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Archives for January 2011

416 Congress Ave: Boutique Hotel Renderings

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Downtown Austin Blog learned this past May about a project to erect a boutique hotel over what is currently Sky Lounge.  Known simply as “416 Congress” we now have images and renderings from Dick Clark architecture that will be presented to the Downtown Commission.   The proposal calls for 130 rooms and 26 stories.  Downtown Austin rarely sees tall mid-block construction.

This could be a harbinger for more mid-block development and we hope the city supports the concept, not that it’s perfect.  Expect some discussion around parking and sidewalk width. The site is not encumbered by a Capitol View Corridor, but there are setback requirements.  The developer is seeking CBD-CURE zoning in order to bump the FAR from 8:1 to 13:1.

More info and pics after the jump. [Read more…] about 416 Congress Ave: Boutique Hotel Renderings

CBD + OMV = Doh!

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CBD zoning was required to create the giant residential tax base we now have in downtown Austin.  CBD zoning also enables bars to easily obtain OMV permits.  These are good examples of the power of CBD zoning. However, there is a legacy problem surfacing in CBD zoned non-entertainment districts of downtown Austin: compatibility.

The surge in new OMV permits issued outside of the established entertainment districts in downtown Austin has generated a response from the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association.  DANA has issued a position letter (pdf) that suggests procedural, enforcement, and compatibility improvements to be applied outside of E. 6th Street and the Warehouse District.

BTW, the local news media is going to generate plenty of hyperbole and “show down” sensationalism.  I choose to ignore it.  The solution to compatibility problems boils down to common sense and compromise. [Read more…] about CBD + OMV = Doh!

Downtown Austin’s State Theatre Reopening To Performances

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I’ve never been inside downtown Austin’s State Theatre – the Paramount Theatre’s sister stage located adjacent to the north.  Years ago, the State Theatre flooded, and hadn’t returned to hosting performances (to my knowledge).  If this performance info is accurate, Chris Titus’s appearance on February 1st will be first performance in nearly five years.

I hope this is a sign of more showcase performances at the State.  Either way, this is a step in the right direction for a historic Congress Avenue theatre.