downtown austin

The Barriers Are Down @ W Hotel Residences

Jude Galligan | August 16, 2010 |

I walk or bike past this construction area several times a week, yet only a few days ago I noticed the obvious… the pedestrian walkways are gone, as is the temporary sales center. Of course, this is now old news, but this is still a positive signal that the building is approaching completion of the exterior – which will be great news for 2nd Street District!

As we reported back in April, the contractor is expected to hand the keys over to the hotel portion in September/October. The doors won’t be open, but that should be the time when the hotel can begin to furnish everything. The Austin City Limits venue and residential condos will be ready in Q1 of 2011.

Will Congress Avenue’s Hogg Building Become A Hotel?

Jude Galligan | August 13, 2010 |

The ABJ’s Jacob Dirr scoops that Crescent Hotel Group has placed under contract the historic Hogg Building located at 804 Congress Ave. After the announcement in May of a possible hotel on the 400 block of Congress Ave, this is the second boutique hotel possibility for Congress Avenue. The article indicates that the lender, Wells Fargo, says it’s a “pipe dream”.

There is such a shortage of hotel space in downtown Austin, and there is much less “cool” hotel space that can invigorate the area immediately surrounding it. My fingers are crossed that the stars align for this project.

-Jude

6th Street + Ghostbusters = WIN!

Jude Galligan | August 8, 2010 |

Got to give it up for Parkside and the sponsors of last night’s Rolling Roadshow/blockparty screening of Ghostbusters. I hemmed and hawed about going because recently it’s been hotter than the warm side of hell, but I cowboy’d up with my lawnchair and headed out. I’m glad I did, too. Temperature was fine, beers were cold, admission was cheap $5 (donation), City Council Member Chris Riley was in the audience, and Bill Murray was on the screen.

The turnout was easily 750+ people. That’s pretty solid attendance, especially for a hot August Sunday night. We should do more of this.

6ixth Street Austin, Director, Josh Allen

Is This The Next Bar On Rainey Street?

Jude Galligan | August 5, 2010 |

The Rainey Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and new businesses must get approval from the Historic Landmark Commission before commencing with any building rehab. I have to give credit to businesses coming into Rainey Street. They are doing a great job at rehabbing the old bungalows and creating an enjoyable atmosphere.

But, with 1,000+ door fronts in the district, let’s shoot for more mixed uses. Are we approaching market capacity for new bars in downtown Austin’s Rainey Street District? It’s a fair question to ask.

Rainey Street is zoned CBD, and this is a good thing! However, the density entitlements of CBD sit idle (potentially for years) and the district is dominated by residential uses. The Downtown Austin Plan expresses five Urban Design Priorities for Rainey Street District. One of those states: “Limit the number of cocktail uses allowed.”

When are we going to see some day time retailers and restaurants, eh? Truth is the district is lacking sidewalks and offers little parking to support many uses except for bars, which are listed below.

1) Lustre Pearl (97 Rainey Street) is has applied for Rainey Street’s first Outdoor Music Venue permit, to the chagrin of many neighbors fearing a trend.
2) Clive Bar (609 Davis Street) is a great bar that we love to go to.
3) “96” Rainey Street under construction, and will soon be a sports bar.
4) Icenhauer’s (83 Rainey Street) is under construction, and should be open on September 20th. It will be a bar.
5) 86 Rainey Street (pictured above and below) has started down the path towards becoming… something.

Back in April, I found myself hanging out in front of 86 Rainey Street, drinking cold beers with John Arley – an affable guy who sang a few songs for me.

Deconstruction @ 201 W. 5th Street

Jude Galligan | July 29, 2010 |

Clearing the way for a new, and much needed hotel in downtown Austin, 201 W. 5th has been demolished. The concept, “1 Hotel” was announced last September and is being designed by BOKA Powell.

What is not clear is when construction of the hotel will begin, leaving many people concerned about the blight of more surface level parking.

Below are photos taken over the past few days showing the incremental demolition of the old building.