Republic Square (Austin)

Originally called "Hamilton Square", Republic Square was one of four public squares laid out in the 1839 Waller Plan of Austin by Edwin Waller.[3] The square functioned as a normal urban park up until the mid-twentieth century when it served as a parking lot.[3] The neighborhood surrounding the park became significant for its Mexican American residents in throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.[4] During the United States Bicentennial, the city of Austin transformed the square to its former glory, and was later revitalized again in 2017.[5] Despite many physical changes, the historic heritage Auction Oaks survived and remain a centerpiece to the square till this day.[6]

Republic Square also functions as a downtown hub for the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus system. Austin's central bus-rapid transit system, Capital MetroRapid Lines 801 and 803 share a stop next to the square (Fourth Street/Guadalupe Street for southbound buses and Fourth Street/Lavaca Street for northbound). Republic Square station provides transit travelers the option to transfer to local lines, as well as Route 20 to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport.[7] Republic Square is also the proposed location of a new underground light rail station that will serve all 3 of Capital Metro’s proposed light rail lines within the next decade.

• Official website