— When the most recent Lens-Artists Challenge #251 photo assignment was announced, I did not have to think very much to decide what I would showcase. The theme was buildings and other structures. That was an easy choice with the ever-changing skyline of my hometown of Austin, Texas. As the state’s capital, the city is known for its live music scene, eclectic culture, and many outdoor activities. The most recent achievement for the city was its inclusion as the 10th most populous city in the country. Now, that makes four Texas cities in the top ten in the nation. Austin (population 960,000 in 2023) is behind Houston (2.3 million), San Antonio (1.5 million), and Dallas (1.3 million).
One thing I like about the Austin skyline is how diverse it can be, as seen in the first photo here. In that first photo, the tallest building is known in the city as the Jenga Building (its real name is The Independent). That photo is the view from the James D. Pfluger pedestrian bridge. Here are other views from around that area. Please click each image to see its larger size. The first two photos include the impressive new Google Building. I have an entire post just about it. They are followed by another downtown view from the pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake (the Colorado River), the modern Austin City Hall, and some artwork on the side of a building. Not included in that set, and within walking distance, is the new Austin Central Public Library. A little farther north, there is also the LBJ Presidential Library on The University of Texas at Austin campus.
Since Austin is the state’s capital, I would be remiss if I did not include some governmental buildings in this series. Let me start with the most famous of all, the Texas State Capitol. There is another entire entry just about it, too. Nevertheless, here are some more photos of that beautiful building. In the second photo, you can see part of the underground extension to the Capitol.
A little farther north from the Capitol, and within walking distance, a visitor can learn a lot about the history of Texas by visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Besides the gigantic Star of Texas in front of the building, there are several things to do inside, including an IMAX theater. Here are ground and top views from inside the museum as well as its reflection on a nearby building.
Austin is also home to a number of technology companies, including Dell, IBM, and Google. Very recently, Tesla also moved its headquarters to the city. The city is also home to the Circuit of the Americas, a race track built especially to hold Formula 1, MotoGP, Nascar, and other racing events. All of this, of course, comes at a price. The city has horrible traffic problems, and the cost of living is 10% higher than the national average. Summers can be brutal, but winters are generally very mild.
In closing, I wanted to have a night-time photo of the Austin skyline. Unfortunately, I only had my cellphone for the photo. It is not as sharp as I would have liked it to be, but the reflections on Lady Bird Lake are nearly magical.
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margaret21
Thanks for these views of a city I know little about.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for your comment, Margaret.
Anne Sandler
Awesome post Egidio! The buildings are fantastic and so is the photography.
Egídio Leitão
Anne, your feedback and compliment are much appreciated. Thank you.
Anne Sandler
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JohnRH
Great photos, great architecture, both old and new.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the compliment, John.
Tina Schell
Terrific post Egidio, Austin is indeed a terrific city. Funny I think of it as a “town” vs a city but obviously it’s grown up since I was last there! Loved every building you included, they’re all beautifully designed and work well with each other. And yes, photographed beautifully as well!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you kindly for your compliment, Tina.
Leya
Ah, excellent imagery – and the buildings well chosen,
Egídio. Spectacular.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you for the comment, Leya.
Dawn M. Miller
It’s beautiful.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for your feedback, Dawn. I appreciate it.
Wind Kisses
Fantastic showcase of a city you are clearly proud of Egidio. The photos are stunning. I haven’t been to Austin, but my husband did go to a Formula 1 event a couple years ago and raved about the city life there. This was a nice sequence of photos to show us. My favorite…the Google bldg overlooking Lady Bird Lake with the pedestrian bridge over it. Very nice post. Donna
Egídio Leitão
Donna, I’m really glad you enjoyed this photo series, especially the Google building view from the bridge. As to Formula 1, I am a big fan. I go to all races there at the circuit and also bike there on Tuesday evenings, when the track is open to bicyclists. Thanks for your comments.
Wind Kisses
My husband will be SO jealous! Lol.
You are welcome.
pattimoed
A wonderful collection, Egidio. I can see why you chose Austin as your focus. A beautiful city with great architecture.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks so much for your feedback.