History buffs and nature lovers, mark your calendars. The City of Austin is breaking ground on the much-anticipated rehabilitation of the Barton Springs Bathhouse—a gem from 1947 sitting in Art Moderne glory and recognized both as a State Antiquities Landmark and a tenant on the National Register of Historic Places. According to information released by the City of Austin, everyone's invited to the groundbreaking celebration on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m., just make sure to hoof it to the parking lot at the Rock Garden picnic area; your wheels won't be welcome near the bathhouse that day.
The work set to go underway aims to breathe new life into the historical structure. The City promises improvements that won't only patch up the aging bones of the bathhouse but also bring forth a renaissance in the pool's entry areas, public spaces, parking, and, importantly, accessibility. The stated overhaul will include replacement of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and drainage systems, alongside fire safety lanes and compliance with Texas Accessibility Standards. Amidst these enhancements, the city plans to keep the pool open to swimmers—just expect to find a different way in while construction hums along.
While the main event may be the bathhouse itself, education isn't taking a backseat. A redesigned exhibit within the Beverly Sheffield Education Center will hopefully instigate a deeper appreciation for Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer. With a focus on the tiny, endangered salamanders calling these waters home, the City intends to foster stewardship and an understanding of the fragility of these treasured ecosystems.
These improvements aim to smartly weave threads of legacy with current needs, as the bathhouse closes its doors starting February 15, to unveil the updated facility in spring 2025. Temporary facilities are due to pop up next to the bathhouse, minimizing inconvenience for those daring dips in the iconic pool. And as any project's timeline can unexpectedly shift, flexibility might just have to be the name of the game.
This rehab isn't happening on dreams alone. It's bankrolled by a patchwork quilt of sources: the Historic Preservation Fund, the 2012 Bond Program, Zilker Parking Fees, City Council Funds, and major contributions from the Barton Springs Conservancy. The Austin Water Department and Watershed Protection Department are tossing in their two cents as well. For those interested in the gritty details, a handy source for information about the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Project is provided at the City of Austin's official website.
