Reimagining Pike Powers Plaza

Austin Transportation and Public Works is planning to turn an old section of Red River Street into a new public plaza made for people, not cars. This new space will make it easier and safer to walk and bike. It will also be a great place for the community to hang out, relax and enjoy downtown events. 

The plaza is next to Waterloo Park, the Waller Creek Trail, The University of Texas, and Central Health. It’s also close to the Red River Cultural District and the Capitol Complex, connecting it to some of the most exciting and creative areas in Austin.

As new medical centers, housing, offices and public transportation projects like Project Connect are built in this area, this plaza will help bring more energy, connection and life to the neighborhood. 

We’re now in the visioning phase, and your feedback will help shape how this new plaza looks, feels and functions. 

Please share your input in the short survey (5-8 minutes) below. 

By completing this survey and sharing your email address, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a giveaway! Up to 8 participants will be randomly selected to receive a prize as a thank-you for sharing your ideas. 

The survey closed on December 23, 2025. Stay tuned for updates later in 2026!

Which of these public space goals matter most to you? Select all that apply.

Access for people walking, biking and alternative modes of transportation
71%
Connection to nearby trails and parks
68%
Comfortable and shaded seating
73%
Safety and lighting at night
72%
Opportunities for community events
55%
Integrate arts to reflect Austin's culture and creativity
48%
Closed to responses | 139 Responses

How do you see yourself using the plaza?

Select all that apply

Walking, jogging, or biking
66%
Attending community events and festivals
61%
Attending community events or performances
59%
Meeting friends or socializing
54%
Relaxing
50%
Enjoying temporary and permanent public art
48%
Eating or drinking
45%
Participating in recreation or outdoor fitness activities
22%
Other (please describe)
8%
Closed to responses | 145 Responses

What features or amenities would make you want to visit the plaza?

Select all that apply

Trees and landscaping
76%
Shaded seating, picnic areas, and places to relax
73%
Comfortable walking, jogging, or biking facilities
64%
Food trucks, cafés, or outdoor dining options
63%
Facilities to host temporary or permanent markets or cultural events
56%
Public art
49%
Improved lighting
48%
Places to host or attend outdoor meetings
32%
Play areas (playground, splash pad, outdoor games) for kids and families
22%
Fitness or wellness features (outdoor fitness equipment, splash pad, healing garden)
16%
Other ideas (please describe)
6%
Closed to responses | 143 Responses

What would make this plaza feel welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

Closed for Comments

Do you live, work or go to school nearby?

Select all that apply

I visit downtown often (more than once a month)
53%
I work nearby
37%
I live nearby
29%
I visit the area sometimes (once a month or less)
27%
I go to school nearby (for example, UT)
5%
Closed to responses | 131 Responses

About You: Optional Demographic Questions

What is your ZIP code?

What is your age?

25-34
28%
65+
26%
35-44
19%
45-54
15%
55-64
9%
18-24
4%
Under 18
0%
Closed to responses | 129 Responses

Which of the following best represents your gender identity?

Male or Man
56%
Female or Woman
42%
I prefer not to say
2%
Transgender
1%
Non-binary
0%
I prefer to self identify
0%
Closed to responses | 126 Responses

How do you describe your race or ethnicity? (select all that apply)

White/Caucasian
79%
Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx
13%
Asian/Asian American
5%
Multi-racial
5%
Black/African American
3%
Indigenous/Native American/First Nations
2%
I prefer not to say
2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
1%
Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)
0%
I prefer to self-identify
0%
Closed to responses | 124 Responses

What is your yearly household income?

$150,000+
48%
$100,000-$149,999
23%
$75,000-$99,999
14%
$25,000-$49,999
6%
$50,000-$74,999
5%
$0-$24,999
4%
Closed to responses | 110 Responses

Do you identify as someone with a disability?

No, I do not identify as having a disability
93%
Yes, I have a mobility-related disability
5%
Yes, I have a cognitive- or intellectually-related disability
1%
Yes, I have a hearing-related disability
1%
Yes, I have a vision-related disability
0%
Closed to responses | 121 Responses

Project Timeline

live
live

Visioning Phase

We’re collecting input on amenities, activities, and design priorities. 

planned
planned

Implementation Phase

We’ll prioritize community feedback and move toward construction and activation. 

Pike Powers Plaza Map

Map of Waterloo Park and Pike Powers Plaza​​​​​​​

Examples of Plaza Designs and Amenities