Placemaking by immigrant communities : a case study of Austin-area flea markets

Using participatory observation and engaging in several informal interviews during a course of five months this study examines how Latinos placemake in three Austin open air markets, as well as how city management is currently impacting them. The study consist of three sections: a literature review of placemaking and its community benefits focusing on how markets have been spaces that incubate Latinos opportunity, an analysis of how Austin city management is currently impacting them, and an overview of potential strategies that Austin can apply to support markets. The findings reveal that like many markets across the nation these three markets play a vital role in the lives of Latino immigrants providing a space vital to their survival as newcomers for social interaction, as well as providing space for entrepreneurship. Studying how Latinos use public spaces in Austin is essential and integral in supporting the growing population.