Stories by Kali Bramble

On the verge of demolition, neighborhood seeks recognition for Holy Cross Hospital

Recent history has given us little reason to take note of 2600 E. MLK Blvd., where for decades a vacant concrete building has served largely as a canvas for graffiti. But before it was scenery, Austinites traveled miles to visit,…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Jan 14, 2025

From Round Rock's school board to City Hall, District 6 newcomer Krista Laine gives conservatives a run for their money

If, in the days leading up to 2020, you had asked Krista Laine where she saw herself halfway through the decade, she likely would have told you she’d be back in the world of commercial real estate, where she’d made…

City Council • By Kali Bramble • Dec 27, 2024

Neighbors join forces to halt plans for new office space in Pecan Springs-Springdale

A proposal to upzone a residential cul-de-sac is ruffling feathers in the Pecan Springs-Springdale neighborhood, with a crowd of neighbors joining the Planning Commission meeting last week to voice their disapproval. The request originally sought to rezone 6102, 6106 and…

Development • By Kali Bramble • Dec 20, 2024

For local preservationists, Council facilitates a miracle on East 12th Street

City Hall was abuzz with more than just the holiday spirit last Thursday, with City Council adjourning its final meeting to the sound of cheers at a rare victory for preservationists at 1500 E. 12th St. The fate of the…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Dec 17, 2024

The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Landmark commission says goodbye to Nau's Enfield Drug

All good things must come to an end, and the time has come for Nau’s Enfield Drug to join the souls of bygone local staples in the mixed-use afterlife. But first, the Historic Landmark Commission hopes the site’s new stewards…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Dec 10, 2024

Electric Utility Commission sounds alarm on Austin Energy peaker plant plan, hoping for alternatives

Pivoting from its now-scrapped draft, Austin Energy is putting the finishing touches on its long-awaited Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan proposal, just in time for a vote at the very last City Council meeting of 2024. But first, the…

Energy • By Kali Bramble • Nov 27, 2024

Subscribe to our newsletter

Updated: Austin Energy still considering options to answer to grid growing pains

As its end-of-year deadline approaches, Austin Energy is busy crunching numbers, hoping to finally nail down a much-anticipated update to its Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. Update: Following publication of this story, Austin Energy reached out to the Monitor to let…

Energy • By Kali Bramble • Nov 7, 2024

West Travis County Public Utility Agency postpones vote on controversial pipeline for luxury resort

After years of speculation, Dallas billionaire Steve Winn is pursuing his dream of bringing luxury to the Hill Country, with plans to develop a sprawling upscale resort on 1,400 acres just south of Hamilton Pool. But given the backlash it…

Development • By Kali Bramble • Oct 25, 2024

Landmark commission stalls demo of midcentury Baptist church

As East Austin’s Rehoboth Primitive Baptist Church moves on to roomier digs up north, its congregation is preparing to say goodbye to its home of six decades in more ways than one. What was once holy ground at 5303 Samuel…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Oct 16, 2024

East Austin bids adieu to another historic bungalow

After a century on East Austin’s Cotton Street, a little blue Craftsman bungalow is finally biting the dust, with new owners getting the go-ahead from the city’s Historic Landmark Commission to proceed with demolition. A different outcome seemed possible just…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Oct 7, 2024

Austin Energy hopes new solar standard offer can scale up sorely needed local generation

Update 10:35 p.m. Oct. 2: On Monday, the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) approved an update to the city’s solar program after a quick discussion. As Austin Energy grapples with an electric future and unprecedented demands on the grid, the utility…

Energy • By Kali Bramble • Oct 2, 2024

Council rejects Texas Gas Service rate hike

Despite reining in its initial proposal, Texas Gas Service has still failed to win over City Council in its endeavor to raise prices for Austin ratepayers. The utility faced backlash this summer with news of its plans to aggressively hike…

Resources • By Kali Bramble • Oct 1, 2024