Waller Creek Tunnel Project Brings ‘Riverwalk’, Tackles Big Problems in Downtown Austin
By DeeinAustin™
Austin City Council Member Sheryl Cole is a local hero for cleaning up the Waller Creek Tunnel in Downtown Austin. The project will bring a new vibe to downtown and is likened to the Riverwalk in San Antonio.
Waller Creek is often called Austin’s lost stepchild. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Waller Creek is known for dangerous flooding, an "aggressive" homeless population, and pollution.
Some say Waller Creek puts a black eye on Austin’s reputation for being clean, green and safe. Many city leaders have tried to tackle the issue, but it Cole, along with Mayor Pro Tem Betty Dunkerley, were finally victorious.
WHAT WILL THE WALLER CREEK PROJECT DO?
The $127 million Waller Creek Project is basically a tunnel that will help control flooding, erosion, and pollution at the site, which is located around 12th Street and Red River. The project is mostly paid for by tax-increment financing. You may wonder…
"What are the benefits of a really expensive tunnel in this area of Downtown Austin?"
In a presentation from January 2007 from Cole and Dunkerley, the benefits of the Waller Creek Project were:
Spur economic development throughout downtown, in particular in an area where development has lagged the rest of the City.
Improve the connectivity between east and west Austin.
Promote tourism and serve as an added attraction for convention visitors.
Increase Austin quality of life through enhancing the quality of water flowing into Town Lake.
Enhance the available park land along the creek by providing amenities in Waterloo Park and on Town Lake and by preventing flooding and implementing erosion control.
LATEST WALLER CREEK PROJECT STATUS
The Waller project is not new. It’s fully underway. Final direction was provided at Austin City Council meetings in February.
A major issue is how Austin will handle the homeless population in this area. With the large homeless shelter close by, perceived problems from residents raise questions that are still not officially addressed.
Austinites, Austin City Council, and advocates like Sheryl Cole understand that the Waller Creek project will create a beautiful, urban green space that both current and future generations can be proud of.
READ MORE ABOUT WALLER CREEK TUNNEL PROJECT
- Main Waller Creek Project information page.
- Frequently asked questions about the Waller Project.
- Complete Waller Creek project info from RECA.
- Related: Condo Conversion at 41 Waller.
- Download Sheryl Cole’s Waller Creek presentation Jan. ‘07.
- Join the Waller Creek project mailing list.
- Learn more about tax-increment financing.
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