South Congress Streetscape Improvements

The City of Austin commissioned preliminary designs and feasibility studies for streetscape improvements along South Congress Avenue to increase pedestrian activity, safety, and accessibility in the bustling SoCo shopping and nightlife district south of downtown. As a subconsultant for landscape architecture to civil engineers Binkley & Barfield, Resource Design (now TOPIO) was responsible for urban design within the city’s right-of-way. The initial design studies were used for planning, cost estimating, and to seek buy-in from adjacent property owners.

Final design documents were prepared for two portions of the project, creating inviting passageways where steep cliffs previously had blocked pedestrian access. A shady promenade on the block occupied by the Texas School for the Deaf provides a relaxed oasis and alleviates sidewalk congestion, offering respite from the intense commercial activity on adjacent blocks. On the second site, a stepped retaining wall and accessible sidewalk now offer an inviting connection between businesses along a route previously impassable to pedestrians. The retaining wall was carefully designed to address the steep topography with a consistent rhythm and smooth passage while protecting privacy for two historic residences sandwiched between commercial properties.