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District 5

A plan to end night swimming at Barton Springs is over before it ever began

The city’s parks department has backed away from a plan to close Barton Springs Pool an hour earlier this summer. The change would have eliminated the free daily night swims — full moon or not. “While the Parks and Recreation…

Parks • By Lina Fisher • May 28, 2025

Neighbors seek reversal of site plan approval for Bull Creek office building

It’s a case that never ends. The Champion sisters filed suit against the city in 1994 and again in 2004 over what they could and could not do with their property. At least one slice of that property is still…

Planning • By Jo Clifton • Jan 28, 2025

Ryan Alter looks back on accomplishments of 2024

District 5 Council Member Ryan Alter is proud of City Council’s many accomplishments in 2024, starting with what is obviously one of his favorite topics: housing. “I think first and foremost, we as a Council made some really important strides…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Dec 26, 2024

Winding, narrow Thornton Road to get more housing

After two unsuccessful attempts to update the zoning on some commercial property on a narrow South Austin street, the owners succeeded in getting City Council approval to rezone the property at 2313, 2315, 2401 and 2413 Thornton Road at the…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Nov 19, 2024

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Revised Thornton Road rezoning gets first reading approval

After a surprise change in the requested zoning, City Council approved on first reading a much smaller zoning change for a 4-acre site on Thornton Road in South Austin. The property sits in District 5, and Council Member Ryan Alter…

Development • By Jo Clifton • Oct 4, 2024

Major upzoning in Zilker neighborhood draws opposition

On Sept. 12, City Council approved a zoning change for a 0.42-acre property in the Zilker neighborhood that will allow the developer to build to 90 feet, falling under the Density Bonus 90 category. The property at 2130 Goodrich Ave.,…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Sep 20, 2024

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Umlauf Vision Plan aims to revive iconic sculptor's home and studio as museum

Plans to significantly expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum are continuing to drum up enthusiasm, with Historic Landmark commissioners granting the project their blessing last week. The Umlauf Historic Preservation, Expansion, and Unification Plan hopes to add thousands of…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Aug 19, 2024

Council approves renaming bathhouse in honor of Joan Means Khabele

City Council on Thursday approved the renaming of the bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool in honor of the woman who, as a teenager, led the first “swim-in” at the segregated pool in an act of civil disobedience. With the unanimous…

Parks • By Amy Smith • Apr 5, 2024

Parks board blesses bathhouse renaming

More than 60 years ago, Joan Means Khabele jumped into Barton Springs Pool, launching a movement that led to its desegregation. Austin is now set to remember her legacy by renaming the Barton Springs Bathhouse after her. After being denied…

Parks • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 28, 2024

City seeks feedback on density, planning framework for South Central district

The city has released the plan intended to shape the development of the southern shoreline of Lady Bird Lake and beyond, with public input sought until March 20. City Council is expected to consider the South Central Waterfront Combining District…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 22, 2024

City breaks ground on the Barton Springs bathhouse

Many years in the making, rehabilitation of the Barton Springs bathhouse is scheduled for a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. today. While the majority of attendees will surely cheer for the improvements the city promises under the Barton Springs Pool…

Parks • By Jo Clifton • Feb 22, 2024

Commissioners seek parking study, Polo Field restoration

Two parking items cleared the Environmental Commission last week, a notable achievement considering that certain parking issues tend to devolve into prolonged debates. At its Feb. 7 meeting, commissioners considered two proposals within the framework of City Council’s elimination of…

Parks • By Amy Smith • Feb 12, 2024

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