Search Results for: rainey

It’s About To Get Loud On Rainey Street

Jude Galligan | August 24, 2010 |

The Rainey Street District is showing signs of maturation as stakeholders are coping with the growing pains that come with such rapid growth. On August 19th, Bridget Dunlap, owner of the thriving Lustre Pearl bar, was approved for an Outdoor Music Venue permit (OMV). The OMV permit (new window), expressly for “winter months,” allows the venue to host amplified music.

Rainey Street proper is zoned CBD, a flexible zoning definition that enables a multitude of uses for properties. Little of the street’s CBD density entitlements are being used, as they are sitting idle waiting for big capital to return. The district is currently dominated by bungalow homes, and flanked by mid- and high-rise residential condos.

It was late 2008, early 2009, when Lustre Pearl became the first bar to open on Rainey Street. With smart design that preserved much of the historic bungalow aesthetic, Lustre Pearl seems to have set the trajectory for Rainey Street development over the next few years. Clive Bar, G’raj Mahal, El Naranjo, are all thriving in addition to three more bars under construction. According to Lustre Pearl’s General Manager, Scranton Twohey, Lustre Pearl is shifting to become more of a music-centric destination.

Dunlap and Twohey operate four venues: Lustre Pearl, Clive Bar, “96” (upcoming sports bar theme across from Lustre Pearl), and an upcoming outdoor/mobile concept on the corner of Rainey St and Davis St (where Container Bar was planned).

What is it about Rainey Street?

Nearly 1,000 residences anchored by Rainey Street.
Big capital dried up, so no more big CBD projects for the next few years.
No commercial infrastructure, little parking, intermittent sidewalks
A creative surplus of funky bungalow houses

During the requisite notification period the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) submitted a letter in opposition to Lustre Pearl’s OMV application. The Downtown Austin Plan expressly calls for limiting the number of cocktail uses, and further encourages uses that complement the quiet neighborhood character of the district. (pdf)

Mr. Twohey made assurances to DANA’s Public Policy Committee about limiting the genres of music, hiring a sound mitigation consultant, and withholding applications for his company’s three other venues. Despite those assurances, DANA and Rainey Street residents remained concerned that approving this Outdoor Music Venue permit will encourage more bars into the district, and those bars will also pursue Outdoor Music Venue permits.

The cost to apply for an Outdoor Music Venue permit is $50.

-Jude

NIMBY disclosure – I live at the Shore condos, which is one block from Rainey Street

Is This The Next Bar On Rainey Street?

Jude Galligan | August 5, 2010 |

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.

Proposal: A Pocket Park For Rainey Street District

Jude Galligan | July 21, 2010 |

On August 3rd, PARD will present a concept for a new park in the Rainey Street District. We inquired about the specific location, but didn’t get a specific answer. Above are four locations where we think it could end up. The most likely location would be to the southeast, close to Waller Beach – which has the distinction of having accessible parking, and is home to the only kids’ playscape in downtown Austin.

UPDATE: According to PARD (thanks!), “pocket parks” by definition have minor amenities, and generally don’t provide parking. The location is TBD, based on input from the upcoming workshop, but it’s likely to be south of Cummings St. There might be bond money for playground replacement, and possibly parkland dedication funds available.

John On Rainey Street

Jude Galligan | April 29, 2010 |

This is John Arley. Singer/songwriter. Hanging out on Rainey Street.

I was heading to El Naranjo for some din-din. They were closed, but directly across the street, John was playing guitar and waved me (a total stranger) over. Clearly he’d had a few beers, but was kind enough to offer me one. After a long day, there’s nothing better than a cold beer and hanging out on your porch/lawn/terrace/etc. I grabbed two beers and he commenced playing four original songs. All of them really good.

It was interesting. Lot’s of people walked by. He invited everyone to hear a song, but nobody took the bait. Most people are so caught up in their own world. I let my guard down for a second, and glad I did, because I was able to join him in just relaxing with good music, company (even a stranger), and cold beer. That’s what I love about Austin. John says he doesn’t know how to use a computer, but if he ever manages to get online I hope he finds this.

“Thanks, John!”

-Jude

Town Market: A New Bodega On Rainey Street

Jude Galligan | January 28, 2010 |

Town Market has opened below the Legacy apartments on Rainey Street. It’s a unique space. Leasing a live/work unit on the ground floor of this downtown Austin apartment tower, Town Market is a two story affair with wine, coffee, sandwiches on the ground floor and dry goods on the second floor. The Town Market concept comes from the same people who brought you Cissi’s on South Congress.

The store is 50 paces from the Hike and Bike trail, so I expect they will do well during breakfast and the early evening hours. The Rainey Street District has one of the highest residential concentrations in Austin, and Town Market is a welcome addition to the downtown Austin neighborhood.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 8am-6pm
Google Map: 43 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701