Downtown Austin Blog

downtown Austin's real estate and neighborhood blog

Reminder: Couple Important “Future of Downtown” Presentations – This Evening & Tomorrow Morning

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DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN TOWN HALL — Waterfront and Core District.  A final draft plan review and presentation by city officials before heading to City Council.

Will include:  District issues and priorities. Location, type, and mix of uses within the district, including priority uses. Development sites and projection of potential growth and capacity. Development standards (e.g., allowable and conditional uses, density, impervious cover, etc.). Form-based standards (related to building typologies, height, massing, setbacks, compatibility standards, ground level uses, parking and service treatments, etc.). Recommended density. Historic and Cultural Resources. Parks and open space improvements. Transportation and streetscape improvements. Infrastructure improvements. Implementation Program.  This is the whole “big picture” look for Downtown.

Wed, June 2nd, 5:30-8:00pm.  Waller Creek Center, 625 E.10th St, Room 104 (light refreshments served).

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DAA ISSUES & EGGS FORUM — The Capitol Complex Redevelopment Plan.  A conceptual overview and presentation by state officials.

The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) has announced that it plans to re-imagine the future of state government’s presence in the heart of  Austin.  This new plan could triple the amount of space at the Capitol  complex, add 7  million square feet of space to downtown, and include joint development with private interests  where parking lots or garages currently exist.

Thur, June 3rd, 7:30-9:00am.  St. David’s Episcopal Church, Sumners Hall, 301 E.8th St (tacos, juice and coffee if you get there early).


You are the Sushi Chef (Sort Of) at How Do You Roll Maki Sushi Bar in Downtown Austin – **MENU

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**No Substitutions**

This is a pretty commonplace statement on most sushi menus.  It’s a phrase that is representative of a little bit of rigidity, and, in my opinion, perhaps a statement even laced with a little vanity from the Itamae.

Well, How Do You Roll Make Sushi Bar on 2nd and San Jacinto in Downtown Austin made **me** feel like the the sushi chef. My sense, from their concept and their overall vibe was that they are focused on taking the pretension out of the sushi without sacrificing the taste.  Sushi – the Austin way.

How Do You Roll Storefront

So, my first visit was a little “Grand Opening” shindig they threw on Monday (Memorial Day).  I walked in, and was promptly greeted by:

You had me at sake bomb, How Do You Roll....

sake bombs!  Yay!  My experience was off to a great start.  While I was, ahem, **sipping** on my sake bomb(s), I got a little insight into the way things work at How Do You Roll.

The ordering system is set up semi-cafeteria style, where patrons stand in line in front of a “deli-style” selection of sushi goodies:

Sushi Deli

You then customize your maki roll, letting the preparer know what veggies (they also had some fruits – super cool!) and meats (for those who don’t do raw fish – they also have a selection of cooked chicken/beef meats that you can put in your roll) and sauces/spices YOU want in your roll. Completely customizable.

Then, right before your eyes, your special roll is prepared and cut and presented to you:

Made Right Before Your Eyes! Magical!

And THEN, in a matter of mere minutes, you are ready to eat fresh, delicious sushi. Yum!

I had a roll with fresh salmon, sprouts, cucumber, avocado, and spicy mayo. And it was good.

I liked it, folks.  I especially liked the price-point.  My 10 peice maki would have only been $6.45 plus tax.  Not too shabby.

And the vibe of the joint is fun.  They aren’t QUITE done with the decor, but it’s shaping up nicely.  Some pics:

Maki Inspired Lighting 🙂
Lots of Windows and Natural Light
Bright Colors Enhance the Overall Light/Fun Vibe
Yuen Yung (the CEO of the franchise location) and Myself

I would definitely recommend this place for lunch.  Good price point, quick & easy, and delicious sushi.  Also good for casual dates! Go support a local business that is trying to do something a little fun and a little different!

The Menu (double click once to get to the image screen, double click image again in that screen to make larger):

Downtown Austin Location: 454 W Second Street (San Antonio is cross street)
Website: www.howdoyouroll.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HDYRsushi

Just a word of advice, though.  Don’t mistake the wasabi for guacamole:

DAB STATS – May Transaction Summary

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WHEW…

In May, we saw at least four articles suggesting that more downtown Austin buildings are forthcoming: Block 51, Austin Energy building on West Ave, City planning a new parking garage, State capitol considering more density.  We haven’t seen that many speculative media reports about downtown development since 2006.

We’ve been hammering the point that there is no more new inventory under $400 per foot.  It’s gone.  But, don’t get caught up in the hype about new construction, at least not yet.  Even if the data suggests that there is capacity for more new attainably priced product (2bds/2ba+ for under $400k), the capital markets aren’t racing to provide financing.

Conversely, there’s a robust resale market working like a well oiled machine.  The difference between average asking price and average sale price is shrinking.  Last month, across 22 transactions, this spread was ~4%.  Timid buyers and sellers should take confidence in this stability.  To drive home the point even further, we witnessed at least two bidding wars last month.  Many buyers are longing for the days of 2008 and 2009 when 25-30% discounts were being offered.

Area “DT” – MLS defined market area for downtown Austin – has such diverse product that average numbers cannot be used without qualification.   For instance, it is necessary to qualify the age, location, and level of amenities when comparing Cambridge Tower to 360 Condos. ($226psf vs. $385psf, respectively)

Average price for area DT was $283.91 per foot, based on data collected from 22 transactions recorded in May.  That is down from May of 2009 when pricing was $303 per foot across 13 transactions; however, the spread between list price and sale price in 2009 was closer to 10% – much more volatile.

The MLS data does not include private developer sales (Spring, Austonian, W Hotel, Four Seasons).  Multiple sources have shared with us that the W entered into approximately 10 deals in May, and will not accept offers with more than a 5% discount.   The Austonian recieved their certificate of occupancy and is planning it’s first closing next week.  No news from the Four Seasons.

Registered DAB subscribers may access the complete May 2010 transaction report.

-Jude

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Downtown Culture Cruise

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UPDATE: The ride will meetup at our local bodega grocer, Royal Blue, just below 360 condos (not Java Jive as had been planned) Saturday morning between 8:30 and 9am. If you need a bike or haven’t RSVP’d, click below…

This Dutch cruiser has internal gears and is perfect for using around downtown Austin

Block out the morning of Saturday, June 5th, because you’re going to want to cruise with us on a bicycle stroll through downtown.  Downtown Austin Blog is working in partnership with Living On Two Wheel’s to bring you the Downtown Culture Cruise, part of LTW’s Summer Social Ride Series. The guided ride will include stops to look at some of downtown’s hottest condos as well as food and shopping stops to sample downtown living.

Stops will include food and drink at Froots in the 2nd street district and a vehicle presentation by Austin CarShare. Whether you are looking to move downtown, learn more about living an urban lifestyle, or just want to see some great properties, this ride is going to be a lot of fun.

All food & drink, bike valet, and guides included in registration as well as a coupon book to series partner businesses. We’ll be drawing to giveaway an Electra Amsterdam Royal 8 bike at the end of the series. Dutch city bikes available for rental on tour. Total ride distance will be approximately 5 miles.

Downtown Culture Cruise

DATE: Saturday, June 5, 2010

TIME: Meet up at 8:30 AM, Leave at 9:00 AM (please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in). Ride will wrap up by approximately Noon.

LOCATION: Austin City Hall, north side of building, 301 West 2nd St

COST: Before ride day $20/person, Ride day cash only registration $25. Bring a friend and save $5! 2 persons registration: $35, Ride day cash registration $45. (Ride is limit to 50 riders.)

RIDE PACE: These are social rides so we will be riding at a pleasant social pace and no one will be dropped. Our ride guides will be wearing identifiable shirts and will keep the group together and make sure no one is left behind. This ride is about the simple pleasure of riding with friends, not competition or workouts. If you want to race or get in a workout, we’d suggest you do that before the ride.

OTHER INFO: Please bring a bike in working order. Our ride guides will have spare tubes and basic repair equipment should you run into trouble. In addition to food and drink on the tour, bottled water will be available to participants. Please bring ID if you plan to sample alcoholic beverages at the stops. Staff will watch bikes at each stop so locking bikes will be optional. If you are in need of a tune-up, please check with a bike shop like Bicycle Sport Shop at least three days before the tour.

NEED A BIKE? We will have a limited number of Dutch bikes available to ride on the tour for rent for $20 for those who need a bike.