East Austin Rotary, Central East Austin Weed & Seed,

Various East Austin Neighborhood Associations

Eastside Fair Centerpiece

2009 Neighborhood Beautification Grant Recipient

Before Photo

The corner of 12th and Chicon is a vitally important place in East Austin. At one point the spiritual center of the African American community – with many successful shops, eateries, and churches – this area has fallen into neglect since the 1960s and the urban decay that ensued following integration.

Today, the corner of 12th and Chicon is a well-known open-air drug market and has, for a long time, been regarded as the worst corner in Austin. The East Austin Rotary Club and East Austin Weed and Seed Community Initiative are organizing a community collaborative for an Eastside Fair to take place at this corner during the Texas Relays in April 2010. The event aims to create an environment where Eastside neighborhoods, businesses, and residents can come together and celebrate all things East Austin, nurture neighborhood pride, and empower the people of this community to beautify their public spaces.

KAB grant funding will support a streetscape improvement and collectively-produced art installation at the southwest corner of 12th and Chicon to be a powerful symbol of neighborhood reclamation and civic pride that will encourage more residents to view the corner as a beautiful place worthy of business and community activity.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Project Partners