AUSTIN 1928 GENTRIFICATION

(Downtown Austin in 1940)

I've only lived in Austin about four years now and I've never known the history behind this weird but exciting city. After reading the articles "Austin, Texas: The East Austin Neighborhood", "The Empty Stairs: The History of East Austin", and "What is Gentrification?" there were three things that caught my interest. 

(The construction of I-35 at Airport)

The 1928 Master Plan called for all African Americans to move out of West Austin into East Austin. The city developed a master plan and suggested moving all blacks to East Austin. The Master Plan legally segregated African American citizens into their own community East of East Avenue. The City of Austin decided not to provide the Freemen Settlements of Clarksville and Wheatville with sewer lines and paved roads, further forcing African Americans to move to East Austin. A result of all blacks living in East Austin created a "Negro District" with all city services provided. Also, city leaders pushed the relatively few Mexican immigrants out of Downtown by relocating their churches and building Santa Rita Courts, the nations first federally funded housing project to East Austin. 

(The future Mueller Development)

A mixed use of redevelopment project at East Austin's former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport will add 2,400 multifamily units and 2,200 single family houses is one of Austin's strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing and mitigate gentrification displacement of low-income households East Austin. 

(The old Robert Muller Airport)

East  Austin has a rich African American history such as Perry Rhambo, who owned the first barbershop in East Austin. Johnny Holmes opened the Victory Grill which was a place for black soldiers and the community to come dance to live music and have a good meal.

(The Victory Grill)

James and Gladys Reed operated the Deluxe Hotel where they helped people in need of food, clothes, and money. 

(Deluxe Hotel)

 

(Colorado River Bridge and Austin Skyline 1942)