Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool - Rehabilitation Project Update
August 2024
Please see the information below for the latest updates on progress, photos, and announcements. Construction is expected to be substantially completed in the Summer of 2025.
Please note that as with any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather conditions
Announcement
- The bathhouse closed for construction on June 6, 2024. As of June 21, 2024, the north entrance to Barton Springs Pool is relocated to the west end of the bathhouse, near the temporary restroom and shower trailers.
- The south side entrance to Barton Springs Pool and parking lot at Azie Morton Drive will remain unchanged throughout the construction phase.
- Pool tickets may be purchased online, on-site with credit cards from ticket kiosks located near the Zilker Café, or with cash directly at the Zilker Café.
- Please note: Entry for Early Swim (swim at your own risk) is available at the south entrance on Azie Morton Drive, from 5:00 am - 8:00 am, and at the north entrance from 7:30 am - 8:00 am.
Work In Progress
- Demolition Areas:
- Women’s Shower & Dressing Court – ongoing salvage of brick pavers, benches, and terrazzo partitions
- Rotunda Flooring removal
- Exhibit area slab removal
- Asbestos abatement and lead-based paint remediation
- Masonry cleaning and repointing mockups
- Installation of new plumbing piping below grade in Men’s Shower & Dressing Courtyard
Planned Work
- Installation of new water and wastewater lines within the building
- Installation of new electrical lines within the building
- Installation of concrete slab in Men’s Shower & Dressing Courtyard
Figure 1 – Men’s Shower & Dressing Courtyard with ongoing installation of water and wastewater plumbing lines.
Figure 2 – Women’s Shower & Dressing Courtyard demolition started.
Figure 3 – The family of Dan Driscoll, original architect of the bathhouse, visited the site in July 2024.
Figure 4 – Beverly Sheffield Education Center – West Side, showing the Splash Exhibit and upper-level mechanical space removed
Please continue to check back for project updates and photos of the progress. For more information on the overall project, including frequently asked questions, please visit the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool Rehabilitation project page here.
Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, and all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather.
Reminder:
During the Bathhouse Rehabilitation project, Barton Springs Pool will maintain its regular schedule and remain open to swimmers. However, William Barton Drive, leading to the parking lot adjacent to the Bathhouse, will be closed to general public parking and drop-offs during construction. Parking in the other lots at Zilker Park will remain open, with wayfinding signage guiding pedestrians to the north side pool entrance. Pedestrian access routes through the construction site will be adjusted as work progresses. Public ADA-accessible parking and emergency vehicle access will be available throughout the construction period. The south side pool entry gate and parking lot at Azie Morton will remain unchanged throughout this time.
Please note that parking fees at Zilker Park have started on holidays and weekends.
Last weekend to ride the Zilker Shuttle!
The Zilker Shuttle will finish it's summer run this weekend. Avoid traffic this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (Labor Day) from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is the third summer the Department has offered a free off-site parking option and shuttle to Zilker Park. The program's new route utilizes two CapMetro bus stops on Barton Springs Road and adds a pick-up from the Stratford gravel parking lot.
For more information please visit www.austintexas.gov/zilker.
Bathhouse Renamed
On April 4, 2024, an Austin City Council resolution renamed the Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool in honor of Joan Means Khabele for her contributions and activism which led to the integration of the pool.
To learn more about Joan Means Khabele, please visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s blogpost here.
For more information on the renaming of the bathhouse, please visit the Barton Springs Bathhouse Renaming Proposal webpage here.
Stay informed on the rehabilitation project on the project webpage here.
Questions or concerns should be directed to:
Paul Mendoza, AIA, Project Manager
Capital Delivery Services
Paul.Mendoza@austintexas.gov
512-974-1272
Ali Petersen, RID, Project Manager
Capital Delivery Services
Alison.Petersen@austintexas.gov
512-974-7830
Ellen Colfax, RA, Project Manager
Parks and Recreation Department
Ellen.Colfax@austintexas.gov
512-974-9472
