July 2012 story from Next American City on Plans for Austin’s Lake Lady Bird

 

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A Plan for Austin’s Lady Bird Lake ( FROM NEXT AMERICAN CITY)

Austin | 07/20/2012 2:29pm | 0
CODY LYON | NEXT AMERICAN CITY

What’s in store for the future of Austin’s Lady Bird Lake? Credit: John Maffei, Apogee Photography

On any given day after 5pm, thousands of joggers, cyclists and pedestrians descend onto the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, Texas.

For 5.4 miles on both the water’s north and south side, enchanted tree-lined paths offer big views of the lake, sunsets and twinkling lights of a constantly changing downtown skyline. It is one of those places, like Austin City Limits venue Zilker Park or the south side’s funky, food-truck-lined streets, that make the boho Texas capital what it is.

Recently, property owners in the district — including the city’s daily paper, the Austin American-Statesman — have realized there is potential for growth yet untapped in the area, and put several tracts totaling 19 acres in the area up for sale. Given Austin’s boomtown status, it’s no secret that developers smell opportunity.

Which is why the American Institute of Architects recently joined community planners and residents here for a intensive jolt of groupthink that they hope will result in a new master plan for the area.

LINK TO FULL STORY AT NEXT AMERICAN CITY