downtown austin

From the archive: What Does Downtown Austin Need?

Jude Galligan | March 17, 2009 |

Last month I wrote about six items downtown Austin could significantly benefit from. It’s a slow news morning, so I thought I would re-post the links together. Politicians love to talk, form task forces, and spend time doing everything except for making decisions as they are needed. So, this is an appeal to Downtown Austin stakeholders that know how to get things done: the residents, developers, retailers, and land owners.

This is what we need:

1) Super Target on Congress Ave. (link)
2) Hardware store on Congress Ave. (link)
3) More bodega grocers (link)
4) Move social services away from Sixth Street (link)
5) Improved landmark protection and design standards (link)
6) Urban Rail (link)

-Jude

Ashton Austin – Buzz

Jude Galligan | March 16, 2009 |

Pricing for the downtown Austin apartment building, the Ashton Austin, is available – Jude Galligan, 512-226-3414, judegalligan [@] gmail.com

Click here for complete Ashton Austin coverage.

People are wondering when the Ashton (formerly “Alta Vida”) will be ready for move in. Hanover’s 259 unit building has been an informational black hole. No pricing, no floor plans, no launch date. Nada. The lack of information keeps us intrigued!

I spoke with a contact at Hanover this morning and was able to dig up a few juicy facts.

1) There will be five penthouse units ranging from 2,527/ft – 3,218/ft
2) No three bedroom units (except for two of the five penthouses)
3) The largest suite is a 2/2.5 + study at 2,200/ft
4) At 880/ft, not including a balcony, the smallest one-bedroom is relatively large
5) Pricing has not been finalized but is expected to be at par with AMLI on 2nd
6) Level seven will feature an amenity deck (pool, fitness, lounge, etc)
7) There are three 1,550/ft live/work units (2bds/1.5ba) on the first floor featuring a garage and access from the ground level

Move in is planned for May 1st! So, we should see pricing and floor plans within 2-3 weeks. If you want to see what the finishes will resemble check out 7riverway.com

-Jude

Is Second Street a Success?

Jude Galligan | March 15, 2009 |

The ABJ poses the question. The real question is: why is retail turnover so high on Second Street?. The answer is quite simple and academic.

Income < Expenses

There you go. The worst economy in a century does not generate enough income for a boutique clothing or furniture store to thrive. Combine that with already expensive leases (in the ballpark of $32/ft NNN) and Second Street finds itself in a perfect storm for tenant default. Eventually, empty store fronts will have a snow ball effect on adjacent retailers. Landlords are loathe to lower their lease rates, but perception is often reality, and the perception of Second Street is “luxury” goods. Many marketers will tell you that “luxury” is no longer a good adjective to promote your wares.

Now, as I’ve written before, the tenant mix on Second Street, and in downtown Austin in general, is out of balance. The next wave of successful retail in Downtown Austin will be for stores offering goods and services that people can afford and need to purchase on a regular basis.

Address the tenant mix problem and Second Street will be an unquestionable success.

Bird's Barbershop opens just east of Downtown

Jude Galligan | March 14, 2009 |

Birds Barbersop on East Sixth — Bird's Barbershop on East Sixth

This was completely off of my radar, and I’m not sure when it opened. I’m glad it did! More good news for East Sixth as Bird’s Barbershop has opened their third location. I’ve been to Bird’s on South Lamar a few times and it’s a damn fine place to get your hair shortened. Good people. Good vibe. Beer.

I’m partial to Goodlife Barbershop, but Bird’s is a welcome addition to East Sixth.

http://www.birdsbarbershop.com/sixth.html

Sabine Residents File Lawsuit

Jude Galligan | March 14, 2009 |

Shonda Novak is reporting on the recent lawsuit filed by the Sabine on Fifth residents against the developer, CWS, to repair the elevators and resolve the property tax issues.

I am a resident owner at the Sabine and understand that ALL condominiums face challenges. While the issues sited in the article are serious, the solutions are within reach. Ironically, the residents’ and developer’s interests are somewhat aligned – fix the problems and refocus on what makes the Sabine a great place to live: its uniqueness, its residents, and its location.

-Jude