September 2, 2024

Today’s Forecast

Under~~water~~ construction 🏊‍♀️

A construction site in front of a mid-century modern building with stone walls and a circular glass entrance. A small green excavator is parked in front of the building, surrounded by piles of rubble and construction materials. An orange traffic cone and a portable handwashing station are visible in the foreground, along with a large tree providing some shade to the area.

Work on the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse began in June 2024. | Photo by ATXtoday

If you’ve visited Barton Springs Pool this summer, you know things look at a little different on the north side of the historic swimming hole. The pool’s bathhouse closed for construction in early June and won’t reopen until summer 2025.

Due to its closure, swimmers who enter the area must head to the west end of the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse (next to temporary restrooms and shower trailers) to avoid construction zones.

So, what’s been done since the shutdown?

Let’s dive in

In the first month of work, crews completed new fire lanes, sidewalks, and ADA parking. Construction within the bathhouse began, which included harvesting brick pavers from the original building and removing lead-based paint and asbestos.

Throughout July, demolition ensued on the men’s and women’s shower and dressing areas, the rotunda, and the Beverly Sheffield Education Center - Splash! Exhibit Area.

According to the latest update, much of the demolition is complete. Upcoming projects include installing water, wastewater, and electrical lines in the building, plus adding a concrete slab in the men’s shower and dressing room courtyard.

Throughout the project, traffic is limited on William Barton Drive. Early swim entry is open from 5-8 a.m. at the south entrance on Azie Morton Drive, but only from 7:30-8 a.m. at the north entrance.

You can stay up to date with monthly community update newsletters from project leaders.

Events

Monday, Sept. 2

Free Day of Yoga Festival | Monday, Sept. 2 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Wild Heart Yoga | Free with RSVP | Celebrate Austin’s Free Day of Yoga at this studio offering a variety of mini classes at no cost.
Labor Gay: A Queer AF Pool Party | Monday, Sept. 2 | 1-6 p.m. | Austin Motel | Free with RSVP | Keep the Pride celebrations going with drag performances by Owie and Lawrie Bird, live DJ sets, exclusive merch, and games.
Reggae Fest | Monday, Sept. 2 | 3-9 p.m. | Drifters Social Coffee & Cocktails | Cost of purchase | Sip on frozen drink specials and groove to live music from Island Mind, Hail Marley, and Audic Empire.

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Twenty One Pilots | Tuesday, Sept. 3 | 8 p.m. | The Moody Center | $60-$175 | Austin will host the “Clancy” world tour with their first new album since 2021.

Wednesday, Sept. 4

High Noon Talk: Mexican American Art and Culture | Wednesday, Sept. 4 | 12-1 p.m. | Bullock Texas State History Museum | Free with admission | Dr. Hector Garza, an artist from San Antonio, will lead a special conversation to discuss his artwork on exhibit.

Thursday, Sept. 5

Austin Social Circuit | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Bouldin Acres Braker Lane | Cost of purchase | Mingle with business owners + community leaders while enjoying this casual happy hour.

Plan your perfect week

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

The Longhorns kicked off the beginning of their first season with a bang, beating Colorado State 52-0 on Saturday. Not only that, but celebrity student Glen Powell made an appearance.

Environment

Speaking of Barton Springs Pool… it’s leaking. A water bypass line (which is estimated to be from the 1940s) has two holes in it. The pool is currently closed in order for crews to reduce water levels, access the repair site, and remedy the issue.

Eat

Tómalo Grill, a takeaway window serving Mexican eats in the Rainey Street Historic District, expanded with a new full-service restaurant. Now until Sunday, Sept. 8, patrons will receive 25% off all bites + bev during dinner service.

Festival

Fantastic Fest — Alamo Drafthouse’s eight-day film festival — returns to the South Lamar location Thursday, Sept. 19-Thursday, Sept. 26. Festival-goers will experience both new flicks and “mind-melting forgotten film discoveries.” Last year’s event sold out, so reserve your badge early.

Today Is

Labor Day — an annual federal holiday, first designated in 1894, that honors the contributions of workers in America. Take part in local celebrations, get outside at a nearby park, or unwind from the weekend at happy hour.

Listen

The Austin Spurs have a new head coach: Scott King. What kind of leader will he be? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Home

Cooler weather is approaching — time to replace drafty windows with beautiful, energy-efficient Renewal by Andersen^® windows. For a limited time, enjoy 20% off your entire order.*

The Buy

A sleek bathroom organizer. This piece adds a decorative touch while providing space-saving organization. Bonus: It’s on sale for a limited time.

Shop Amazon's Labor Day sale

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Morgan

From the editor

Hi from Chicago. 👋 I’m eating deep dish pizza and laying underneath The Bean until further notice. You’ll see Figi in your inbox every day until my return, aka you’re in great hands.

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