You are here: Home / 2009 / Archives for November 2009

Not So Great Streets

by | November 17, 2009 |3 Comments
austin-not-so-great-streets-courtyard-marriott

The phrase “great streets” gets a lot of lip service in downtown stakeholder circles.  This has been going on since 2000.  We’re all familiar with 2nd Street District, and I think we can generally agree that the City/AMLI knocked it out of the park with this one.  It’s a terrific pedestrian experience.

With the Great Streets Program available since 2000, not all buildings constructed since then have fully adopted the notion.  Two examples:

1) Hampton Inn

Sure, the New Orleans style terrace is charming, but if you’ve ever walked by the hotel you were almost certainly dodging valet podiums, bellhops, guests, and tiny bistro tables that are so crowded that nobody uses them.

2) Champions @ Courtyard Marriot

If you know this corner, you know there is a string of cabs parked along 4th street.  Here we see a hard fence forcing pedestrians towards the street, and creating an uninviting al-fresco experience for bar patrons.  The far end of this fence terminates into a round-a-bout entrance into the Courtyard.  A better alternative to activate this corner would be planters like we see at Annies, which would also provide an entrance to the the restaurant along 4th street.

photos courtesy of Mike McGill

Filed Under: Austin photos, images, downtown austin, urban planning

Downtown Austin Open Houses

by | November 14, 2009 |2 Comments

(Looking for this week’s open houses? You’ll find them here.)

downtown-austin-open-house

Open houses in downtown Austin for Sunday, November 15th

The great thing about downtown Austin open houses is that you can generally walk from building to building. Take a stroll downtown now that summer is over and the temperature is cooler. If you’re into adaptive reuses of older buildings, checkout DAB’s list of downtown Austin lofts. Looking for FHA approved condos? We’ve got the info here.

This weekend you can browse at your own pace at the Austin City Lofts, The Nokonah,  Spring, and the Austonian sales center.  While you’re here, checkout DAB’s gift suggestions found on 2nd Street.

Sunday
1) 901 W 9th St #418, 1bd, 1ba + study, $320,000, 1-3pm [Urbanspace] map
2) 800 W 5th St #201, 2bd, 2ba, $649,900, 1-3pm [Urbanspace] map
3) 300 Bowie St, Spring sales center, model units, 1-5pm map website
4) 200 Congress Ave, Austonian sales center located at 300 W 6th, 12-5pm map website

Don’t see the properties you’re interested in? Ask a Realtor who lives and works in downtown Austin.

Filed Under: austin open houses, downtown austin, Downtown Austin lofts, condos, apartments, Real Estate

Waller Creek Meeting Notes

by | November 13, 2009 |3 Comments
waller-creek-tunnel-city-acquires-land

waller-creek-tunnel-city-acquires-land

At last night’s WCCAC meeting:

1) We learned that the City is negotiating the purchase of three contiguous lots located along southbound frontage road and bounded by 4th and 5th Streets.  This area hosts the east bank of Waller Creek between 4th and 5th and is currently used as a surface parking lot.  The land acquisition will be purchased with funds from the Waller Creek Tunnel Project, and will likely become a temporary staging ground for the construction of the tunnel.  Ironically [to me at least] these lots are not on FEMA’s 100 year flood maps, and therefore wouldn’t directly benefit from the tunnel improvements designed to remove land from the 100 year flood plain. The lots are encumbered by Capitol View Corridors, though.  You can see the lots under “Kuykendall Addn”.

2) The WCCAC made an official recommendation to City Council that the Strategy 1 improvements identified by ROMA’s Waller Creek District Master Plan be included in the items for the 2010 Transportation Bond.  The bond is limited to issues of mobility, including pedestrian uses such as the conversion of Sabine Street into a promenade.

3) Perry Lorenz provided citizen communication that the 21c project is moving forward and the development team is flying to Austin from Louisville with updates in the first week of December.  In addition to getting a more comprehensive project status, we should receive a better idea of the amount and types of consideration the project is paying towards Waller Creek improvements adjacent to the property.

4) The I-35 Makeover project is going to be complete in 2010 and will be funded from the parking fees collected underneath I-35.  No word yet on improvements to the 4th Street overpass, but WCCAC requested to be included as a stakeholder should that discussion commence.

5) Matt Knifton of the Texas Rowing Center provided citizen communication about TRC’s bid for the boathouse.  Notably, last year TRC donated roughly $30,000 in community outreach in the form of education and classes for minority children and those with disabilities.  Matt estimated that as a PARD concessionaire since 1999, the TRC has returned over $400,000 to the city;moreover, throughout a 20 year lease of the new boathouse, there is potential to generate nearly $3MM in concession revenue for the city.  The TRC would have the opportunity to further increase their community outreach programs, making the lake more accessible to more Austinites.

In summary, it’s nice to see action and momentum!

-Jude

Filed Under: downtown austin, urban planning, waller creek

Need Something To Do This Saturday (11/14/2009) in Downtown Austin? Go to FAMe

by | November 12, 2009 |Leave a Comment
9426_180351792952_180349822952_3687854_1247013_n

9426_180351792952_180349822952_3687854_1247013_nFrom their marketing:

Overview: A merger of fashion, art, and music, the FAMe ’09 festival explores these disparate cultural identities through a chosen theme.

Mission: This year, the three expressive mediums will investigate texture as a unifying framework. The setting for this event is Malverde and comprises the first half of the festival. There will be different forms of art exhibited throughout the venue, orchestral music composed specifically for this event, and fashion elements designed to complement the surroundings. This first phase of the expo will last three hours. Following this production, the festival continues at Lamberts starting at 9 pm. This more conventional atmosphere will include a lineup of musical acts that utilize an orchestral approach to song making.
Products: FASHION, ART, and MUSIC!
For more info: http://famexpo.org
Filed Under: downtown austin

Tonight's WCCAC Agenda

by | November 12, 2009 |Leave a Comment

This evening is our monthly meeting of the Waller Creek Citizens Advisory Committee (WCCAC).  I’m especially interested to get the updates on the I-35 makeover project.

WALLER CREEK CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING AGENDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE WALLER CREEK CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12th, 2009, AT 6:00 P.M. IN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM, CITY HALL, 301 WEST SECOND STREET

The City Council Waller Creek Citizen Advisory Committee may go into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act, Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from legal counsel on any item on this agenda.

Call Meeting to Order

1. Approval of Minutes – (October 22, 2009)

2. Citizen Communication (3 minutes)

3. Waller Creek Master Plan Update – Discussion

Jim Robertson, COA

4. IH-35 Makeover Project – Discussion

Erica Leak, COA

5. WCCAC-Parks Board Joint Subcommittee – Discussion

Sara Hensley, COA

6. Waller Creek Tunnel Update – Discussion

Gary Jackson, COA

7. Competitive Design Process – Discussion

Jude Galligan, WCCAC

8. Waller Creek District surface improvements/2010 Transportation Bond Election

Discussion and possible action

Jeb Boyt, WCCAC

9. Future Agenda Items for December 3, 2009 Meeting

Discussion and Possible Action

Filed Under: downtown austin, waller creek

Downtown Austin: These Are the Places to Get Your Flu Shot (AKA – It's official. Google literally knows everything.)

by | November 11, 2009 |2 Comments
Picture 2

It’s flu season, which means it’s flu shot season.

I just found out Google has launched a new service that will map out the nearest place to get a flu shot, based on your search criteria.  The service includes results for shots for H1N1.

I’ve taken the liberty of doing a search for flu shots near 78701 (downtown Austin). The search pretty much gave me every location with available flu shots in Austin.  Click here for a map/list of the results.  Or look below to get an idea of how many places nearby are offering the shots:

Picture 2

FYI, per Google, it looks like all the places that carry the H1N1 vaccine are temporarily out of stock….

Filed Under: downtown austin

New Renderings Of 21c

by | November 11, 2009 |3 Comments

Hmmm…. I wouldn’t say these renderings show a design that is inspired.   Certainly my design expectations for 21c are high.  Below is a [hopefully] early rendering of the hotel and museum portion taken directly from the 21c website.

The Skyscraper crew is not happy :-(

Filed Under: downtown austin, waller creek

♬These are a few of my favorite things♬ – 2nd Street District Edition

by | November 10, 2009 |5 Comments
The Artomat - A Machine That Gives You Snack Size Art - Each Piece of Art is $5
One of my fave Christmas Creep related pics….

I read The Consumerist – daily.  I know that Christmas Creep (the commercial phenomenon of merchants and retailers exploiting the commercialized status of Christmas by moving up the start of the holiday season) is bad. And it’s beginning earlier and earlier every year.  And I also know that, with this blog entry, I am now part of the problem.

I’m just going to have to live with that shame, I guess, because I love the holiday season.  And I totally love some of the products that downtown Austin retailers are offering right now that make great gifts.  So….this week, I’m doing a 2nd Street District edition of a little segment I’m calling “These are a Few of My Favorite Things.”  I hope this segment of blogs may assist those looking for little what-nots and stocking stuffers/gifts for their loved-ones, and who want to continue to support downtown Austin retailers. And whether you are a baller this year, or…not so much, there are things in the 2nd Street District that WILL fit the/your bill.

(Please keep in mind that these are boutiques, and many of the products featured in this blog are designer and limited-edition type merchandise. So don’t get me wrong, these featured products are going to be more expensive than the stuff at Old Navy – BUT…a) they’re meant to be higher-end, and b) there are some things that I still thought were reasonably-priced, or at least appropriate for an occasional treat for yourself or someone you know….)

Disclaimer: I only went to a few places and visited a small section of the 2nd Street District, so I know there’s much more, but I didn’t want to inundate you all quite yet…..feel free to add your own faves in the comments section.

The first place I visited was Mercury Design Studio.  This place is definitely a great place to look for gifts – I found a ton of little stocking-stuffers, as well as more pricey fare.  Here are some of the things I love:

Laptop Luddite Sleeve – $58.00 at Mercury Design Studio
The Artomat - A Machine That Gives You Snack Size Art - Each Piece of Art is $5
The Art-O-Mat. A vending-style machine that gives you snack size art – Each piece of art is only $5. The machine itself isn’t for sale, but it’s a great way to market these cool and funky little art pieces.
Skull & Bones Stationary
Skull & Bones Stationary. $22.50 at Mercury Design Studio.

—Stop 2—

My second stop was Beyond Tradition. This is basically a jewelry/art store (their tagline is “Wearable Art”)  that puts a heavy emphasis on local artists and jewelry designers.  Although, my favorite piece in the store was actually made by a New York Designer.  See 1st picture below:

Echo of the Dreamer Flower Collar – $340 at Beyond Tradition. This is more of a “baller” gift.
Catherine Nicole Cufflinks. $125 at Beyond Tradition.

Catherine Nicole is an award-winning local artist/jewelry designer. If you are looking for something to do this Thursday, November 12th, among the other events going on in the 2nd street district, Beyond Tradition is hosting a preview party (Catherin Nicole just launched her men’s line).  This preview party will benefit AIDS Services of Austin, and sponsors include Paula’s Texas Spirits and Connoli Joe’s.

—Stop 3—

I headed next door to Shiki, where I was warmly greeted by Jane Vanisko McCan (the owner) and one of the friendly sales associates, Jamie.  My favorite thing in the store was this killer scarf/shawl/accessory (shown here as modeled by Jamie):

Jamie Models the Denim/Peppercorn Scarf - $216 at Shiki.
Jamie models the Denim/Peppercorn Scarf – $216 at Shiki.  This is one of the MANY ways this piece can be worn.

A Better View

—Stop 4—

The Home Retreat was only a couple of doors down, so I headed in. Carrie Devones – an associate there, was soooo helpful.  She showed me a couple of very neat things that I just have to include:

Glow-in-the-dark Jellyfish - $35 at The Home Retreat
Weird and creepy, but cool. Glow-in-the-dark Jellyfish Sculpture. $35 at The Home Retreat,

Click here for the product page of the little jellyfish – this page has better pictures.

Pillbox Purse Hanger - $22.00 at The Home Retreat.
Pillbox Purse Hanger – $22 at The Home Retreat. “A sturdy, stylish, foldable purse hanger that is perfect for keeping your purse off the floor or your lap when you’re at a restaurant, having cocktails, or anywhere else you might need it! In seven different styles. All open up to reveal two-sided pill storage and a compact mirror.”

Click here for the product page for these purse hangers – this page has better pictures.

—Stop 5—

I must say, one of my very favorite 2nd street district “dress shops” is Peyton’s Place.  But I like more than just their dresses – I also think they have cool accessories and other fun stuff.  I spoke with Emily Wheeler (a buyer for the boutique) about what was new and what was hot, and here is the item I most liked:

Valerie Allen's Jewelry Inspired Headbands (as modeled by Emily). From $28 at Peyton's Place.
Valerie Allen’s Jewelry Inspired Headbands (as modeled by Emily). From $25 at Peyton’s Place.

These headbands are hand-made by local artist Valerie Allen.  They come in a variety of natural stones (even freshwater pearls) and cool, colorful glass beads and such. Peyton’s Place is the exclusive DOWNTOWN seller of these headbands, which I’m told do NOT stretch out. Emily said that some people who purchase these as headbands also end up wearing them as necklaces from time to time. Emily also told me that Valerie Allen donates 10% of her profits to local children’s charities, so this is a gift that also gives.

This next item is definitely a luxury – but I felt very spoiled when I received these for my birthday this year:

Sarah Happ Lip Products
Sara Happ Lip Products – Call Peyton’s Place for pricing details, but I believe each product is in the $30 range…..

—Stop 6—

My last retail stop was IF+D.  I absolutely adore the quirky owner there, Kristen Bolling.  And I think the stuff in the store reflects her cool and offbeat personality.  Here are my faves:

These “Little Josephs” totally creep me out, but I can’t stop looking at them. $100 at IF+D.
Topo Chico Glasses. $8 at IF+D.
Topo Chico Glasses. $8 at IF+D.

—Stop 7—….mmmmm

So…I guess I’ll end this blog pretty much the way I end most activities.  By eating a sandwich and drinking a beer.

Royal Blue Veggie Sandwich - $5.50, Delish Bag of Cookies - $3.50
Royal Blue Veggie Sandwich – $5.50, Delish Bag of Cookies – $3.50

Royal Blue Grocery, Delish Cupcakes

Filed Under: downtown austin

Veterans Day Parade

by | November 10, 2009 |Leave a Comment

From Travis County Press Release:

Veterans Day Parade, memorial service to pay tribute to military families

The Travis County/City of Austin Veterans Day Parade will march along Congress Avenue beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, culminating with a memorial services at the State Capitol. The parade will start from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and continue to the Capitol. Spectators can observe the parade at any point along Congress Avenue. A reviewing stand will be at the Inter-Continental Stephen F. Austin Hotel at Seventh Street and Congress. A special ceremony honoring the families of veterans and active duty military will be conducted at 11 a.m. at the south steps of the Capitol. The Commemorative Air Force from San Marcos will also be performing a flyover during the ceremony.

The parade will have some effect on streets in the downtown area. The Ann W. Richards bridge will cause closure of Congress Avenue from Riverside Drive to Cesar Chavez Street from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Also, Congress from Cesar Chavez to West 11th Street will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon.

The parade will celebrate our nation’s veterans and those service men and women currently serving at home and abroad. The City of Austin employs more than 1,200 military veterans and Guard and Reserve members.

City of Austin News Release_Veterans Day Parade.doc

Filed Under: downtown austin

Open Thread: What Types Of Retail Do You Want In Downtown Austin?

by | November 9, 2009 |26 Comments

What is downtown Austin missing? What is working? Where is retail trailing demand?

Leave your ideas in the comments.

Filed Under: downtown austin, retail
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »