market closed its doors to make way for a new development. The new project, dubbed Sixth & Blanco, will offer mixed-use amenities with residential and retail spaces. Swedish Hill is anticipated to reopen late 2026. • Closed Jan. 14 • 1120 W. Sixth St., Austin

Now open

1 The Statesman The new supper club restaurant and bar opened in downtown Austin. The menu features elevated American classics, including seafood towers and hasselback potatoes. • Opened Jan. 19 • 710 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.opentable.ca/r/the-statesman-austin

Closings

5 Wax Myrtle’s After nearly two years downtown, the restaurant and bar space inside Thompson Austin shuttered. Wax Myrtle’s was known for its menu of chilled seafood and its pool, deck and covered cabanas. • Closed Dec. 31 • 506 San Jacinto Blvd., Ste. WM, Austin

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

Relocations

Coming soon

4 Art for the People Gallery The art gallery and artisan market had its last day at 1711 S. First St., Austin, on Jan. 7. The new space will open soon at Good Dad Studios, an art complex in South Austin. • Relocating early 2024 • 2801 I-35, Austin • www.shopartforthepeoplegallery.com

MOPAC

Closings

5 Opal Divine’s Austin Grill After 23 years in business, the family-friendly bar and grill closed its final location. Opal Divine’s Austin Grill served classic bar food, such as burgers and sandwiches, as well as craft beers and cocktails. • Closed Nov. 30 • 2200 S. I-35, Austin 6 Irie Bean The coffee and wine bar is now closed. Irie Bean offered drinks and treats, in addition to events such as live music, open mic nights, adult coloring and more. • Closed late 2023 • 2310 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 102, Austin 7 The Park on South Lamar The sports bar is now closed. Located in the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center, The Park on South Lamar had indoor and outdoor seating, TVs for sports games, beer and food. • Closed early January • 4024 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin 8 Maya Star A women’s boutique on South Congress Avenue in Austin, will close after nearly 30 years of business. The boutique, owned by Maya Krauss, offers clothing, jewelry, bags and shoes. The boutique joins other longtime South Congress businesses, such as Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds, in closing its doors as the street changes.

2 Rivian Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is slated to open a second flagship location, featuring 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space on South Congress Avenue. The facility will also have a rooftop patio and direct access to biking and walking trails along Lady Bird Lake. • Opening this spring • 200 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.rivian.com 2 35 3

360

290

MAP NOT TO SCALE

South Central

Coming soon

3 Hattie B’s The Nashville-owned and -operated hot chicken restaurant Hattie B’s will open its first Austin location in South Austin. Hattie B’s will serve its hot chicken alone or in sandwich form, and sides that include bacon cheddar grits, Southern greens and crinkle-cut fries. To drink, Hattie B’s will offer craft beer, alcoholic slushies

Now open

1 Austin Motel Wiener Cart The hot dog cart next to the Austin Motel pool serves hot dogs and veggie dogs, as well as salted pretzels, chips and sodas. The hot dog cart next to the Austin Motel pool serves class hot dogs and veggie dogs, along with a Dog of the Day special, as well as salted pretzels, chips and sodas. Although the cart is closed for the winter season, it will reopen in March. • Opened late October • 1220 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.austinmotel.com

and cocktails on tap. • Opening early 2024 • 2529 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.hattieb.com

• Closing at the end of January • 1508 S. Congress Ave., Austin

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BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & ZARA FLORES

Coming soon

TUSCANY WAY

Now open

290

5 St. Elmo Springdale Owner Bryan Winslow will open a second tasting room with more than 20 curated beers on tap, in addition to a range of other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Two food trucks, Spicy Boys Chicken and Pueblo Viejo Tacos, will open in the kid- and pet-friendly yard area. • Opening this spring • 8110 Springdale Road, Austin • www.stelmobrewing.com 6 Redbud Ice House MaieB Hospitality, along with the owners of Maie Day and Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, are combining efforts to open Redbud Ice House in the former Contigo spot in East Austin. The Texas-themed, open-air eatery will offer smash burgers, ice cream and beers. • Opening this spring

ANCHOR LN.

SPRINGDALE RD.

East Austin

3 Daydreamer The cocktail and champagne bar, helmed by a team of women, opened last fall. Amanda Carto serves as the general manager and Jessica Tantillo as partner and wine director. Daydreamer offers classic, original and nonalcoholic cocktails, as well as a rotating menu of regular and sparkling wines. • Opened Sept. 22 • 1708 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.daydreameraustin.com

1 3

• 2027 Anchor Lane, Austin • www.redbudicehouse.com

In the news

973 7 Austin Eastciders The 10-year-old local cidery was acquired by Michigan- based Blake’s Beverage Company in November; however, Blake’s CEO Andrew Blake said he has no intention of changing Austin Eastciders’ brand or products. Austin Eastciders’ taproom in East Austin— known as The Collaboratory—will remain open. • 4007 Commercial Center Drive, Ste. 700, Austin • www.austineastciders.com 130 TOLL

COMMERCIAL CENTER DR.

183

MAP NOT TO SCALE

East Austin

emotional learning play school for children ages 3-6 with a curriculum targeted on problem-solving, independence, empathy and emotional regulation. • Opened Jan. 15 • 2802 Manor Road, Austin • www.bloomroomplayschool.com 4 Saigon Le Vendeur After serving the Austin community in a food truck for 10 years, owners Trish and Tebi Nguyen have opened a brick-and-mortar location of Saigon Le Vendeur. The Vietnamese restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes such as banh mi as well as seasonal specials such as curry ramen. • Opened Nov. 20 • 2601 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.saigonlevendeuratx.com

Now open

71 1 Allday Pizza Townsend Smith and Daniel Sorg opened a second Allday Pizza location behind the cocktail bar Daydreamer. The pizza truck sells thin-crust pizzas, salads and gelato. • Opened Nov. 4 • 1708 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.allday.pizza

Closings

8 Friends & Allies Brewing The local brewery closed after more than five years of business. The venture was founded by Devon Ponds and Ben Sabin, offering a lineup of India pale ales, stouts

and other beers. • Closed Dec. 9 • 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 124, Austin

2 The Bloom Room Play School Local Antonia Calabrese opened the social and

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin city manager search gets underway The search for Austin’s next city manager is ramping up ahead of an anticipated final selection this spring. How we got here Austin’s government has been operating under interim City Manager, Jesús Garza, since City Council fired former City Manager Spencer Cronk in February 2023. Officials began preparing to find his permanent successor a few months later and in October agreed to a $150,000 contract with Califor- nia-based Mosaic Public Partners to carry out the national search. Mosaic’s application period opened Jan. 8 and will close Feb. 12. Mayor Kirk Watson said the position was already drawing “strong interest” before the new year.

Former police chief declines Austin offer Former Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo was tapped to oversee the Austin Police Department in a newly created executive post but declined the position Jan. 23, less than a week after it was announced. The details The offer of assistant city manager over the APD immediately generated pushback from City Council given his previous record leading the police force. “Politics and power struggles have hindered our efforts to create real positive improvements for the people of this city,” Acevedo wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I have informed interim City Manager Garza that I cannot accept this position and will pursue other opportunities.”

Search process steps Feb. 2023 Spencer Cronk fired; Jesús Garza appointed as interim city manager Summer 2023 City Council develops request for search firm Oct. 2023 Council selects Mosaic Public Partners to lead search for $150,000 Feb. 2024 Application period closes Jan. 2024 Application period begins April 2024 City manager selection begins

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The approach The search, guided by feedback from City Council members and community stakeholders, will continue before a candidate shortlist is developed in March. A final public selection process will follow and a new city manager could be chosen by mid-April— although the manager’s start date is not locked in. “I want to emphasize that because this is such a big decision, we shouldn’t feel rushed in any way,” Watson said.

Downtown shelter reopens following city purchase After changing operators and being purchased by the city, a key downtown Austin shelter for women and transgender clients is once again housing dozens of people. The background on new management and later buying the entire site—moves totaling more than $20 million.

Eighth Street Shelter Austin Resource Center for the Homeless

The facility reopened as the Eighth Street Shel- ter on Dec. 21 and will gradually ramp up to serve a projected 150 clients by late March. Most beds are available on a referral basis only. The shelter and the neighboring Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, or ARCH, are now both run by nonprofit Urban Alchemy.

In early 2023, the former Salvation Army facility was at risk of permanent closure. Austin then tem- porarily extended its operations before bringing

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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Education

BY ELLE BENT

Austin ISD receives $6.25M for electric buses Austin ISD is one of two school districts in Central Texas to receive federal funding toward the purchase of electric buses. The overview A total of $6.25 million for 25 electric buses for AISD was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 8. The new buses will replace diesel-powered vehicles in the district’s existing eet. The EPA provided the grant to AISD with funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and has awarded 67 grants to 280 districts nationwide. “This is especially good news for children in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks, such as asthma,” EPA Regional Administrator Earthea Nance said in a news release.

Renovations to begin as part of 2022 bond The Austin ISD community will see the start of construction at campuses districtwide throughout 2024, more than a year since voters approved a $2.44 billion bond. What you need to know The majority of the 2022 bond, about $2.3 billion, is dedicated toward the mod- ernization of facilities and schools, which will include security upgrades, repairs and technology improvements. A total of 25 modernization projects are part of the bond, which include full replacement campuses or major school renovations in addition to four open-concept campuses that are in need of renovations.

" Still yellow outside but green inside. While they will look the same, our new,

electric Austin school buses will be healthier for both our students and our planet."

LLOYD DOGGETT, UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

The details AISD ocials began procuring electric buses through manufacturing company IC Bus in Septem- ber 2022, followed by an announcement that they plan to convert all of the district’s diesel buses to electric by 2035. AISD is the rst school district in Texas to promise the transition. “Our district is very excited that we will be able to provide transportation for our students on zero-emission school buses,” said Kris Hafezizadeh, AISD Executive Director of Transportation and Vehicle Service. “This is an important step towards clean transportation and improved air quality for our students and community.”

For a full list of projects, visit www.bond.austinschools.org.

Ocials catch up on backlog of special ed evaluations Austin ISD ocials are making headway on the backlog of special education evaluations, which are crucial to students who may be awaiting access to accommodations at school. The gist The total number of past due evaluations completed within the required time frame of 45 school days, district ocials said. By the numbers

Special education evaluations

Total pending

Past due

AISD ocials announced that over 2,300 special education evaluations were processed in the fall 2023 semester, exceeding the district’s target by 43%. The spring 2024 semester target is 2,055, according to district documents.

decreased by about 83% from January to December 2023. By December, nearly all of evaluations were

Jan.

March May July Sept.

Nov.

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Real estate

Data from the Austin Board of Realtors shows that Central Austin had more home listings, closed sales and months of inventory in December 2023 compared to December 2022. Residential market data

Number of homes sold in each ZIP code

December 2022

December2023

-25%

-5.26%

+9.09%

+66.67%

-25%

December 2022

December 2023

78701

78702

78703

78704

78705

78722

78752 78705 78751 78756

-24.24%

-37.5%

+66.67%

-28.57%

-63.16%

78757

78731

360

78703

78723

78701

78702

78722

78704

290

78723

78731

78751

78752

78756

78757

MOPAC

Median home sales price

Central Austin

December

2022

2023

December

2022

2023

$818,325 $615,000

$1,575,000 $640,000 $1,630,000 $810,000 $364,500 $790,000 $553,000 $890,950 $581,000 $419,950 $650,000 $548,500

78701 78702 78703 78704 78705 78722 78723 78731 78751 78752 78756 78757

173

214

New listings

$2,255,000 $688,750 $290,00 $550,000 $614,868 $910,000 $645,000 $529,168 $789,000 $610,000

170 180

Closed sales

Months of inventory

2.4

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

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Events

Transportation

BY BEN THOMPSON

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

$12M in upgrades coming to the Seaholm District More than $12 million in mobility projects for Austin’s Seaholm District are lined up to improve connectivity in and around downtown. What happened In mid-December, City Council shut down a tax increment reinvestment zone that was created in the 2000s and earmarked the remaining $12.59 million of tax revenue on different mobility upgrades which could include: • Creating an underpass for Shoal Creek Trail under the Third Street pedestrian bridge • Expand the Third Street bridge for more walk- ing, biking space • Improve safety, navigation and landscaping • Added signage to highlight various trail cross- ings, intersections

City Council approves $47M bridge redo City Council made the decision to move ahead with a replacement project for the deteriorating Barton Springs Road Bridge, rather than an alternative full-scale rehabili- tation, on Dec. 14. The details The design process for a new bridge will pull $10 million from the city’s 2020 bond, while $37 million needed for construction will be identified in future project phases. Plans include replacing the existing two- lane structure and its narrow sidewalks with a wider four-lane bridge featuring expanded cyclist and pedestrian pathways. The project will also upgrade shared-use pathways along Barton Springs Road, according to the city’s Capital Delivery Services Department.

OUTsider Fest Austin-based nonprofit OUTsider will host its annual celebration honoring the LGBTQ+ community with performances from more than a dozen artists. • Feb. 15-18, times vary • $49-$109 • The Vortex, 2307 Manor Road, Ste. 2135, Austin • www.outsiderfest.org Ascension Seton Austin Marathon The annual race returns, sprawling across Central Austin and concluding at the Capitol. • Feb. 18, 7 a.m. • $49-$219 • Starts at Second Street and Congress Avenue, Austin • www.youraustinmarathon.com Black History Month Kids’ Day The George Washington Carver Museum will host a Black History Month celebration for kids with crafts and activities. • Feb. 24, 11 a.m. • Free • 1165 Angelina St., Austin • Eventbrite: Carver Museum ATX

February

Seaholm mobility improvements

Jo’s Chili Cook-Off The professional and amateur chili competition will offer attendees a chance to pick their favorite chili of the day. • Feb. 4, noon-3 p.m. • Free (entry), $25 (tastings and voting ticket) • Hotel San Jose, 1316 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-san-jose Red Haute: ‘Love, Audrey’ Organized by the Women’s Symphony League, the Valentine’s Day luncheon and children’s fashion show will benefit the Austin Symphony Orchestra. • Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. • $150 • Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin • www.wslaustin.org A Valentine’s Affair Ten aerial, pole and cabaret performers will entertain attendees on the outdoor courtyard stage. • Feb. 14; 6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (evening show), 8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (late show) • $30 and up • The Belmont, 305 W. Fifth St., Austin • www.eventbrite.com

1 Shoal Creek Trail underpass 2 Expanded Third Street pedestrian bridge 3 Third Street and West Avenue intersection improvements 5 Walter Seaholm Drive trail crossing 6 West Avenue trail crossing 4 Sidewalk and trail accessibility improvements

Cupid’s Undie Run The annual fun run will kick off with drinking and mingling before participants head out for a 1-mile run, which ends with a dance party. Proceeds will go toward research on neurofibromatosis, a genetic nervous system disorder. • Feb. 24, noon-4 p.m. • $40 • Kung Fu Saloon, 716 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.cupids.org

1 2

WALTER SEAHOLM DR.

COLORADO RIVER

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN

BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400

Winter Weather PREPAREDNESS TIPS For updates and instructional videos visit: austinwater.org

Locate your water shutoff Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. In an emergency, Austin Water recommends you always try to shut off your water at your property owner’s cutoff valve first. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure where, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, during an emergency, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Keep out cold air Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Exposed pipes and water heaters Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Outside faucets Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. Prepare before leaving town If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand

■ WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary ■ INSULATION

■ Battery powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT ■ Have enough water

for 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS

for indoor and outdoor pipes

■ HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets

In the event of an emergency and you can’t access your meter box, please call Austin Water’s Emergency Dispatch at 512-972-1000.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY ZARA FLORES

Community Impact is proud to say THANK YOU to our Annual Community Guide sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Austin Water encourages customers to take proactive measures now to safeguard their properties against freezing temperatures. Follow these steps to prevent potential winter-related property damage. Locate Water Shuto: Ensure everyone in your residence is aware of the main water shuto valve's location, typically on your side of the water meter at the meter box. Keep the area around the valve clear of debris and obstacles. Keep Out Cold Air: Close doors and windows tightly, repair any drafts, and seal leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Exposed Pipes and Water Heaters: Insulate pipes in unheated areas, like attics or garages, following manufacturer recommendations for tanked and tankless water heaters. Outside Faucets: Turn o outside faucets, remove hoses, and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Don't forget to turn o and drain automatic sprinkler systems. For more information and instructional videos on how to prepare for winter, visit austinwater.org.

Silver Sponsor

TO READ ALL COMMUNITY IMPACT GUIDES AND SEE REGULAR TOPIC UPDATES,

2024 marks an important milestone for United Way for Greater Austin: 100 years serving the community. As we look forward to 100 more years of driving change, we invite you to learn about and join our movement to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all at unitedwayaustin.org.

ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE HOME EDUCATION COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. VISIT

2024 Annual Community Guide

The city of Austin and the Central Texas region as a whole has seen an inux of residents over the years, but the city lags behind the state’s growth overall. The median age in Austin remained below that of Travis County and the state Texas. Austin area snapshot

Austin

Travis County

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU 2022 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5YEAR ESTIMATESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Age analysis

Population change

Texas

21.6% 39.2% 24.9% 12.3% 2% 34.2

28.2% 28.6% 24.9% 15.4% 2.8% 35.2

23.3% 35% 26.4% 13.2% 2.1% 35.1

0-19

916,906

1,176,584

2017

20-39

2022 958,202

2022 1,289,054

40-59

60-79

5-year population change

80+

+4.5%

+9.6%

Median age

Texas: +6.5%

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

At Caliterra in Dripping Springs we’ve got plenty of room for friends, family, fun and fresh air! Come experience the stunning natural beauty, wide open spaces, views of Onion Creek and explore unique amenities like The Cove pool complex, The Front Porch coffee shop, and The Hall community center. You’ll soon discover everything here has been developed – or left undeveloped – to make room for the good life.

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD • 1+ ACRE CUSTOM LOTS AVAILABLE

CaliterraLiving.com New Homes from the $500s to $2Million+

290

Drees Custom Homes – 512.960.1960 Scott Felder Homes – 512.308.6826 Pulte Homes – 512.690.9111 Custom Homes – 512.751.7309

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY KATY MCAFEE

Microrestaurants grew in Austin’s food scene Austin foodies saw an influx of microrestaurants, small dining areas that tout an intimate experience, in 2023. Several of Austin’s new microrestaurants embraced the omakase concept, a Japanese-style dining experience wherein the chef curates the menu for guests. Omakase bars seat about 10 people and offer a view of the chef preparing each course.

Daiboku 609 W. 29th St., Austin www.daibokuramen.com

Fabrik 1701 E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Ste. 102, Austin www.fabrikatx.com

The following stories are based on trends Community Impact staff identified through monthly Impacts section reporting in 2023.

ELIZABETH ST.

Sushi Bar ATX 2600 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin www.sushibarhospitality.com

Uchibā 601 W. Second St., Austin www.uchiba.uchirestaurants.com

Underdog 1600 S. First St., Ste. 100, Austin www.underdog-atx.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NORTH AUSTIN

360

Community New food markets

BY ZARA FLORES

2222

1 Cork & Brew Market Cork & Brew Market opened its second location in 2023, on Menchaca Road, offering its selection of curated wine, beer and snacks. Shoppers can also order fresh coffee, tacos and Indian dishes from the store’s kitchen. • Opened April 12 2 Foxtrot The Chicago-based convenience store and market set out to expand its footprint across the country and debuted a number of locations in Austin last year. Foxtrot offers a curated selection of goods to prepare full meals or items to snack on. • Opened Feb. 17 • 2A 4800 Burnet Road, Austin • Opened June 6 • 2B 1804 S. First St., Austin • Opened July 22 • 2C 301 W. Second St., Austin • Opened Aug. 26 • 2D 2270 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.foxtrotco.com • 4410 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.corkandbrewmarket.com 3 Sprouts Farmers Market The Arizona-based market chain has a new location in Austin, just one of the many new locations throughout the Central Texas region. Sprouts Farmers Market offers a wide array of groceries, vitamins and items in bulk. • Opened Oct. 13 • 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin • www.sprouts.com 4 Tiny Grocer The second location of this local market offers produce and goods made in small batches for a sustainable operation. French eatery Bureau de Poste, a partnership between owner Steph Steele and “Top Chef” contestant Jo Chan, also opened within Tiny Grocer.

183

Austin

290

MOPAC

EXPOSITION BLVD.

BARBARA JORDAN BLVD.

360

W. CESAR CHAVEZ ST.

290

6 H-E-B The Texas staple opened its first multilevel location featuring Lake Austin’s Coffee Spot, SouthFlo Pizza and True Texas BBQ across nearly 100,000 square feet. • Opened Feb. 15 • 6A 2652 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin • Coming 2024 • 6B 2400 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.heb.com This list is not comprehensive.

• Opened Oct. 3 • 4300 Speedway, Ste. 101, Austin • www.tinygrocer.com

5 H Mart Austin will soon have a second location of Asian supermarket, H Mart. The market will feature a food court with a variety of cuisine offerings, packaged goods, produce and more. • Opening 2024 • 5222 Burnet Road, Ste. 500, Austin • www.hmart.com

Know what to do in case of an outage. • Know how to report an outage, use the Outage Map and get text alerts. • Make sure your contact info is current at COAUtilities.com or call 512-494-9400 . • Learn how Austin Energy handles outages. austinenergy.com/outage Get Ready . Stay Ready .

SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

I-35 overhaul ahead From the cover

Zooming in