Search Results for: contact

iBidCondo.com

Jude Galligan | May 27, 2009 |

iBidCondo in action…

[youtube = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSLO3i2jmX4]

The first iBidCondo auction was held last night. The result was a high bid for the right to purchase a condo originally priced at $690,000 at the Star Riverside – located on I35 and Riverside Dr and planned to be complete in 18 months – for $87,000.

Watching the video above, the process is just too anonymous for me to get comfortable with. At the recent Brazos Place auction there were hundreds of real people in attendance. You had an existing building. You could see the person that won each auction. The market clearing price for Brazos Place’s 19 downtown Austin condos was $282 per foot. The auction company was not affiliated with the developer.

From the iBidCondo FAQ:

“A selection of the properties listed on iBidcondo are being developed by Constellation Property Group. Constellation Property Group is an affiliate of iBidcondo.”

Constellation Property Group is the developer of Star Riverside condos. Constellation Property Group is also listed as the registrant contact for the domain iBidCondo.com. It appears CPG is more than just an affiliate.

Was this a real auction? Or, was this was a cunning loss-leader for Constellation Property Group?

I suspect there will be a couple of people that will “win” these “auctions” and have the right to close on the units for highest bid once the building is complete. In my opinion, the risk of Constellation not completing construction is real and iBidCondo only serves to further that concern. Constellation wouldn’t sell every unit like this and still expect a return on investment of construction dollars.

Hmmm…

Paul D’arcy has an interesting write up at Austin Towers and DAB will continue with updates as I learn more.

-Jude

Downtown Austin: Get Pumped About Pumping Iron.

AG | May 21, 2009 |

I’ve always thought it to be the height of irony that people drive to the gym for a workout on the treadmill. That’s why I have always been a proponent a) just taking a jog around Town Lake or the bustling streets of Downtown Austin, or b) if I feel the need for the equipment, to find someplace within walking distance. That’s one of the main reasons Jude and I joined the Tower Health Club and Spa at the Hilton 555. Most people don’t even think about the Tower Health Club, probably because it’s in a hotel and people assume there’s no open membership. However, they have a variety of membership plans and a pretty decent set of equipment. They also have a steam room, sauna, pool, and hot-tub, which is great. Jude and I hit the gym about three times a week, not only because we want to stay healthy, but because it’s really convenient. My only criticism would be that they don’t offer classes like many of the more commercial gyms.

However, the convenience outweighs the class options for me. While we love the THC&S, there are a variety of places to workout in downtown if you want to use equipment or prefer to take classes. Click here for a Google Map showing some results.

Within the last few months, we’ve also upped the ante a bit and hired a personal trainer, Will Wagner. The unique thing about this guy is that he’ll meet you anywhere (within reason). He’s really flexible in terms of coordinating times and places to meet, and he even E-mails us between sessions to help us stay on track. He also introduced us to The Green Shake (contact him for more info on this), which I jokingly refer to as The Fountain of Youth shake…..He’s got several clients in our building and throughout Downtown Austin, so meeting centrally is generally pretty convenient for him, I think.

I guess the point here is that working out doesn’t have to be an ordeal, particularly for those of us living in Downtown Austin, where pretty much everything is a stone’s throw away. For Downtown Austin dwellers, there are a variety of really attractive options to keep fit, such as employing our naturally beautiful surroundings, dropping by one of the many nearby gyms, or even calling a trainer who is more than happy to meet you where you live.

Go get fit!

The House On The Hill: Norwood House

Jude Galligan | May 1, 2009 |

You know that house on the south bank of the lake, just west of and next to I35? It’s on the top of the hill? You’ve undoubtedly seen it if you’ve been to the dog park on Riverside Drive.

That’s the Norwood House in Travis Heights, and it needs your help.

The first time you look at that house you ask yourself, WTF? “Look at that view of downtown Austin… how could this house be allowed to deteriorate?” The answer: the City of Austin purchased it in 1985.

Ironically, in a city that’s known for having a plan for everything, including making plans, the city didn’t have a plan for this.

Originally constructed in 1922 by Ollie and Calie Norwood, the house quickly became one of Austin’s most notable residences. Here you can see the house in its glory days. Tennis courts, tea gardens, and a dramatic view across the river (it wasn’t a lake at the time) of downtown Austin. Ollie Norwood is the name behind downtown Austin’s Norwood Tower.

The house has been examined and can be saved. The Austin Parks Foundation is partnering with a group of activists called the “Norwood Posse” to raise funds to rehabilitate the house. Since the house is part of Austin’s park system, its use must be open to the public. If you would like more information, or to contribute to Norwood House’s rehabilitation you can contact Wolf Sittler at 447-2150, email restorenorwood [@] yahoo.com, or visit AustinParks.org.

-Jude

Brazos Place Condo Auction

Jude Galligan | April 20, 2009 |

19 Brazos Place condos in downtown Austin are being offered via an auction hosted by Kennedy Wilson. The auction is scheduled for May 17th. While the opening bids are enticing, a hidden reserve price has been set for each unit.

I’ll definitely be watching this closely. Most auctions, including this one, have the right to cancel or reschedule if there isn’t a good response. Judging by the amount of coverage the Brazos Place auction is getting I expect there to be lots of interest.

If you are considering a residence in downtown Austin, then it’s worth giving this auction your attention. After checking out the auction website, you can contact me to learn more about the building, discuss the dynamics of the auction, and to preview the units.

For further information, including registration, contact:

Jude Galligan
Downtown Austin Realtor
judegalligan [@] gmail.com
512-226-3414

New Ashton In Austin Website Teases Us

Jude Galligan | April 17, 2009 |

Austin Ashton - Clubhouse Rendering — Austin Ashton - Living Room

Checkout the new website. As of this posting you won’t find pricing, floor plans, or availability – stuff you want to know 🙁

For that, you should stay tuned to Downtown Austin Blog as we continue to share the inside info on the Ashton.

-Jude

p.s. Send me an email me with your contact info and I’ll respond with a draft copy of the floor plans.