Renovations to 75-year-old Barton Springs Bathhouse will begin Feb. 15 and last until spring 2025.
Two-minute impact
Throughout construction, Barton Springs Pool will continue to operate as normal; however, swimmers will be limited to using either the temporary pool entrance near the bathhouse or the south entry at Azie Morton Road, said Keyheira Keys, public information specialist for the city of Austin.
What's happening?
Renovations will include upgrading mechanical, electrical, plumbing and drainage systems, as well as improvements to the parking lot, pool entrance and landscaping. A fire truck access lane will also be constructed to improve safety, in addition to a redesigned educational exhibit at the Beverly Sheffield Education Center, according to a news release.
The parking lot adjacent to the bathhouse and that portion of William Barton Drive will only be accessible to emergency and construction vehicles, or those needing accessible parking per the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Texas Accessibility Standards, Keys said.
Some background
Barton Springs Bathhouse was built in 1947 and has since been deemed a State Antiquities Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the news release. The bathhouse is home to showers, restrooms and lifeguard offices—which will all be temporarily located near the bathhouse during construction—and an exhibit highlighting the endangered salamanders living in Barton Springs.
Money for the project comes from a variety of Austin-area sources, including the Historic Preservation Fund, 2012 Bond Program, Zilker parking fees, Austin's Watershed Protection Department, Austin Water Department and Barton Springs Conservancy, according to the news release.
Notable quote
"For more than 75 years, the Barton Springs Bathhouse has served as one of the most iconic and beloved places in Austin," said Liana Kallivoka, Austin Parks and Recreation assistant director. "This project will bring needed upgrades to the building systems and ensure code and accessibility standards are met."
