What is Gentrification? | What Once Was

Written By: Ben Perez Edited By: Elisa Calderon

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of urban development, the term “gentrification” has gained significant attention, sparking discussions about its impacts on historically disinvested neighborhoods. The What Once Was initiative aims to shed light on this issue, educating those who are not only interested in understanding gentrification but also taking steps toward addressing its impact across Austin. It serves as a digital archive to collect, preserve, and share these important communities’ histories. Celebrated for its vibrant music and art scenes, cultural diversity, and thriving tech industry, Austin is a desirable spot for residents and visitors alike. However, behind the city’s fun, contemporary appeal, a complex issue exists: Gentrification. This is most evident in the east side of Austin, where the development of new businesses and homes has generated discussions about progress, preservation, and the character of the city.

What is Gentrification?

Although definitions can vary depending on the perspective taken, Gentrification refers to the process where higher-income residents move into urban neighborhoods (most of which have been historically disinvested). This influx often changes the area’s economic, social, and cultural fabric. As these neighborhoods transform, they can sometimes lose their original character and the sense of community that used to be deeply ingrained.

Examples of Gentrification

With roots dating back to the 1950s, Gentrification is not a new phenomenon; nor is it limited to the city of Austin. The term “Gentrification” first gained traction as neighborhoods began experiencing dramatic shifts in London, England. But it’s occurring in major cities across the US. New York City, for instance, has witnessed gentrification in neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Harlem. In the San Francisco Bay Area, BIPOC communities like the Mission District have undergone dramatic changes due to an influx of tech industry professionals with the rise of Silicon Valley. Austin, too, hasn’t been immune to this process, as neighborhoods throughout the East side have experienced major shifts due to rising property values and changing demographics. The East side of Austin carries a rich history, deeply rooted in the experiences of its Black and Latino communities. The area was initially established as a place of residence and commerce for these communities, who were forced to live there as part of Austin’s 1928 Master Plan. Despite the forced relocation, a distinct cultural identity was created and thrived for decades in the East part of the city. However, with Austin’s surge of growth and the influx of newcomers, the Eastside has become a central point for gentrification.

Negative Impacts of Gentrifying Neighborhoods

Local Businesses One of the most prominent effects of gentrification on Austin’s east side is the development of the business landscape. Many of the area’s original “mom-and-pop” shops and local eateries are now forced into competition with trendy cafes, boutiques, and galleries. While this transformation brings an appearance of reinvigoration to the neighborhood, it raises concerns about authenticity and inclusivity. Who is welcomed in these neighborhoods, and who was forced to leave to make room? The rise in the number of upscale businesses presents a conundrum for the city of Austin. One side shows that the attention and spending power brought in from gentrifying neighborhoods boosts revenue, visibility, and attractiveness. But the other side argues that these new establishments almost always outprice and overshadow the businesses that gave the East side its original character.

Residential Displacement and Affordable Housing

Gentrification’s impact on residential areas is even more profound. Similar to the effect on local businesses, as property values soar, longtime residents are being priced out of their neighborhoods. The lack of affordable housing compounds the issues created, leading to steady displacement that threatens the social fabric of majority BIPOC communities.

Cultural Identity and Heritage Preservation

The heart of the gentrification debate in the East side of Austin is found in cultural identity. The tangible foundations of these neighborhoods’ pasts are actively being erased with the arrival of new developments. Preserving the cultural heritage of these communities is essential to ensure original residents feel seen and heard.

Gentrification and E4 Youth

Through programs such as What Once Was, Creative Leadership Academy, and Get Creative Clubs, E4 Youth provides space and opportunities for BIPOC youth of Austin, many of whom are grappling with the harsh realities that the gentrification of Austin brings.

Key Takeaways About Gentrifying Neighborhoods

The gentrification occurring in Austin’s East side is a multifaceted situation that affects the city’s businesses, homes, and cultural identity. As the city continues to expand and evolve, balancing progress with historical preservation is critical for our BIPOC communities. By understanding the negative experiences of those affected by this phenomenon, as a community, we can collectively work towards preserving the essence of neighborhoods while still leaving room for development. Moving forward, engaging in dialogue and collaboration to accommodate both longtime residents and newcomers is critical to allowing for an equitable development of the city that still cherishes the legacies of its BIPOC communities.

Sources:

FORMBY, BRANDON FORMBY. “Report Says Gentrification Threatens to Displace Austin’s Low-Income Residents, Communities of Color.” Texas Tribune, 18 Sept. 2018, . Accessed 20 Aug. 2023. “Gentrification Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster. Accessed 21 Aug. 2023. Goudeau, Ashley Goudeau. “Austin’s Gentrification Problem: How We Got Here.” KVUE, 2 May 2018, . Accessed 18 Aug. 2023. “Healthy Places.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023. Sanneh, Kelefa. “Is Gentrification Really a Problem?” The New Yorker, 4 July 2016. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023. Way, Heather, et al. “Uprooted: Residential Displacement in Austin’s Gentrifying Neighborhoods and What Can Be Done About It.” Austin Uprooted, University of Texas , 2018. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.

ORA HOUSTON – RESIDENT OF AUSTIN’S BLACKLANDS NEIGHBORHOOD. “Austin’s ‘1928 Master Plan’ Unleashed Forces Which Still Shape Austin Today.” ORA HOUSTON, 2018.

April Inniss – Martha’s Vineyard

Senior Research Associate – James Bell Associates

April selected Martha’s Vineyard as her place of significance because it offered her tranquility, cherished memories of relaxation, and a sense of freedom from life’s obligations and responsibilities. Moreover, she envisions this location as an alternate universe where systemic oppression never occurred in American society, and where people live in happiness and prosperity.

 

Maria Cazares – Wasco, California

Youth Organizer – Dolores Huerta Foundation

Maria’s place of significance is Wasco, California, where she grew up witnessing and overcoming inequalities in communities of color. She is a first-generation Mexican-American with a Sociology degree from Fresno State, now working as a youth organizer with the Dolores Huerta Liberated Youth for Empowerment Program. Through her activism, she continues to make a difference in her communities, committed to dismantling systemic barriers.

 

 

 

 

Jose Enriquez – John Glenn High School

CEO/Founder – Latinos in Action

Jose’s place of significance is John Glenn High School, where he learned to fail and succeed, developing humility and resilience. He overcame his fear of public speaking, gained confidence, and understood the essence of leadership. Through hard training, he honed essential skills, from studying to networking, ultimately boosting his self-assurance.

 

 

 

 

Corrina Brown – Avenues at Steele Creek

Development Manager – The Beautiful Project

Corrina’s choice of her first apartment as her place of significance symbolized her initial taste of independence, devoid of external influences. As time passed, she delved deeper into self-discovery. Within the confines of this space, she mastered the art of cultivating her own community. This period of living alone for the first time enabled her to authentically identify her genuine interests, desires, and needs.

 

Anthony Barrows – Maverick Square Public Housing

Managing Partner & Founder, Center for Behavioral Design & Social Justice

Anthony’s place of significance is the Maverick Square public housing complex in East Boston, MA where he grew up. The area has since been completely redeveloped.

 

 

Ronnette Smith – Clark Atlanta University

CEO – Future Foundation

Ronnette is a proud graduate of the HBCU Clark Atlanta University, where she earned a B.A. in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Her alma mater, selected as her meaningful institution, bore witness to Mrs. Smith’s triumphant graduation from a four-year university, even in the face of academic challenges during her high school years.

 

Dollhouse Barbershop

Roosevelt “Bubba” Stewart cut hair at the Dollhouse Barber Shop on Rosewood Avenue in East Austin. Bubba ran the Dollhouse Barbershop for more than forty years until rising rents and dwindling customers forced him to close.
Roosevelt “Bubba” Stewart (1933-2018), East Austin native and lifelong owner of Stewart’s Doll House Barber Shop at 1811 Rosewood Ave
The Austin City Council proclaimed October 19, 2017 as Roosevelt “Bubba” Stewart Day in honor of Stewart’s 60+ year service as one of East Austin’s most prestigious and longest-serving barbers.

Hillside Drugstore

Headed by Ulysses Young, known cordially as Doc Young, the Hillside Drugstore began providing various medicines and remedies to East Austin residents in 1949.  Young relocated his home just behind the phramacy with the intention of continuing his work with the city’s few Black pharamcists. It now stands as a restaurant under the same name, with many of the smae fixtures, hoping to keep the original pharmacy’s legacy alive.

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Leal’s Tires

Originally located at the corner of East Cesar Chavez and Chicon Street, Leal’s Tires boasted bright yellow paint and beautiful murals with homages to Aztec culture. Leal’s was known for having affordable services and working with customers when they didn’t have money to pay in full. Leal’s eventually relocated to far East 7th Street after restaurant owners purchased their original location. Many voiced concern when the restaurant kept Leal’s murals as their own and opened as “Lou’s Bodega” but offered highly-priced meals instead of reasonably-priced items typically found in a true bodega. However, the establishment soon changed its name to Lou’s and acknowledges the legacy of Leal’s.