10.02.2024

Today’s Forecast

🌃 Austin’s (potential) new look

Feast your eyes on the (potential) future of central Austin

A nighttime aerial view of downtown Austin featuring the proposed development of I-35, with green spaces, pedestrian paths, and modern architectural structures brightly lit. In the foreground, a colorful circular structure glows with pink and orange lighting, surrounded by trees and people walking. A light rail train is visible on the left, moving along the tracks. The skyline in the background shows tall buildings, including a Hilton Garden Inn and other lit high-rise buildings, while cars travel along the highway on the right side. The cityscape is vibrant and modern, showing a lively urban scene at night.

A cap over I-35 between 4th Street and 7th Street would include dining areas, lawns, a sculpture garden, venue space, a skating area, and more. | Rendering courtesy City of Austin

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.

11th Street to 12th Street Cap

A rendering of a proposed cap over I-35 shows lush greenery, trees, an artistic wooden structure, colorful art activiations, and a building with a sign that reads "JUNETEENTH." There's also a view of the capitol building through the trees and buildings. — If Austin City Council approves Our Future 35’s vision plan, this rendering could become reality.
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Rendering courtesy City of Austin

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.

Cesar Chavez Street to 4th Street Cap

A detailed daytime rendering of Austin's proposed I-35 development, showcasing a vibrant, reimagined urban landscape. In the foreground, a modern, two-story wooden structure features rooftop seating areas filled with people. Behind it, a large grassy park is lined with trees and paths, where people are walking and playing. The highway runs through the center, and adjacent to it, another building is topped with a colorful grid-like structure resembling solar panels. The downtown Austin skyline looms in the background, with tall buildings including the Hilton Garden Inn, adding a mix of green space and urban density. The scene reflects a progressive vision for the city's infrastructure with integrated public spaces and modern architecture. — The Cesar Chavez Street to 4th Street Cap could be home to outdoor fitness areas, an active play canopy, and more recreational amenities.
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Rendering courtesy City of Austin

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.

See other designs + amenities

Asked

What do you think of Our Future 35’s final vision plan?

A. I love it
B. I’m not a fan
C. I’m indifferent
D. I just want to see the results

Voice your opinion

Events

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Music on the Trail | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Rainey Street Trailhead | Free | Bring your quilt to unwind near the lake and listen to tunes by local band Brother Thunder.

Thursday, Oct. 3

Este’s Two-Year Anniversary Celebration | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5-10 p.m. | Este | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the restaurant’s birthday with $2 oysters and “throwback menu specials,” aka popular dishes that have left the regular menu.
Texas Red Trivia | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Infamous Brewing Company | Free | Flex your wisdom for the chance to win pints, flights, koozies, and key chains.
30s Speed-Friending | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Austin Beerworks | $19 | Chat with folks using provided prompts to guide conversation and you may leave with a new bestie.

Friday, Oct. 4

Round Rock Arts Fest | Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Centennial Plaza, Round Rock | Cost of purchase | Formerly called Chalk Walk, this annual event draws hundreds of artists, food vendors, musicians, and craftspeople to downtown Round Rock.

Saturday, Oct. 5

Oktoberfest Block Party | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 11 a.m.-11 p.m. | The Dogwood - Domain | Cost of purchase | Dress up yourself (and your dog) for costume contests, live music, stein hoisting, and a Dachshund race.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Travel and Outdoors

In need of a fall getaway? We’ve got a suggestion.

Presented by an ATXtoday Partner

a gif featuring different images of happenings at the Omni Barton Creek

Find a serene escape and a taste of the modern Texas high life on 4,000 acres of enchanting countryside at this stunning Austin resort. | Photos courtesy of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa; GIF by ATXtoday

Escape to Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa this fall for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you want to relax by one of their stunning pools, improve your swing on the golf course, or indulge in a pampering spa day, the resort has it all.

Families can join in the excitement with fun-filled activities like making s’mores in their firepits facing the beautiful Hill Country, playing mini golf + lawn games, and enjoying a bouncy house.

Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge at Blind Salamander Kitchen + Bar, offering a delightful array of delectable dishes inspired by local flavors and international cuisines. From fresh seafood to succulent steaks, every bite is a celebration of taste and craftsmanship.

The best part? ATXtoday can enjoy up to 13% off when they stay two or more nights with the Escape and Save package.

Make this fall one to remember.

Plan my vacation

News Notes

Number

$1.2 billion. That’s how much dough PepsiCo Inc. plans to dish out to acquire Siete Foods, an Austin-based company known for its “better for you” tortillas, chips, cookies, and more. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025. (Austin Business Journal)

Opening

Austin Motel will launch its new, in-house cocktail bar tomorrow, Oct. 3. Dubbed an “old school cocktail oasis,” Rocky’s Bar will feature lounge areas, shuffleboard, alcoholic and nonalcoholic shaved ice, and libations like “The Hissy Fit” and “The Jungle Cat.”

Job

Roses are red, violets are blue... could the first Austin Poet Laureate be you? Applications are open now for the inaugural role, which includes acting as the official ambassador for the city’s literary arts and promoting poetry appreciation within the community.

Announced

The Travis County Commissioners Court deemed October 3 as Lions Muny Golf Course Day, honoring the city’s first public golf course that opened in 1924. It’s also the home of the Firecracker Open, the oldest amateur golf tournament in the Lone Star State.

Plan Ahead

Tickets are available now for the 60th annual Austin Trail of Lights, which will run from Tuesday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Dec. 23 in Zilker Park. There will be several free days for the holiday event, but tickets start at $8 or you can purchase platinum passes for an elevated experience.

Ranked

Austin is for lovers. The Capital City just ranked No. 5 on a recent list of the best US cities for dating. The study looked at criteria like number of singles, divorce rates, and quality of life. Got a hot date yourself? Try one of these date night ideas. (TimeOut)

Sports

Did you miss any of the highlights from Spurs Media Day 2024? We’ve got you covered. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Wellness

Upgrade your morning cup of joe when you switch to VitaCup’s Genius Coffee. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals that support all-day energy + focus. Try it in coffee pods.

Health

Stop missing out on the conversations that matter — try these stealthy, barely noticeable next-gen hearing aids. No wonder 400,000+ customers love them.*

Biz

🎁 Passport to prizes

Stamp passports, win prizes: 10 longtime businesses to visit in October

Esther’s Follies opened in Austin in 1977 and has been a destination for magic, comedy, and oddities ever since. | Photo by @mrflip via Openverse

October is Legacy Business Month in Austin, which presents a unique opportunity for locals to visit ATX mainstays and take part in a month-long competition. Here’s how it works.

1. Pick up a passport

In order to play, you’ll need to grab a passport at Whole Earth Provision on North Lamar Boulevard or Zilker Taproom, where you can also attend a kick-off party on Thursday, Oct. 3.

2. Make purchases at legacy businesses

Every establishment on this year’s roster has been operating for 20+ years. Get your passport stamped at:

Antone’s Record Shop
Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant
BookWoman
The Continental Club
Esther’s Follies
Joe’s Bakery
The Little Longhorn Saloon
Nature’s Treasures
Scholz Garten
Zilker Park Boat Rentals

3. Try to win prizes

At the wrap party on Monday, Nov. 4 at Scholz Garten, players with the most stamps will be entered to win special awards. Learn more.

The Buy

The Buy 10.02.24 (Affiliate)

Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner — it can repair split ends + protect against future damage, helping you achieve strong, silky-smooth hair. Psst, it’s less than $20.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Morgan

From the editor

I’m really looking forward to seeing Still Woozy in concert tonight for ACL Fest Nights. If you haven’t heard his music, you can find it on this ACL Festival playlist I’ve had on repeat.

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