Austin Neighborhood Recoups Power

Once Divided by a Power Plant, Austin Neighborhood Now Reclaims Its Space

“I tended to stay away from the power plant because it wasn't a pleasant area to be around on the trail.” – Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon, Holly Neighborhood resident

When Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon moved to Austin's Holly neighborhood in 1994, the nearby Holly Power Plant was an industrial eyesore. Now, after years of community protest, the plant has been decommissioned and the space reclaimed for parkland. Holly Neighborhood Storytelling Project

The Austin Trail Conservancy is overseeing two major projects: a $25 million pedestrian bridge source to bypass Longhorn Dam, and a $2 million fishing pier. These additions will improve access and recreational opportunities, while also addressing safety and accessibility concerns.

“The trail’s complete in a way it never was before.” – Hanna Cofer, CEO of Austin’s Trail Conservancy

Sanhueza-Lyon, a photojournalist and community member, reflects on how the neighborhood has changed. Once a stark divide, marked by the "tortilla curtain," the east side of the Butler trail is now connected and accessible, resembling the trail on the other side of I-35.

With community engagement at its core, the conservancy's projects are fueled by a mix of grants, donations, and corporate sponsors. The improvements signify a step towards equity, giving residents a space to call their own. Funding sources