This article has a few new renderings from MVVA of what the project would look like. It seems to show that raised structure not being there, or at least it is covered by a grassy area. There's also an overhead view of the area near the Fairmont Hotel.
Jun 6, 2013, 5:03pm CDT UPDATED: Jun 7, 2013, 7:52am CDT Photos: Waller Creek project unveiled
Robert Grattan
Staff Writer-
Austin Business Journal
Design firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc. presented its vision for transforming downtown Austin's Waller Creek from a mostly stagnant and underused public space into one of the most exciting urban parks around.
The creek, which runs parallel to I-35 downtown, has had a history of dangerous and sometimes fatal floods. The city of Austin initially sought to control runoff by building a tunnel that flows into Lady Bird Lake. The $146.5 million project is expected to open 28 acres of downtown to development.
This article has a few new renderings from MVVA of what the project would look like. It seems to show that raised structure not being there, or at least it is covered by a grassy area. There's also an overhead view of the area near the Fairmont Hotel.
I'm really liking the idea of different environments/settings with this development. It'll offer a lot of different types of uses in one place. Some of it is going to be open and airy while some spots will be more intimate and almost wild and remote.
If that elevated "great lawn" is anything like I'm thinking it is, then it'll be incredible. Imagine a massive sloped grassy lawn that is facing downtown. Imagine the Doug Sahm Hill in Butler Park, only about 3 times as large. I would imagine this will become a favorite viewing spot on July 4th.
I really wish I was on board with you guys on this, but I was personally looking forward to the concept that was proposed a long time ago. A more urban take closer to SanAntonio's Riverwalk with shops, cafes, hotels and businesses lining the creek. This just looks like something we already have, great lawns and trails along a river (creek). Oh well, I can always go to SA for my riverwalk fix.
City leaders OK new Waller Creek project
Efforts now turn to fundraising
Updated: Thursday, 20 Jun 2013, 5:36 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 20 Jun 2013, 2:46 PM CDT
Kevin Kline
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin City Council has approved design plans for a new outdoor recreation space along Waller Creek.
The 1.5 mile development will include several park areas including an oak-covered grove, an outdoor music space and several bridges across the creek downtown.
Members of the Waller Creek Conservancy say they'll need at least $100 million initially.
Updated 06/20/2013 03:02 PM Council signs off on Waller Creek design
By: Jeff Stensland
Austin City Council approved the final design for Waller Creek Thursday, sending the project into the construction phase.
The Waller Creek development project will reclaim about 28 acres of downtown and prepare them for development.
There will be rules for the businesses along Waller Creek which do not apply to others in downtown. For instance, the number of bars will be limited and only allowed on conditional use.
Ok, first of all, it looks more like a giant toilet seat from above than a vagina, never seen a white vagina before anyway.
And how the hell do so many of you know who Georgia O'keeffe is? I had to google her to get the...haha...joke...Guess I am culturally challenged. But getting back to the giant diaper on sticks, or toilet seat if you will, I foresee it blowing away with the first major wind gust.