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The House On The Hill: Norwood House

by | May 1, 2009 |Leave a Comment
Norwood House Garden
Norwood House Garden

Norwood House Garden

You know that house on the south bank of the lake, just west of and next to I35?  It’s on the top of the hill?  You’ve undoubtedly seen it if you’ve been to the dog park on Riverside Drive.

That’s the Norwood House in Travis Heights, and it needs your help.

The first time you look at that house you ask yourself, WTF?  “Look at that view of downtown Austin… how could this house be allowed to deteriorate?”  The answer: the City of Austin purchased it in 1985.

Ironically, in a city that’s known for having a plan for everything, including making plans, the city didn’t have a plan for this.

Norwood House today

Norwood House today

Originally constructed in 1922 by Ollie and Calie Norwood, the house quickly became one of Austin’s most notable residences. Here you can see the house in its glory days. Tennis courts, tea gardens, and a dramatic view across the river (it wasn’t a lake at the time) of downtown Austin.   Ollie Norwood is the name behind downtown Austin’s Norwood Tower.

The house has been examined and can be saved.  The Austin Parks Foundation is partnering with a group of activists called the “Norwood Posse” to raise funds to rehabilitate the house.  Since the house is part of Austin’s park system, its use must be open to the public.  If you would like more information, or to contribute to Norwood House’s rehabilitation you can contact Wolf Sittler at 447-2150, email restorenorwood [@] yahoo.com, or visit AustinParks.org.

-Jude

Filed Under: downtown austin Tagged With: , , ,

Downtown Austin is getting [Walton's] Fancy

by | December 2, 2008 |Leave a Comment

by jude galligan

While West 6th would become restaurant row, the building located at 609 w 6th, 78701 has been siting idle for the past few years.  Recently, activity has been buzzing.

wine and beer only

wine and beer only

We’ve seen a construction crew slowly converting this old building into something new.  I’ve heard that the building is owned by Sandra Bullock.  This would make sense considering her successful Bess restaurant is just down the street.  Traviscad lists the property is owned by “PIETANZO VITO TRUSTEE OF THE B” and has it appraised at $624,082.  What’s more interesting to me is what will be opening.

It appears that Downtown Austin is getting a new Walton’s Fancy & Staple.  According to their website…

“Walton’s downtown will include a traditional delicatessen & bakery (for folks on the go), & sidewalk café seating. Our Grand Opening is scheduled for late 2008. We look forward to fulfilling your fanciest floral, gift-giving & event design wishes!”


Waltons Fancy & Staple

Walton's Fancy & Staple

According to Google this is the former home of Crime & Space books, KSA Communications, and Texas Terminator pest control.

609 w 6th

609 w 6th

by Jude Galligan

Filed Under: buildings, downtown austin, Real Estate, retail Tagged With: , ,

Historic Downtown Austin property for sale

by | December 1, 2008 |3 Comments

by jude galligan

downtown austin 107 w 6th 78701

107 W 6th St Austin, TX 78701

To the chagrin of everyone who lives, works, and drives through Downtown Austin, the former office of the Texas Comptroller has owned, occupied, vacated, and allowed to rot, this remarkable piece of real estate.  I can’t imagine how many thousands of people have attempted to peer through the windows that were covered from the inside with thick construction paper.  From the outside, the building always had a cool mid-century modern design.  Located at the corner of 6th and Colorado, and not burdened with a Capitol View Corridor, I expect this building to get the attention of some big developers.  The listing gives it an address of 107 w 6th, 78701.  Traviscad has no address for it other than “W 6th”.

H E B at corner of 6th and Colorado

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Filed Under: buildings, downtown austin, Real Estate Tagged With: ,