Sugar daddies, sneak peeks and luxury travel shops plus more top stories

Texas State is No.10 for sugar babies. Sigh.Corriereuniv.it
The newest Whole Foods has a host of cool features.Photo by Whole Foods Market
The Departure Lounge.The Departure Lounge Facebook
The White Horse owner Denis O'Donnell talks about Austin music.The White Horse Facebook

Aside from the hacking and sneezing and sniffling, isn't it a great time of year to be in Austin? While the rest of the country is buried is under snow and about to enter the doldrums of winter — and the accompanying winter blues — we are enjoying 70-degree days, sunny skies and more than our fair share of perfect patios to sip margaritas. We also have a whole batch of fresh stories that kept our readers engaged and talking this week.

1. Texas State has one of the fastest growing "sugar baby" populationsin the country. Don't look so smug University of Texas students, y'all came in at No. 30.

2. Whole Foods Market opened their newest store at the Domain this week. (We have been told it's "one of the prettiest grocery stores ever.")

3. Meet Austin's luxury coffee house, wine bar and luxury travel shop all rolled into one: Departure Lounge.

4. One of our favorite men about town, Denis O'Donnell talks about why he came to Austin, The White Horse and, of course, music.

5. Contributor John Egan breaks down why Austin hasn't hosted a bowl game — and why we probably never will.

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Cleared for landing

New Austin park marks end stage of 20-year plan to redevelop old airport

Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza Park aerial image showing bridge and tower

Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza Park is now open to the public. Photo by Jane Yun

A new park surrounding a former airport structure has debuted in Austin's Mueller neighborhood. Called the Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza, it is now open to the public.

The park design is relatively simple, encircling the airport's old control tower with paved areas and a pedestrian bridge. A hill in the center is partially terraced with small retaining walls, which in some cases could double as seating. Plants including native grasses have been added, but have yet to fill in the space. Some young trees could be focal points and shade providers in years to come.

Crowd on Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza Park steps People gather on the steps during the opening ceremony.Photo by Jane Yun

The park is named after a Mueller community member who advocated to keep the control tower standing. Although Taylor pushed to move the airport, he recognized the control tower as a landmark. He was part of the Citizens for Airport Re-Location (CARE) group, which put forth the redevelopment plan for the area. Taylor passed away in November 2012.

An interesting departure from the rest of the modern neighborhood, the blue-striped and flared tower is one of the last remaining relics of Mueller's past. The retro look will remain as-is.

Performers from Blue Lapis Light, an aerial arts group that is known for performing on structures around Austin highlighted the tower during an opening ceremony for the park on March 29, dangling off the top ledge. Other representatives including CEO of Arterra Development Greg Weaver, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, and Taylor's adult children spoke at the event.

Blue Lapis Light performers on former Austin control tower Blue Lapis Light performers highlighted the tower in a dramatic way.Photo by Jane Yun

The opening of the plaza is a milestone in the 20-year plan to transform Austin's prior airport not only into something livable, but into what the city calls an "urban village." Austinites in the 2020s now know the area as a residential hub filled with pleasant-looking houses and restaurants like the influential L'Oca d'Oro or the newcomer from South Africa, Nando's.

This is the final named park to open as part of the redevelopment plan. As late as 2024 there have still been amendments to the plan, including an extension to finish work by the end of 2027, but the end is increasingly within sight. To a casual visitor, most parts of Mueller certainly look complete.

Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza is located at 3925 Berkman Dr.

parks families airport mueller urban renewal