Division Z is an old subdivision with a long history. It’s located in that area of Austin that is called Clarksville by some and Castle Hill by others. Most homes were built in the early 1900s and most have been updated or remodeled at some point in the last 100 years. When these homes were built there was no freeway called MoPac and Division Z was on the outskirts of Austin.
At the heart of Division Z is a public park called West Austin Park and Wading Pool. This park is between 9th and 10th Streets. In addition to the wading pool, it has playground equipment for children. It’s also a favorite for residents and their dogs, although there is no designated dog park there.
Since Division Z is located just a few blocks from the intersection of 6th Street and Lamar, it’s extremely convenient for walkers, or anyone who wants to get groceries, without using a car. A grocery store, pharmacy (with a soda fountain), a dry cleaners and laundry, and numerous cafes and eateries are clustered at the intersection of West Lynn and 12th Street. Down the hill (because Division Z is on a hill) are shops and boutiques, more cafes and restaurants, antique shops, a large independent bookstore, just about everything you could want while supporting local businesses.
A very active parent group supports Mathews Elementary School, which is located on West Lynn. You’ll see reflections of the artistic element of the community in the mosaic design along the sidewalk in front of this school. Middle school students attend O’Henry Middle School which is located on the west side of MoPac. Highschoolers attend Austin High, which at one time was located where Austin Community College’s Rio Grande Campus is now located. The present day Austin High is a few blocks south, very close to Lady Bird Lake.