North Central Austin Edition | February 2025

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North Central Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 11 MARCH 6APRIL 2, 2025

After a decade of planning, the nearly 33-year-old Austin Convention Center will soon be torn down and rebuilt through a four-year project that will BY BEN THOMPSON New convention center revealed transform six square blocks of downtown.

Local leaders say the project will better position the center, which is much smaller than Houston, Dallas and San Antonio’s and already losing business due to its size. It’s also expected to help revitalize the area with new public features and a more inviting presence. “We will no longer be a barrier. We will be a gateway that transforms the southeast corner [of downtown] into what we hope will be a bustling community hub,” ACC Assistant Director Katy Zamesnik said. “We really want this to be a conven- tion center where our business opportunity meets our cultural enrichment.”

The $1.6 billion redevelopment kicks o with the center’s closure in April, soon after South by South- west Conference & Festivals, with reopening set in time for that event in 2029. It’s expected to boost the local economy and Austin’s national prole, as well as impact the surrounding area, and city hotel and tourism operations in the years ahead, ocials said.

CONTINUED ON 14

Austin Convention Center site

The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will include new retail and public art, and reopen streets.

RENDERING COURTESY AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENT & LMNPAGE

Also in this issue

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INSIDE

Community: Discover 44 North Austin summer camps in our annual guide (Page 17)

Transportation: Learn about toll rates impacting Austin- area drivers (Page 25)

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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. BE READY for the next cold snap EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary

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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.

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same ambiance of the original location. • Relocated Feb. 1 • 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 270, Austin • www.genuinejoecoffee.com

Now open

W. ANDERSON LN.

183

FAR WEST BLVD.

In the news

5 Stout House A craft beer and cocktail bar concept based from San Antonio, Stout House is pursuing a location in North Austin’s retail, dining and entertainment district The Linc. • Opening date TBD • 6406 N. I-35 service road, Ste. 1700, Austin • www.stouthousesa.com 6 Antonelli’s Cheese The local cheese shop is celebrating 15 years of business in February. Antonelli’s is celebrating with tasting

MOPAC

N. LAMAR BLVD.

2 SafeSplash Swim School Kicking o the new year, the performance-based SafeSplash Swim School has brought its program for swimming and safety skills to the Austin area. The school serves swimmers of all ages and skill levels, providing a variety of lesson options under certied teachers, including group, semi-private and private swim lessons. The location is owned by Siva Papolu and Shrikar Somayajula. • Opened Jan. 19 • 2020 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.safesplash.com

SHIRLEY AVE.

290

WALLINGFORD BEND DR.

events and free cheese. • 4220 Duval St., Austin • www.antonellischeese.com

W. 38TH ST.

DUVAL ST.

1 W. 37TH ST

Closings

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Flyrite Chicken The business closed its Burnet location in December, alongside its East location. The restaurant opened o Burnet in 2016 and served chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, wraps, sides and other dishes. • Closed in December 8 Trudy’s North Star Trudy’s closed its last location, Trudy’s North Star o Burnet Road. Trudy’s South Star, o Little Texas Lane, closed in May 2024. The restaurant, which opened in 1977, led for bankruptcy in 2020 and was purchased by a private equity rm that same year. • Closed in January • 8820 Burnet Road, Austin • www.trudys.com • 6539 Burnet Road, Austin • www.flyritechicken.com

North Central

3 Love Lamp Matcha This new coee shop recently celebrated its grand opening and focuses on drinks made with matcha, a

Now open

green tea powder. • Opened Jan. 25

1 Oribello’s The new sports lounge oers a blend of Filipino and American dishes to pair with cocktails, beer and wine. Oribello’s is owned by Darrel Oribello, a restaurateur and partner in Sazan Ramen and Endo Sushi, and his sons, DJ and Wesley Oribello, and partner Brandon Kim. • Opened Jan. 18 • 519 W. 37th St., Austin • www.oribellos.com

• 6910 Shirley Ave., Austin • www.lovelampmatcha.com

Relocations

4 Genuine Joe Coeehouse The coee shop moved to a new home in what was a GMC oce after its West Anderson Lane location was forced to closed due to the property being sold. Owner Josh Brown said that the new space will maintain the

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Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opening in February • 2815 Guadalupe St., Ste. A, Austin • Instagram: dokabubbletea.texas

Now open

5 1972 Austin’s first pub dedicated to women’s sports is set to open on The Drag. Formerly ATX Women’s Sports Pub, 1972 was co-founded by Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis. The pub will showcase women’s sports year- round. The pub will welcome women, men, the LGBTQ community and allies. • Opening in March • 2530 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.1972pub.com 6 Justine’s Brasserie Partnering with the Blanton Museum of Art, Justine’s Brasserie will offer French cuisine, taking inspiration from Paris-style cafes. The brain behind Austin spaces such as Uchi and La Condesa, Joel Mozersky will be designing the new concept’s interior. The East Austin location will remain open. • Opening in 2025 • 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin • Instagram: @justinesxblanton

GUADALUPE ST

BRAZOS ST.

2 Abby’s Learning Center Located in downtown Austin, the learning center “embraces neurodiversity,” bringing the community an inclusive therapy center dedicated to all types of learning and exploration. Clinical professionals on staff follow a “loose structure” during sessions providing applied behavior analysis, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, as well as sensory and music therapy. • Opened Jan. 22

SAN JACINTO BLVD.

• 510 W. 15th St., Austin • www.abbyscenter.com

In the news

7 Antone’s Nightclub Iconic blues venue Antone’s will celebrate 50 years in downtown Austin this year. Self-proclaimed “home of the blues,” the stage has featured legendary names such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan and James Brown, among others. • Opened in 1975 • 305 E. Fifth St., Austin • www.antonesnightclub.com 8 P. Terry’s Burger Stand The Austin-based chain celebrated 20 years this year. The eatery offers burgers, fries, hand-spun milkshakes, and lemonade and orange juice made from freshly

Downtown/West Campus

3 Lockton Independent insurance brokerage firm Lockton has opened its first office in Austin, helmed by CEO Steve Idoux. Located in the Google Office Building, it will house a team of 30 employees. • Opened in January • 500 W. Second St., Austin • www.lockton.com

Now open

1 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods The store is now open in what was previously Goodwill. This is the Houston-based brand’s 16th Austin location and the first downtown. Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods offers alcohol, cigars, gifts and more. • Opened Nov. 23 • 914 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.specsonline.com

Coming soon

4 Doka Bubble Tea The bubble tea shop will serve a wide variety of bubble tea and fruit tea options. Doka Bubble Tea was founded in Taiwan and this will be the first Austin location.

squeezed citrus. • Opened in 2005 • 515 Congress Ave., Austin • www.pterrys.com

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

Now open

MOPAC

WOODLAND AVE.

5 Pins Mechanical Co. Pins Mechanical Co., a Midwest-based social

entertainment company, will open a location in the St. Elmo neighborhood this spring. Pins Austin will oer duckpin bowling, pinball, “old-school” entertainment, craft beers and classic cocktails. The bowling alley and arcade will replace what was once promised to be the St. Elmo Public Market before the project went dark and was quietly listed for sale in 2022. • Opening this spring • 4323 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.pinsbar.com

E. OLTORF ST.

MENCHACA RD.

Relocations

2 Halal Bros The Middle Eastern grill opened a new location near Target on South Lamar Boulevard. Halal Bros serves street-style food, such as beef, lamb or chicken shawarma over rice or in a wrap or salad. • Opened Feb. 6 • 4211 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. A30, Austin • www.thehalalbros.com

6 Integritek Previously in Westlake Oaks, the managed information technology service provider moved its headquarters to South Central Austin. • 1949 S. I-35, Ste. 203, Austin • www.integritek.net

290

PRATHER LN.

290

In the news

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 Common Ground by LifeWorks LifeWorks, an organization focused on providing services for homeless youth, young adults and families, launched a new peer support program for children ages 13 through 17. Services will be available at no cost and can be made by appointment or through walk-in. The program will be held at their South oce.

South Central

3 Sundazed Stained Glass Studio The glass studio from Lesleigh Arratia opened a South Austin location this year. The new space oers classes for all skill levels. • Opened early January

Now open

• 3700 S. First St., Austin • www.lifeworksaustin.org

1 The Outrun Hour The Outrun Hour is oering the community a fresh creative outlet, owner Zane Pickett said. The space features a synthwave-inspired rug tufting studio, where guests can make their own rugs. Experiences can be scheduled by appointment, and memberships are also available. • Opened in October

• 2104 Prather Lane, Austin • www.sundazedglass.com

8 Grata’s Pizzeria February marks ve years of business for the pizzeria. The “Philly-centric” pub boasts a full bar and oers authentic Philly cheesesteaks and Neapolitan-style pizza. • 2700 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.gratapizza.com

4 ULU Recovery & Wellness The heath and wellness studio features four private sauna and cold plunge rooms, a light therapy bench, an IV lounge and small retail area. • Opened Jan. 18 • 1600 S. First St., Ste. 140, Austin • www.uluwellness.com

• 3425 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.theoutrunhour.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Relocations

Coming soon

BARBRA JORDAN BLVD.

E. 38TH 1/2 ST.

5 Texas Coffee Traders The local coffee roasting company relocated its cafe and retail space to a new spot on East Seventh Street from Fourth Street. The cafe offers coffee, espresso and tea drinks, as well as pastries and fresh roasted coffee beans. • Relocated in December 6 Crafternoon ATX The nature-focused youth art studio will move its operations to a new studio in East Austin. Crafternoon ATX owner and art teacher Camille Lema has operated out of a detached garage in her backyard for the last four years. Their new studio, a house in the Cherrywood neighborhood, offers more space and “potential for programming.” • Relocating in March • 3223 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.texascoffeetraders.com

AIRPORT BLVD.

183

N. PLEASANT VALLEY RD.

3 Twin Isle From chef Janelle Romeo, also behind local food truck Shirley’s Trini Cuisine, Twin Isle is a fast-casual restaurant inspired by her native island, Trinidad and Tobago, and the surrounding Caribbean islands.

• 1603 E. 38th 1/2 St., Austin • www.crafternoonatx.com 973

Austin Bergstrom International Airport

• Opening early spring 2025 • 1401 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.twinislerestaurant.com

In the news

183

PRESIDENTIAL BLVD.

7 The Lucky Duck This day-to-nighttime bar from Michael Bajec is celebrating five years in East Austin this February. The bar hosts afternoon live music and karaoke nights, along with other events. Beer, cocktails, wine, burgers, and other food and drink options are available on the menu. • 1300 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.atx.luckyducktx.com 130 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

East Austin

Bergstrom International Airport. The opening of Half Moon marks the first new sit-down food concession on the nonsecure side of the airport since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. • Opened Jan. 29

Now open

• 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin • www.halfmoonempanadas.com

1 Poke House The restaurant, now open in Mueller, offers

Closings

customizable poke bowls. Poke House is based in Austin and was founded by brother-sister duo Edin and Aida Tabakovic in 2017. • Opened Jan. 25 • 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Ste. 1410, Austin • www.pokehousetx.com

4 Handsome Dan’s Founded by Josh Hare, also behind brewery Hops and Grain, Handsome Dan’s offers ciders, wine, THC-infused drinks and beers on tap, including nonalcoholic beer. Guests can also take to-go items, including sandwiches made with Easy Tiger bread. • Opened Feb. 21 • 979 Springdale Road, Ste. 124, Austin • www.handsomedansbar.com

8 Flyrite Chicken Sandwiches The original Flyrite location closed in January alongside its Burnet location. The business opened its shop nine years ago off Seventh Street, serving chicken sandwiches and other dishes. Other locations are still operating. • Closed Jan. 11

• 2129 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.flyritechicken.com

2 Half Moon Empanadas The Miami-based eatery is now open in the Austin-

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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Post-arrest legal assistance program ramps up this year

Austin revising rules for short- term rentals Spurred by recent court decisions and chal- lenges with regulation, Austin is updating some policies for short-term rental, or STR, operators and platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. What’s happening While STRs must be licensed by the city, sta believe a vast majority of the thousands of rental spaces operating today are doing so o the books. Austin has about 2,220 licensed rental properties, but the STR database Inside Airbnb currently reports more than 15,000 total active rental listings on that platform. Unlicensed rentals have remained a city target due to concerns over nuisances in neighborhoods, lost city tourism revenue and housing aordability. Changes up for adoption Feb. 27, after press time, include requiring platforms to display STR license numbers in online listings to ensure registration; delisting spaces without valid licenses at the city’s request; requiring 1,000-foot buers between STR operators’ units as a “density cap;” and banning business entities from operating STRs on properties with three units or less.

Legal support expands Counsel for arrestees who can’t pay for their own lawyer is being made available more often, with expanded hours on additional days.

2024

April: CAFA pilot program begins October/November: One shift, three days a week December: One shift, four days a week January: One shift, ve days a week February: One shift, seven days a week July: Two shifts, seven days a week

Expanded post-arrest legal services, a longtime priority for local civil rights advocates, received $8.2 million from Travis County and $7.19 million from Austin in January. The overview County ocials earmarked $15.5 million last year for Counsel at First Appearance, or CAFA, support during the post-arrest evaluation and bail-setting, regardless of a person’s ability to pay for a lawyer. Together with Austin, the county began con- ducting “test” shifts last April. The rst $5.8 million in county funding was then doled out in October, paying for 43 new positions that support CAFA, including defense attorneys, clerks, legal secretaries and translators. Since April, there have been a total of 1,132 arrested individuals that have received legal counsel under the CAFA program, according to county documents. Precinct 4 Commissioner Margaret Gomez noted local ocials have been discussing representation for those unable to aord it for nearly 30 years, and that it’s taken an extreme amount of eort and coordination to make the CAFA initiative a reality. The details The CAFA program was rolled out in a phased approach as departments hired and trained sta. The rst shift of CAFA was expected to be fully operational—2-11 p.m., seven days a week—this February. The funding approved by commissioners

2025

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

in January will support the implementation of the next shift of legal representation, which will operate from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. “With 86 [new hires], this is the largest commit- ment the county has ever made in the fastest time possible,” Travis County Budget Director Travis Gatlin said. What to watch As Austin gradually discontinues its magis- tration services and the county takes over, city ocials have expressed growing concerns about potential delays, particularly for arrestees who may fall under the jurisdiction of the Downtown Austin Community Court, or DACC. DACC serves as an alternative approach to the criminal justice system for individuals experienc- ing very low income, mental illness or addiction. Council members directed sta to work with the county to address the 24-hour waiting period for transporting and processing DACC arrestees, which could be even longer on weekend arrests.

The number of unregistered rental properties in Austin is estimated to be several times higher than city-licensed STRs.

2,133 licensed properties (all operators)

15,500 total listings (Airbnb only)

NOTE: AS OF FEB. 21

SOURCES: CITY OF AUSTIN, INSIDE AIRBNBCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin launches new on-demand pickup services

Austin residents can also schedule waste drop-os with the city. The impact More than 3,000 appointments were completed and 22.5 tons of material diverted in just three weeks under the new service. City sta will con- tinue analyzing program data to track its success. District 2 council member Vanessa Fuentes said easy access to waste disposal responds to commu- nity safety and illegal dumping concerns.

Bulk, brush and household hazardous collection services are now on demand only in Austin. The overview Scheduled service replaces the former semi- annual bulk and brush pickup on predetermined days. Customers can now schedule up to three collections per service every year. Residents can schedule pickup appointments through the Austin Recycles App, by calling 3-1-1 or visiting www.austintexas.gov/myschedule. All

Austin oers new on-demand residential brush, bulk and household hazardous waste collection services.

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

State

BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

5 legislative updates from Austin-area lawmakers

The 89th Texas Legislature convened for its ve-month biennial session on Jan. 14 in Austin. The session opened with the Texas Houses’ election of a new speaker, Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, as review of the hundreds of bills led in late 2024 and early 2025 has begun. The Austin area’s pool of lawmakers have brought legislation on a variety of topics aimed at local and statewide issues, and will continue to le and review those proposals through the months ahead.

2 Additional protections proposed for renters Rep. Gina Hinojosa,

3 Leaders look to ban local ‘guaranteed income’ programs

Rep. Ellen Troxclair, R-Lakeway, and Sens. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston and Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, led House Bill 530 and Senate bills 395 and 743 to ban local governments from oering unconditional cash payments. In Austin, millions of dollars have been spent over the past few years on income programs.

D-Austin, led bills that would further protect tenants from last-minute rent increases. House Bill 1185 would require landlords to give written notice of rent increases at least seven days before a tenant is required to provide notice of vacating by the end of

Rep. Gina Hinojosa

1 Creation of high-speed rail line oated

Austin-area Democrats Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and Rep. John Bucy submitted legislation last fall— Senate Bill 424 and House Bill 483—in support of a new high-speed rail project that’d link San Antonio, Austin and Dallas along I-35. Lawmakers are looking to partner with a private entity to build and operate the new rail line capable of running at least 110 miles per hour. Eckhardt said the new travel option would reduce vehicle accidents and emissions, and the “excise tax” of trac that’s imposed on lower-income workers today. 35

their lease term. The notice must also state any improvements the tenant’s property would receive under the rent increase. Additionally, HB 1184 would bar landlords from leasing a unit to a tenant at a dierent rate than what was included in the application process. Landlords who violate either of these polices would be required to pay a $100 penalty to the tenant, plus additional fees.

4 Bill aims to strike state fees for rst-year businesses Under House Bill 346 from Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, new businesses starting up around Texas could be in line for some nancial relief. All licensing and registration fees typically imposed during the rst year would be waived.

Dallas

“High-speed rail is part of modernizing our economy, and the longer we wait the more Texans will pay,” she said. The proposal comes as local ocials have worked to secure support for new Central Texas rail.

5 Eorts to increase school funding underway

Basic allotment over time in Texas

Rep. Vikki Goodwin, D-Austin, led House Bill 1770 to raise the basic allotment from $6,160 to $7,500 for the 2025-26 school year. The legislation would then adjust the basic allotment for ination each year. Goodwin told Community Impact she led the legislation as Austin-area school districts are facing budget decits and eliminating programs as well as teaching positions. Eorts to raise the basic allotment failed during the 2023 legislative session as the additional funding was tied to the passage of school vouchers, she said.

$8K

High speed rail line

$6,160

$5,040

$6K

$4K

Austin

San Antonio

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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Mobility For a Healthier Heart The Mobility Authority’s multimodal transportation

solutions support heart health while keeping you connected to the people and places you love. This Heart Health Month, explore the Mobility Authority shared use paths, bridges, and sidewalks to walk, bike, or run your way toward a healthier heart.

Learn More at www.MobilityAuthority.com/shared-use-paths

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

Sixth Street renewal eorts advance; road reopening in place

and the new strategy will remain under review. Zooming out Sixth Street is also undergoing cosmetic and business changes as Stream Realty Partners seeks to revamp some of the many vacant commercial spaces it now owns along the corridor. The rm’s Old 6th initiative involved many civic reviews to ensure structures and character in the historic district would be maintained. Building reha- bilitation work is well underway as of early 2025. Old 6th no longer includes any larger residen- tial, hotel or oce construction; the project will stick to bringing bring street-level commercial concepts to existing properties. The initiative may eventually end up bringing a mix of new eateries, tness studios, retailers and other busi- nesses to the corridor. For now, Stream is starting with a search for new restaurant concepts. The Old 6th team hopes to have new tenants opening their doors in 2026.

A stretch of the Sixth Street entertainment district reopened to weekend vehicle trac under a new city public safety strategy this year, while a project to restore and revitalize several of the corridor’s historic buildings is moving ahead. What happened Austin police started a trial run for Sixth Street’s reopening in December before fully implementing the change in January. While several blocks had traditionally been lled with crowds on the week- ends, the roadway is now open while sidewalk areas are expanded and blocked o with rubber curbs, plastic poles and fencing. “The chaos that ensues when we’re locking down these streets like this and inviting more chaos into this place, it is not tenable,” Police Chief Lisa Davis said after the change. Plans to reopen Sixth Street were in develop- ment well before the deadly Jan. 1 vehicle attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, ocials said,

Fencing and barriers divide the sidewalks and roadways. BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Reopened on weekends Old 6th properties

SAN JACINTO BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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New convention center revealed From the cover

Zooming out

The big picture

The project timeline is partially based around one of the center’s biggest draws, SXSW. Closure and demolition are scheduled to begin weeks after this year’s event, and the new building will reopen in winter 2028 ahead of the 2029 festival. SXSW will remain in Austin in the interim, and a spokesperson said they are excited about a “reimagining” for a few years before returning to the convention center. The city projects the new center and exhibitions it’ll draw will bring a significant financial lift. The current facility has generated an estimated $468.8 million in annual economic impacts, supported more than 2,700 permanent jobs and has helped generate well over $100 million in city hotel taxes a year. The revamp will boost those figures by nearly two-thirds, adding an additional $285 mil- lion in economic impact and over 1,600 new jobs.

install work from 10 Austin-based artists. The new building will situate convention space belowground, offering significantly more exhibit space plus offerings for meetings and other activities on a smaller overall footprint. Visit Austin President and CEO Tom Noonan said those changes should allow for a wider variety of events, including educational conferences in sectors like nursing and education that Austin’s workforce can take advantage of. “This investment will create an active, modern, efficient and dynamic space that strengthens Austin’s position as a premier event destination while driving long-term benefits for local businesses and the economy for years to come,” convention center spokesperson Derick Hackett said.

The convention center rebuild is expected to significantly increase downtown’s exhibition space, modernizing the campus in what Mayor Kirk Watson dubbed the “living room” of the Austin community with several additions both inside and outside the building. Officials said a major change visitors will notice is a shift away from previous generations of bulky centers that blanket multiple city blocks. After redevelopment, it’ll be more accessible and open to the public—most noticeably with the reopening of Second and Third streets to vehicle and pedestrian traffic through the property. The project, funded solely through local lodging and convention revenue set aside for the work, will feature new street-level retail and dining options around the site. The city also invested millions of dollars in a public art program that’ll

A new footprint

Downtown Station

Expansion effects

Convention Center facilities

Post- expansion*

Current

Hotels

Retail Restored Palm Park (in progress)

Annual events

199

Annual attendance

Reopened street* Pedestrian path

480,899

781,000

Cesar Chavez Station

Annual economic impact

Waterloo Greenway (in progress) Red Line rail (current) Project Connect rail (proposed)

$468.8M $753.8M

Jobs supported 2,715

4,337

SOURCE: AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT *THIRD STREET WILL REOPEN FOR MULTIMODAL TRAFFIC

Annual city tax revenue

$11.75M

$23.67M

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT *BASED ON 2021 ESTIMATES; NEW FIGURES EXPECTED IN 2026

ART PARKS 3/15 • 11AM

TOUR

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON

A closer look

convention business because it’s big dollars.” The current building’s limitations forced the rejection of nearly half of all new event proposals in recent years, and former anchor events like Dell Technologies’ annual conference left town due to the facility’s limitations. Most of that lost business was directly caused by the facility’s capacity and bookings. Austin flirts with almost none of the top 250 conventions that rotate through the country given its center’s size, Alysia Roden, Visit Austin vice president of sales, said last year. The downtown project comes as competitor cities like Seattle, Denver and New Orleans are advancing or have completed expansions of their own. Other Texas cities including Houston and San Antonio are looking to upgrade their facilities as well.

Austin’s presence in the exhibition space lags behind comparable and smaller cities, especially given the rising demand to host events locally and nationally following the pandemic. Austin is already managing bookings at the center for 2029 and beyond. Local leaders have pointed to the disconnect of the U.S.’s 11th-largest city, a growing economic hub and travel destination, housing a convention center with less than 250,000 square feet of exhibit space— the 61st-most in the country. With the upgrade, Austin would leapfrog competitors and rank in the mid-30s. “Austin needed to expand just to remain rela- tive and competitive, even in the Texas market,” Noonan said. “The competition is fierce for

The current Austin Convention Center was built in 1992.

COURTESY AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENT

Taking up space The expansion brings rentable space in the Austin Convention Center to 620,000 square feet which includes exhibit space, flex space, outdoor space, ballrooms and meeting rooms.

Current rentable square footage Future rentable square footage

+70%

620,000 sq. ft. 365,000 sq. ft.

SOURCE: AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Who it affects

Local impacts

One more thing

High-rise construction on Rainey Street, the yearslong I-35 expansion, the Waterloo Greenway project and other initiatives alongside the con- vention center will leave the corner of downtown looking like what Watson called a “war zone.” Project team members acknowledge the work is likely to affect nearby residents, businesses and downtown visitors—especially during the initial 1.5 years of demolition and excavation—primarily along Trinity, Red River and Cesar Chavez streets. Hackett said the city is actively engaging with anyone “living, commuting or working” within 1 mile of the center to offer real-time street closure updates, information available through text, news- letters, social media and community surveys.

Over 27M cubic feet of dirt to remove

Noonan said downtown’s hotel room count more than doubled in the past decade from about 6,800 to more than 15,000 , and several more hotels are now in the works. Major events will look different in Austin until 2029, as it's highly unusual to close a city's center for four years. After years of growth, the local tourism sector is now strategizing to maintain activity during the project. Hoteliers have a new plan to market Austin year-round and incentivize events to continue to come to town.

500 trucks traveling from the site daily

Nightly construction extended by 2-3.5 hours

Adjusted vehicle alarms and sound barriers to reduce noise

Alternate vehicle routes and city coordination on traffic mitigation

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN, JE DUNN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Community

This list is not comprehensive

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Camp Guide

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual Community Impact Summer Camp Guide! Growing up we had church camp or grandma’s house. Today there are thousands of camps for kids in Austin. To help you navigate them, this issue includes 44 camps right outside your door in the North Central Austin area. Thanks to a wise mom friend of mine, I am the proud owner of a spreadsheet of camp bookings for my kids. It’s a good way to remember what you booked and what you paid since we secure them so many months in advance. Another mom told me to make tabs for each year so you can compare how hours and prices have changed, and of course you can quiz your kid on which camps they enjoyed the most. I’m all for sharing pro tips among friends. School will be out before we know it!

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All Saints’ Episcopal Day School Type: education Ages: 3-6 years old Dates: May 27-July 18; two-week-long sessions Cost: $630-$765 per session

Cost: $195-$340 • Austin Playhouse West Campus, 405 W. 22nd St., Austin • www.austinplayhouse.com/camps

Austin School of Film Type: arts, education Ages: 10-17 years old, varies by camp session Dates: varies by camp session

• 209 W. 27th St., Austin • www.allsaintseds.org

ATX Ballers Fun Summer Basketball Camps! Type: sports

Cost: $595 per session • 3908 Avenue B, Austin • www.austinilmschool.org

Ages: K-9th graders Dates: June-August

Austin Youth Fitness Type: sports Ages: 4-11 years old Dates: June 2-July 25 and Aug. 4-15 Cost: $325-$600 per week • Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury St., Austin • www.austinyouthitness.com/summercamps

Cost: $200-$400 • Various locations • www.atxballers.com/holidaycamps

Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp Type: arts Ages: 9-18 years old Dates: June 2-July 27, weekly sessions Cost: $275-$495 per session; discounts available • First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity St., Austin • www.austinilmfestival.com

ATX Kids Club Type: education

Ages: 4-13 years old Dates: May 27-Aug. 15 Cost: $475; nancial aid available

Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camps Type: arts Ages: third-12th grade Dates: June-July Cost: $400 (two weeks); $550 (three weeks) • Grifin School, 5001 Evans Ave., Austin • www.austinlibrary.org

• Various pickup/drop-off locations, 2006 Philomena St., Austin; 1100 Kingsbury St., 6710 Arroyo Seco, Austin • www.atxkidsclub.org

Austin Playhouse Theatre Camps Type: arts

Ages: 5-12 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8

CONTINUED ON 18

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Community

This list is not comprehensive

Creator Camp Type: education, arts Ages: 6-13 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1

Ages: 9-14 years old Dates: June 9-July 18, varies by camp session Cost: $350 per week; scholarships available • 1023 Springdale General, Ste. 2C, Austin • www.latinitasonline.org Camp Headwaters at River Campus Type: education

CONTINUED FROM 17

Battle of the Bands Music Camp Type: arts, education Ages: 12-18 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 2, two-week-long sessions Cost: $600 • 1701 Simond Ave., Unit 110, Austin • www.musicacademyofaustin.com

Cost: $174-$266; discounts and summer passes available • Glad Tidings Church, 2700 Northland Drive, Austin • www.creatorcamp.org Crux Climbing Center Summer Camp Type: sports Ages: 6-9 years old; 9-12 years old; varies by session Dates: June 2-Aug. 1; weekly sessions; varies by age group Cost: $325-375 per week

Ages: 6-12 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 1 Cost: $400-$500 per week • 801 Rio Grande Road, Austin • www.headwaters.org/camp

Big Blue Swim School Super Improver Clinics Type: sports, education

Ages: 6-12 years old Dates: June 1-Aug. 8 Cost: $170 per week • 6406 N. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.bigblueswimschool.com

• 6015 Dillard Circle, Ste. B, Austin • www.cruxclimbingcenter.com

Camp Vamonos! Type: day Ages: 5-11 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $245 per week

Dance Discovery Type: arts, sports Ages: 3-18 years old Dates: June 17-20; July 15-18 Cost: $290 per week • 7729 Burnet Road, Austin • www.austin-dance.org/central-studio

Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Inc. Type: sports Ages: 7-16 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 7; four-day-long sessions Cost: $299 per session • 1314 Exposition Blvd., Austin • www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com

• 6919 Reese Lane, Austin • www.campvamonos.com

Chaparral Ice Type: sports

ESTEAM Learning Labs Type: education Ages: 4-16 years old Dates: tailored camp session to the time frame needed Cost: $450 per week

Ages: 6-14 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 8 Cost: $450 per week; prorated at $90 for partial weeks

Camp Latinitas Type: education

• 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.chaparralice.com/camps1

Sports & games Exciting STEM activities Arts, crafts, music, dance & drama Field trips & events

Paragon Prep School-Age Summer Camp 7944 Great Northern Boulevard • Austin, TX (513) 547-4702

Learn More

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

German-Texas Heritage Society Sommercamp Type: education Ages: 3-10 years old Dates: June 9-Aug. 8 Costs: $400 per week; after-hours camp $275 • 507 E. 10th St., Austin • www.germantexans.org/sommercamp Griffin School Summer Creative Camps Type: arts Ages: 11-14 years old Dates: June 9-13

• 7300 Hart Lane, Austin • www.esteamlearninglabs.com

Austin

Fantastic Magic Camp Type: magic, juggling, puppetry and games Ages: 6-12 years old,; 5-8 years old Dates: June 2-Aug. 15 Costs : $425 per week; discounts available • 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin; 13609 N. I-35, Austin • www.magiccamp.com

First Tee Type: sports

Costs: $300 per session • 5001 Evans Ave., Austin • www.griffinschool.org

Ages: 5-17 years old Dates: June-August Cost: $150-$350; scholarships available • 5501 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin • www.firstteeaustin.org

Idea Lab STEM Summer Camps Type: education Ages: 5-12 years old Dates: all summer Cost: $230 per half day; $445 per full day • 8620 Burnet Road, Austin • www.idealabkids.com/location/austin

Girlstart Summer Camp Type: day Ages: fourth-eighth graders Dates: June 2-Aug. 1, weekly sessions Cost: $450 • 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.girlstart.org

Game Worlds Type: education Ages: 8-18 years old

Dates: May 26-Aug. 8, weekly sessions Cost: $725 per week; discounts available • 7950 Anderson Square, Ste. 109, Austin • www.gameworldscamp.com

CONTINUED ON 21

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French Immersion Camp IdeaLab Kids Kids Acting Camp Kinderdance Lavner Tech Revolution Filmmaking Camp Mad Science

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