This page serves as an informal resource for all ongoing development and community projects in Dawson or directly adjacent. Upkeep of this page is “best effort” and we welcome any feedback or input. Please email suggestions/corrections to Andrew (ajmccann at gmail.com).
Active Projects:
HEB
The H-E-B at Oltorf and South Congress opened in 1957 and was torn down in 2022 in preparation for a giant new flagship store.
The new H-E-B, at 145,000 square feet, will have two levels for shopping, as well as an above-ground parking garage with 600 spaces, solving a longstanding issue at the popular grocery location.
- Read local coverage of the demolition
- Read local resident Diana Claitor’s take from February 2022.
Alpine Pond
The Alpine Road Pond is a Capital Improvement Project of the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. Originally build as a detention pond to prevent flooding, the pond was redesigned in 1998 as a “wet pond” (a pond that constantly holds water). Its watershed covers 58 acres between Ben White, Congress Avenur, and South First Street. Now serving multiple purposes, the pond:
- Protects water quality by removing pollutants from the water before they drain to East Bouldin Creek.
- Reduces flooding by storing rainfall runoff during storms, and
- Provides attractive open space for the neighborhood and habitat for local wildlife.
The Dawson Neighborhood Association has enhanced the park by contributing additional plants and trees and sponsoring pond clean-ups. Learn more!
2912 S Congress Ave (10/2022)
This big lot used to be a restaurant. Is is now owned by St. Edward’s University and appears to be under development.
South First & Cumberland (10/2022)
This lot, just across South 1st from Dawson, is being developed as a multi-family development. Estimated completion date is unknown but the project is active.
Completed Projects:
Hustler Hollywood (3600 South Congress – 10/2022)
This business is now open.
The DNA wrote a letter to the owners of Hustler Hollywood calling out that COA property code states that an adult oriented business should not be located by a church or existing adult oriented business, but 3600 Congress has both characteristics. Additionally, Dawson neighborhood overlay prohibits adult oriented businesses, an Orange Line stop will be near this location, and the retention pond behind the building needs to remain free of trash and unlawful human activities. Hustler Hollywood found a “loophole” by claiming to sell a specific percentage of retail (lingerie), but their own marketing and customer reviews clearly indicate that the main purpose of the store is to sell sexual oriented novelty items. DNA sent a letter to city representative to object to the planned opening.
The owners have published detailed interior and exterior pictures to their Google Maps entry.