The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is currently rehabilitating the 1930s substation building to better relate to the pocket park. The project began with a schematic design phase in 2013, and is now being carried through to construction with a combination of Parkland Dedication funding and revenue funds from the onsite cell phone tower. The project, designed by hatch + ulland, owen architects, features an exterior steel and wood canopy, restored steel windows, and a large accordion door system to connect the interior and exterior.
Construction is currently underway, and is anticipated to be completed in early February.

Impact:

During the 4-month construction phase, access to the back portion of the park will be limited to accommodate the contractor’s onsite needs. As equipment is able to be removed, the limits of construction fencing will be reduced to maximize access to the park.

Stakeholders Meetings:

The public input for the community outreach phase of this project has closed, and the construction phase is underway. Previous public meetings were as follows:

• Community Meeting #1—Open House & Planning Charrette

April 27, 2013 from 9–11:30am.  Sparky Pocket Park, 3701 Grooms Street, Austin, TX 78705

• Community Meeting #2—Presentation of concepts for community input

May 11, 2013 from 9–11:30am.  Sparky Pocket Park, 3701 Grooms Street, Austin, TX 78705

• Community Meeting #3—Presentation of final concepts at North University Neighborhood Assoc. Meeting

June 3, 2013 at 6:30pm. First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis Avenue, Austin, TX 78705

For more information about North Austin Substation Building Rehabilitation, please contact Kim McKnight at 512/974-9478.