Austin | Historic Images & Postcards

[Echostatic]

The Hilton was quite ambitious for its time.

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by Echostatic

The Hilton was quite ambitious for its time.

Yes it was. Since the high rises downtown were rather sparse, that made this look humongous and a stand out. I worked downtown during the construction and was in awe of it, especially approaching from I35 from the north. Not to mention 800+ rooms was monumental at the time. Regardless of what the common opinion is of this building, I like it and will always view at as a one time game changer and an iconic landmark, imo... No one else was putting that much stock in the hospitality sector, even with the convention center downtown. That being said, I never said it was a thing of beauty. It was built during a time when function over substance really did come into play. Architecturally it a monolith so to speak.

[drummer]

Even now it serves its purpose well. It's quality infill now, and it's amazing to see that photo and think that many of those buildings are hidden behind larger, taller ones.

[KevinFromTexas]

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=...60058370700462

[KevinFromTexas]

I'm pretty sure the bald patch of land in the lower left is where Barton Creek Square Mall is today.


https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=...59842970014179

[Echostatic]

Dang, South Austin was tiny back then.

[drummer]

I'm not on FB so the link won't give me any info - what is the date for that one, Kevin?

[jbjjbjbb]

Originally Posted by drummer

I'm not on FB so the link won't give me any info - what is the date for that one, Kevin?

The photo is from 1978. It's on the UNT Portal to Texas History.
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1011383/

Mears, Dewey G. [Austin Aerial and Loop], photograph, August 21, 1978;
University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History,
crediting Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.

[drummer]

Originally Posted by jbjjbjbb

The photo is from 1978. It's on the UNT Portal to Texas History.
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1011383/

Thanks.

[the Genral]

It looks like Austin was once on the Moon.

[drummer]

Right?

What year was Mopac extended south?

[jbjjbjbb]

Originally Posted by drummer

Right?

What year was Mopac extended south?

1981 - 1982


Austin American-Statesman, Mar 15 1982, Page B8

[drummer]

Originally Posted by jbjjbjbb

1981 - 1982


Austin American-Statesman, Mar 15 1982, Page B8

Thanks. Yeah, it's just weird to see that photo with Mopac just ending there.

[KevinFromTexas]

1978


https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid...71562389550060

[Armybrat]

Ah, the ol’ Tamale House.
I remember when the owner sold that little triangular sliver of concrete for about $750,000.
Folks were amazed! Lol

[LoneStarMike]

March 22, 1985 view of Austin skyline from Barton Creek Square Mall.



From a thread on Reddit

The thread is interesting because it has a lot of history on the Barton Creek Greenbelt in the comments.

[the Genral]

I used to park in that spot and thought Austin was a nice little city. I was proud of what we had at the time.

[KevinFromTexas]

Austin skyline from Auditorium Shores - 1952.


https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=...96682110371420

[H2O]

Man our waterfront has come a long ways!

[We vs us]

Originally Posted by H2O

Man our waterfront has come a long ways!

I'm always amazed when I see old pics of the river/lake. It seemed to always be an afterthought or a hindrance. Certainly not central to the city's identity, as it clearly is now.