UT-Austin Parking Garage Implosion To Spark Nearby Evacuations

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Don't be alarmed if you hear what sounds like an explosion at the University of Texas at Austin Sunday morning. It will actually be an implosion of a parking garage to accommodate construction of a new student housing complex.

The 6-story garage at 715 W. 23rd St. — next to Pluckers Wing Bar in West Campus — is scheduled to be razed in the early morning hours of Jan. 6. Those living in housing units across the site at Pearl and West 23rd streets will be evacuated during the implosion to ensure their safety, according to University of Texas at Austin campus police.

Ahead of the implosion, a large neighborhood swath will be closed to access — from West 24th Street to San Gabriel Street to West 22nd Street and east to Nueces Street, including sidewalks in the area — from 5 a.m. to noon, according to transportation officials. The parking garage will be imploded at 8:30 a.m., according to campus police.

Plans call for construction of a 2,000-bed student housing complex dubbed "The Standard at Austin," according to contractors. As a result of the planned work, Austin Transportation Department officials said the following streets will be completely closed from 5 a.m. to noon on Sunday:

• Pearl Street.
• Rio Grande Street.
• West 23rd Street.
• West 22nd 1/2 Street.
• West 22nd Street alley.
• Rio Grande Street alley.

Officials note that resulting dust will linger in the air for roughly 15 minutes following the blast. Nearby residents are urged to close their doors and windows. Pets should be brought indoors, officials added.

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