South Central Waterfront

The South Central Waterfront Initiative promotes a vision and a set of recommendations, tools, and programs to guide redevelopment for this area over the next 20 years. The goal is to ensure that, as the area inevitably changes, every increment of change will contribute to making a great new district that:

• Establishes a lively, safe, and attractive pedestrian environment.
• Expands open spaces and creates great public places.
• Enhances connections to and along the waterfront.
• Includes new housing units as affordable.

The South Central Waterfront encompasses 118 acres, comprised of 56 parcels, directly across the lake from downtown.

Realizing the South Central Waterfront Vision

In February, City staff released draft regulations for the South Central Waterfront District. That begins a monthlong comment period on the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program, giving the community an opportunity to learn about the District and to offer their opinions.

Community members can visit the South Central Waterfront District's Speak Up Austin webpage to view the proposal, learn its details, take a survey, and provide comments for City staff to review. You also can attend one of three meetings for a chance to ask questions and provide feedback:

• Online Community Meeting - Wednesday, Feb. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• In-Person Community Meeting - Monday, Mar. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Austin Central Library
• Online Community Meeting - Wednesday, Mar. 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Speak Up Austin - South Central Waterfront

The Vision Framework Plan

The City Council adopted the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan as an amendment to Imagine Austin in June 2016. The Vision Framework Plan created a roadmap to guide the creation of a districtwide network of connected green streets, parks, trails, and public open spaces, as well as achieving approximately 530 units of onsite affordable housing at full districtwide buildout.

SCW Vision Framework Plan (PDF) (Final Plan as adopted)

Appendices to the SCW Vision Framework Plan (PDF)

South Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB)

City Council has established the SCWAB to “provide continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South Central Waterfront [Vision Framework] Plan moves toward implementation and to provide recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation.”  Since its formation, the SCWAB has worked toward implementation of the vision. See the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board webpage, for information about its duties, membership, meeting agendas and materials, and future meetings. All SCWAB meetings are open to the public.