As part of an investigative project, the community is encouraged to voice their concerns and suggest stories for exploration. One pressing question raised by a KUT listener is why the renovation of the Barton Springs bathhouse, costing $22 million, has faced significant delays.
Construction on the historic bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool commenced in February 2024 with an anticipated completion date set for mid-2025. However, the central rotunda remains inaccessible to the public, prompting concerns from local swimmers.
At Barton Springs Pool, a cherished natural resource in Austin’s Zilker Park, visitors often categorize themselves as either ‘waders’ who gingerly enter the cool waters or ‘plungers’ who dive right in. Javier Palomares, a frequent visitor, advocates for the latter approach, stating, “You have to jump in. If you try to tiptoe in, you’ll never make it.” He describes the experience as invigorating, emphasizing the pool’s role as a communal space.
Regrettably, Palomares notes that upon entering the men’s changing area, which partially reopened in October 2025, he is often met with an unpleasant odor reminiscent of sewage. “Doesn’t smell great,” he remarks, highlighting the ongoing issues that the city and contractors are actively trying to resolve.
The renovation, which aims to restore one of Austin’s most beloved landmarks, has been plagued by complications, resulting in costs soaring beyond initial estimates. Originally projected at around $9.3 million, the bids received far exceeded expectations, with the lowest coming in at $16.9 million, nearly double the original figure.
After more than a decade of planning, the project to rehabilitate the bathhouse is nearing its conclusion. However, the city has faced delays and increased expenses, with some park advocates expressing concern that the essence of the building has been compromised in the renovation process.
A Historic Landmark’s Legacy
The bathhouse has been a fixture at Barton Springs since 1947, designed by city architect Dan Driscoll in an Art Deco style. It served as a communal gathering point, allowing visitors to change in open courtyards surrounded by nature. Unfortunately, it was constructed during a time of segregation, barring Black individuals from enjoying the water.
In 1960, a pivotal moment occurred when Joan Means Khabele, a senior at Austin High School, defied segregation policies by jumping into Barton Springs during a class picnic. Her act of bravery catalyzed a series of events that led to the integration of the pool and subsequent facilities. In recognition of her courage, the bathhouse was renamed the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse in April 2024.
Financial Hurdles and Increasing Costs
The plan for the renovation included modernizing the building’s infrastructure while preserving its historic charm, but the financial reality proved challenging. Following the opening of bids, the city found itself needing to redirect funds from other projects to cover the overwhelming costs.
Due to rising construction expenses, supply chain disruptions, and strict environmental regulations, the city had to utilize $9.2 million from its Historic Preservation Fund to keep the bathhouse renovation on track. This financial maneuver pulled resources from planned restorations of other historic sites, a decision that raised concerns among advocates for those projects.
Despite these challenges, the city and contractor have engaged in a blame game over the delays, with the completion date pushed back significantly. The contractor cited issues with high-tech components as a contributing factor to the setbacks, while the city has emphasized that delays were due to the contractor’s inability to adhere to the timeline.
Preserving Historic Integrity
While the renovation is intended to modernize and preserve the building, some advocates worry that it compromises the bathhouse’s historic character. Changes to the design, such as sealing off original windows for climate control and repurposing portions of the changing areas, have sparked debate about the integrity of the restoration.
There are concerns that the current configuration, which has altered the historical layout, detracts from the experience that generations of swimmers cherished. The city’s defense centers on the necessity of modern upgrades to meet current standards for accessibility and safety.
As the public eagerly awaits the reopening of the historic rotunda, which is now expected no earlier than December, city officials are diligently working to resolve lingering issues. The community remains hopeful that the iconic bathhouse will soon reclaim its place as a beloved gathering spot.
For now, regular visitors like Palomares continue to frequent Barton Springs, immersing themselves in the refreshing waters and looking forward to the day when the renovated bathhouse will fully open its doors to the public. “We’re lucky to have this in Austin,” he reflects. “I hope the city takes good care of it.”
