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Downtown Austin Open Houses

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downtown Austin open house listings for August 21st & 22nd
(Got the wrong week? Click here)

Saturday

  1. 603 Davis St, The Shore Condos #103, 2bd/3ba, $465,000 2-4pm [Urbanspace]
  2. 603 Davis St, The Shore Condos #1603, 2bd/3ba $650,000 2-4pm [Urbanspace]
  3. 603 Davis St, The Shore Condos #1711, 2bd/2ba $449,900 2-4pm  [Urbanspace]
  4. 360 Nueces St, 360 Condos #4004, 2bd/2ba $399,900 11am-3pm [Platinum Realty Austin]
  5. 360 Nueces St, 360 Condos #2508, 1bd/1ba $265,900 12am-3pm [Platinum Realty Austin]
  6. 360 Nueces St, 360 Condos #1311, 2bd/2ba $419,900 11am-3pm [Platinum Realty Austin]

Sunday

  1. 904 West Ave, 904 West Condos, 1bd/1ba $193,300 1-4pm [Urbanspace]

Expand your home search using DAB’s map-based Austin Property Search

When you’re done with the open houses, you can enjoy an afternoon on Lady Bird Lake by renting a canoe or kayak from at the Texas Rowing Center. Or, dine al fresco at Annie’s Cafe on Congress Ave for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Make sure to checkout my transaction report from July and discuss with a Realtor who lives and works in downtown Austin.

-Jude

Austin Details Art Gallery & My First Piece Of Real Art

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News about destinations on the north end of Congress Avenue just keeps coming.  First, an office tower at 907 Congress.  Second, the Hogg building could become a boutique hotel could.  Third, there is a new art gallery opening – Austin Details – on E 8th Street, just west of Congress Avenue.

The space is well suited to showcasing artists and hosting workshops.  We checked out the soft opening this past Saturday.  Supposedly, taking photos in a gallery is a no-no, (I didn’t know, I swear.  Bloggers beware!) but I got permish, and below are two of my favorites from the collection.

Expect the grand opening in a few weeks.

by Phillip Wade

Two from the *Buddha Series* by Shannon Hamann – http://shannonhamannstudioart.com/

My first piece of real art hangs above my office (by Shannon Hamann)

The Barriers Are Down @ W Hotel Residences

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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.

Downtown Austin Open Houses

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downtown Austin open house listings for Sunday, August 15th
(Got the wrong week? Click here)

  1. 1705 Pearl St, 3bd/2ba, $550,000 2-4pm [Moreland Properties]
  2. 1800 Lavaca St, Greenwood Towers # 608, 2bd/1ba $146,000 2-4pm [Green Mango Real Estate]
  3. 904 West Ave, 904 West #211, 1bd/1ba $193,300 1-4pm [Urbanspace]
  4. 1212 Guadalupe, Penthouse Condos #401, 2bd/2ba $215,000 2-4pm [Green Mango Real Estate]
  5. 510 W 18th St, Chestnut Square #113, 1bd/2ba $259,000 1-5pm [Capital City Sotheby’s Realty]

Expand your home search using DAB’s map-based Austin Property Search


When you’re done with the open houses, you can enjoy an afternoon on Lady Bird Lake by renting a canoe or kayak from at the Texas Rowing Center. Or, dine al fresco at Annie’s Cafe on Congress Ave for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Make sure to checkout my transaction report from July and discuss with a Realtor who lives and works in downtown Austin.

-Jude

Will Congress Avenue’s Hogg Building Become A Hotel?

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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!

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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?

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86 Rainey Street

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.

DAB STATS: July Transaction Summary

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In July of 2007 we recorded 14 transactions at an average of $353psf.

In July of 2008 we recorded 11 transactions at an average of $289psf.

In July of 2009 we recorded 13 transactions at an average of $267psf.

In July of 2010, we recorded 12 transactions at an average of $314psf!!

What insights can we glean from four years of July transaction data?  Based on my experience this year, I would say those numbers show that [in aggregate for downtown] a bottom had been reached, and we’re returning to normal where average prices hover around $300psf.

If developers reported sales (they don’t, but if they did), July’s closed Sabine units would nullify the effect of the higher priced closings at the Austonian, Spring, and Four Seasons.  Also, at least two of July’s transactions were deeply discounted transactions at Milago and yet the average numbers are still strong.

The market continues to place a premium west of Congress Avenue, as transactions at Austin City Lofts and 360 condos exceed $400psf.  Feedback from my clients indicate this premium is a reflection of these buildings’ proximity to a mix of retail uses and to Whole Foods.  As inventories of new construction continue to dwindle, the average buyers’ expectations are beginning to come back inline with a healthy resale market.

An example of a great buy in July:  Milago #423. A 2bd/2ba corner unit at tree level with city views for $300,000.  The seller took a hit on this one and originally paid $382,500.  Also, I’m bullish on the Rainey Street District, future improvements to Waller Creek, and the desirability of living near the trail for couples/families.

What does the buyer who prioritizes value do now?  Be prepared.  Get pre-qualified for a mortgage.  Be ready to pounce on the random short sale or bank owned property.  I seem to find 1-2 each month.  Forget about foreclosure auctions in downtown – they simply do not happen with any regularity, and 99% of the time the bank takes back the property and lists it on the MLS market where they can get closer to market rates.  Of course, you can go to the courthouse to see for yourself.  Or, you can just contact me.

Registered members of DAB can download a complete statistical and transaction report here.

-Jude

Downtown Austin Open Houses

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downtown Austin open house listings for Saturday, July 31st

  1. 360 Nueces, 360 Condos # 914, 1bd/1ba $349,800 1-3pm [Urbanspace]
  2. 360 Nueces, 360 Condos # 3011, 2bd/2ba $575,000 1-3pm [Urbanspace]

downtown Austin open house listings for Sunday, August 1st

  1. 800 W 5th St, Austin City Lofts # 505, 2bd/2ba   $499,900  1-4pm [AvenueOne]
  2. 54 Rainey, Milago Condos # Ph05, 2bd/3ba $499,900 1-3pm [Urbanspace]
  3. 54 Rainey, Milago Condos # Ph02, 2bd/3ba $899,900 1-3pm [Urbanspace]

The “__11” stack at 360 is one of the best 2bd floor plans in that building.  Definitely check it out. 

When you’re done with the open houses, you can enjoy an afternoon on Lady Bird Lake by renting a canoe or kayak from at the Texas Rowing Center. Or, dine al fresco at Annie’s Cafe on Congress Ave for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Make sure to download my transaction report from June (registered members only) and discuss with a Realtor who lives and works in downtown Austin.

-Jude