austin news

City Hires Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Director

Jude Galligan | October 29, 2009 |

According the City’s press release, Kevin Johns, was recently appointed to be “responsible for implementing economic programs that foster jobs and nurture Austin’s creative industries.”

Judging by that title, Kevin’s role in the future of Austin could have big impact. What’s interesting to me is how much media coverage is given to how tall downtown buildings are allowed to be, all the while hugely important positions like this receive minimal dialogue in the blogosphere. Maybe it’s just where I’m looking.

I’m interested in learning more about this position. Godspeed Kevin. Maybe you can rekindle Villa Muse.

Hotel Planned At 3rd & San Jacinto

Jude Galligan | October 12, 2009 |

Poe Companies and White Lodging appear to be working towards a hotel deal in downtown Austin. The project, as currently envisioned, would be a Hyatt hotel with ~275 hotel rooms. DANA was approached for preliminary feedback by Armbrust and Brown, in preparation for consideration by City Council for increasing the entitled FAR from 8:1 to 12:1. No site plan, architectural drawings, or financing is confirmed.

The property is currently a surface level parking lot. Poe Companies is planning the 21c museum/hotel/condo concept at Cesar Chavez and Red River – which had been planned at 3rd and San Jacinto. Poe Companies controls the lot being considered for the Hyatt hotel, and the 1/2 block located across the street, known as the Whitely Paper building.

Google street view showing current state of the property (please wait for it to load)

-Jude

A New Mixed Use Project Near The Capitol?

Jude Galligan | October 8, 2009 |

Some people call it Uptown, others simply say “by the Capitol”. However you direct attention to the part of downtown Austin between the Original Austin Neighborhood and the Capitol complex, we can generally agree that this part of town needs some sizzle. The Statesman is reporting on a 12 story mixed-use project called “Capitol Terrace” at 14th and Lavaca.

Some people are comparing this design to department stores built in the early 1900s.

Below is a photo of the site as it exists today.

"Sound Off" From Austin Business Journal

Jude Galligan | October 6, 2009 |

ABJ 'Sound Off' on the topic of rail in Austin

I’m quoted in this week’s ABJ regarding a transit system for downtown Austin. The question is: “Does Austin need a better downtown transportation system, and what should it consist of? Would you use it?”

“Absolutely. Additional parking and reliance on cars is not a sustainable method of growing Austin, much less downtown. Mobility inside of downtown is distinct from mobility to and from downtown, and the two systems should be designed and operated accordingly.

Commuter Rail – the Red Line – is NOT the same technology as a tram or streetcar system. The media must be diligent about choosing the correct terminology and avoid bundling terms, lest the word “rail” becomes the next four-letter word in Austin.”

Downtown Austin Round Up

Jude Galligan | September 29, 2009 |

Hi How Are You Gets iPhowned — "Hi, How Are You" gets iPhowned

-Arthouse at the Jones Center raises $5MM to triple their space.

-Congress Avenue dresses up with a new retailer.

-David Byrne talks to heads of Austin’s bicycle community at the Paramount

-West Elm bridges the furniture affordability gap between Ikea and Ligne Roset this Wednesday.

-CapMetro delays commuter line until 2010, is content to be Austin’s whipping boy.