It’s no secret that the Capital City has undergone drastic changes in the last several decades — but the years ahead are poised to bring a total transformation to central Austin.
In light of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project, local initiative Our Future 35 has been formulating a plan to create caps and stitches over the upcoming sunken highway. These areas would join east and west Austin with ~30 acres of new public space in the heart of the city, creating hubs for culture, arts, dining, and recreation.
Over the summer, Our Future 35 collected feedback from ~1,800 respondents to implement into its concepts. Let’s take a look at the proposed designs in its final vision plan, which will head to Austin City Council for approval on Thursday, Nov. 7.
4th Street to 7th Street Cap
Our Future 35 envisions this area as an epicenter for nightlife and events. The new land bridge would create a walkable link between 5th and 6th Streets and be home to several one to two story buildings. So far, it’s the only cap to receive funding.
In addition to several lawns, pop-up spaces, plazas, and outdoor dining spaces, proposed amenities include a dog park, sculpture garden, and an elongated walkway + skateway. Take a look at the design.
Cesar Chavez Street to 4th Street Cap
This 5.3-acre cap would connect the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood to Downtown Austin by creating a new 3rd Street promenade for pedestrians and bicyclists with a food truck and pop-up space — but there’s much more in store for the car-free bridge.
Some other proposed amenities include:
- An all-ages play area
- A sculpture meadow + rock scramble
- Flex sports courts
- A hammock grove + picnic grove
- A covered open-air market space
- A pavilion + all-ages artful swings
- A rooftop skyline viewing platform
- Canopy + cooling stations
- Food kiosks
11th Street to 12th Street Cap
This cap would connect east Austin’s African American Cultural and Heritage District to Downtown Austin. The proposed design features new additions like a two-story cultural building, a civic plaza and demonstration space, a two-story small business incubator, and more. View the full plan.
Holly Street Stitch
While a cap is defined as a lowered deck of the highway greater than 300 feet long, a stitch is a highway deck less than 300 feet long.
The Holly Street Stitch is planned to be ~300 feet long and would be located between the Rainey Street District and the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood, giving residents easier access to the nightlife hub and the rest of Downtown.
See the full plan for amenities in this area, which features lawns, a dog park, a playground, canopy + cooling areas, and a storage building.
Northern Caps
Several caps are planned for areas between the Cherrywood and Hancock neighborhoods. Our Future 35 designed these zones to be easily integrated with other proposed projects and the nearby Red Line rail station.
You can view maps of potential amenities on the:
- 38 1/2 Street to 41st Street Cap, which proposes a massive lawn and pavilion
- 41st Street to Red Line Cap, which also includes a performance lawn and stage
- Red Line to Airport Boulevard Cap, which features a recreational field, dog park, and plaza
So, what do you think? Here’s how to share your feedback with Our Future 35.
