Downtown Austin Blog

downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood blog

ArtHouse Has Some History

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Chris Lynn at Republic of Austin has some cool back story to the renovations taking place at the ArtHouse.

Before it was the boxy ArtHouse, the block at 700 Congress had a couple of other significant iterations. The building, erected in 1851, was the first 3-story brick building in Austin. For 70 years it  was a silver/high-ends goods store, law office and drug store. In 192o, it underwent its first renovation to become the Queen Theater.

I’m struck by the similarity of design that Lerner Shops had with Buttrey’s on W 6th.  The clean mid-century modern architectural lines seem to include: brick facade, three stories, wall of glass on the ground floor, metal awning/canopy.  Cool!

I-35 Makeover Site Plan

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WCCAC was just emailed a site plan for the I-35 Makeover.  You’ll recall this project has been lingering for years, but was formally approved and funded this past April.  We knew the parking layout would change, and now we have a better idea of what to expect.

Is this simply putting lipstick on a pig?  Yes, and it’s about time.  Any improvement that helps encourage the pedestrian connection between East Austin and downtown Austin is a worthy endeavor.

Photos From Downtown Austin Bike Tour

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Post ride on 2nd Street with DAB’s cycle crew: AG, Fred Schmidt, Greg Anderson, Jude Galligan
Elliott of A2W (and ride organizer) fitted me on this handmade city bike by WorkCycles.  Step through cruisers like this are perfect for city riding.

This past Saturday morning about 30 people met at Royal Blue Grocery for a casual ride of downtown Austin. We were able to showcase a a selection of residential condos that would give attendees a broad picture of what types of properties exist – Milago in the Rainey Street District sits on the hike and bike trail, Brazos Lofts is the best example of a genuine loft space, 904 West highlights the tree-canopy rich northwest district of downtown Austin.

Despite the incredible humidity, everyone had a great time, and the pace was just right.  Nobody got left behind, nor got too far ahead.  Thanks to the Elliot and his crew at Austin On Two Wheels for organizing the ride. Thanks to Bryan Cady, Roland Galang, Anna Anami, and Noa Levy for providing the real estate to preview.   Thanks to Greg Anderson for being on photo duty. Last, but not least, thanks to the local sponsors of the ride…

Royal Blue Grocery
Austin Java
Froots
Austin Car Share

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FREE Electric Car Charging Stations Available!

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EVERY Downtown Austin condo tower and parking garage should apply to get one of these.  FREE while supplies last!

From the June 2nd Statesman story:  “Electric vehicles aren’t yet common on Austin roads. But recharging stations could start showing up on local streets and in home garages later this year.  A Silicon Valley-based company has received a $15 million federal stimulus grant to provide, for free, nearly 5,000 charging stations in Austin and eight other areas across the country. Businesses and homeowners alike can apply to receive one of the stations. Austin is one of nine regions serving as a kind of pilot for the charging stations.”  READ MORE HERE

Two Units At Milago, Two Buyers Will Go Home Happy

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An owner at Milago is trying to fire-sale two 2bd/2ba units.  This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants in on the burgeoning Rainey Street and Waterfront District.

Unit 423 – northwest corner unit with a great floor plan – was just this afternoon reduced by $40,000 to $305,000!   The other, unit #604, has a lake view and was also reduced by the same amount.

Interesting fact, #423 last sold for $382,500.

Jump on this, I’m predicting both will be pending by the weekend.  If interested, contact me.

-Jude