It’s no secret that Austin is always changing, but looking at old photos of South Congress Ave. is a blast from the past.
Inspired by a 2009-2022 time lapse of Rainey Street from TikTok account @itsallchanging, we wanted to show you some of the changes tourism district South Congress has been through.
Google Maps street view began in November 2007, right in the middle of South Congress’ transformation. Prior to then, South Congress was shifting from its reputation as a pseudo-red-light district to a burgeoning entertainment district while Liz Lambert revamped the Hotel San José.
In 2007, South Congress was just beginning its tourism spike and vestiges from the old South Congress still remained. There was no Music Lane development — that wouldn’t break ground until 2017. We made you a street view compilation that will give you all the nostalgia.
What’s your favorite establishment — past or present — on South Congress? Let us know.
