Roadboys Travels: A Weekend in Austin

And An Open Mash Note to Austin's New Library

Roadboy just finished a weekend trip to Austin Texas. Timing was good; nice spring weather and the South by Southwest (SXSW) crowds had all left.

Sadly, in the days before the trip Austin had suffered from a series of random bombings. As it turned out the psycho bomber self-destructed just before I arrived and city folks were venturing out with confidence again.

I've visited Texas' Music City many times over the years (mainly for work) and admit to having a soft spot for the City and it's boundless energy.

With each visit however, I find Austin a little less "Weird" and a bit more "Manhattan". But, it is still danged cool in my book.

My visit had no particular agenda other than to spend time with a friend, eat some good food, listen to some music (of which there is no shortage in the Capital of Texas) and go visit its new main library.

I met my friend at the larger than life sculpture of US Representative Barbara Jordan (a personal hero). We traveled directly from Bergstrom Airport to a casual dinner under the trees at Austin's hipster Central Market. Dinner was accompanied by some great Cuban inspired band. And, the evening progressed some pretty good dancers (and some energetic tykes) were inspired to avail themselves of the music and the lovely evening.

Saturday the big "A" architect in me opted for visit to Austin's newly opened downtown library. We rode the bus downtown enjoying some spirited conversation with fellow riders excited to offer sightseeing advice.

The New Austin Public Library

Architects are mercilous detail freaks. We scrutinize every detail of any building we visit. Sadly, we usually find more to fault than to admire.

Well, after a whole lot more time spent poking around this building than I'd planned, I found myself just in awe of this new civic masterpiece by the Joint Venture of Lake Flato and Shepley Bullfinch. This design team just didn't miss much of anything.

The View Through The Central Atrium

The library is filled with art and comfy furnishings for every mood. There is a roof terrace with great views, acoustics are great and finishes are perfect.

Everywhere I looked there were electrical outlets and my phone indicated robust free WiFi from rooftop to the quiet reading rooms.

The Rooftop Terrace

I also offer admiration to the builders. They delivered a level of quality and finesse Austin residents should really be proud of.

Attention To Detail is Exhibited Everywhere

From what I understand the building suffered from months of delays and a series of budget increases, but the value of the extra time and money is on display for everyone to see; truly a new civic treasure.

New Streetscape, Bridges and Pedestrian Walks Surround the Library

The exhibition galleries (that had a great show featuring Singapore's green / living wall buildings) was very nice and I noted a new cafe is in the works as well.

The Living Wall Sky Garden's Exhibition

Our visit with the library ended and led us to the nearby revamped streamlined deco Seaholm powerstation for a quick lunch and it was off to walk to South Congress.