Archives for 2009

Great cities have diverse populations practicing many forms of religion.  Downtown Austin, recently one of the most rapidly growing neighborhoods in Austin, has since the 19th century been a destination for religious services for the entire city.  So much interesting history is contained in a handful of downtown Austin cathedrals.

People are drawn to downtown for the active and walkable lifestyle, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.  Much less visible is the demand for places of worship.  I’m not suggesting that people move downtown because of the historic venues.  I am suggesting that once people move downtown they discover these venues.  Most of my clients are couples in their 30s-40s (most without children), empty nesters, and singles.  While more and more families move downtown every week, I’ve observed a new genre of religious organization emerge that lacks the legacy of Austin’s historic churches, but provide a modern and accessible message.  Many of these groups choose to rent spaces like the Austin Music Hall to conduct their services.

In researching this post, I rediscovered Scott Schalchlin and his blog “The Gospel According To Austin” where he shares his experiences at several churches around Austin.   One in particular drives home the point that there is something for everybody… checkout Austin City Life at the Parish club on E 6th Street.  This is a non-denominational church that reaches out to Austin’s creative class and embraces new urbanism.

I’ve added a handful of places of worship to the Official DAB map of downtown Austin.  Please use the comments to let me know of places I’ve overlooked.

Cathedral of Saint Mary
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Central Christian Church
Central Presbyterian Church
Chabad House
Nueces Mosque (aka Downtown Mosque)

-Jude

Regular readers of the DAB know I primarily ride public transportation, and while I am a proponent of using our bus system to the fullest, I am also aware of some problems with our current system.  In my “Carless and Hopeful” post in June, I mention one of my dislikes about riding the bus is the actual bus-stops/shelters.  Some bus-stops do not have benches, some benches are not covered, and MOST bus-stops are a little depressing in terms of their look and feel.  That’s why when my friend, Alissa Schram, a CapMetro employee, told me about the Adopt-a-Stop program, I got a little pumped.

Here’s the low-down:

Local organizations and business (or individuals) can “adopt” bus-stops and essentially “decorate” them and keep them clean.  And it’s only a one-time fee of about $40 (to pay for installation of a sign with your organization’s name).  Note that additional decor/etc, will of course cost more.  It’s really a simple program and idea, and one that’s been successful in other communities (here is a write-up from a city in Australia that uses the program).

This program is not new (and definitely not unique to Austin), but it’s also not well-known, so I thought I’d share it with our faithful readers.  The vision I have is actually one where our Condo Associations adopt their nearby bus-stops, increasing their curb appeal and making these community service stops an extension of their buildings, giving them each a unique feel/vibe, and thereby enhancing the downtown Austin neighborhood and making it a more beautiful and interesting place to live, work, and play. With the vibrant art community that Austin has, I’m surprised that some of these city stops have not been claimed and re-tooled already.

For more information or for answers to any questions not addressed on the Adopt-a-Stop web page, you can contact Alissa Schram directly at Alissa.Schram AT capmetro DOT org.

And here are some pics of some really cool bus stops from all around the world, to maybe give you all some inspiration to get your condo association or company to join up (not that all of these would be a good idea – or even possible – for actual bus stops in Austin, they are just neat):

The Downtown Commission approved tougher rules against panhandling.  There were no objections from public input.  The DC’s recommendation will now be presented to Austin City Council for approval.  If the new ordinance is passed, then it will be illegal to panhandle at any time of day, rather than just at night time as it is currently.

Dozens of groups were at the table, notably social services like Caritas and the ARCH, in support of drafting new ordinance language.  When the staff of the ARCH is in favor of something like this, we should expect Council get behind this, too.

Beth Atherton, executive director of Caritas, says most people think panhandling is a homeless issue.  But she says most people who panhandle are not homeless and the best way to help the less fortunate is by giving time or money to agencies which provide services for those without.

Video on KVUE