Transformation of Seaholm Waterfront for community use moves ahead

Austin's Seaholm Power Plant and Intake facility has been out of use since 1989, but its Art Deco look and great downtown location have kept it from completely fading away. Now The Trail Conservancy (TTC) and Austin Parks and Recreation are kicking off Phase 2 of the Seaholm Waterfont project to turn the facility "into a vibrant community hub," a press release says.

The Seaholm Intake Facility is located at 707 W. Cesar Chavez St., almost directly across from the Austin Central Library. It is right on Lady Bird Lake — literally perched on the water — and is accessible by the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. That's why a press release describes the public asset to come as "Austin’s civic waterfront, a gathering place where history, nature, culture, and community converge."

The first phase of the project rehabilitated the property so that people could visit it as-is and learn about the history. The second phase is about deciding and executing on what comes next. It's still early enough in the project that there current design is only conceptual; the new phase includes detailed design and construction.