Seaholm Waterfront Book

The Trail Conservancy is committed to revitalizing the Seaholm Water Intake Facility and its surrounding parkland into a vibrant community gathering space known as Seaholm Waterfront. Seaholm Waterfront will be a new public recreational and cultural destination for all of Austin.

THE BUILDING The Seaholm Water Intake Building served as the pump house for the Seaholm Power Plant. The power plant consisted of two main structures built in phases between 1950 and 1955 - the Turbine Generator Building and the Water Intake Building. Water to cool the plant’s stream condensers was drawn from the Colorado River into the Water Intake Building, where it was filtered of river debris and pumped underground to the generator building. After serving its purpose, water exited the plant into Shoal Creek.

The Seaholm Power Plant generated electricity until 1989, when it could no longer provide power as efficiently as the other, more modern facilities.

Decommissioned in 1996, the two main structures were closed. Eight years passed before the City of Austin issued a request for the private sector for proposals to redevelop the power plant north of Cesar Chavez Blvd. That redevelopment was completed in 2016, but the Water Intake Building remained empty.

In 2017 TTC, the Austin Parks Foundation, and the City of Austin commissioned a study on how the Intake Building and adjacent land could serve a growing city of nearly one million residents. Internationally recognized architecture and urbanism firm Studio Gang led the study, which was completed in 2018.

The study incorporated extensive public input and provided comprehensive ideas about preserving the character of the historic Intake Building and the surrounding park and Trail while also imagining a future for the Seaholm Waterfront as a recreational, cultural, and community-oriented resource.

Photos by: Austin History Center

PHASE 1 After years of neglect, the City of Austin invested $3 million into Phase 1, completing the extensive repairs needed to the abandoned building. The City of Austin completed this work in September 2022, restoring the building’s interior and exterior so that it could be visited safely. The scope of that restoration included adding a new roof, enclosing large openings in the floor, repairing the original windows, adding interior and exterior lighting, improving ADA accessibility, cleaning the building’s exterior walls to remove graffiti, and updating the accessory building to provide rest rooms and a staging area.

PHASE 2 This project’s next phase will bring a forgotten part of our community to life. The community has been waiting for the opening of this public space as a new way to enjoy Lady Bird Lake. The future of Seaholm Waterfront will include: • An integrated indoor-outdoor experience that creates a unique space where the community can meet, gather, and recreate • Energizing the space with amenities and diverse programming for all ages, abilities, and interests that celebrate the history and culture of Austin • Creating a welcoming and vital park space that protects the area from the bustling noises of Cesar Chavez Blvd and connects the Butler Hike- and-Bike Trail with downtown, Lady Bird Lake, and Shoal Creek.

The Trail Conservancy is committed to delivering this long anticipated vision to the community.

THE VISION Seaholm Waterfront will be a new public recreational cultural destination for all of Austin. The combination

Some of the features of the Seaholm Waterfront area include: • A cafe and waterfront lounge are available on the premises, offering food, drinks, and seating for everyday use.

of iconic architecture, soaring interior spaces, and

• A seating area on the north facade porch faces the main lawn, perfect

alocation steeped in history gives Seaholm Waterfront

• The old accessory building is now replaced with an amenities building, which

the potential to be a signature Austin experience while enhancing Lady Bird Lake and our iconic Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

for gatherings. includes a catering kitchen, public rest rooms, and an on-site office.

• The building’s main lawn encompasses the outdoor space between Cesar Chavez Blvd, and it boasts of an innovative and child-friendly design.

It provides usable park space that connects downtown to the Trail.

• The community can enjoy a pier-like overlook that allows them to gaze upon Lady Bird Lake.

INTE RIOR SPACE S • Energetic and activated spaces that are accessible to the community on a daily basis.

• Creatively programmed areas that are inclusive and cater to a wide range of interests.

• Adaptable spaces that can flexibly serve the community’s diverse needs.

• Exhibits and programs that showcase the building’s rich history.

• A small café that offers food and drink options.

• Versatile spaces that can accommodate anything from casual gatherings to the occasional large event.

• Sustainable design and construction that prioritizes eco-friendliness.

E X TE RIOR S PACE S • A main lawn that is warm and inviting, with plenty of room for a variety of programs and activities.

• Restoration of the natural landscape, water scape, and ecology, providing a barrier from the noise of the adjacent streets and downtown area.

• The Lake front Overlook offers a stunning and easily accessible view of Lady Bird Lake.

• The Butler Trail has been improved to enhance visibility, accessibility, and mobility, making it easier than ever to explore our beautiful outdoor space.

THE TIMELINE CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE 2023 - 2025: Capital Campaign Q3/ Q4 2024:

Team & Contractor Procurement

2025:

Design & Community Engagement

Q1/Q2 2026:

Permitting & Construction Documentation

Q4 2026/ Q1 2027:

Construction Begins

• The above is an anticipated timeline for the project. Should TTC meet its fundraising goal early, the project timeline will be adjusted.

PROJECT BUDGET: $15 Million

TH E S PAC E

Construction Hard Costs:

$9,150,000.00

Construction Soft Costs:

$4,500,000.00

Seaholm Waterfront is a space like no other in Austin’s downtown area. Featuring

Maintenance & Operation Costs:

$1,350,000.00

art deco architecture and a prime waterfront location, it offers a signature Austin experience for residents and tourists a like. Located on one of the busiest

• Includes 5 years of maintenance, 2 years of operations, 1 year of salaries,

thoroughfares in downtown, the building sees roughly 28,000 vehicles passing

and a replacement reserve.

by it daily, according to 2016 City of Austin traffic counts. In addition, over 550,000 trail users walk past the building annually.

The lakefront side of the area is also a popular attraction, drawing discussion from bat cruises, lake tours, and recreational users. The state-of-the-art LED lighting on the lakeside is customizable, allowing for a light show that can be changed by season or special occasion. The view of the building from across the river is even more breathtaking, visible from Auditorium Shores, Butler Shores, and glimpses of the skyline from the neighborhoods at night. Soon, all of Austin will be able to come and explore Seaholm Waterfront to experience its unique charm in downtown Austin.

Heidi Anderson, CEO The Trail Conservancy 512.596.6048

heidi@thetrailconservancy.org