Archives for 2008

[Part two] City of Austin v. Harry Whittington: the saga of a parking garage

Jude Galligan | December 5, 2008 |

by jude galligan

Who has legal claim to the Convention Cener parking garage? The City of Austin or Harry Whittington? — Who has legal claim to the Convention Center parking garage? The City of Austin or Harry Whittington?

Part one begins here.

In 2003 Harry Whittington begins to win. But, the City is proving to be just as stubborn with their appeals – just as Whittington had been between 2000-2003.

Whittington has postured himself along the following legal issues
1)    originally, the condemnation was incorrectly processed
2)    on the second condemnation attempt, the City did not properly condemn the alley
3)    the City hasn’t demonstrated the condemnation was done out of necessity for a public purpose
4)    the City already has parking on 2nd & Trinity and the new parking lot and (later) chiller system are intended to benefit private sector, beginning with the new Hilton hotel, and specifically future developers

Chronology of events from 2003 to 2007 begins after the jump.

City of Austin v. Harry Whittington: the saga of a parking garage

Jude Galligan | December 4, 2008 |

17,000 square feet of empty retail space rests at the base of the Convention Center’s parking garage. This retail space has the potential to add vibrancy and day time services to the Entertainment District. This is the only retail space within a few hundred feet of the 555, the Sabine on 5th, the Hilton, the Hilton Garden Inn, and the Convention Center. So, why hasn’t this space been filled?

After the jump: Part 1 of the chronology of City of Austin v. Harry Whittington
[Read more…] about City of Austin v. Harry Whittington: the saga of a parking garage

M1EK is relentless on CapMetro

Jude Galligan | December 3, 2008 |

While I remain optimistic about the forthcoming Commuter Rail, M1EK makes some convincing arguments about how the system leaves room for improvement.

SOLD! Posada Del Rey #114

Jude Galligan | December 2, 2008 |

505 w 7th st, austin, tx 78701
list price: $200,000
sale price: $195,000
sf: 619
photos

Downtown Austin is getting [Walton's] Fancy

Jude Galligan | December 2, 2008 |

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.

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!”

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

by Jude Galligan