Jude Galligan

Crossing The Chasm: A Perspective On New Construction

Jude Galligan | September 13, 2011 |

Because I’m a real estate geek, I’m continuously looking at sales metrics, updating my databases, and endeavoring to uncover useful information. In this post, I’m attempting two things: 1) offer some perspective on sales in downtown Austin’s high profile buildings, and 2) predict when those buildings will approach being completely sold. If you just want the data then skip to the end.

One of my mentors shared with me an insight: the first buyers are innovators – early adopters that fill up the bandwagon and help throttle the acceptance of something new. It applies to new real estate development, as much as it does to new technologies.

Now that the cranes are long gone, where are the new construction projects in their sales cycles? [Read more…] about Crossing The Chasm: A Perspective On New Construction

Help Promote RE/MAX, Help Austin Pets Alive

Jude Galligan | August 31, 2011 |

This past March, without much promotion, I launched RE/MAX Downtown Austin in the Rainey Street District. It’s been a strong summer of sales, and now our focus is on reinvestment.

Rather than spending scarce $$$ on print advertising that is quickly obsolete, I believe we can simultaneously promote RE/MAX and invest in the community.

Few casualties of society are more troubling than abused or neglected animals. Indeed, most of us feel this way. We would look the other way if Chuck Norris sought vengeance upon the Michael Vicks of the works.

So, here’s how we’re going to spend my limited ad budget: we’re going to donate the entirety of it to Austin Pets Alive and rally the community to help.

Once the RE/MAX Downtown Austin facebook fan page reaches 2,000 “likes”, I’ll donate $1,000.00 to Austin Pets Alive. It’s a modest goal, knowing that not everyone gets excited about real estate fan pages [like I do :-)]

The first step was to run the idea by the founder and matriarch of APA, Ellen Jefferson. I’m grateful to have her support and look forward to making a significant contribution to APA. It’s exciting to promote awareness for RE/MAX Downtown Austin knowing the money will directly impact animal safety, shelter, adoption.

Please repost this: “Like” @RE/MAX Downtown Austin on facebook and help raise $1,000.00 to support @Austin Pets Alive once. Please share!

Thanks for your help!
UPDATE 9/6/2011: RE/MAX Downtown Austin is accelerating our donation of $1,000 to Austin Pets Alive! immediately, in order to support APA’s ongoing efforts to assist the animals affected by the fires. There are some things more urgent than being “liked”. While short of our goal of reaching 2,000 “fans”, we’re grateful for all of our new fans. Thanks, everyone!

Rainey Street Stakeholders Hug It Out Over OMV Permits

Jude Galligan | August 21, 2011 |

Despite the trend of obstructionist politics, private parties interested in progress will collaborate and compromise to reach an acceptable solution. Seeking a resolution to Outdoor Music Venue compatibility in downtown Austin’s Rainey Street District is a good example.

Rainey Street is dominantly residential. Ironically, the incredible residential density is a result of permissive CBD zoning. CBD is a sword of a zoning definition that can cut both ways. When the economy tanked, so did the opportunity for Rainey Street bungalow owners holding out for big $$$ to cash out, and they were left holding an expensive property tax bill.

When you have CBD zoning on a small mid-block lot what do you do until you can be assembled into a larger development (like this)? [Read more…] about Rainey Street Stakeholders Hug It Out Over OMV Permits

Bats & Beers

Jude Galligan | August 19, 2011 |

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in downtown Austin’s Shore Condos. Resident Nate Taylor and Matt Abendschein have turned their passion for ez-living, good beer, and good views into an event known simply as “Bats & Beer”.

Bats & Beers is a monthly event showcasing Austin craft brewers, and is an opportunity to gather with good people and explore the craft beer industry in Austin. Set on a pool deck overlooking Lady Bird Lake and Downtown Austin, Bats & Beers aims to connect brew masters, chefs and engaged people of Austin to explore creations and collaborations.

I like this genre of curated entertainment/leisure/dining – one of the attendees compared it to Dai Due, but for beer. Since I would typically reach for the coldest Coors Light or Shiner Bock available, it’s events like these where I learn to appreciate good craft brews.

This month featured Jeffrey Stuffings, owner/brewer of Jester King Craft Brewery, offered tastings of “Drink’in The Sunbelt” (hoppy white beer), Wytchmaker (rye India pale ale), and Black Metal (imperial stout). Next month: Austin Beerworks.

-Jude

Forbidden Fruit Says Farewell To E. 6th Street District

Jude Galligan | August 10, 2011 |

Kinky sigh.

A familiar icon of Austin small business, a lone downtown Austin retailer amidst a sea of E 6th Street bars, is shutting its downtown doors on August 28th. The ABJ reports that Forbidden Fruit is redirecting its efforts on a better performing store. From the article, owner Lynn Rairden says:

“We have seen a dramatic shift in customer base away from this location, with more of our patrons shopping at the store at 108 E. North Loop”

So, is North Loop just kinkier than downtown? I doubt that, but Forbidden Fruit is crowd sourcing their next location.

I will be sad to see it go. I stepped into the store a couple of times in college, and since then I just enjoyed knowing it was there. Forbidden Fruit’s downtown store was a beacon of hope for Austin small businesses anticipating that 6th Street can rebalance its mix of commercial use to include more retail.