East Central Austin

Mural: On a recent morning an artist dabs some colorful touch-ups on a mural celebrating a compelling array of personalities from the vegetarian world. Of course Cesar Chavez is among the crowd, as he was not only a vegetarian but also a vegan. The building is also on the street named in his honor. There is a commercial tie-in to the mural, however. Mr. Natural, a favorite Austin-based vegie-only restaurant, has one of its locations across from the stunning artwork.

This compact neighborhood directly east of Downtown Austin and Interstate 35 is likely the city’s most culturally diverse community. Historically this has been the heart of Austin’s African American community. Over time, many Hispanic families embraced the area, too. The French Legation, the former residence of France’s “Charge d’Affairs” in the mid-1800s, also delivers a dollop of diversity. The historic property and its grounds belong to the state and currently are being remodeled and restored for the benefit of future generations.

Thus, the area bounded on the south by Lady Bird Lake, on the north by Martin Luther King Boulevard and on the east by U.S. 183 is one of the most rapidly changing neighborhoods in the country. Tech and media companies are embracing East Central Austin and opening creative offices there — drawing a youthful workforce. Individuals, who want to be solidly enmeshed in Austin’s diverse cultural underpinnings, are also choosing East Austin. African American and Hispanic households continue to be strong and important influences within Austin.

“Change,” however, is the operative word at this time. Escalating that change is the massive 10-acre project called “Plaza Saltillo.” Though being built by private companies, the development is directed by the city’s public transit company CapMetro, which operates a commuter rail station at the site. Currently under construction, Plaza Saltillo will deliver hundreds of residential units, offices and retail spaces spanning six blocks between Fourth and Fifth streets. Whole Foods 365 will open its concept store there in 2019 along with a host of other locally inspired brand businesses.

As a result of the rapidly changing market conditions, housing sales are booming. While many traditional bungalows and ranchettes remain in play, homebuilders are delivering more higher density condos and apartments. Where land is available, infill developers are creating townhouses and urban style single family homes. Expect to see more changes and check out our description of Southeast Central Austin and Northeast Central Austin for more information about other neighborhoods east of I-35 close to downtown.