As Austin emerges as a major cultural and business epicenter, the Rainey Street District is adapting to the city’s rapid growth and evolving landscape. Once known mainly for its unique bungalows-turned-bars and lively atmosphere, Rainey is poised for a significant transformation influenced by new developments. Here’s a closer look at how these exciting changes will enhance Rainey Street.
Convention Center Expansion
The Austin Convention Center, which opened in 1992, has been instrumental in positioning the city as one of the top 10 convention destinations in the country. However, its current space limitations and design now restrict its ability to keep up with Austin’s escalating growth, while physically dividing East and West Austin. To address these challenges, Austin has committed to a major transformation of the Convention Center that will nearly double its rental space. Here’s what to expect:
- Economic Boost: The expansion is projected to bring an additional $285 million per year to Austin’s economy, alongside $13 million in added tax revenue, and will create over 1,600 jobs for the local community.
- Funding: This $1.6 billion project will rely on hotel occupancy tax and the Convention Center’s own revenue without impacting property taxes.
- Growing in Rank: The expansion will make Austin’s Convention Center the 35th largest in the nation, a substantial leap from its current 60th position.
- Connectivity & Green Spaces: Plans include linking the Convention Center to Waterloo Greenway through a pedestrian-friendly promenade and major transit hub on Trinity Street, improving connections to the surrounding areas, including the Rainey Street District and Palm Park.
- Artistic Collaboration: The redesigned Convention Center will also showcase 10 art installations created by local artists, with a vision to be unveiled in early 2025.
The Convention Center is set to close for renovations in April 2025, with a reopening scheduled for spring 2029. During the closure, Austin anticipates shifting meetings to hotels across the city to sustain convention-related revenue and tourism.
Connecting Downtown and Rainey Street
As a central player in Austin’s nightlife and social scene, Rainey Street will become better integrated with downtown through a series of enhancements and planned walkways connecting the Convention Center area and Palm Park. Generous sidewalks and new promenades will allow for a pedestrian-friendly experience, making it easier to navigate between hotspots.
This integration is crucial as the Convention Center currently prevents the east and west sides of the city from connecting seamlessly. New pathways and pedestrian-focused design will link Rainey Street more fluidly with the heart of downtown, while encouraging the continued transformation of Dirty 6th Street with renovations supported by Stream, creating a cohesive downtown corridor.
Rainey Street Developments Under Construction
The Modern Austin Residences
Paseo
Image: LV Collective
Paseo: Located at 80 Rainey Street, Paseo is a 48-story mixed-use residential tower set to bring 557 units to the district, offering studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. Paseo’s ground and second floor retail space expands to over 5,000 sq ft and will include several food and beverage concepts. Having topped out in August 2024, it is projected to be completed in Q4 2025.
Waterline
Image: KPF
Waterline: Set to become Texas’s tallest building at 1,022 feet, Waterline is a 74-story mixed-use tower under construction located at 98 Red River Street. This towering development will feature 352 luxury residences, 700,000 square feet of premium office space, a 251-room hotel by the renowned 1 Hotels brand, and 24,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. Construction began in 2022, with completion anticipated in Q4 2026.
The Travis
Image: Austin Business Journal
The Travis: The Travis is a two-tower project. Phase I will consist of a 53-story residential tower offering approximately 423 units, while Phase II will introduce a taller tower with condominiums, hotel accommodations, and retail spaces. Completion for The Travis Phase I is expected in 2025.
700 River
Image: Austin Business Journal
700 River: Rising 43 stories at 700 River Street, this residential tower provides 377 units from studios to three-bedroom apartments and includes 3,400 square feet of retail at street level. Construction began in late 2022, and the building reached its maximum height of 500 feet in early 2024. Completion is planned for Q4 2024.
Overall, the Rainey Street District is embracing Austin’s growth with a blend of preservation and innovation. As the city continues to attract more residents, businesses, and visitors, the district’s new developments are creating a more connected, pedestrian-friendly, and economically vibrant community. The Convention Center expansion and the surge of luxury residential towers reflect a vision that honors Rainey’s iconic past while preparing it to serve as a dynamic extension of downtown. Through these transformations, Rainey Street is set to enhance Austin’s urban landscape, providing residents and visitors with an engaging, modern, and accessible destination that remains true to its unique character.
Click here to view Rainey St. Development Map