Featured in this week’s Statesman Homes section is one of my listings, and more importantly one of downtown Austin’s most unique properties. Hidden in plain view on 6th Street is a mid-century time capsule. Check out the Statesman write up here.
austin history
Austin’s Old Bakery: What Is Highest & Best Use?
In 1976, the City of Austin utilized federal Older American Act funds to establish a multifaceted gift shop selling handicrafts and original art by local artists 50 or better.
That was the mission for the Old Bakery & Emporium, located at 1006 Congress Ave.
I’m as surprised as you that this concept didn’t take off and IPO within a few years.
Alas, charming as it is, the Old Bakery has not generated much buzz to date, and stakeholders are looking for new ideas. [Read more…] about Austin’s Old Bakery: What Is Highest & Best Use?
This Is Bull
This is the Castleman-Bull house on Red River Street in Downtown Austin. Located just east of the Convention Center, most of us have driven past this curious property at some point in recent years.
It currently serves no purpose except as a popular spectacle of wonder for the hungover Moonshine brunch crowd. The blighted chain link fence and “keep out” signs hint at something ominous, but daring us to to get close as possible. I’ve always found it to be creepy in the coolest way possible. Time for some urban exploration! [Read more…] about This Is Bull
Varsity Theatre
I enrolled at the University of Texas in 1995… when Tower Records was the SPOT! I was buying Wu-Tang CDs like Ol’ Dirty Bastard was having kids. The building was originally the Varsity Theatre. In recent years it’s been vacant, after a poorly timed retail attempt by a bookstore, Intellectual Property Capital. The ABJ’s Jacob Dirr scoops what’s next for one of the most desirable retail sites in Austin, along with some history of the building. We found some old photos to share with you. [Read more…] about Varsity Theatre
Downtown Austin’s State Theatre Reopening To Performances
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.