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Jude Galligan

And Then There Were Two

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A well timed announcement for a 50+story hotel at Red River and Cesar Chavez has shifted the attention away from the Mariott Marquis seeking a waiver of $4MM in development fees.

The latest hotel announced by Manchester Texas Financial Group is receiving good reviews for its design, ambition, and potential for embracing the Waller Creek District Master Plan.

To be clear, there really isn’t a choice here.  Each project is pushing forward on their own merits.  But the timing begs the question “which building can break ground first?”.

Both would be significant additions to the skyline and economy.  Development fee waivers, if any, will likely go to the project that is most prepared and that can begin construction soonest.

That’s incentive!

Below is a rendering of the “Grand Hotel” at Waller Creek

grand hotel on waller creek

Downtown Austin Link Roundup

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The news didn’t stop to take a breath this week, at least as it relates to downtown Austin.  Lots of announcements, lots of speculation.  These are the stories we’re following.

1) 219 West is moving from Warehouse district to West 6th Street, into the old Union Park space.  (link)

2) In “how will they fit it in there?” news: a proposed tower between Shoal Creek and Spring Condos, behind Tiniest Bar In Texas. (link)  UPDATE: Zoning change approved (link)

3) The White Lodging Hotel on Congress Ave isn’t the only proposed hotel.  In fact, there’s another player looking at the lot next to the Palm School, and they are not seeking any fee waivers.  (link)

4) Austin City Council delays vote on the White Lodging (“Mega Hotel”) fee waivers. (link)

5) Permanent supportive housing should not be placed near other social services (link)

6) Gables Republic Park says they won’t build soon, or at least until Travis County gets a clear vision on its new downtown courthouse site.  (link)

Upzoning Sought And Supported On W 7th Street

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Looks like an upzoning request for a half-block of W 7th Street wedged between West 6th Street and Original Austin was semi-successful.

701 and 711 W 7th Street in downtown Austin were seeking an upzoning to CBD.   701 W 7th is zoned “GR – general retail” and 711 W 7th is zoned “GO – general office”.  Both zoning definitions cap building height at 60 feet. [Read more…] about Upzoning Sought And Supported On W 7th Street