City officials formally dedicated the new pedestrian plaza next to Waterloo Park in recognition of Pike Powers, the attorney and lawmaker credited for his role in the growth of Austin's economy and technology ecosystem.

What happened: The plaza's dedication came months after City Council voted to rename a stretch of "Old" Red River Street in downtown's Innovation District to honor Powers, who died in 2021. Sponsor Mayor Kirk Watson called Powers "an influential leader in Austin’s tech boom" and a key reason for the city's rise in economic prominence—particularly for his roles in bringing technology initiatives like the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Consortium and SEMATECH to Austin.

The details: Years after it was closed to vehicle traffic as part of Red River Street's realignment, Pike Powers Plaza will now serve as a public gathering and event space adjacent to Waterloo Park. The city recently solicited public feedback on its potential uses and improvements, and final options for the plaza's future will be presented later this year.

Austinites can find a curated collection of independent magazines, art books, journals, design goods and stationery downtown at Tomo Mags.

The details: Tomo Mags was founded by Vico Puentes and began inside a restored school bus that traveled to different galleries, universities and coffee shops around Austin. In December, the concept opened its brick-and-mortar.

The Tomo Mags bus still makes appearances around the city. Those interested can find its schedule on the shop’s Instagram page.

Quote of note: “Tomo Mags is for creators, collectors, students, students of life and anyone who loves discovering something new,” the shop's website reads.

• 411 Brazos St., Ste. 101, Austin

From expanded electric bus fleets to new toll lane projects and the city’s first transit police force, 2025 brought major shifts in Austin-area transportation that are reshaping how residents get around.

1. CapMetro announces new MetroRapid services
Beginning Feb. 23, Capital Metro will introduce two new MetroRapid service lines—Route 800 Pleasant Valley and Route 837 Expo Center—connecting parts of East Austin to destinations in and around downtown Austin. 
Claimed to be “the most significant service changes CapMetro has completed in several years,” the two routes are a part of CapMetro’s Project Connect contributions intended to expand and improve the city’s transit network.

2. Toll rates increased Jan. 1 across six express lanes in the Austin metro, following approval by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority in October.
Most toll collection points rose between 2% and 3%, a change officials say reflects the impact of inflation in recent years.

High Road DelicaTexan, a new all-day cafe, deli, market and cocktail bar helmed by chef Russell Dougherty, Salumist Ryan Wilson, beverage director Chadwick Leger—the team behind East Austin’s The Cavalier, has opened in South Austin.

A closer look: The new concept focuses on partnerships with local farms and producers, emphasizing sustainably sourced proteins and dairy, according to news release. The menu features grab-and-go and made-to-order sandwiches, house-made sausages and cured meats, vegetarian options, a full coffee program and craft cocktails.

According to the team, the concept is designed to celebrate Texas made products from morning through late evening, with a family-friendly atmosphere until 9 p.m.

• 915 W. Mary St., Austin