retail

[Part two] City of Austin v. Harry Whittington: the saga of a parking garage

Jude Galligan | December 5, 2008 |

by jude galligan

Who has legal claim to the Convention Cener parking garage? The City of Austin or Harry Whittington? — Who has legal claim to the Convention Center parking garage? The City of Austin or Harry Whittington?

Part one begins here.

In 2003 Harry Whittington begins to win. But, the City is proving to be just as stubborn with their appeals – just as Whittington had been between 2000-2003.

Whittington has postured himself along the following legal issues
1)    originally, the condemnation was incorrectly processed
2)    on the second condemnation attempt, the City did not properly condemn the alley
3)    the City hasn’t demonstrated the condemnation was done out of necessity for a public purpose
4)    the City already has parking on 2nd & Trinity and the new parking lot and (later) chiller system are intended to benefit private sector, beginning with the new Hilton hotel, and specifically future developers

Chronology of events from 2003 to 2007 begins after the jump.

City of Austin v. Harry Whittington: the saga of a parking garage

Jude Galligan | December 4, 2008 |

17,000 square feet of empty retail space rests at the base of the Convention Center’s parking garage. This retail space has the potential to add vibrancy and day time services to the Entertainment District. This is the only retail space within a few hundred feet of the 555, the Sabine on 5th, the Hilton, the Hilton Garden Inn, and the Convention Center. So, why hasn’t this space been filled?

After the jump: Part 1 of the chronology of City of Austin v. Harry Whittington
[Read more…] about City of Austin v. Harry Whittington: the saga of a parking garage

Downtown Austin is getting [Walton's] Fancy

Jude Galligan | December 2, 2008 |

by jude galligan

While West 6th would become restaurant row, the building located at 609 w 6th, 78701 has been siting idle for the past few years. Recently, activity has been buzzing.

We’ve seen a construction crew slowly converting this old building into something new. I’ve heard that the building is owned by Sandra Bullock. This would make sense considering her successful Bess restaurant is just down the street. Traviscad lists the property is owned by “PIETANZO VITO TRUSTEE OF THE B” and has it appraised at $624,082. What’s more interesting to me is what will be opening.

It appears that Downtown Austin is getting a new Walton’s Fancy & Staple. According to their website…

“Walton’s downtown will include a traditional delicatessen & bakery (for folks on the go), & sidewalk café seating. Our Grand Opening is scheduled for late 2008. We look forward to fulfilling your fanciest floral, gift-giving & event design wishes!”

According to Google this is the former home of Crime & Space books, KSA Communications, and Texas Terminator pest control.

by Jude Galligan

JCVD @ Alamo Ritz @ midnight

Jude Galligan | November 20, 2008 |

Jean
Claude
Van
Damme

I saw the trailer last time I visited the Drafthouse, and I must admit I was intrigued. Now, having just found this quote… “Van Damme? God Damn! This movie is AWESOME!” -Tim League, founder of Alamo Drafthouse I will be in attendance. That’s a strong endorsement.

BTW, most people don’t realize that the Alamo Ritz has two private balconies which seat up to 4 people per balcony. For more information and reservations, email Balcony@OriginalAlamo.com

Progress Coffee keeps it real – Thursday Nov. 20th

Jude Galligan | November 19, 2008 |

Joshua Bingaman is an entrepreneur who really, truly, understands how to create a culture around his business. Click above image for more details. Quoting directly…

“So on Thursday, November 20th, everything we brew, bake, heat or fix at Progress will be FREE. Gratis. Complimentary (with our compliments, of course).
…
“In return, all I ask is that you consider contributing whatever you can to Bread for the World and/or Capital Area Food Bank. Any amount (or no amount) is fine, whatever you’re comfortable with a penny, a buck, a hundred bucks- cash, credit, check or change Progress will take it and donate it all. And if you can’t or just don’t want to contribute, no worries—it’s certainly not a requirement (and nobody will look at you funny).”

[Progress Coffee]