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Austin city officials held a groundbreaking Jan. 30 to commemorate the start of the first phase of construction on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, which officials say will transform one of Austin's most iconic corridors.

Some background: Phase 1 of the project will include expanding sidewalks, adding pedestrian amenity zones, planting trees, upgrading bikeway barriers and adding turn lanes for vehicle traffic between Cesar Chavez and Seventh streets.

The $29 million initiative, funded by the 2020 mobility bond, is expected to last through 2030. Phase 1 will cost $13 million and is expected to be substantially completed by summer 2027. Construction along each block is expected to take approximately three months to complete. Short-term lane closures and detours will be in place throughout construction, but pedestrian and business building access will remain open.

Looking ahead: Officials are still going through final designs and working with stakeholders for Phase 2 of the project, which will span from Seventh to 11th streets. Previous discussions have considered reconstructing the four blocks into public plaza space. 

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Praful Parmar and Pooja Parmar, Quimera Gallery ATX has announced its opening in East Austin.

What to know: The new business is part art gallery as well as a flex event space. The gallery features local Austin artists and their work while also being available as a versatile event venue.

The space can be booked for indoor and outdoor events including music performances, open mic events, book readings, wellness events, fundraisers, pop ups and more.

“This project is a much awaited labor of love to bring art and community together in Austin,” Pooja Parmar stated in an email exchange.

• 1815 Rosewood Ave., Austin

With the new year beginning and resolutions underway, individuals may look into body contouring procedures to feel more confident in their bodies, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sanjay K. Sharma said. 

Affiliated with Ascension Medical Group, the University of Texas Dell Medical School and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Sharma said these procedures are common in the Austin area due to the community’s culture of being outdoors and trying to stay healthy. He spoke with Community Impact about how body contouring works, ideal candidates and tips for community members to know when looking for a provider. 

What is body contouring?
Body contouring is a broad-based category in plastic surgery. Any part of the body can be contoured. It can be from areas that are sort of stubborn fat deposits. Patients sometimes want to know how they can get rid of isolated pockets around the abdomen, legs, thighs or arms.

Check out some of the top trending news stories from the Austin area Jan. 26-29. 

1. PopStroke eyes spring opening for new Cedar Park venture

2. Layne's Chicken Fingers now open in Leander

3. Juan & Lupe's Kitchen closes in Georgetown

4. Tejas Meat Supply to expand to Round Rock

5. New lakeshore landscape unfolding south of downtown Austin

6. Tumble 22 opens new Pflugerville location