Archives for November 2008

Veteran's Day

AG | November 11, 2008 |

“Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense of this protection; and to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when necessary.”

— John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

As you all are winding down today, take a moment and reflect on the important day today is. It’s Veterans day.

Downtown Austin held host to a parade honoring those who have served our country. The event began at 9 AM from the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and traveled up to the Capital Building. Viewing wass available all along Congress Avenue. A Ceremony at the South Capital steps followed the parade.

La Vista on Lavaca picks up new investors

Jude Galligan | November 11, 2008 |

La Vista on Lavaca - back on track (?)

For a few months La Vista was turning dirt, blocking streets, and looked like a real development. Then…nothing. Radio silence. In early 2008 rumors began to trickle through the real estate community that prices for these condos would average $500psf. Some would consider that hubristic price for a location that has been overlooked for years. Located at 18th & Lavaca, this project sits between three major economic zones – Downtown Austin, the Capitol, and UT. This location, historically underutilized, could be the perfect fit for lawyers, lobbyists, and [tenured] professors.

I imagine the terms on this deal are pretty favorable for the new investors. This is great news for Downtown and UT. If, in fact, La Vista on Lavaca reaches completion, it has the opportunity to revitalize the area surrounding it. Fingers crossed.

more about this story can be found at the Austin Business Journal

Featured: The Good Life Barber Shop

Jude Galligan | November 11, 2008 |

Almost hidden, located beneath the Brazos Lofts exists one Downtown Austin’s best businesses – The Good Life Barber Shop.

Downtown Austin Neighborhood Watch

Jude Galligan | November 10, 2008 |

Recently Neighborhood Watch signs have begun to sprout on downtown Austin’s light poles. The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association [DANA] funded the printing and installation of 23 of signs. These signs serve two functions: first, they remind vistors that this is a neighborhood with proactive residents interested in maintaining a safe environment. Second, this is great method of informing people about what DANA stands for. These signs couldn’t have been rolled out so quickly without the assistance of the DAA, which was very helpful in getting us the building contacts. Where the DAA is generally the champion for downtown businesses, DANA is considered the champion of downtown residents and you should consider attending the next DANA event.

Check out the map of sign locations.

The Best Thing About the TV Show? No Reading.

AG | November 10, 2008 |

Downtown Austin is special for quite a few reasons. Those that live, work, and/or play here already know that, of course. It’s so special, in fact, that there is a TV show on KLRU dedicated specifically to downtown Austin. It’s appropriately titled, “DOWNTOWN”

Per the show’s website, “DOWNTOWN highlights the people, places, stories and situations that make DOWNTOWN: As Austin As It Gets™.”

The Emmy® award winning show is definitely worth a watch. You can watch previous seasons on the website, and the new season, season 4, on KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, every Thursday at 8:00 p.m. The show is sponsored by the Downtown Austin Alliance.

Source: http://www.downtownaustintv.org