Affordable housing programs tied to mixed-use construction citywide and taller towers downtown are now in effect.

The details: City Council approved the new measures both in response to tensions over another mixed-use building program, and a 2025 state law that's impacted how Austin can incentivize affordable housing with new development. Certain building entitlements that the city had previously traded for public benefits, like low-income housing, were automatically permitted under Senate Bill 840. That change prompted a local response to ensure continued affordable housing additions.

A citywide density bonus program called DBC is now in place, succeeding a similar previous program—density bonus 90, or DB90—that's been used in dozens of zoning cases since its creation more than two years ago. One week after DBC's passage, council members separately approved an update to Austin's Downtown Density Bonus Program. The longtime incentive has required affordable housing units or funding to be contributed as new high-rises were built downtown.

Shine Hot Pilates + Sculpt is expanding from Dallas to Austin with a new studio coming soon to downtown. The location will officially launch with a soft opening on June 26 and a grand opening planned for June 27, according to Kris Jacobson, director of operations at Shine Hot Pilates. 

What they offer: The studio offers heated workout classes, combining cardio, Pilates and dance. Shine Hot Pilates has five class formats: sculpt, remix, Pilates, strength and arms, abs and assets. Shine provides a sweat towel and yoga mat for classes, and encourages people to bring their own mat towel and water. Each studio is also equipped with showers and changing rooms. 

First-time visits at Shine are $20; each drop-in class after the initial visit is $35. During the Austin opening, class packages will be 15% off, with additional sales throughout the coming weeks, Jacobson said. 

What’s next: Stern and Merritt are planning for an additional Austin expansion, as well as future projects planned for 2027, according to Jacobson.

• 17 Lavaca St., Austin

A local environmental nonprofit marked the 100th anniversary of the Barton Springs Road Bridge—which opened June 21, 1926, according to a city representative—with a community celebration June 21.

The details: Save Our Springs Alliance, an Austin-based nonprofit focused on protecting the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs watershed, hosted a centennial event June 21 at the bridge near the entrance to Zilker Park.

The celebrations took place amid an active debate over the bridge's future, as the city of Austin moves forward with plans to replace the structure.

Some context: As Community Impact reported June 15, Austin Transportation and Public Works has the bridge in the design phase, with bid and award expected late 2026 to early 2027 and construction slated to begin in summer 2027. 

City officials say the 1926 structure, while structurally fair, has features that are functionally obsolete and presents mobility challenges for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Save Our Springs contends, citing city documents, that restoration would cost less than demolition and a wider replacement, and that construction would harm Barton Creek habitat.

Dry Eye Care Texas recently celebrated five years of assisting patients with dry eye disease in the Austin community.

The details: Dry Eye Care was established in May 2021 before the team officially began seeing patients that October, according to co-founder Dr. Manish Patel.

The clinic focuses on managing all levels of dry eye disease by offering comprehensive evaluations and a customized plan with in-office treatments, as well as long-term management of the disease, Patel said. Services include intense pulsed light treatment, radio frequency therapy, lid and lash cleaning, and provides autologous serum eye drops. 

"We pride ourselves on compassionate care with individualized treatment plans," Patel said in an email to Community Impact. "We continually communicate with your health care team to maintain open communication including your primary provider, rheumatologist, dermatologist, vision care provider, and any other appropriate medical provider."

• 3305 Northland Drive, Ste. 505, Austin