Urban Development In Austin: Up And Coming or Gone And Going?

by | Feb 10, 2016 | Uncategorized

Overgrown with some rather interesting art to accompany it, Beverage Barn was the only business of its kind on South Congress, as well as one of the oldest businesses on the street.

Overgrown with some rather interesting art to accompany it, Beverage Barn was the only business of its kind on South Congress, as well as one of the oldest businesses on the street.

Within the beverage barn, there were many empty coolers and fridges with signs that read “SALE! EVERYTHING MUST GO.” The banners and vintage neon signs were also up for grabs.

Within the beverage barn, there were many empty coolers and fridges with signs that read “SALE! EVERYTHING MUST GO.” The banners and vintage neon signs were also up for grabs.

Just a couple months after closing, the same car with a flat tire remains in the parking lot. Still overgrown, the property will remain intact until construction for a new Chuy's begins.

Just a couple months after closing, the same car with a flat tire remains in the parking lot. Still overgrown, the property will remain intact until construction for a new Chuy’s begins.

Lakeview, a low-income apartment complex walking distance from Lake Austin, will be demolished to make way for a luxury home development called Lakeshore Pearl. Like South Congress Beverage Barn, Lakeshore had been around since the 70s.

Lakeview, a low-income apartment complex walking distance from Lake Austin, prior to demolition. The owners of the property have plans to turn it into a luxury home development. Like South Congress Beverage Barn, Lakeshore had been around since the 70s.

Urban development is more present than ever. On one end of the spectrum, the many new upscale restaurants, tech companies, and boutiques make this city seem like a desirable place to move. On the other end, people and businesses are getting priced out and running out of places to go without uprooting their lives entirely.

Lakeshore post-demolition reminds us that urban development is transforming the city faster than ever. On one end of the spectrum, the many new upscale restaurants, tech companies, and boutique apartment complexes make Austin seem like a desirable place to move. On the other end, people and businesses are getting priced out and running out of places to go without uprooting their lives entirely.