The original spirit of Vision 2020 embraced public participation and encouraged creativity and enthusiasm as a means to shape a brighter future for Austin.  In the interest of open discussion we are presenting timely information with the hope that public feedback will guide impending decisions by the Vision 2020 Steering Committee and Austin City Council. In the near future, members of the Austin City Council will consider a proposal to demolish the downtown Austin Municipal Power Plant building to create a site for the Vision 2020 Rec Center project. We believe the most productive course of action is for the Austin City Council to vote down this proposal and for Vision 2020 to re-establish the Utilities Building committee to pursue feasible redevelopment options without the threat of demolition.

As you may recall, this was one of the 10 original Vision 2020 projects. Here is the description published when the projects were announced and it still can be seen on the Vision 2020 web site. “Revitalization of the Austin Utilities Building – Transform the old utilities building into the anchor for Austin’s Art Row by converting it into a modern multi-use structure. The design of this structure will complement the Main Street Renovation Project.” Significant research and groundwork was accomplished for this project before the committee leading the project was disbanded at the end of 2014. It is our opinion that if this committee is re-established and given adequate time, the tremendous potential of this landmark building can still be developed into a popular and profitable destination in downtown Austin. However, before this can happen, the risk of demolition must be removed. We encourage the public to become involved now in discussion about the fate of this landmark structure.

The City Council will soon consider plans to tear down the former downtown power plant to make room for the Vision 2020 Community Rec Center project. These decisions will determine the location and design of the rec center including how millions of dollars earmarked for development in Austin will be spent. For a decision of this magnitude, we should all have the opportunity to be informed and to weigh in with feedback and ideas on feasible revitalization planning for the former Utilities Building.

We do not have to choose, both the rec center and the Revitalized Utility Building can be incredible assets to our community.

It is important to be clear that we support the Community rec center as one of the ten Vision 2020 projects as long as it is built on an alternate site. Austin has lost far too many downtown buildings and this historic structure is one of the only buildings left with this amount of space and potential for major redevelopment. This is also an ideal time for interested developers to come forward with ideas.

The most productive choice will be to empower a dedicated committee to do the necessary work to explore all options for development. This direction is vital to achieve the goal of determining revitalization options as originally envisioned for a modern, multi-use facility. This building can be another successful Vision 2020 project if given the opportunity.

Why this matters

Imagine the possibilities for the former Utilities Building. Our community has the unique opportunity to revitalize this historic and architecturally significant building. In the past, we have too often overlooked the value of such buildings. We believe that destroying the Utility Building in support of rec center is short sighted and that we must explore every option for feasible reuse. We hope you will make your own statements to support investing in this landmark building.

The rec center is a valuable Vision 2020 project that will support our growing community. A revitalized power plant also has tremendous potential to add vitality to our city. It can be an appealing destination for residents and visitors. Think about the economic impact when the thousands of visitors to the new SPAM Museum make the former power plant building one more intriguing place to visit. Imagine how the mixed use of urban housing, retail, and entertainment could influence the appeal of Austin’s Arts Row along Fourth Avenue. There is real value in that old building.

To learn more, check out the Save the Austin Municipal Power Plant Facebook page. There you will find a much more in depth outline of plans for both projects, others voicing their support, and opportunities to contribute to the cause.

What to do now

First, go to the Save the Austin Municipal Power Plant Facebook page and sign the petition! After you like the page and sign your support, the next step is to contact your City Council representative and the Vision 2020 office to tell them why you want to save the historic Utility Building from demolition. We have an outline of what to say on the Facebook page. Check it out and shoot the folks below an email.

Greg Siems, Director Vision 2020,  greg@vision2020austin.com

Mayor Tom Stiehm,  mayor@ci.austin.mn.us

City Council

Janet Anderson,  janetanderson2840@gmail.com

David Hagen,  weezer1005@gmail.com

Michael Jordal,  jordalm@charter.net

Jeremy Carolan,  jeremycarolan@gmail.com

Jeff Austin,  bgyglfr6@hotmail.com

Steve King,  stevek@co.mower.mn.us

Judy Enright,  judy.enright@yahoo.com

Your feedback is needed now to influence the fate of the former downtown power plant. This will be vital information for the Vision 2020 Steering Committee and Austin City Council.

For more, visit www.facebook.com/STAMPPnow/ and www.change.org/p/austin-city-council-save-the-austin-municipal-power-plant.

Sincerely,

Quin Brunner,  brunner.quinlan@gmail.com

Janet Anderson,  janetanderson2840@gmail.com