Thanks to Escobedo Esthetics and Annie’s Cafe for sponsoring this month’s Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association Happy hour! Escobedo just moved into the ground floor of the Spring Condos, and last night they brought with them a fancy skin care machine that yours truly experienced. Annie’s provided an outstanding spread of food, helpful staff, and terrific venue. [Read more…] about Pics From DANA Social at Annie’s On Congress
Archives for 2011
Mayor’s Chief of Staff Exits And Why You Should Care
Casual observers of city hall, at first glance, might take little notice that Mark Nathan, Mayor Lee Leffingwell’s chief of staff, has announced his departure.
But it is a noteworthy event whenever an executive politician’s chief of staff exits. A chief of staff is the one who gets stuff done, while their boss is smiling for the camera. The office of chief of staff and the person holding it become synonymous.
To that point, the mayor said on his own website “Mark has been a driving force behind almost every major initiative we’ve undertaken.”
As a nerdish observer of City Hall, which is one level above casual, I can read into that a few ways, but the simplest is just to look at three things the mayor’s office has pushed in the past 12-16 months: A new downtown hotel, an urban rail system and the United States Grand Prix F1 race. (As for the F1 race, one could say Lee isn’t a “pusher” maybe just an adamant supporter. He was the only council member who wanted to approve the contract about 60 days ago, when his six other colleagues — including Randi Shade on her last day — voted to postpone the vote under threats it could blow the entire deal. That’s telling.) [Read more…] about Mayor’s Chief of Staff Exits And Why You Should Care
Bicycle Boulevard Progress
Here are visible signs that the “Bicycle Boulevard” and the accompanying traffic calming improvements are taking shape. After breakfast, yesterday, I snapped this photo of the construction at Rio Grande and 10th Street (POV is south along Rio Grande).
I really like this. Traffic circles are… just… charming. This should be complementary to the Original Austin neighborhood.
Rainey Street has one that I go around most days. It seems to be effective. They encourage drivers to pay more attention, and to interact with other drivers through gazes, gestures, and waves.
Hank’s: From Garage to Entrepreneur’s Dream
Downtown Austin office workers, visitors, and residents have a new choice when it comes to grabbing a bite and a beer: Hank’s Garage.
Formerly Sister’s Edge II, a lesbian bar, and before that “The Cockpit,” an aptly-named gay bar, Hank’s instead caters to all people of all sexual orientations with a strong thirst for Belgian beer.
They have a whopping 32 beers on tap, such as Duchesse de Bourgogne, which will give Gingerman loyalists a run for their money, and some premium entrees.
Hank’s also offer something to the brunch crowd with a plate of two eggs — served your way — with potatoes and toast for an Abraham or an omelet for a couple extra Georgies.
The guy behind this, Jeffrey Kuhn, spent about three decades in the service industry, dabbling in finance and real estate as well.
Kuhn represents what is great about Austin and downtown. He’s bootstrapped this whole thing himself and spent about a year gutting Sister’s Edge by himself, in the process unearthing remnants of when the building used to be a legit garage run by a mechanic named “Hank” almost 75 years ago.
Located at 115 San Jacinto (half block north of the Four Seasons), the renovation really dresses up the outside of the building, too. After you stop by, check out these photos of how the place looked as the Cockpit and Sister’s Edge. ¡Ay, caramba!
[Read more…] about Hank’s: From Garage to Entrepreneur’s Dream
Coworking Space in Downtown Austin – CoCreate
Coworking is not a new concept in Austin. Several quirky and cool spots exist in the city – and now there is a sexy new one located on 8th and Congress (convenient!).
CoCreate is a coworking venture designed with the oft-isolated creative freelancer in mind. It’s in a modern, hip art gallery (Austin Details | Art + Photo) in a central, walkable location. The idea is that going to a beautiful work-space and networking / collaborating with other creative professionals will [Read more…] about Coworking Space in Downtown Austin – CoCreate