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

From efforts to improve enrollment to intervention plans at struggling schools, here are five of the biggest stories happening in Austin ISD.

State education agency approves 22 of 24 AISD turnaround plans

The Texas Education Agency has approved turnaround plans for 22 out of 24 low-performing campuses.

The agency has requested additional details for the two remaining campuses—Widén Elementary and Winn Montessori.

AISD board approves sale of former Brooke Elementary

At a Jan. 29 meeting, the AISD board approved selling of the former Brooke Elementary site to Trammell Crow Company and High Street. The board's vote will allow Superintendent Matias Segura to negotiate and execute a sale with the developer.

District prepares for future attendance boundary changes, school closures

The AISD board could vote to close more schools and rezone thousands of students this fall.

The district now plans to resume work and community engagement around potential boundary changes this spring before deciding in October whether to rezone or close additional campuses in the 2027-28 school year, according to AISD information.

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