Archives for 2010

Austin Details Art Gallery & My First Piece Of Real Art

Jude Galligan | August 17, 2010 |

News about destinations on the north end of Congress Avenue just keeps coming. First, an office tower at 907 Congress. Second, the Hogg building could become a boutique hotel could. Third, there is a new art gallery opening – Austin Details – on E 8th Street, just west of Congress Avenue.

The space is well suited to showcasing artists and hosting workshops. We checked out the soft opening this past Saturday. Supposedly, taking photos in a gallery is a no-no, (I didn’t know, I swear. Bloggers beware!) but I got permish, and below are two of my favorites from the collection.

Expect the grand opening in a few weeks.

Two from the *Buddha Series* by Shannon Hamann – http://shannonhamannstudioart.com/

My first piece of real art hangs above my office (by Shannon Hamann)

The Barriers Are Down @ W Hotel Residences

Jude Galligan | August 16, 2010 |

I walk or bike past this construction area several times a week, yet only a few days ago I noticed the obvious… the pedestrian walkways are gone, as is the temporary sales center. Of course, this is now old news, but this is still a positive signal that the building is approaching completion of the exterior – which will be great news for 2nd Street District!

As we reported back in April, the contractor is expected to hand the keys over to the hotel portion in September/October. The doors won’t be open, but that should be the time when the hotel can begin to furnish everything. The Austin City Limits venue and residential condos will be ready in Q1 of 2011.

Downtown Austin Open Houses

Jude Galligan | August 14, 2010 |

downtown Austin open house listings for Sunday, August 15th
(Got the wrong week? Click here)

1705 Pearl St, 3bd/2ba, $550,000 2-4pm [Moreland Properties]
1800 Lavaca St, Greenwood Towers # 608, 2bd/1ba $146,000 2-4pm [Green Mango Real Estate]
904 West Ave, 904 West #211, 1bd/1ba $193,300 1-4pm [Urbanspace]
1212 Guadalupe, Penthouse Condos #401, 2bd/2ba $215,000 2-4pm [Green Mango Real Estate]
510 W 18th St, Chestnut Square #113, 1bd/2ba $259,000 1-5pm [Capital City Sotheby’s Realty]

Expand your home search using DAB’s map-based Austin Property Search

When you’re done with the open houses, you can enjoy an afternoon on Lady Bird Lake by renting a canoe or kayak from at the Texas Rowing Center. Or, dine al fresco at Annie’s Cafe on Congress Ave for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Make sure to checkout my transaction report from July and discuss with a Realtor who lives and works in downtown Austin.

-Jude

Will Congress Avenue’s Hogg Building Become A Hotel?

Jude Galligan | August 13, 2010 |

The ABJ’s Jacob Dirr scoops that Crescent Hotel Group has placed under contract the historic Hogg Building located at 804 Congress Ave. After the announcement in May of a possible hotel on the 400 block of Congress Ave, this is the second boutique hotel possibility for Congress Avenue. The article indicates that the lender, Wells Fargo, says it’s a “pipe dream”.

There is such a shortage of hotel space in downtown Austin, and there is much less “cool” hotel space that can invigorate the area immediately surrounding it. My fingers are crossed that the stars align for this project.

-Jude

6th Street + Ghostbusters = WIN!

Jude Galligan | August 8, 2010 |

Got to give it up for Parkside and the sponsors of last night’s Rolling Roadshow/blockparty screening of Ghostbusters. I hemmed and hawed about going because recently it’s been hotter than the warm side of hell, but I cowboy’d up with my lawnchair and headed out. I’m glad I did, too. Temperature was fine, beers were cold, admission was cheap $5 (donation), City Council Member Chris Riley was in the audience, and Bill Murray was on the screen.

The turnout was easily 750+ people. That’s pretty solid attendance, especially for a hot August Sunday night. We should do more of this.