downtown austin

Patio Perfect – How to Make The Most of Your Downtown Austin Condo’s Balcony Space

AG | September 5, 2013 |

I will admit, my patio here at The Shore Condos has not been top of mind lately. With our condo facing west (read: pretty much useless from afternoon until the sun goes down), and the Austin summer heat being so crazy, I don’t actually spend much time out there.

Now, with fall coming up, I’m starting to give real thought on maximizing our outdoor space.

I envision Saturday mornings with fresh coffee and scones, reading the paper. Or, fall evenings enjoying the view and a beer with friends. Or, maybe, we put the patio to real use and do a small outdoor herb garden. Or, maybe we can do ALL of these things! So many choices, so little space!

To give you an idea of the space I’m trying to maximize: we are working with a 10 ft long, 4 ft deep patio space. And some of that really can’t be used (about 3 ft x 4ft), because we have a door that swings outward into the patio. So, really about 7 ft x 4 ft.

I’ve done some online research, and the advice for maximizing balcony space seems to generally be universal:

Add seating that is scaled to the size of your patio. A good example is the “Bryant Park Chair”.
Keep items lightweight, mobile, and if possible, dual purpose (seating with storage, for instance).
Use bold colors
Make use of plants, but try to keep planting vertical. The Great Outdoors on S. Congress is your friend!
Avoid clutter
Add an outdoor rug or other textile to cover exposed concrete.

Below are some pictures that have given me inspiration:

Small-Balcony-Design-Ideas_11 — http://www.stylisheve.com/small-balcony-design-ideas/

http://www.shelterness.com/25-cozy-balcony-decorating-ideas/

Private-small-balcony — http://www.decoist.com/2013-05-02/tips-for-decorating-a-small-balcony/

awsome-small-garden-ideas8 — http://www.outdoortheme.com/outdoor-design-decor/awesome-small-balcony-design-ideas/

We’re really interested to see is how some you high-rise dwellers are decorating YOUR balconies! I know that I can’t be the only one who is having or who has had this challenge. I would LOVE to see some reader patios / balconies – feel free to post in the comments.

Public Art and Austin Floods

AG | September 3, 2013 |

I recently wrote a little blurb on The People’s Gallery, a project that’s part of the Art in Public Places program by the City of Austin’s Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services department. I’m a fan of the program, and think these types of City projects and programs help to make our city great!

That’s why I’d like to continue, from time to time, highlighting these little gems of public works in Downtown Austin. Today’s piece, I’m embarrassed to say, just came into my purview, even though I’m an almost daily runner of Lady Bird Lake’s 3 mile loop.

I happened to notice it the other day, and thought I’d share some shots of the work, particularly since they highlight some history of the lake and Austin. The piece is done by Deborah Mersky and is called [Read more…] about Public Art and Austin Floods

It’s Open! No Va Kitchen and Bar on Rainey Street

AG | August 31, 2013 |

I’ve been watching 87 Rainey for some time, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting to try No Va Kitchen and Bar since I first saw the TABC notice on the door in May 2012.

Well, it’s finally open, and I had the chance to try it last night. Despite the name, the restaurant / bar concept is a definite go.

So many things to like! First off, there’s a celebrity chef component (Brad Sorenson of The Next Food Network Star fame), AND he’s really friendly! Second, more FOOD on Rainey (which, as a Rainey resident, is very near and dear to my heart and stomach). The food is tasty and not crazy expensive!

Judges Hill Neighborhood in Downtown Austin Applies to Become Local Historic District

AG | August 28, 2013 |

We recently received notice that the Judges Hill Neighborhood Association, representing the area of downtown Austin between W 15th and W 18th and West Avenue and San Gabriel has applied for a rezoning to a Local Historic District.

Per the notice:

Local historic districts were created by the City Council as a tool to preserve the historic character of the city’s older neighborhoods by introducing design standards for additions and changes to existing buildings and for new construction within the district. Designation of a neighborhood as a local historic district helps ensure that new construction within the district is compatible with the character of the area. Local historic district designation does not prohibit change or new construction, but rather sets design parameters based upon historical precedents while encouraging conservation and energy efficiency.

Here’s a link to the notice, in its entirety. (note, in the second to last paragraph on the first page, it mentions “Hyde Park Local Historic District.” We are assuming this is a typo and that the Hyde Park notice was used as a template for this notice).

A Local Historic District is not to be confused with a National Register Historic District:

If everything goes as planned, Judges Hill Historic District will join Castle Hill, Harthan Street, and Hyde Park as LHD’s.

If you live in Judges Hill and want more info – we came across this website that has a PLETHORA of info (we’re not sure how often it’s updated, though – so read with caution).

Phase 2 of Medical District Plan Aims For 2018

Jude Galligan | August 27, 2013 |

Last month, DAB took an in-depth look at the first phase of the Medical District plan, which looks at opening a UT medical school in the fall of 2016, while the planned opening of the Seton/Central Health hospital in January 2017.

But that is just the first phase.

Unlike the first phase, the second phase of development would not be developed by UT Austin, but instead by the Seton network and/or Central Health. The second phase, which happens south of 15th Street, would kick off only after Brackenridge can be repurposed or destroyed, which means sometime after 2017 (if all goes to plan).