Castle Hill: A Creative Paradise

What has come to be known as Castle Hill, or the Foundation, on Baylor St. and 11^th St. is one of the largest graffiti walls in Austin, essentially a graffiti park. The site is actually a three story abandoned condo project. Austin is home to many different pieces of street art, but Castle Hill has become one of the fastest changing façades; a mural painted one day may be painted over only days later.

In March 2011, an organization called HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) launched a Local to Global Project renaming the site the HOPE Outdoor Gallery. By taking the land under their wing, they aim to make the land safer for artists and spectators alike. Right now, volunteer groups come in on a weekly basis to pick up trash that is left on the property.

This March, a large-scale event will take place over the week of SXSW in which the entire foundation will be repainted. They also have efforts in place to do a major cleanup and to put lighting in as well as to start projects such as a community garden and educational art programs for students.

For the next week, it remains a free canvas for many types of creatives, from writers and illustrators to photographers and locals who just want to play. After March 10, Castle Hill may see a huge transformation.

Rusted metal debris coming up from the foundation cause a hazard for spectators. 

A constantly evolving façade of the crumbling foundation that makes up "Castle Hill" on Baylor St.

Castle Hill has become a popular stomping ground for both people who want to make art and people who want to take in the views of downtown from a secluded location.

Graffiti artists, from amateurs to professionals, are constantly occupying walls on Castle Hill. Pictured is an abandoned jacket and roller still wet with fresh paint.

Castle Hill is becoming more popular amongst Austin residents; a young mother and her son come out for fresh air and to leave their personal mark on the façade. 

A mural on a large façade on Castle Hill.

Empty cans of spray paint, as well as beer cans, pieces of glass bottles, and cigarette butts are scattered across the property.