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Historic Seaholm Intake Facility could become new community gathering space along Lady Bird Lake
The long-closed Seaholm Intake Facility on Lady Bird Lake is being eyed for a community-focused redevelopment that could open the historic Art Deco structure to the public.
The historic Seaholm Intake Facility, a long-shuttered Art Deco pumping station on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, is being considered for a transformation into a public community gathering space, according to city discussions about the site's future.
The facility, built in the 1940s to draw cooling water for the former Seaholm Power Plant, has sat largely unused for decades. Its striking Streamline Moderne architecture and waterfront location have made it a subject of redevelopment interest for years, but previous proposals have stalled.
The latest concept would open the building and its surrounding grounds to the public, converting the cavernous interior into a flexible event and recreation space while preserving the structure's historic character. Supporters say the project could provide a rare publicly accessible waterfront amenity on a stretch of the lake dominated by private development and restricted-access sites.
Details on funding, timeline and the exact scope of the renovation have not been finalized. City officials have not released a cost estimate or a schedule for public input, and it remains unclear whether the project would be funded through the city's general budget, bonds or partnerships.
The site sits within the Seaholm District, a former industrial area that has seen heavy redevelopment in recent years, including the conversion of the power plant into offices and retail. Advocates for the intake facility argue that any new use should prioritize public access and avoid turning the landmark into another private venue.
Community groups have long called for the building to be activated as a public space, citing its potential for events, recreation and environmental education along the lake. The surrounding trail network and proximity to downtown make it one of the few remaining undeveloped waterfront parcels in the area.
Preservationists have also raised concerns about maintaining the building's architectural integrity, particularly its curved facade and industrial-era details, as any renovation moves forward.
For residents, the proposal represents a test of how the city balances historic preservation, public access and growth along Lady Bird Lake. With the Seaholm District continuing to densify, the intake facility's fate could set a precedent for how other publicly owned waterfront sites are treated.
No formal proposal has been presented for a vote, and city staff are expected to continue evaluating options for the site.