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Fishing Pier Coming to Lady Bird Lake in Rainey Street, Downtown Austin

by | May 23, 2012 |2 Comments
Rainey Street Pier Core Health

The focus is on inclusion.  That’s what Nicole Harmon of Core Health Foundation, a non-profit spin-off of Core Health (a for-profit facility focusing on rehabilitation of those suffering with brain injuries), tells me. The project is a fishing pier, located on the northern shore of Lady Bird Lake, just south of the Holiday Inn off I-35 in the Rainey Street District.  The project has been in the works for over 8-years, but was officially approved in 2010, and construction is expected to be complete in 2013.   And while the driver and primary purpose of this project is for [Read more...]

Filed Under: austin lifestyle, austin neighborhoods, austin parks, Austin photos, images, development, downtown austin, Downtown Austin Districts, lady bird lake, life, life in austin, miscellaneous, Rainey Street District, Real Estate, urban family

O. Henry Pun Off at Brush Square Park in Downtown Austin May 19th

by | May 17, 2012 |1 Comment
O. Henry Pun Off Austin Texas

Yes. Yes, O. yes.  It’s that time again, folks.  Time for the 35th annual O. Henry Pun Off.  Taking place this Saturday (May 19th, 2012) at the O. Henry Museum (adjacent to Brush Square), this delightful competition celebrates the pun with two separate competitions – Punniest in Show and Punslingers.

However, a video is worth a million words – so, check out some of these punny finals videos from previous years: [Read more...]

Filed Under: austin art, austin history, austin lifestyle, austin news, austin parks, austin recreation, downtown austin

BY THE NUMBERS: Downtown Austin Highrise Sales

by | May 10, 2012 |2 Comments
downtown austin real estate prices

In light of the recent Statesman article highlighting new construction sales, I thought this would be a good time to update our trending chart for downtown condos.

Combined sales of new construction and resales of downtown Austin condos delivered a seasonally strong 46 transactions representing $26,720,149 total sales volume in March.

Currently there are 95 resales and 197 new construction condos available for sale in the downtown Austin core.  That’s not many.  Within the past 12 months, we’ve seen 201 resales and 186 new construction sales.

In the chart below, that little red trend line for average resale price per foot gets steeper each month as we see more resales in the top-tier buildings.  By this time next year, you will be able to count the total availability of new construction condos on two hands.

downtown austin real estate prices

March 2012 Resale Statistics

- # of resale transactions = 29
- avg price per foot = $364
- avg sales price to list price (SP/LP) = 97%
- avg days on market (DOM) = 32 days
- Total resales volume =  $12,038,599

March 2012  New Construction Statistics

- # of new construction transactions = 17
- avg price per foot = $554
- Total new construction sales volume =  $14,681,550

Downtown Austin New Construction Closings

ProjectDate of
1st Closing		# of
Closed Units
(Clerk)		# of
Original Units
(TCAD)		% Units
Closed		# of
Remaining Units		Average
# of Days
Per Sale		Trending Completion Date (estimated)
TOTALS52171873%197
Four Seasons ResidencesMay 7, 20109914867%496March 2013
Spring CondosAugust 17, 200924724899%1 (5 reported)4June 2012
W Hotel ResidencesJanuary 10, 20119115957%684February 2013
The AustonianJune 10, 2010
84163
52%797November 2013
The data was assembled on May 1st, 2012. Only new construction sales counted. Data does not reflect units currently under contract. Combined units were divided into their respective original units.

 

Filed Under: Austin Data & Statistics, DAB Stats, data, statistics, downtown austin, Downtown Austin lofts, condos, apartments, Real Estate

New Oil & Vinegar Retail Concept Opening Across from The W in Downtown Austin

by | May 7, 2012 |4 Comments
Owners Jeff & Tabatha Conarko

A unique boutique is opening its second location on May 10th, 2012, right across the street from The W Hotel and Residences on Lavaca (the first location is in The Arboretum, and opened in 2009) in Downtown Austin.  No, it’s not another fancy dress store or whimsical gift shop.  This time, it’s a niche [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2nd Street District, austin lifestyle, austin neighborhoods, austin retail, austin small business, downtown austin, life, life in austin, retail, small business

Bar Louie: Eat, Drink, and Be Happy in Downtown Austin

by | April 27, 2012 |4 Comments
Bar_Louie

There’s something you should know.  And that is, Bar Louie in downtown Austin is a bar / restaurant chain.

There’s something else you should know.  And that is, it’s okay that it’s a bar / restaurant chain.

Now, before you stop reading – hear me out.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: downtown austin

Sutton Company Proposes Towers In Rainey Street District

by | April 18, 2012 |11 Comments
Sutton Company Development on Rainey Street

The Statesman broke the story publicly yesterday that the Sutton Company intends to build a multi-tower 40+ story mixed-use project at the north end of the Rainey Street District. The assemblage includes 9-10 lots wrapping Rainey Street, Driskill Street, and East Ave. We’ve mocked-up a footprint of the site (below).

Sutton Company Site - Rainey Street

The renderings show two point towers, both over 40 stories, and a third office tower in the background.  As a Downtown/Rainey Street neighbor, I’d love to see this project happen. This is exactly the type of concept envisioned for Rainey back when zoning was changed to CBD.

Sutton Company Development on Rainey Street

This is the second major residential concept proposed for the Rainey Street District within the past couple of months.  The other being the Austin Skyhouse proposed by Andrews Urban/Novare.  If built, a portion of the ad valorem taxes from these projects would contribute to the Waller Creek TIF district.

Filed Under: austin towers and high rises, development, downtown austin, Downtown Austin Districts, Downtown Austin lofts, condos, apartments, Rainey Street District, Real Estate

2012 Downtown Living Tour – Showcasing Downtown Austin

by | April 15, 2012 |4 Comments
DLTlogo

Next Sunday, April 22, 2012, from 11am-5pm, is the 2012 Downtown Living Tour.  The Tour is a showcase of homes located in Downtown Austin, and is put on by the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (it’s DANA’s only fundraiser, and helps keep the organization chugging throughout the rest of the year).  A portion of proceeds this year will also go to The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

The 2012 Downtown Living Tour has [Read more...]

Filed Under: 2nd Street District, 6th Street Historic & Entertainment District, austin condos, austin neighborhoods, austin news, austin open houses, austin retail, austin towers, austin towers and high rises, Congress Avenue District, downtown austin, Downtown Austin lofts, condos, apartments, high rises, life in austin, Railyard District, Rainey Street District

Artwork By Mike Johnston (The Day I Found Treasure At Austin Java)

by | April 10, 2012 |9 Comments
mike-johnston-austin-3

mike johnston artist at Austin Java

On Saturday, I walked into Austin Java on 2nd Street, ’bout to get my omelet on.  Chillaxin.  There I was, standing in line, just looking around, and I realize that every piece of art work on the walls is making an impact on me.

A flyer taped to the wall explained most of the artwork was by Mike Johnston.  Life surprised me with these paintings.  All of them bringing a smile to my face.  They put a skip into my step.  14 pieces in total.  Each is repurposed scrap wood.

I purchased every piece in the store.

I couldn’t carry everything home, so I walked home beaming at my purchase, and returned later to pick up my treasure.

“Street art” is one of my favorite visual mediums. Bold, unexpected, high-contrast, ironic, symbolic, stylized, comical, etc.  Some of my favorite “public art” is found on the Lady Bird Lake train overpass, the Lamar underpass, the wall on Castle Hill, the wall on E 5th Street near Saltillo Station.

I’ve seen Exit Through The Gift Shop, and am basically familiar with the work of Shepard Fairey and Banksy.  Which makes me no more than a casual fan of a couple of notable artists.

I didn’t know about Mike until walking into Austin Java, and that’s part of what made this such a nice discovery.  I’m excited to have a collection of local art work that totally vibes with me.  I look at it and smile.

As I research and learn more about Mike and his work the more happy I am to be the newest host of these paintings – which will probably be on the walls of our soon-to-be-redone office (you should stop by in a few weeks to check it out).  Until then, check out more of Mike’s work here.

http://www.offthawalls.blogspot.com

-Jude

Filed Under: 2nd Street District, austin art, austin lifestyle, austin small business, DAB Artists, downtown austin, Downtown Austin Districts Tagged With:

Thursday CASH MOB @ Congress Avenue Card & Gift Shop

by | April 4, 2012 |Leave a Comment
cash mob

A Cash Mob is the same premise as a flash mob, but people all show up at a local business and spend money. It’s a simple and fun way to encourage people to support small local businesses by spending their money en mass.

How can I participate?

Just show up! Bring $20.00 to spend, a few friends and come to the Congress Avenue Card and Gift Shop to give a local business an “economic stimulus”. It’s a win/win, spend some money locally with friends and buy some cool stuff!

Event Details:
When: Thursday, April 5th 12-2pm
Where: Congress Avenue Card and Gift Shop (615 Congress Ave. bw 6th & 7th St.)
Why: Help a local business!
Bring: $$$ and Friends

cash mob

 

 

Filed Under: austin retail, austin small business, Congress Avenue District, downtown austin, Downtown Austin Districts

Wanderlust LIVE – Open House on April 13th

by | April 2, 2012 |6 Comments
Wanderlust LIVE Austin

We wrote about the changing face of the Railyard district not too long ago, and one of the new establishment mentioned was Wanderlust, a new Yoga Studio and Live Music Venue that’s opening soon on the northeast corner of 4th and Brazos.

Well, we’ve recently learned a bit more about the concept and wanted to share…..

So a short summary of the back-story – apparently, Austin locals Ashley Spence Clauer and Joanna Kutchey were so inspired by the Wanderlust Festival, that they decided to bring it to Austin!

And here are some excerpts from a press release sent by their marketing department directly to our office:

Located in a revamped historic warehouse in the heart of the entertainment district of downtown Austin, Wanderlust LIVE’s impeccably designed space is not your average yoga studio.  Featuring two studios—one for regular classes and one with a built in stage and top of the line sound and lights—the 6,000 square foot Wanderlust LIVE will offer Austinites a new place to rock out, consciously.

……

Truly bringing the festival experience home, Wanderlust LIVE will feature organic eats by Austin’s Blenders and Bowls—serving healthy and delicious organic acai bowls, natural fruit smoothies, coffee, tea and more. The studio’s outdoor patio seating will provide ample space to eat, relax after class or sip a beverage at Wanderlust happy hour.  At all live music and other special nighttime events, attendees also may enjoy organic beer and hand picked biodynamic wines. And inside, the Wanderlust LIVE Boutique will offer specialty yoga gear and apparel.

It looks like this place is going to have a few uses – retail, restaurant / bar, live music venue, and yoga studio.  What’s not to love?  And, they’ll be hosting an open house on April 13th, the Friday before they open to the public.

I know that I’m getting a little excited about it after reading about it – and will definitely want to check it out!

 

 

Filed Under: austin neighborhoods, austin news, austin recreation, austin retail, austin small business, downtown austin, life in austin, miscellaneous, Railyard District, retail, small business, urban family
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