Exploring 1980 Predictions for Austin’s Future

In 1980, a group of experts took a shot at predicting what Austin would look like in the future. Some of their visions were pretty ambitious, like low-rise buildings downtown surrounded by parks and playgrounds, or subways connecting UT and the Capitol complex. Fast forward to today, and it’s interesting to look back and see just how accurate those predictions turned out to be.

Back then, the idea of a city dotted with green spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets seemed like a stretch, but now Austin is known for its outdoor lifestyle and vibrant downtown scene. The notion of subways running beneath the city to major hubs like UT and the Capitol might sound far-fetched, but with the city’s continued growth and development, who knows what the future holds?

If you’re curious to see these expert predictions and more, you can check out a video that dives into the topic. It’s a fascinating look at how people envisioned Austin’s future back in 1980 and how those ideas compare to the city we know and love today. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a trip down memory lane to see just how close these experts came to getting it right.