Archives for 2009

Day two, becoming a model urban neighborhood: what does Downtown Austin need?

Jude Galligan | February 16, 2009 |

Each day this week I am serving up one item, with non-politically correct candor, that Downtown Austin needs to become a model of re-urbanization, as I see it.

Politicians love to talk, form task forces, and spend time doing everything except for making decisions as they are needed. So, this is an appeal to Downtown Austin stakeholders that know how to get things done: the residents, developers, retailers, and land owners.

I want a hardware store on Congress Ave.

Breed & Co is a hugely successful hardware store operating near UT. A pedestrian neighborhood needs a proper hardware store. Sometimes you just need some screws, spackle, or paint. Currently, I need to get in my car and drive to Home Depot. A better solution is to provide the existing 3,954 households with a local hardware store.

recognizing the importance of an urban hardward store

Becoming a model urban neighborhood: what does Downtown Austin need?

Jude Galligan | February 15, 2009 |

Each day this week I am serving up one item, with non-politically correct candor, that Downtown Austin needs to become a model of re-urbanization, as I see it.

I want a Super Target on Congress Ave.

Yes, it’s known as a big box store and is identified with sprawl. It doesn’t need to be that way! Retailers like H-E-B and WalMart are sophisticated enough to design stores that work as urban infill or adaptive reuse projects. A large destination store that has groceries and products that people need [and can afford] on a regular basis would be amazingly successful.

Remember that rendering produced by Stratus for the Seaholm redevelopment which depicted a multi-story H-E-B? That was inspired.

Downtown Austin landlords with retail space should begin to focus less on luxury goods and more on “liveability” goods. I don’t want to see more boutiques. I don’t want to see more salons. I don’t want to see more bars/lounges. These are all fine, except they serve a very limited audience. The next wave of successful retail in Downtown Austin will be for products that people need and can afford to purchase.

Maps, glorious maps

Jude Galligan | February 13, 2009 |

My readers know I friggin’ love a good useful map of something. AustinOnTwoWheels.com has a comprehensive list of Austin bike shops. I just want to know where I can buy one of these. Perhaps here?

-Jude

Related to maps, but unrelated to bikes, is the super valuable crime mapping application KrimeLabb.com

Impostors?

Jude Galligan | February 13, 2009 |

Capitalism is alive and well in downtown Austin.

KVUE is reporting on “parking lot impostors” that pretend to work for the parking company and take your money. I prefer to call these people disenfranchised capitalistic carnival barkers. According to KVUE.com “Parking lot impostors in downtown Austin are costing customers and parking lot owners money. Police say the issue generates more complaints downtown than any other. KVUE’s Jim Bergamo reports.” In addition to being scammed for your cash, you’re likely to be towed, too. This video is not news to anyone that spends time downtown, but it’s nice to see some coverage in the mass media.

The guys waiving you into a public parking space are another breed of bum-preneur. You know the guys waving their arms along 5th street offering you a public parking space with the additional bonus of them looking after your car if you could spare some change.

link to video

Downtown Austin Farmers Market

Jude Galligan | February 13, 2009 |

Meet the farmers and shoppers at the Sustainable Food Center’s locally grown Austin Farmer’s Market. On Saturday mornings Austinites flock to Downtown to purchase organic produce grown by independent farmers in central Texas.

Every Saturday from 9am-1pm
4th @ Guadalupe
website

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