Photo rendering of proposed 7th Street Plaza at the NW corner of the 7th and Red River intersection including sidewalk corrections, pedestrian lighting, planters, and landscaping.
AUSTIN, TX - The City of Austin has initiated the final phases of streetscape enhancements in the heart of the Red River Cultural District (RRCD), one of Austin’s most iconic live music hubs. Improvements will enhance pedestrian experiences and improve the health and safety within the downtown district for residents, visitors, and musicians. Construction is expected to begin this week, with a targeted conclusion of Summer 2022.
In 2017, City Council directed the City Manager to explore a variety of public infrastructure enhancements along Red River Street. Since that time, City departments collaborated to address design and implementation of district needs. The Economic Development Department and Public Works Department thoroughly engaged the business community to identify public infrastructure improvements that would celebrate and enhance RRCD’s cultural significance. Forthcoming improvements include sidewalk, curb, gutter and ADA ramp additions as well as landscape beautification and solar lighting enhancements throughout the area.
“The Red River Cultural District is one of Austin’s crown jewels for live music. The collaborative approach between community members and city departments will ensure our investments enhance the experience for residents and tourists visiting this area,” said Austin’s Assistant City Manager, Rodney Gonzales. “These improvements will bring more opportunity for businesses to thrive as we welcome the sound of live music reverberating through our streets once again.”
The City of Austin held a virtual “Meet the Contractor” on July 22, 2021 to introduce local business owners to the contractor team, ASD Consultants. City officials also answered questions to address stakeholder concerns as construction is set to begin during a time when live music venues are reopening. RRCD business owners want the public to know the district will remain rockin’ as improvements are implemented.
“These enhancements aim to provide safer infrastructure for this culturally vibrant area of downtown,” said Assistant City Manager Gina Fiandaca. “Austin Public Works is proud to manage the design and delivery of these mobility and beautification upgrades.”
Photo rendering of proposed infrastructure improvements along Red River Street including sidewalk corrections, planters, and landscaping.
The City of Austin is taking steps to mitigate the construction’s impacts on traffic and pedestrians. The street will remain open to traffic and access to driveways will be available unless specifically addressed with impacted business. Visitors to the area are encouraged to use extra caution while in the work zone.
Considerations when in the Red River area once construction begins:
- Do not park along the curb within the work zone between the hours of 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- To allow for proper curing/drying of the concrete, please do not use areas until the cones have been removed.
- Follow all work zone traffic signs, cones, and flaggers to help direct you.
- Reduce speed; travel slowly and cautiously in the work zone.
"We’re excited about the upcoming work to improve safety, visibility and walkability in the Red River Cultural District,” explains Cody Cowan, Executive Director of the Red River Cultural District. “This work will greatly improve the experiences for all of our locals, musicians and visitors that grace this great live music district from the Convention Center to Waterloo Park!”
Visit the Red River Cultural District website for event updates and concert details. Visit the Red River Area Improvement webpage to follow construction progress.
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About the City of Austin Economic Development Department
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd or follow us @AustinEconDev on Facebook and @AustinEconDev on Twitter.
About the City of Austin Public Works Department
The City of Austin Public Works Department designs, manages, and inspects major capital improvement projects; promotes bicycle, pedestrian, safe routes to school, and urban trail projects; and maintains the City's network of trails, roadways, and bridges once they are built. Visit austintexas.gov/PublicWorks for projects, services and programs such as our Neighborhood Partnering Program. Find us on Facebook @atxpublicworks.