• Restaurants + Bars
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Society
  • City Life
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Real Estate
  • Home + Design
  • Innovation
  • Travel
  • City Guide
  • Events
  • Charity Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
culturemap logo
  • Restaurants + Bars

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Popular chicken salad chain to roost in Austin area with 8 locations
    Egg-cellent news
    Popular chicken salad chain to roost in Austin area with 8 locations
    By John Egan
    Brianna Caleri: 5 things to know in Austin food right now: New Triangle restaurant debuts brunch
    News You Can Eat
    5 things to know in Austin food: New Triangle restaurant debuts brunch
    By Brianna Caleri
    Hannah J. Phillips: Healthy food pioneer Picnik plants new roots with South Austin opening
    New Picnik
    Healthy food pioneer Picnik plants new roots with South Austin opening
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Entertainment

    THE LATEST

    Alex Bentley: Minions: The Rise of Gru finds the fun again by going back in time
    Movie Review
    Minions: The Rise of Gru finds the fun by going back in time
    By Alex Bentley
    Paige Turner: Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this 4th of July weekend
    Weekend Event Guide
    Here are the top 5 things to do in Austin this 4th of July weekend
    By Paige Turner
    Brianna Caleri: 10 spectacular ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Austin, from fireworks to food
    Not-so-lone Star
    10 ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Austin, from fireworks to food
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Arts

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin's Harry Ransom Center hosts centennial celebration of author James Joyce
    Bibliophiles ReJoyce
    Harry Ransom Center hosts centennial celebration of James Joyce
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin Public Library and BookPeople band together to celebrate banned books
    Freedom to Read
    Austin Public Library and BookPeople band together for banned books
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Brianna Caleri: Texas Women for the Arts champions 5 Austin organizations with annual grants
    Wish Granted
    Texas Women for the Arts champions 5 Austin organizations with grants
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Society

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Austinites gather to toast, taste, and crown top culinary talent at the Tastemakers
    A Delicious Celebration
    Austinites toast, taste, and crown top culinary talent at Tastemakers
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Katey Psencik Outka: Founder of boozy Austin brand weds local singer in destination event
    Ranch Rider
    Founder of boozy Austin brand weds local singer in destination event
    By Katey Psencik Outka
    Katey Psencik Outka: Local music legend's niece ties the knot in romantic Austin ceremony
    Real Wedding
    Local music legend's niece ties the knot in romantic Austin ceremony
    By Katey Psencik Outka

    SPONSORED BY

  • City Guide

    THE LATEST

    : ZACH Theatre
    Entertainment
    ZACH Theatre
    : Spiderhouse Ballroom
    Entertainment
    Spiderhouse Ballroom
    : Vic Mathias Shores
    Entertainment
    Vic Mathias Shores

    SPONSORED BY

  • Events

    THE LATEST

    : Brick Rodeo
    7.3.22 | 9:00 am
    Brick Rodeo
    : Museum of Ice Cream
    7.3.22 | 10:00 am
    Museum of Ice Cream
    : The Black Hair Experience Pop Up Selfie Museum
    7.3.22 | 10:00 am
    The Black Hair Experience Pop Up Selfie Museum

    SPONSORED BY

  • Subscribe
  • City Life

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Austin skyrockets to top of U.S. cities with clear skies for 4th of July
    Star-spangled atmosphere
    Austin skyrockets to top of U.S. cities with clear 4th of July skies
    By John Egan
    : Austin reopens more city pools for 4th of July weekend
    Just keep swimming
    Austin reopens more city pools for 4th of July weekend
    By Hannah Ortega, KVUE
    Hannah J. Phillips: SXSW heads down under in 2023 with first festival in Sydney
    SXSydney
    SXSW heads down under in 2023 with first festival in Sydney
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Fashion + Beauty

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Phillips: Former Texas Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin
    Sporting Fashion
    Former Longhorn launches luxury shopping destination in South Austin
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Hannah J. Phillips: Austin jewelry star Kendra Scott shines with dazzling engagement ring collection
    Great Scott
    Austin jewelry star Kendra Scott debuts dazzling new engagement rings
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    Kristen O'Brien: Iconic French fashion house Hermès unwraps elegant Austin store
    Hermès Home
    Iconic French fashion house Hermès unwraps elegant Austin store
    By Kristen O'Brien

    SPONSORED BY

  • Real Estate

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: New ‘boutique’ housing development slated for bustling South Austin area
    It takes a village
    New ‘boutique’ housing development slated for bustling South Austin
    By John Egan
    John Egan: Austin suburb sizzles with one of the hottest U.S. ZIP codes for homebuyers
    Building a reputation
    Austin suburb sizzles with one of the hottest ZIP codes for homebuyers
    By John Egan
    Hannah J. Phillips: Stunning Lake Austin home owned by Counting Crows pianist hits market to tune of $4.25 million
    Keeping up with Mr. Jones
    Counting Crows pianist's Lake Austin home for sale to tune of $4.25M
    By Hannah J. Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Home + Design

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Iconic South Congress store closes up shop after 33 years
    So long
    Iconic South Congress store closes up shop after 33 years
    By John Egan
    Holly Beretto: Step back in time inside 9 grand and historic Galveston homes on popular tour
    living history
    Step back in time inside 9 grand and historic homes on Galveston tour
    By Holly Beretto
    David Phillips: Sustainable outdoor furniture brand selects Austin for first Texas showroom
    Become a Yardbird
    Sustainable outdoor furniture brand selects Austin for Texas debut
    By David Phillips

    SPONSORED BY

  • Innovation

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
    Pedal to the metal
    Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
    By John Egan
    John Egan: 8 Austin leaders named entrepreneurs of the year in regional awards
    Entrepreneurial Spirit
    8 Austin leaders named entrepreneurs of the year in regional awards
    By John Egan
    Steven Devadanam: Texas entrepreneur scales to new heights with innovative marketplace for the outdoors
    a mountainous achievement
    Texas entrepreneur scales to new heights with innovative marketplace
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Travel

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Galveston Island State Park reopens for beachside fun after major makeover
    park it in galveston
    Galveston Island State Park reopens for beachside fun after makeover
    By Steven Devadanam
    Hannah J. Phillips: River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38 million transformation
    Revamped River Walk
    River Walk hotel celebrates 40th anniversary with $38M transformation
    By Hannah J. Phillips
    John Egan: Spa at Hill Country resort previously owned by George Strait goes up in flames
    Blaze near Boerne
    Spa at George Strait's former Hill Country resort goes up in flames
    By John Egan

    SPONSORED BY

  • Charity Guide
  • Tastemaker Awards
Kuper Neighborhood Guide Austin 2022
Promoted articles are produced by CultureMap sponsors and not by the editorial staff.
Home » Real Estate
Your Expert Guide
Georgetown: Unique character and small-town charm close to Austin
Your Expert Guide
Headwaters: Where the stars — and homes — are big and bright
LATEST NEWS
SXSW heads down under in 2023 with first festival in Sydney
Your Expert Guide

Zilker: Old Austin charm thrives amidst rapid redevelopment and popularity

Zilker: Old Austin charm thrives amidst rapid growth and popularity

By CultureMap Create
Enlarge
Slideshow
Realtor Kay Keesee
Agent Kay Keesee Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty
601 Kinney Ave. Austin house
The roof terrace at 601 Kinney Ave. provided an amazing view of downtown Austin. Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty
601 Kinney Ave. Austin house
601 Kinney Ave. maintained a minimalist, understated street presence. Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty
Realtor Kay Keesee
601 Kinney Ave. Austin house
601 Kinney Ave. Austin house

There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

---

It's no wonder that Austin's Zilker neighborhood is so popular — it has vintage appeal, big yards, towering live oak trees, and is a mere mile and a half from downtown, with walking distance to the popular Barton Springs Pool. 

Kuper Sotheby's International Realty agent Kay Keesee has been a resident of Zilker for the past four decades. Thirty of those years have been devoted to helping folks purchase their own Zilker homes and settle into the neighborhood.

"We've managed to retain the 'Old Austin' vibe while welcoming new neighbors at a record pace," Keesee says. "Can you believe that at one time Zilker — and the whole of South Austin — weren't anywhere near the top of the 'most popular neighborhoods' list? Not so now!"

But despite its rapid rise in popularity, Zilker still holds onto its small-town feel. Keesee says an evening walk can easily stretch three miles without ever encountering a traffic light or four-lane street. The Zilker Neighborhood Association is active and inclusive, and Zilker Elementary School is beloved for its excellent standards, diversity, and community involvement.

Compared to everywhere else, Keesee says, Zilker just seems a little slower, sweeter, and much more convenient.

Block parties occur regularly, but larger events such as Austin City Limits at Zilker Park, the July 4th celebration at Auditorium Shores, and the Trail of Lights at holiday time are also a draw.

Zilker has been a desirable neighborhood for hundreds of years, with traces of the Tonkawa and other native tribes having been discovered in the area. Mary Crownover Rabb and her husband John built a log cabin and settled on Barton Creek in 1860. Today Rabb Road, Zilker's western boundary, commemorates the Rabb family and their 95 years in the Zilker area.

"Some say the spirits, ancient and more recent, still dwell here in peace," Keesee says.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Keesee has obviously poured her time and energy into Austin over the years. She's also an alumna of Leadership Austin and Leadership Texas, a former chair of the Austin Commission for Women, and is an active supporter and volunteer for over 30 years of the Settlement Home for Children.

Keesee offered up a few more of her personal favorites about life in Zilker. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
El Rancho is Tex-Mex at its finest, Keesee says, while Juliet is her favorite for great cocktails.

And when it's time for fast food, Austin institution P. Terry's is the place to go.

Where to play
The famous Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool are here (look for the Philosopher's Rock bronze sculpture at the north entrance), but don't overlook Little Zilker Park, which adjoins Zilker Elementary School.

Pfluger Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge is popular during good weather, and a wonderful way to see Lady Bird Lake. Look east, and you can spot colorful graffiti art on the railroad trestle.

What to see
The Zach Theatre is the oldest continually operating theater company in Texas, and when you go to the main entrance on the west side Keesee advises not to miss the evocative bronze sculpture Lady Hare with Dog by Sophie Ryder, which was installed in 1998.

Zilker Hillside Theater also encourages the arts with summer programs, or you can explore the Austin Nature and Science Center and Taniguchi Japanese Garden in Zilker Park.

Where to live
While some homes were built in the 1920s, Zilker development in earnest began in the 1930s. Many of these homes remain, primarily north of Kerr Street, Keesee points out.

Commonly called bungalows, the more accurate style designation for most vintage homes in Zilker is "minimal traditional."  Emerging in mid-20th century America, this style incorporated influences from such earlier styles as American Colonial, Colonial Revival, Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, and Craftsman. Typical features include hipped or gabled roofs, minimal eaves, wood siding, small porches, and loads of charm.

In the early 1950s, the style was superseded by the one-level ranch style that's prevalent in Zilker south of Dexter, where Nash Philips Copus and others pioneered modern subdivision planning in Austin. Further south, streets were developed less uniformly, with a mix of styles from the late 1940s to the the mid-1960s. Notable among these are the coveted midcentury residences designed and built with strong Frank Lloyd Wright influences by local architect A. D. Stenger. 

In the 1980s, major home remodeling and redevelopment of lots began to appear. Still a haven of affordability compared to neighborhoods north of the "river" (aka Lady Bird Lake), Zilker rose in popularity — though not much in price. By 1995, the local prejudice against living "south of the river" began to crumble as prices rose in the north.

Commercial and multi-family developers recognized the potential and seized the opportunity. South Lamar, part of the Zilker neighborhood, was redeveloped piece by piece. Restaurants, gyms, shops, and apartment buildings replaced older commercial buildings. Lamar Plaza, the only shopping center that ever existed in Zilker, was replaced by Lamar Union, a multi-family residential and commercial center. 

After 2000, redevelopment of residential lots increased dramatically. The new residences are much larger, mostly two stories, and varied in style. Minimalist modern is the most popular, though modern farmhouse, new traditional, midcentury modern, and "statement sculptural" are also represented.

Condominium development accelerated after 2000, offering an attractive alternative to the few older communities, some of which were remodeled in response to the competition.  Luxury units such as those at The Loren, Bartonplace, Villas of Lost Canyon, Bridges on the Park, and Kinney Lofts meet the demand for upscale condos.

Current single-family home prices range from the high $800s to just under $7 million. From 2019 to 2022, Keesee says, the average price for a single family home in Zilker rose 52 percent.  

One of Keesee's landmark sales anchors the north end of Kinney Avenue. A striking minimalist design, the home was built to the highest construction standards utilizing commercial grade materials and finishes. The 586-square-foot roof terrace affords a commanding view of the downtown Austin skyline only a mile away.

---

Kay Keesee lives, works, and plays in Zilker. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email kay.keesee@sothebysrealty.com, or call 737-308-9512.

Read These Next
2022 Tastemaker Awards
Where to sip summer cocktails from Austin Tastemaker's top spirits
frida fest in edinburg
From tasty Texas festivals to must-see museums, Edinburg has it all
louis mueller barbecue restaurant
Sink your teeth into legendary barbecue in film-famous Taylor
2022 Tastemaker Awards
Where to sip summer cocktails from Austin Tastemaker's top spirits
frida fest in edinburg
From tasty Texas festivals to must-see museums, Edinburg has it all
louis mueller barbecue restaurant
Sink your teeth into legendary barbecue in film-famous Taylor
  • Latest News
  • Most Popular
  • Austin suburb among hottest ZIPs for buyers, plus more top stories
  • Where to sip summer cocktails from Austin Tastemaker's top spirits
    - promoted -
  • Austin skyrockets to top of U.S. cities with clear 4th of July skies
  • Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
  • Minions: The Rise of Gru finds the fun by going back in time
See All Latest News >
  • New ‘boutique’ housing development slated for bustling South Austin
  • Popular chicken salad chain to roost in Austin area with 8 locations
  • Austin suburb among hottest ZIPs for buyers, plus more top stories
  • Tesla gears up for 500,000-square-foot expansion of Austin factory
  • 5 things to know in Austin food: New Triangle restaurant debuts brunch
Vote Now
Where to Eat Austin
3/11
Where to eat in Austin: 12 hot spots to feed your face during SXSW
10/1
Where to eat in Austin right now: 10 spots near ACL Fest to feast on
8/13
Where to eat in Austin right now: 10 best restaurants for summer bites
Home | About Us | News Tips & Suggestions | Submit An Event | Submit A Charity | Advertise | Media Sponsorship | Jobs | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
© 2022 CultureMap LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Be A CultureMap Insider
Get Our Emails
Sign Up

We will not share or sell your email address

Newsletters for exploring your city

Thank you for signing up Please verify your e-mail by following the link we just sent you.
Look for an e-mail from CultureMap <info@culturemap.com>