Beneath the Austin skyline Waller Creek flows. It’s a waterway with a rich history. Named after Edwin Waller Austin’s first mayor the creek originates near Highland Mall. It winds southward through the city. It passes by the Commodore Perry Estate and the University of Texas. It eventually reaches Lady Bird Lake.
Waller Creek has witnessed significant events. In 1915 a devastating flood claimed 40 lives. It caused millions of dollars in damage. This flood washed away numerous bridges and gravel highways. Some bridges weren’t replaced for fifteen years.
The creek’s course wasn’t always as it is today. Before 1929 it had a bulge between Second and Third Streets. This bulge extended to present-day IH35. The creek was rerouted to create Palm Park. This park is east of the Austin Convention Center. Palm Park was named after the nearby Palm School. This school was Austin’s largest elementary school in 1928. It operated from 1887 to 1976.
In 1969 a protest erupted. Students blocked construction crews. The crews were expanding Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The protest involved tree-sitting and resulted in arrests. The protest site became known sarcastically as Erwin’s Bend. It was named after Board of Regents chair Frank Erwin.
The Austin Symphony Orchestra leased land in 1974. The land is between Eleventh and Twelfth Streets. Waller Creek flows through this area. This became Symphony Square. Several historic buildings were moved there. One building was the home of Jeremiah J Hamilton a former slave and Texas legislator. In 2021 construction began on a residential tower called The Waller. This tower is 33 stories tall.
In 1998 a bond package was approved. It funded a stormwater drainage tunnel. The tunnel runs from Waterloo Park to Lady Bird Lake. It follows the course of Waller Creek. Construction lasted from 2011 to 2018. The project’s cost increased dramatically. The tunnel has a diameter ranging from 22.5 to 26.5 feet.
In 2022 construction began on another large structure. Waterline a 74-story mixed-use tower is being built on Waller Creek’s banks. South of Cesar Chavez Street it will be the tallest building in Texas upon completion. Today Waller Creek is more than just a waterway. It’s a vital part of Austin’s history and its ever-evolving landscape.