austin neighborhoods

Coming Soon: The Changing Face Of The Railyard District

Jude Galligan | March 21, 2012 |

Let it be known as the Railyard District, that part of downtown Austin, south of 5th Street and sandwiched between Congress Ave and the Austin Convention Center. You could straddle the convention center and include the area east, around Moonshine, too.

It’s an interesting mix of conventioneers and locals, both feeding on chicken and waffles at Max’s Wine Dive.

For decades, the district has been anchored by the Railyard condos, and recently flanked by the Four Seasons. Soon, these will not be the only full time residences.

In the past couple of years we’ve seen improvements and new businesses open in the neighborhood, including AF1 Racing, Vince Young Steakhouse, Hank’s Garage (which is gone), and Skinny’s Ballroom.

Walking around a post-SXSW absent is the hyper-pedestrianism of the past 10 days, and I observe a “coming soon” sign. I see more as I keep walking. In one lap around the Railyard district, I counted nine businesses or projects “coming soon”!

Nine!

What’s COMING SOON to the Railyard District? [Read more…] about Coming Soon: The Changing Face Of The Railyard District

DANA Hosting Discussion On Affordable Housing (Thursday February 16th)

Jude Galligan | February 15, 2012 |

With the proposed Foundation Communities development needing support of the neighborhood, DANA invites its membership to come out for a special presentation by the CEO of Foundation Communities and a discussion on development proposed for 11th & Trinity Street that would be the first affordable housing project proposed Downtown in over 45 years and which will include Permanent Supportive Housing. DANA board members will be looking for feedback on the design and operational proposals.

When: Thursday, February 16th, 6pm
Where: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop’s Hall, 203 E 10th St Austin, Texas 78701

More Info

Capitol Terrace: An Affordable Housing Development Proposed In Downtown Austin

Jude Galligan | February 1, 2012 |

foundation communities site for capitol terrace — Foundation Communities site for Capitol Terrace 11th @ Trinity

Walter Moreau is a developer with a unique vision.

Walter’s vision is to bring housing into downtown Austin for people who earn $15.00 per hour, or less.

Say what?!

Proposed is a 135 efficiency-style apartment building (for rent) at the southwest corner of 11th & Trinity. The site is currently a surface level parking lot. It is intended that 27 of the units will be reserved for people with absolutely no income, specifically clients of Caritas, Trinity Center, ARCH, and the Salvation Army.

Musicians can afford it. Many downtown workers, including State employees can afford it. Veterans on disability can afford it. Initially, the average rent would be between $400-650 per month, all bills paid.

Walter is the Executive Director of Foundation Communities (FC), a nonprofit affordable housing developer. FC has a track record of success. Established in 1990, FC is owner and manager of 13 communities all around Austin and built with support of local neighborhood associations. They are a long term owner, have never sold one of their properties, and claim they never intend to. Last year FC opened M Station on MLK: the first LEED for Homes Platinum apartment building in the entire country!

Here’s the rub: FC cannot build an affordable housing community without the express support of the immediate neighborhood association. In this case, it’s either DANA or the DAA.

I was invited by FC to tour their other buildings, which was needed because I wasn’t really educated about affordable housing. Elliott McFadden, the communications director for FC (also the publisher of Austin On Two Wheels), succinctly explained what affordable housing isn’t. [Read more…] about Capitol Terrace: An Affordable Housing Development Proposed In Downtown Austin

Budare’s Serves Breakfast To Rainey Street Residents Hungry For More

Jude Galligan | December 5, 2011 |

The newest addition to Rainey Street’s eclectic mix of repurposed bungalows is a backyard trailer named Budare’s serving … drum roll… BREAKFAST!

The sign has been up for a couple of weeks, but it was the sight this morning of my vacant refrigerator that got me motivated to walk 100 yards to a warm meal.

I ordered two visayas tortas with turkey and a bottle of water. $9.50 total and worth every penny on this cold morning.

It’s news anytime something other than a bar opens on Rainey Street and Budare’s modest menu is a welcome addition.

Budare’s is on the way to work for many of you at Milago Condos, the Shore Condos, or the Windsor apartments. You can check them out at 75 Rainey Street. EZ street parking in the morning from 6AM to 10AM. BONUS: you can call in your order at 512-487-6791. [Read more…] about Budare’s Serves Breakfast To Rainey Street Residents Hungry For More

Lease Restrictions: A Noble Idea That Can Backfire On Owners

Jude Galligan | October 14, 2011 |

Lease restrictions are typically birthed with noble intent – to foster owner-occupancy and ensure that buyers can get loans for properties within the community.

When new lease restrictions are forcibly applied to limit rental activity in buildings and neighborhoods, it is a taking of property rights which can set off litigation from disgruntled owners.

This issue has impacted me as a property owner, and I’m familiar with the emotions and frustrations felt by advocates and antagonists to lease restrictions. A recent situation with a buyer was frustrating enough that I want to share my experience (which is not unique) about how lease restrictions can adversely impact current owners, sellers, and buyers.

Lease restrictions will do two things, guaranteed:

1) limit the number of renters in a community
2) limit the number of buyers for properties within a community