UT Eastward Expansion

University of Texas plans big expansion in East Austin

The UT Board of Regents is set to vote on a plan for further construction on the university's East Campus.

Photo by dszc/Getty Images

Big changes may be coming to one Austin neighborhood as the University of Texas looks to expand east of I-35. The Austin American-Statesman reports that UT and the Blackland neighborhood have come to terms on the university's ambitions plans for the area between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and East Dean Keeton Street.

If approved, the $166.4 million plan would bring graduate student housing, a parking complex and tennis courts to the area around Disch-Falk baseball field. Other UT buildings already occupying the East Campus include the McCombs softball field, the facilities complex, the UT press and more.

The Blackland neighborhood has given its approval on this new plan, but tension between the neighborhood and the university extends back to the 1980s when UT began purchasing property in the area and tearing down houses. Since then, the university has strived to remain on good terms with the Blackland neighborhood by returning some of the previously purchased property and considering the neighborhood's opinion on future developments.

Based on community feedback, UT plans to build housing on Leona Street and place tennis courts on the north side of the baseball field. "The student housing stabilizes the boundary between the neighborhood and UT, and it's compatible with the neighborhood," Bo McCarver, chairman of the Blackland Community Development Corp, tells the Statesman. "Basically, UT has accommodated everything we have asked for."

In addition to assuaging the community's worries, the new construction will create affordable graduate student housing, meet growing parking demands and fulfill the wish for a new tennis complex close to campus. The UT System Board of Regents will vote on the plan next month.

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CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY

Everything to know about Austin's 4th annual Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival

Photo courtesy of the Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival

This year's festivities will run from June 12-19.

A weeklong celebration of Black history is returning to Austin with a focus on local organizations and people that are making long-lasting impacts in the local community. The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center is hosting the fourth annual Stay Black and Live (SB&L) Juneteenth Festival June 12-19.

The festival began as a livestream in 2020, and has since captured the attention of community members citywide, making it the cornerstone event for Austin's Juneteenth celebrations. SB&L's theme for 2023 is "Austin Family Reunion," centered around community kickbacks, cookouts, live music, and more.

In a release, Carver Museum director Carre Adams said the museum continuously aims to "honor the significance of Juneteenth" with their festival programming and education.

“We are incredibly proud to continue Austin’s Juneteenth celebration and tradition at our historic museum,” said Adams. “We invite the Austin community to join us as we commemorate this momentous occasion and bring Black history past, present and future to the forefront.”

The festival will begin with a presentation on Monday, June 12 hosted by 2023 Grammy Music Educator Award winner and Desoto, Texas high school music teacher Pamela Dawson. The website states she will sing and use "negro spirituals" during her interactive session to inform guests about "African-American contributions to the sonic art form." Dawson's lecture will take place from 6-8 pm at the Boyd Vance Theater.

Below is a full weekend schedule for the festival:

Thursday, June 15
James Beard award-winning food historian and author Michael W. Twitty will take the stage at the Boyd Vance Theater from 6-8 pm. He'll discuss the eating habits and culinary practices of African Americans, and open a conversation about modern-day abolitionist movements.

Friday, June 16
Austinites of every age are invited to the festival's community kickback and dance party from 6-9 pm at the Carver Museum's Freedom Lawn. The party will be accompanied by high-energy music by DJ Cysum and DJ Dontizl. The event is in partnership with Creative Action, who will also set up a "sensory station" for attendees to express themselves with glowsticks, kites, bubbles, and more. A special performance by BodyRockATX will close out the event.

Saturday, June 17
The day will begin at 10 am with the annual historic Juneteenth Parade through Austin's Rosewood neighborhood. The parade route starts on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and goes all the way to Rosewood Park.

Following the parade, visitors can gather for the Austin Family Reunion Cookout and Music Festival behind the Carver Museum from 3-6 pm. Veteran pitmasters will provide the delicious barbecue while Lady Joy and KAZI 88.7 DJs host the festivities. Attendees can also enjoy a vendor market, carnival games, workshops, and more.

Saul Paul will host the music festival from 6-9 pm on the Freedom Lawn, with performances by Distinguished Soundz, Stretch Muzik, and DJ Kay Kali. Headliners GAPX will perform at 8 pm.

Monday, June 19
Historian, Harvard law professor, and Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed will lead a Free Your Mind Conversation Series discussion about her book, On Juneteenth, from 1-3 pm at the Boyd Vance Theater.

Later that afternoon from 5-8 pm, the museum will host their final event for the week with their "Community Revival and Remembrance" ceremony in partnership with the Austin Justice Coalition. The closing celebration will pay respect to those who were victims of police violence in Texas.

More information about the Stay Black and Live Juneteenth Festival can be found on juneteenthatx.com.

austin juneteenth festivals