The downtown Trader Joe’s is now open for business. Part of the huge Seaholm Power Plant development project, this new grocery store sits directly behind the old power plant building. There are some metering parking spaces just outside the main entrance on Third Street, and additional paid parking is available in an underground garage.
The recent slab pour on West Second Street reminded me that it’s time for another construction update. Four buildings are slated for the site of the former Green Water Treatment Plant. A 38-story mixed-use office/apartment building (facing Cesar Chavez) is under way, and now the slab has been poured for the next one, a slightly shorter office building. Second Street is being extended with a new bridge over Shoal Creek.
Last Saturday afternoon, The Big Squeeze accordion competition was held on the plaza of the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum. Musicians competed in three categories: Conjunto, Cajun/Zydeco, and Czech/German/Polish Polka. Non-profit Texas Folk Life sponsored this annual competition to encourage young accordionists.
In an effort to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, the city of Austin has a new initiative called Don’t Block the Box. Texas state law stipulates that “you should wait to enter an intersection until you are sure you can make it all the way through,” but this law was not really enforced here. In March, signs were installed at four key intersections on Cesar Chavez, and the public was warned. Now tickets are being issued. This initiative will be expanded to other gridlock-prone intersections in the near future.
Armenian Genocide Commemorations are being held around the world this week to remember the nearly 1.5 million Armenians who died during World War I. Here in Austin, a Peace Walk and Rally was held last Saturday afternoon. Armenians traveled here from Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and other parts of Texas to join the local Armenian community for this event.
MJ&M stands for Mack, Jack, and McConaughey—former UT football coach, Mack Brown, musician Jack Ingram, and actor Matthew McConaughey. Last week this trio hosted their third annual fundraiser to benefit several children’s charities. The two-day event included a fashion show, a golf tournament, a gala dinner, and evening concerts at the ACL-Moody Theater.
Since summer is, by far, the longest season in central Texas, we are very appreciative of relatively-short springs. Temperatures start getting warmer in mid-March and typically don’t become unbearable until June. This spring we are getting plenty of rain, although not always over the lakes which supply our water needs. Every little bit of moisture now helps during the hot summer months.
Jo’s Easter Pet Parade and Costume Contest is a fun Easter weekend tradition, even for non-pet owners. The Dead Music Capital Band led this year’s parade down the sidewalks of South Congress. The parade ended in the parking lot behind Jo’s Coffee Shop (home of the I love you so much mural) where a stage and bleachers were set up for the costume contest. Entry fees benefited local non-profit Austin Pets Alive!.
Another phase of the Auditorium Shores renovation project was recently completed. Over the past year, the West Lawn and Trailhead areas were renovated, and now the large Event Lawn overlooking downtown has been reopened.
I’m sure everyone is anxiously waiting for an update on last month’s entry, Please Hold It. Well, I can now report that the new restrooms along the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail are open, and they have been given a name: Heron Creek Restrooms.