Austin Then and Now

THENCharles Umlauf was an artist, University of Texas professor, philanthropist, and nature enthusiast. In 1944, he purchased eight acres on the top of a hill near Barton Creek. At the time, the property had an old carriage house that had fallen into disrepair. The...

Everyone knows that Austin loves live music, but what about the city’s performing arts scene? When it comes to exceptional theater performances, look no further than ZACH Theatre. Over many decades, the institution has transformed into a major regional theater,...

Then Known as one of the most beautiful lookout spots in town, Mount Bonnell has long been an Austin favorite. Resting 775ft. above sea level and overlooking the Colorado River, this now 5.1-acre historic linear park is the highest point in Austin, offering a blend of...

Then Austin was already keeping it weird back when a little natural foods store opened its doors on North Lamar back in 1980. Founded by John Mackey and Renee Lawson Hardy, this natural grocer served health-conscious consumers in a supermarket atmosphere. The original...

THEN   You’ve seen their locations all over town, but I bet you didn’t know Stepping Stone School was Austin homegrown!  Back in the late 1970s, when the Paver family moved to Austin, they searched for affordable, quality early childcare and education for their...

Then While local eateries in Austin have come and gone throughout the years, Kerbey Lane Café has been a mainstay since it opened its doors back in the 1980s. Located in a bungalow on Kerbey Lane in central Austin, founders David and Patricia Ayer operated their...

THEN Barbara Carson is the powerhouse “en pointe” solely responsible for creating what eventually became Ballet Austin. Once a soloist in the NYC Ballet, Carson established Ballet Austin’s studios at the 100-year-old firehouse on Guadalupe Street. For 27 years BA made...

  Many Austinites may remember the night of the Paramount Theatre’s 100th anniversary, celebrated in October 2015. That night, Patty Griffin played a sold-out show, and the air felt electric as officials relit the restored Paramount sign. It was a night for the...

  Then The Settlement Home for Children is often associated with its massive annual garage sale, benefiting the children they serve. But long before this well-loved charity event came about, the Settlement Home was a small organization formed by a group of twelve...

Then The crown jewel of Austin, Barton Springs, has brought people together for decades. Before it was a beloved public pool, Native Americans used the springs as a water source and gathering place. It later became a favored destination for carriage rides and military...