downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood blog
Yes. Yes, O. yes. It’s that time again, folks. Time for the 35th annual O. Henry Pun Off. Taking place this Saturday (May 19th, 2012) at the O. Henry Museum (adjacent to Brush Square), this delightful competition celebrates the pun with two separate competitions – Punniest in Show and Punslingers.
However, a video is worth a million words – so, check out some of these punny finals videos from previous years: [Read more…] about O. Henry Pun Off at Brush Square Park in Downtown Austin May 19th
In light of the recent Statesman article highlighting new construction sales, I thought this would be a good time to update our trending chart for downtown condos.
Combined sales of new construction and resales of downtown Austin condos delivered a seasonally strong 46 transactions representing $26,720,149 total sales volume in March.
Currently there are 95 resales and 197 new construction condos available for sale in the downtown Austin core. That’s not many. Within the past 12 months, we’ve seen 201 resales and 186 new construction sales.
In the chart below, that little red trend line for average resale price per foot gets steeper each month as we see more resales in the top-tier buildings. By this time next year, you will be able to count the total availability of new construction condos on two hands.
March 2012 Resale Statistics
- # of resale transactions = 29 - avg price per foot = $364 - avg sales price to list price (SP/LP) = 97% - avg days on market (DOM) = 32 days - Total resales volume = $12,038,599
March 2012 New Construction Statistics
- # of new construction transactions = 17 - avg price per foot = $554 - Total new construction sales volume = $14,681,550
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A unique boutique is opening its second location on May 10th, 2012, right across the street from The W Hotel and Residences on Lavaca (the first location is in The Arboretum, and opened in 2009) in Downtown Austin. No, it’s not another fancy dress store or whimsical gift shop. This time, it’s a niche [Read more…] about New Oil & Vinegar Retail Concept Opening Across from The W in Downtown Austin
There’s something you should know. And that is, Bar Louie in downtown Austin is a bar / restaurant chain.
There’s something else you should know. And that is, it’s okay that it’s a bar / restaurant chain.
Now, before you stop reading – hear me out. [Read more…] about Bar Louie: Eat, Drink, and Be Happy in Downtown Austin
The Statesman broke the story publicly yesterday that the Sutton Company intends to build a multi-tower 40+ story mixed-use project at the north end of the Rainey Street District. The assemblage includes 9-10 lots wrapping Rainey Street, Driskill Street, and East Ave. We’ve mocked-up a footprint of the site (below).
The renderings show two point towers, both over 40 stories, and a third office tower in the background. As a Downtown/Rainey Street neighbor, I’d love to see this project happen. This is exactly the type of concept envisioned for Rainey back when zoning was changed to CBD.
This is the second major residential concept proposed for the Rainey Street District within the past couple of months. The other being the Austin Skyhouse proposed by Andrews Urban/Novare. If built, a portion of the ad valorem taxes from these projects would contribute to the Waller Creek TIF district.
Next Sunday, April 22, 2012, from 11am-5pm, is the 2012 Downtown Living Tour. The Tour is a showcase of homes located in Downtown Austin, and is put on by the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (it’s DANA’s only fundraiser, and helps keep the organization chugging throughout the rest of the year). A portion of proceeds this year will also go to The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).
The 2012 Downtown Living Tour has [Read more…] about 2012 Downtown Living Tour – Showcasing Downtown Austin
On Saturday, I walked into Austin Java on 2nd Street, ’bout to get my omelet on. Chillaxin. There I was, standing in line, just looking around, and I realize that every piece of art work on the walls is making an impact on me.
A flyer taped to the wall explained most of the artwork was by Mike Johnston. Life surprised me with these paintings. All of them bringing a smile to my face. They put a skip into my step. 14 pieces in total. Each is repurposed scrap wood.
I purchased every piece in the store.
I couldn’t carry everything home, so I walked home beaming at my purchase, and returned later to pick up my treasure.
“Street art” is one of my favorite visual mediums. Bold, unexpected, high-contrast, ironic, symbolic, stylized, comical, etc. Some of my favorite “public art” is found on the Lady Bird Lake train overpass, the Lamar underpass, the wall on Castle Hill, the wall on E 5th Street near Saltillo Station.
I’ve seen Exit Through The Gift Shop, and am basically familiar with the work of Shepard Fairey and Banksy. Which makes me no more than a casual fan of a couple of notable artists.
I didn’t know about Mike until walking into Austin Java, and that’s part of what made this such a nice discovery. I’m excited to have a collection of local art work that totally vibes with me. I look at it and smile.
As I research and learn more about Mike and his work the more happy I am to be the newest host of these paintings – which will probably be on the walls of our soon-to-be-redone office (you should stop by in a few weeks to check it out). Until then, check out more of Mike’s work here.
http://www.offthawalls.blogspot.com
-Jude
A Cash Mob is the same premise as a flash mob, but people all show up at a local business and spend money. It’s a simple and fun way to encourage people to support small local businesses by spending their money en mass.
How can I participate?
Just show up! Bring $20.00 to spend, a few friends and come to the Congress Avenue Card and Gift Shop to give a local business an “economic stimulus”. It’s a win/win, spend some money locally with friends and buy some cool stuff!
Event Details:
When: Thursday, April 5th 12-2pm
Where: Congress Avenue Card and Gift Shop (615 Congress Ave. bw 6th & 7th St.)
Why: Help a local business!
Bring: $$$ and Friends
We wrote about the changing face of the Railyard district not too long ago, and one of the new establishment mentioned was Wanderlust, a new Yoga Studio and Live Music Venue that’s opening soon on the northeast corner of 4th and Brazos.
Well, we’ve recently learned a bit more about the concept and wanted to share…..
So a short summary of the back-story – apparently, Austin locals Ashley Spence Clauer and Joanna Kutchey were so inspired by the Wanderlust Festival, that they decided to bring it to Austin!
And here are some excerpts from a press release sent by their marketing department directly to our office:
Located in a revamped historic warehouse in the heart of the entertainment district of downtown Austin, Wanderlust LIVE’s impeccably designed space is not your average yoga studio. Featuring two studios—one for regular classes and one with a built in stage and top of the line sound and lights—the 6,000 square foot Wanderlust LIVE will offer Austinites a new place to rock out, consciously.
……
Truly bringing the festival experience home, Wanderlust LIVE will feature organic eats by Austin’s Blenders and Bowls—serving healthy and delicious organic acai bowls, natural fruit smoothies, coffee, tea and more. The studio’s outdoor patio seating will provide ample space to eat, relax after class or sip a beverage at Wanderlust happy hour. At all live music and other special nighttime events, attendees also may enjoy organic beer and hand picked biodynamic wines. And inside, the Wanderlust LIVE Boutique will offer specialty yoga gear and apparel.
It looks like this place is going to have a few uses – retail, restaurant / bar, live music venue, and yoga studio. What’s not to love? And, they’ll be hosting an open house on April 13th, the Friday before they open to the public.
I know that I’m getting a little excited about it after reading about it – and will definitely want to check it out!
Not much info has been released about the design of Riverside Resources’ 20 16-story apartment building under construction at 3rd & Brazos (in the newly monikered Railyard District).
The video below is a virtual flyover of the building, and provides more insight into the design. (update: the video settings have been changed to private)
[Read more…] about Virtual Flyover Of The 3rd & Brazos Apartment High Rise
