2020 US Tokyo Olympians Drew Kibler and Paige Madden have moved to train in Austin, Texas ahead of the 2024 Olympic Trials that begin on June 15th in Indianapolis, Indiana. The two make the move after Bob Bowman took the job with the University of Texas at the beginning of April.

Both swimmers had previously been training at Arizona State as Kibler arrived at the end of last summer while Madden announced her move to the program at the beginning of September 2023. Kibler swam for the University of Texas during his collegaite career so he is returning to a familiar area.

Just over a week ago, SwimSwam posted a summary on where everyone training at Arizona State was headed. Kibler and Madden had been unknown as they have competed under New York Athletic Club (NYAC).

Kibler currently stands as the #2 American in the men’s 200 freestyle this season with a 1:46.02. He also is the #3 American in the 400 freestyle this season. He looks to make his second Olympics after swimming on the men’s 4×200 freestyle relay in Tokyo in 2020(1). Kibler has been a consistent member of the US International roster as he also made the 2022 adn 2023 World Championship teams for the US.

Madden also looks to make her second Olympic team as she swam in finals of the 400 freestyle as well as on the prelims relay of the women’s 4×200 freestyle as they went on to silver. Madden currently is the #2 American in the 400 freestyle this season as she sits only behind Katie Ledecky. Her season best of a 4:03.02 also stands as her personal best. She also sits as #3 in the 200 freestyle this season.

AUSTIN, Texas – Heavy equipment continues to roll across what was Rosewood Courts in east Austin. It’s been two years since the groundbreaking that came with a completion date targeted for fall 2024. 

Little is left from what was one of the first, if not the first, public housing complexes for African Americans. The transition to what will be called Pathways at Rosewood Courts is costing just under $63 million, a major endeavor for the Austin Housing Authority.

“Absolutely. I mean, this is the next chapter,” said COAHA Chief Operating Officer Sylvia Blanco.

The supply chain and labor issues, following the pandemic, have delayed completion of this next chapter.

“So now our new timeline is, we’ll have the first building available for occupancy by mid 2025. And we should wrap up having the entirety of the site open by the end of 2025,” said Blanco.

A few of the original Rosewood units are the only things still standing that currently resemble homes. The remaining eight are being refurbished.

“We’ve also removed the pitch roofs that had been added on over the years. So now it’s the original roofs,” said Blanco. “I think it’s sort of like seeing a glimpse of that history and time as we like to say, you know, if LBJ himself were here, he would recognize the buildings.”

Most of the site is going through a total re-design. Walls have started going up for one of three apartment buildings, which will provide 184 new units. 60 more than what were available. The apartment homes will range in size from a studio to four-bedrooms. There will also be 12 town homes which will be sold as affordable housing.

“Our Rosewood families and our other families that we serve throughout our portfolio will get the first priority in being able to purchase one of these affordable town homes,” said Blanco.

Blanco was asked to define what she meant when saying affordable.

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“We’re talking about under $300,000. We’re talking about three bedrooms, two baths, even a four-bedroom, two-bath for under $300,000,” said Blanco. 

There is a concern about how interest rates may factor into affordability.

“That is a huge issue for everyone. We’re in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. And they have very strong ties with lenders who know the mission,” Blanco said.  

Planning for this redevelopment started about 10 years ago, and at times was viewed with skepticism by some community advocates. Blanco says the new neighborhood will honor the past and provide new opportunities. 

“We look forward to celebrating together at a ribbon cutting, hopefully by this time next year,” said Blanco.

The project will include an open space called Emancipation Park, a history center and several historical markers.

Austin and its surrounding areas are offering a bit of everything for everyone this Pride Month. Festivals and parades are at the heart of this month-long celebration. You’ll have to wait till August for Austin’s parade, but there are plenty of parties, drag shows and live music happening now.

Rainbow Night Take-over in San Marcos, June 2-17

San Marcos PRIDE is celebrating with a month-long fundraiser beginning on June 1 and ending on June 17. Expect pubs, bars and a birthday bash with DJ Kira, Brianna St. James and Bunny.

St. Elmo PRIDE Party 2024, June 8

Expect an evening of music and shopping at St. Elmo Brewing Company. Local ABBA tribute band DisctoTex will play from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by drag shows featuring Louisianna Purchase, Mandy Quinn, and Tatiana Cholula till 10 p.m. The Little Gay Shop will be selling its merchandise. St. Elmo will launch the Louisianna West Coast IPA, and a portion of sales will go to TENT (Transgender Education Network of Texas.)

Family Day: Pride at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, June 9

The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum is hosting a family Pride celebration. You’ll find gender-affirming hair styling, arts and crafts and sculptures. A drag show and story time will start at 1 p.m. Admission is free. You can RSVP on the museum website.

Art in ATX Pride Market and Tie-dye Station, June 9

This pop-up market at Batch Craft Beer + Kolaches will feature live music by La Morena, Cormae, and Kiko Rico in celebration of PRIDE month. The event itself is open to all ages and free. Those wanting to participate in the tie-dye station can buy tickets for $30 and receive an Art in ATX t-shirt. All proceeds support The Gallery art collective. The event runs from 12 to 4 p.m.

PRIDE Silent Disco with the Austin Public Library, June 15

The Austin Public Library will provide wireless, noise-canceling headsets during a two-hour silent disco at the Spicewood Springs Branch location. Three DJs from the Queer Vinyl Collective will perform, and snacks and refreshments will be provided. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free and is for ages 13 and up. You can register on the event page.

Marriage Equality Week, June 22-28

The Travis County Clerk’s Office is offering free wedding ceremonies the last week of June. This is in celebration of the legalization of same-sex marriage nine years ago. The county’s marriage equality week is an extension of last year’s day-long celebration. Couples who wish to get married should schedule an appointment via a form on the county clerk’s website.

Dripping Springs Pride, June 22

This all-day pride celebration will feature live music, shopping, food and YMCA-sponsored activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The after-dark event starts at 7 p.m. and runs till midnight. It’s 18+ and features dancing, drinks, drag and burlesque shows.

2024 PRIDE yoga and sound bath in Round Rock, June 23

Soul Strong Yoga in Round Rock is hosting an accessible, all-levels yoga class followed by a sound bath featuring crystal singing bowls. Tickets are $60 and the entirety of sales are donated to Round Rock PRIDE. The class will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Pride in Local Music Festival, June 24

Pride in Local Music will shut down Fourth Street in downtown Austin and give you a chance to support local businesses. Expect a lineup of 10+ artists at this festival put on by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. General admission tickets are by donation and VIP tickets are $100.

Pride Picnic at Pease Park, June 29

Pease Park Conservancy and Future Front Texas will host a picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thirty local vendors will be at Pease Park with food and drinks. DJ Kickit will be playing tunes as a yarn swap, plant swap and more events take place. Some kid-friendly activities include tie-dying, drag n’ draw and a chance to make friendship bracelets.

Taylor PRIDE Music and Art Festival, June 29

Taylor PRIDE is celebrating its fourth annual festival. Expect shopping at arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, activities and food and beverages. The event will run from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Downtown Taylor Heritage Square and is open to all ages. Admission is free and any donations made to the organization go directly to the festival and community outreach.