Going to a local bookstore, pub, or music venue are great ways to experience a city. After living in Austin five years, I decided to experiment with a new approach to exploration while documenting anything peculiar or engaging. The whole idea is simple and was introduced to me in a college class: walk straight for a mile and observe.
I head east from the brand new Austin public library in the heart of downtown along Cesar Chavez Street to HK hostel, a more than century-old Victorian style building housing big windows, balconies, and travelers.
A luxury mixed-use development under construction towers over the new library and its rooftop garden shaded by the largest solar installation in downtown Austin.
Elegant boutiques, salons, and galleries are interrupted by a lone four story brick tower commemorating fire department Captain James Buford. Decades ago it was used to train new recruits running rescue missions.
As i approach I-35, I take one last look at the a man in the middle of the street playing and hoping for coins in his cup.
Leaving high-rises, street hustle methods evolve and now take the form of a 4-man window washing crew at a bustling intersection. Two crews, each with a washer and dryer, and all team members aggressively pursuing new clientele.
This blue home stands out with vibrant color, festive lights and pumpkins that missed Jack-o-lantern school.
Rare to come across businesses not operating, maybe the hope is to cash in on the location with such close proximity to downtown.
Every other time I walk by this shanty-town-esque church, a watchful mans sits outside at his post heckling with local street dwellers. On occasion I sneak a peak through the door as it opens, wonder what is happening and how the rent is paid.
The pace has slowed and it seems every lot in the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood has its own story. The area as a whole will evolve as new developments impede on vintage boutiques, bike shops and taco shacks. Hopefully the murals will stay.
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