District 9
Planning Commission OKs height boost for Rainey tower amid resident pushback
The Planning Commission on April 11 recommended approval of a density bonus that would allow a new tower to rise in the Rainey Street neighborhood. The proposed 215-unit condominium tower at 62 East Ave. will rise 57 floors and 684…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Apr 21, 2023
Neighbors hope for midnight closing, no loud music at new bar on Guadalupe
City Council gave first reading approval last week for a zoning change for property at 3100 Guadalupe St. that would allow the owners to operate a cocktail lounge on the site after getting a conditional use permit to do so.…
Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Apr 18, 2023
City Council approves additional cameras, park rangers in Rainey Street district
The city will direct more public safety resources toward the Rainey Street neighborhood to prevent additional drowning deaths suffered by patrons of the bars and restaurants frequenting the popular nightlife district. City Council unanimously passed a resolution Thursday that directs…
Public Safety • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 14, 2023
City stepping up safety measures to address Rainey Street concerns
City leaders are moving ahead with lighting and other safety measures in the Rainey Street district in response to a pair of recent late-night drownings and growing speculation that nightlife patrons are unsafe in the entertainment district. The Austin Police…
Public Safety • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 10, 2023
West Downtown on track to receive national historic status
Austin could soon welcome a brand-new historic district into the mix, with an application for the West Downtown National Register District lined up to get the rubber stamp next month. Located west of the Capitol between Seventh and 15th streets,…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Apr 10, 2023
Mixed-use project in Bouldin Creek clears final hurdle
The Board of Adjustment granted a height increase March 13 that will allow a mixed-use project in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood to move forward. Plans for the Copeland at 1000 S. First St. include two condominium buildings with a total…
Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Mar 21, 2023
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Preservationists lament the eroding of Travis Heights at Historic Landmark Commission
The city’s Historic Landmark Commission mourned the steady chipping away of homes recognized in the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register district last week, with yet another falling to the housing market’s demand for more contemporary, spacious designs. The application to…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Mar 14, 2023
Salvation Army changes course on timing of downtown shelter closure after Council pressure
After a week of pressure from Mayor Kirk Watson, members of City Council and community activists, the Salvation Army announced Friday it would extend operations at its downtown shelter through April 30. The extension is being funded by the city…
Public Health • By Nina Hernandez • Mar 14, 2023
Environmental commissioners want to preserve Congress Avenue trees
At its regular meeting this month, members of the city’s Environmental Commission urged planners to prioritize saving as many trees as possible in the reimagining of Congress Avenue. The questions came after a staff briefing on the Congress Avenue Urban…
Environment • By Nina Hernandez • Mar 10, 2023
Salvation Army’s handling of downtown shelter closure draws Council criticism
The Salvation Army’s handling of the closure of its downtown shelter was the target of criticism at City Council’s Public Health Committee meeting on Wednesday. Critiques came from Mayor Kirk Watson, members of City Council, and clients of the shelter…
Housing • By Nina Hernandez • Mar 9, 2023
Report: Austin needs to take action to mitigate impacts of watercraft overcrowding on Lady Bird Lake
Austin must take action to better manage watercraft on Lady Bird Lake, according to results from a comprehensive lake capacity study unveiled at the Environmental Commission on March 1. The Parks and Recreation Board commissioned the study in December 2021…
Environment • By Nina Hernandez • Mar 8, 2023
BoA approves variance for illuminated sign on the Drag
The Board of Adjustment granted the Church of Scientology a variance request for a change to the church’s logo on its sign facing the street. Mike McHone, who represented the Church of Scientology at the BoA meeting that took place…
