Archives for February 2012

Somethin’s Happenin’ Here… What It Is Ain’t Exactly Clear…

Fred Schmidt | February 22, 2012 |

Remember that great old Buffalo Springfield song? Well those were the lyrics that started going through my head as I spotted this scene unfolding tonight in the long-vacant retail space in City Hall, at the SE corner of 2nd Street / Willie Nelson Blvd and Guadalupe.

What I do know is the sweet vibe of SXSW is definitely in the air all around Downtown on these 80-degree late February days. The countdown is on: only 16 more days til Austin starts rockin’ off its hinges! And I don’t just mean with music… but also energy, enthusiasm, innovation, creativity, knowledge, adventure, technology. It’s a week when we all can really visualize Austin’s future as a global creative capital.

New Renderings Of Capital Studios

Jude Galligan | February 17, 2012 |

Foundation Communities’ proposed downtown Austin affordable housing development will no longer be referred to as Capitol Terrace, but rather Capital Studios. Yes, the spelling is correct.

DAB has obtained draft drawings of the development at 11th & Trinity. These are intended to show massing and different uses within the building. There might be small changes to the final design – the colors are for clarity and do not represent how the skin of the building will look.

DANA Hosting Discussion On Affordable Housing (Thursday February 16th)

Jude Galligan | February 15, 2012 |

With the proposed Foundation Communities development needing support of the neighborhood, DANA invites its membership to come out for a special presentation by the CEO of Foundation Communities and a discussion on development proposed for 11th & Trinity Street that would be the first affordable housing project proposed Downtown in over 45 years and which will include Permanent Supportive Housing. DANA board members will be looking for feedback on the design and operational proposals.

When: Thursday, February 16th, 6pm
Where: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop’s Hall, 203 E 10th St Austin, Texas 78701

More Info

Downtown Austin Above The Clouds

Jude Galligan | February 14, 2012 |

This morning’s cloud cover, captured by David Gottlieb. Thanks, David!

Graeber Residence Featured In The Statesman

Jude Galligan | February 12, 2012 |

Featured in this week’s Statesman Homes section is one of my listings, and more importantly one of downtown Austin’s most unique properties. Hidden in plain view on 6th Street is a mid-century time capsule. Check out the Statesman write up here.

Austin Bike Zoo Needs Your Help | Support the Arts in Downtown Austin

AG | February 4, 2012 |

Readers, I’m guessing by now that you’ve been to G’Raj Mahal – one of my favorite restaurants in all of Austin. I’m betting you enjoyed the food immensely, loved the fact that you could bring your own alcohol, and reveled in the open atmosphere of the trailer / restaurant / Indian food sensation. I’m also guessing you’ve noticed the rather large and fantastic white “snake” bike that hangs out at G’Raj Mahal. And you probably were, like, “What is that thing?”

Here’s a picture, just in case you have no earthly idea what I’m talking about: [Read more…] about Austin Bike Zoo Needs Your Help | Support the Arts in Downtown Austin

Capitol Terrace: An Affordable Housing Development Proposed In Downtown Austin

Jude Galligan | February 1, 2012 |

foundation communities site for capitol terrace — Foundation Communities site for Capitol Terrace 11th @ Trinity

Walter Moreau is a developer with a unique vision.

Walter’s vision is to bring housing into downtown Austin for people who earn $15.00 per hour, or less.

Say what?!

Proposed is a 135 efficiency-style apartment building (for rent) at the southwest corner of 11th & Trinity. The site is currently a surface level parking lot. It is intended that 27 of the units will be reserved for people with absolutely no income, specifically clients of Caritas, Trinity Center, ARCH, and the Salvation Army.

Musicians can afford it. Many downtown workers, including State employees can afford it. Veterans on disability can afford it. Initially, the average rent would be between $400-650 per month, all bills paid.

Walter is the Executive Director of Foundation Communities (FC), a nonprofit affordable housing developer. FC has a track record of success. Established in 1990, FC is owner and manager of 13 communities all around Austin and built with support of local neighborhood associations. They are a long term owner, have never sold one of their properties, and claim they never intend to. Last year FC opened M Station on MLK: the first LEED for Homes Platinum apartment building in the entire country!

Here’s the rub: FC cannot build an affordable housing community without the express support of the immediate neighborhood association. In this case, it’s either DANA or the DAA.

I was invited by FC to tour their other buildings, which was needed because I wasn’t really educated about affordable housing. Elliott McFadden, the communications director for FC (also the publisher of Austin On Two Wheels), succinctly explained what affordable housing isn’t. [Read more…] about Capitol Terrace: An Affordable Housing Development Proposed In Downtown Austin