Central allandale By Jackie Potts

Hyde Park

A leisurely springtime stroll in Hyde Park might begin with a morning cup of fresh-brewed coffee from Austin-bred Quack's Coffee House on 43rd Street. It might wind through several blocks, all the while shaded by tall, stately trees arching overhead and crossing the wide streets to say hello to neighbors. Eventually, it might come to an end with a purchase of breakfast tacos at NeWorlDeli on Guadalupe Street.

That's one of Glen Coleman's favorite things to do in Hyde Park. A resident of Hyde Park since 1996, Glen knows all the hot spots of the neighborhood. He also serves as co-president of the Hyde Park Neighbors' Association.

A relatively small neighborhood, with tree-lined streets and historic houses left and right, Hyde Park is known for its hodgepodge of residences. It is bordered by 48th Street to the north and 38th Street to the south, Guadalupe Street to the west and Duval Street to the east.

Glen says when he moved to the neighborhood, he chose it because it was a community where he could walk to the store or local coffee shop, and could have neighbors of all different ages, ethnicities and income levels.

He chose the right place. Convenience stores, restaurants, FreshPlus Grocery Store and Laundromats are just a few blocks away.

"Although Hyde Park is Central Austin's densest neighborhood, it's a place where you know your neighbors by name because you've seen them at the store, at the Laundromat and outside watering their yards," he says.

Hyde Park is not only one of the densest neighborhoods in the city's urban core, it is also one of the earliest established. According to the neighborhood association's Web site, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land and Town Co. founded Hyde Park in 1891.

Under the guiding hands of Monroe Martin Shipe, Hyde Park originally featured large residences geared towards the affluent. Sluggish land sales later pushed Hyde Park to become a neighborhood for the middle and working classes.

Gradually, majestic homes gave way to smaller, more modest houses, resulting in the graceful blend of apartment complexes, small bungalows, large residences and office buildings you see today.

Glen attributes such contrasting landscapes to the unique combination of an ideal location and a rare commitment to historical preservation. While residents strive to maintain their ties to Monroe's 1891 community, Hyde Park is continually touched by the spread of urban life.

"You can see some of Austin's most modern buildings, and look back 100 years in time all at once within one square block in Hyde Park," he says. A typical Hyde Park block includes everything from Craftsman houses to Tudor-style homes, new office buildings and apartment complexes.

Jody Lockshin, broker for Austin real estate company Habitat Hunters, says that homes sold last year ranged from the mid $200s to the mid $400s. Homes varied from 1,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet.

Due to the wide variety of dwellings available, apartments and homes are often leased. Apartments last year began at rents of $400 per month, and 3,000-square-foot houses at $2800 per month.

"Hyde Park caters to all needs, from those who want apartments, to condos, duplexes, houses. It accommodates everyone. That's why the prices range so drastically, because there's so much to offer," she says.

Paige Flick, Habitat Hunters realtor, says the biggest attraction to the neighborhood is its family and owner-oriented environment. "It's quiet, the neighbors are friendly, you're within walking distance of restaurants and grocery stores and just two blocks away from the bus," she says.


Elisabet Ney Museum on 44th St.

Hyde Park offers more than just a convenient location to its residents; it offers a lively community lifestyle. The neighbors are friendly, the neighborhood association is active and involved and there is plenty to see and do.

Each year, the neighborhood association hosts its annual Hyde Park Homes Tour. The tour highlights several notable homes within the neighborhood, and at the same time raises money for the organization.

The association offers free consulting services for builders and homeowners, to ensure they will develop property within the guidelines of community zoning codes. Advice is given concerning elements such as building height, impervious cover and parking requirements.

Children in Hyde Park attend Lee Elementary School, Kealing Junior High School, and McCallum High School in the Austin Independent School District. While electricity, water and trash are provided by the City of Austin Electric Company, cable is provided by Time Warner.

Schools Austin Independent School District Lee Elementary School Kealing Junior High School McCallum High School

Amenities Elizabet Ney Museum Shipe Park and Pool Hancock Golf Course

Resources Hyde Park Neighborhood Association Search articles mentioning Hyde Park in the Austin American-Statesman's archives. Find area restaurants on Austin360

Zone: Central

Zip Code 78751