Nestled in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country, Austin is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Many residents of Austin are committed to preserving the natural beauty of the area, which is why they choose asphalt pavement for their parking lots and driveways and why leaders of many municipalities in the area opt for asphalt pavement for their streets. At Alpha Paving, we have been helping our customers install, maintain and repair their asphalt pavements for more than 30 years. We are proud to offer a full range of asphalt services to a diverse group of customers, including major retailers, educational institutions, planned communities, manufacturing facilities and office buildings. We are also proud to be a part of the vibrant city that is Austin, Texas.
Austin, TX – The History
The area around Austin has a long and interesting history. The earliest known habitations date to more than 11,000 years ago and are linked to the Clovis culture. These prehistoric people probably found the area’s natural beauty, abundance of game, availability of fresh water and favorable climate extremely attractive.
The first Europeans known to visit the area were the Spanish during the years that Texas was a possession of Spain. Missions and forts were built in the area during the 18th and early 19th centuries. At the time, the area was home to the Tonkawa tribe, but nomadic tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche, frequently traveled through the area as well.
Before Mexico won its independence from Spain, the Spanish government issued land grants to a limited number of American empresarios who would recruit settlers and be responsible for their conduct. One of these empresarios was Moses Austin; he died before establishing his colony, however, so the grant passed to his son. In 1821, however, Mexico won its independence from Spain, so the younger Austin had to renegotiate the contract with the Mexican government. It would be four years before Austin arrived in the area with 300 families to start his colony. In 1837, the town of Waterloo became the first permanent settlement that can be documented.
The Texas Revolution resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During that year alone, Texas had at least five temporary capitals, including Washington-on-the-Bravos, Columbia, Galveston, Harrisburg and Velasco. Houston became the capital in 1837, but in 1839, it was decided to relocate. The land purchased for the new capital included the village of Waterloo, which was promptly renamed Austin in honor of Moses Austin’s son, Stephen F. Austin, who is known as the “Father of Texas”.
Austin Today
Modern Austin is a diverse mix of college students, technology professionals, musicians, government employees and blue-collar workers. Major employers include federal, state, city and county government agencies as well as the University of Texas, Dell and IBM. Amazon, Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, Xerox, 3M, Hospira, Whole Food Markets and Freescale Semiconductor also have significant operations in the area.
The arts scene is well-represented in Austin. The city’s official slogan calls Austin “The Live Music Capital of the World.” Dozens of theaters offer residents the chance to catch live performances that range from experimental productions to classic plays.
For many Austin residents, the 29,000 acres of parks in the area are prime attractions. Climbing, swimming, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking are popular recreational activities. However, it is not necessary to limit physical activities to parks; Austin is reportedly the state’s most bike-friendly city and offers more than 80 miles of bike lanes.
With a thriving economy, moderate weather and ample arts and culture venues, Austin provides residents with a quality of life that is difficult to find in cities of a similar size. Whether enjoying the view from Mount Bonnell or boating on the Texas Highlands Lakes, there is always something to do in Austin.
Asphalt Paving in Austin
Many of Austin’s residents are environmentally aware and prefer to choose materials that are easily recycled and eco-friendly. This is why so many property owners and municipalities in the greater Austin area choose asphalt pavement for their driveways, parking lots, highways, sports courts and streets.
As well as being 100-percent recyclable, asphalt pavement is economical to install and maintain. When repairs are needed, they can be made quickly to minimize traffic disruption. Routine maintenance is also fast, allowing the area to be reopened in a matter of hours instead of days. Furthermore, when it comes to building a new parking lot or thoroughfare, asphalt pavement takes only a fraction of the time required for concrete pavement.
Despite its durability, asphalt pavement needs a little care if it is to reach its full lifespan. Property owners in Austin should consider having the following services routinely provided by an asphalt professional.
- Asphalt Paving: Asphalt paving services include the construction of new roads and parking lots, the installation of speed bumps and the application of an asphalt overlay, which is a new layer of asphalt that is applied to existing pavement. The category also includes asphalt milling, a procedure that is often used to smooth transitions between different pavements, repair damage, adjust the pavement around manholes or level the pavement. Milling can also be used to correct drainage problems. Learn more about Asphalt Paving and Asphalt Overlays.
- Asphalt Repair: The most common asphalt repairs involve filling cracks or potholes in the pavement. Breaks in the pavement can allow water to seep beneath the pavement and damage the supporting foundation, resulting in costly repairs. Learn more about Asphalt Repair.
- Asphalt Sealcoating: Sealcoating is an important part of parking lot maintenance. Sealants protect against damage caused by UV rays and automotive fluids. Sealcoating also restores color to faded asphalt, enhancing the property’s curb appeal. Learn more about Asphalt Sealcoating.
- Concrete Work: Concrete remains a popular choice for sidewalks and curbs. In Bastrop, there are also many driveways and parking lots that have been built with concrete. Concrete is also a popular choice for ramps and ADA improvements. Learn more about Concrete.
The Alpha Paving Difference
Alpha Paving Industries is an award-winning asphalt contractor with quality workmanship, superior customer service and competitive rates. In Austin, TX, our services include asphalt paving and asphalt overlays, sealcoating, road construction, street maintenance, concrete, parking lot maintenance, parking lot striping, asphalt repair, parking lot signs, asphalt milling, speed humps, parking lot car stops, power washing, sandblasting and ADA compliance. Our concrete services include ADA concrete, concrete curbing, concrete driveways, concrete ramps, concrete parking lots, and concrete sidewalks. To receive a free quote, complete the online form or call (512) 677-9001.
