downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood blog
Clearing the way for a new, and much needed hotel in downtown Austin, 201 W. 5th has been demolished. The concept, “1 Hotel” was announced last September and is being designed by BOKA Powell.
What is not clear is when construction of the hotel will begin, leaving many people concerned about the blight of more surface level parking.
Below are photos taken over the past few days showing the incremental demolition of the old building.
We first learned from Elliott McFadden at Austin On Two Wheels, then earlier today Thomas Butler (DAA staff and Austin CarShare board chair) confirmed for us that Austin CarShare has ceased all operations.
Much like the Dillo, we wanted to be a cheerleader for this alternative form of transportation. It didn’t work perfectly, but it did work well for many things. We wanted to see it succeed because we knew the people behind it, and how inspired and passionate they are about the underlying concept.
Austin CarShare created the market for this form of transportation in Central Texas, and it’s regrettable to see them close up shop. Not to denigrate the achievements of car2go, but it lacks the bootstrapping ethos evident in Austin CarShare. Truth is car2go works better for most users.
Car2go’s presence in more places and the ability to park it [almost] anywhere makes it more accessible to more people. And that’s a good thing for consumers/commuters. Car2go simply has the financial backing to achieve a critical mass of cars and users.
Were it not for the entrepreneurial vision of these guys/gals four years ago, inspired to create Austin CarShare, car2go would not likely have chosen Austin to beta test what is to become the largest car sharing program in the world.
Brandi Clark with Austin Eco Network puts it more eloquently.
-Jude
FOR LEASE
507 Sabine St #604 (map)
Austin, Tx 78701
$1499 per month
Stunning model unit with city views. Upgraded hardwood floors, bathroom tile. The 6th floor is the first floor with unobstructed city and State Capitol views. Perfect for anyone looking for the walkable lifestyle. Furnishings negotiable.
We were unhappy about last week’s news that Katz’s deli has fallen on hard times. Amidst the recent bankruptcy, Austin’s Katz’s Deli is now certain to be moving. Our sources say the landlord wants them out, and the famous restaurant could vacate as soon as August.
According to the ABJ article, Katz said agreeing to his lease terms was his “biggest mistake.” DAB is being told that the current landlord is asking $42 per foot + ~$12NNN for approximately 6,000 square feet. It’s gotta be hard to make a living paying $27,000 per month in rent while selling sammiches in Austin, Texas!
The restaurant chain may be down, but not out. Even with the financial troubles, it is hard to imagine there isn’t a landlord out there that could benefit from the Katz’s brand cache. We’re eager to find out where they will be moving to.
The DAA is seeking for proposals from artists, designers, and other qualified individuals to create an attractive, cohesive and Austin-centric set of decorations for the downtown holiday tree. The approximately 40’ live tree is installed at the base of the Capitol in early December and remains in place until the second week in January. The tree is an important part of the downtown holiday experience. The decorations will showcase a local artist or designer while providing a uniquely festive signature tree for downtown. Proposals are due on August 30th and a pre-proposal meeting will be held on August 13th.
For more information, review the RFP at: http://www.downtownaustin.com/news
