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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
2021 R E A L E S T A T E E D I T I O N
ONLINE AT
VOLUME 14, ISSUE 4 JULY 22 AUG. 25, 2021
Exploding Central Texas housing market continues to drive rapid sprawl
INSIDE
30
IMPACTS 2021 REAL ESTATE EDITION
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SNAPSHOT
23 27
COMMERCIAL
This home near Convict Hill roadwas listedwith an asking price of more than $500,000. (Olivia Aldridge/Community Impact Newspaper) RAPID RISE IN sales price
104% 106% 108% 110% 102% 100% 98% 0
DINING FEATURE
32
In April 2021, homes in the Austin metro area sold by a margin of nearly 10% over asking price. PEAK PRICES:
The housing market in the Austin metro area escalated starting in early 2021. The rapid rise in the percentage of sales price over asking price is a prime indicator of the current landscape.
2017
2018
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Close tohome.
The care you need is right around the corner. Schedule appointments and get expert care at one of our convenient locations around Austin.
Two hospitals close to home
Baylor Scott &White Medical Center — Austin 5245 W. US Highway 290 | Austin, TX 78735 512.654.2100 | BSWHealth.com/Austin
Baylor Scott &White Medical Center — Lakeway 100 Medical Parkway | Lakeway, TX 78738 512.654.5000 | BSWHealth.com/Lakeway
Seven clinics in your neighborhood
Baylor Scott &White Clinic — Austin Circle C 5000 W. Slaughter Lane | Building 6, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78749 | 512.654.4000 Urgent Care hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM — 8:00 PM, Weekends 8:00 AM — 5:00 PM Baylor Scott &White Clinic — Austin Oak Hill 5251 W. US Highway 290 | Austin, TX 78735 512.654.3000 Baylor Scott &White Clinic — Austin Southwest 9521 W. US Highway 290 | Suite 105 | Austin, TX 78736 512.654.4300
Baylor Scott &White Clinic — Lakeway 3108 S. Ranch Road 620 | Lakeway, TX 78738 | 512.654.4200 Baylor Scott &White Specialty Clinic — Lakeway 200 Medical Parkway | Lakeway, TX 78738 | 512.654.1234 Baylor Scott &White —West Hills Family Health Center 11805 FM 2244, Suite 100 | Bee Cave, TX 78738 | 512.654.4450 Baylor Scott &White Clinic — Bee Cave 16018 W. SH 71 | Bee Cave, TX 78738 | 512.654.3900
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Medical Centers: Physicians provide clinical services asmembers of themedical staff at one of Baylor Scott &White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliatedmedical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of thosemedical centers or Baylor Scott &White Health. Clinics: Physicians are employees of Scott &White Clinic, an affiliate of Baylor Scott &White Health. ©2021 Baylor Scott &White Health. 99-ATX-295001 GD Now accepting newpatients. Baylor Scott &White Health accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
2
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Curious what’s selling in your neighborhood? Scan me
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
PENDING
PENDING
realtyaustin.com/p/5669070
realtyaustin.com/p/1972440
realtyaustin.com/p/1322215
realtyaustin.com/p/8050135
$2,750,000
$2,750,000
$1,600,000
$1,000,000
4 bds
3.5 ba 4,300 sq ft
4 bds
5 ba
4,725 sq ft
3 bds
3.5 ba 3,428 sq ft
5 bds
4 ba
3,681 sq ft
3702 Kellywood Dr, Austin, TX 78739 Johnny Ronca | 512-797-0965
10.01 Acres Fm 1826, Austin, TX 78737 Burt Dement | 512-689-7352
13700 High Sierra Rd, Austin, TX 78737 Betsy Smith | 512-348-5888
341 Bitterroot Ln, Austin, TX 78737 Carlisle Kennedy | 512-689-9579
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
SOLD OVER ASKING
realtyaustin.com/p/2191602
realtyaustin.com/p/7504332
realtyaustin.com/p/7995408
realtyaustin.com/p/2535581
$985,000
$975,000
$950,000
$925,000
4 bds
2.5 ba 3,097 sq ft
4 bds
3 ba
2,793 sq ft
4 bds
3.5 ba 3,519 sq ft
4 bds
2.5 ba 2,100 sq ft
1070 Bearkat Canyon Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Kimberly Fodor | 512-809-3844
7412 Journeyville Dr, Austin, TX 78735 Kristen Jacobs | 512-657-9311
290 Brentwood Dr, Austin, TX 78737 Amy Whitston | 512-663-6759
4429 Gillis St #1, Austin, TX 78745 Ashlie Bailey | 512-568-0736
PENDING
ACTIVE
SOLD OVER ASKING
SOLD OVER ASKING
realtyaustin.com/p/2601490
realtyaustin.com/p/3439278
realtyaustin.com/p/2845866
realtyaustin.com/p/3236891
$884,999
$850,000
$750,000
$575,000
4 bds
3 ba
2,902 sq ft
4 bds
3 ba
2,586 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,776 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,546 sq ft
11132 Blissfield Cv, Austin, TX 78739 Dani Whitacre | 512-689-7495
12813 Cardinal Flower Dr, Austin, TX 78739 Kate Hamlin | 512-436-3030
7700 Forest Wood Rd, Austin, TX 78745 Sumina Bhatti | 512-940-9140
2307 Village Way Dr, Austin, TX 78745 Jon Chambers | 512-497-9758
House Hunting Just Got Easier Zero in on your home search by creating easy-to-access property collection folders on RealtyAustin.com. • Search by neighborhood, school district, price range, or zip code • Share your new findings with multiple co-buyers and your agent • Write comments on why you like the home listing
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3
SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2021
B AC K S UMMER is
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.
HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH
FROMDEEDA: Recently I heard the question posed, “If you were trying to buy your house today, could you a ord it?” Without hesitation I thought, “absolutely not.” We bought our current home less than three years ago and like many of you are blown away at the demand and surging sale prices in the Austin real estate market. This issue includes our annual Real Estate Edition (see Page 23). In our front-page story which continues inside (see Page 30), you can read about how the hunt for a ordable housing is driving the urban sprawl toward other suburban areas such as New Braunfels and Georgetown and what the future looks like for us in the Austin metro area. While I’ll admit the stories of homes selling for thousands of dollars over their list prices has given us pause, you won’t nd a for sale sign in our yard anytime soon. There’s no place like home! Deeda Lovett, GENERALMANAGER dlovett@communityimpact.com
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2021
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.
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290
5 20
WOODWARD ST.
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MOPAC
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FLEMING CT.
PROMONTORY POINT DR.
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CAVEN RD.
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COLTON-BLUFF SPRINGS RD.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE N TM; © 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN NOWOPEN
Amir’s favorite pier in Port Aransas, Keep- ers will offer sustainably caught seafood from across the country paired with flavors from around the world. Amir also owns District Kitchen + Cocktails, with one lo- cation on Slaughter and another on Shoal Creek Boulevard. The Hajimaleki brothers are also behind Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar, located on RM 620, and plan to open a second location later this year in the same space as Keepers Coastal Kitchen. 512-519-9911. www.keepersaustin.com 3 Mama Fried , a new french fry trailer from the team behind Leroy and Lewis, opened July 15 at the Armadillo Den, 10106 Menchaca Road, Austin. The menu features fries served with dips such as beet barbecue or queso. Customers can also order the fries topped with options such as chili and cheese or the Whole Hog Fries with whole hog, pork hash, mustard barbecue sauce and coleslaw.
The concept comes from longtime Leroy and Lewis employee Clayton Cook and is inspired by Texas’ outlaw country leg- ends—Merle Haggard recorded the album “Mama Tried” in 1968. 512-962-7805. www.mamafriedatx.com 4 Schlotzsky’s opened a new location at 8900 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 200, Austin, on May 25. The sandwich shop features dine-in, patio and drive-thru options, and it also has a Cinnabon menu. The new location is near the site of the first ever Schlotzsky’s location, which opened on South Congress Avenue in 1971. Joanne and Michael Thomas own this franchise. 512-462-2222. www.schlotzskys.com 5 Makeup and beauty chain Sephora held its grand opening of a new Sunset Valley store July 16. Located at 5601 Brodie Lane, Ste. 500, Austin, at Sunset Valley Village, it is the sixth Austin loca-
tion for Sephora. www.sephora.com 6 True Rest Float Spa opened July 15 at 2919 Menchaca Road, Ste. 105A, Austin. The flotation therapy chain also has locations on Research Boulevard and in Cedar Park. Tanner Heim, a co-owner of the franchise, also plans to open a second business—Lizard Yoga Wellness and Retreat Center—in the same building in Suite 104A. The yoga studio does not yet have an estimated opening date. 512-550-1392. www.truerest.com 7 Walgreens and Village MD have partnered to launch Village Medical at Walgreens ,which will open 29 new primary care practices this year throughout Texas, including one that opened this summer at 3601 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin. The practices will have both a physician and pharmacist on staff so patients can receive care and fill prescriptions at one stop. www.villagemedical.com
1 Bottled water supplier Alkaline Falls opened its Oak Hill storefront in early May. Located at 6118 Hwy. 290, Ste. B, Austin, Alkaline Falls offers pH-balanced alkaline water. Customers may either bring their own containers for cleaning and filling at the store, or they can purchase containers ranging from 1 liter to 5 gallons in size. Filtration showerheads are also sold. 737-268-9932. www.facebook.com/alka- linefallsllc 2 Restaurateurs and brothers Amir and Ali Hajimaleki, along with chef-partner René Melendes, opened Keepers Coastal Kitchen at 5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Bldg. D, Austin, on July 9. Named after
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COMING SOON 8 Activewear brand Fabletics is set to open at Barton Creek Square in the winter. Co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, Fabletics sells leggings and other activewear staples for both men and women, and it offers special prices through the company’s VIP membership program. It will be located in the mall’s lower level between J.Crew and Bath & Body Works at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. www.fabletics.com 9 Fierce Whiskers Distillery is pre- paring to open in late summer at 5333 Fleming Court, Austin. The name of the rye and bourbon whiskey distillery owned by native Texans Tim Penney and Tri Vo comes from a quote former U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes wrote in his journal in 1849 on a visit to Texas, calling Austin a place with “fierce whiskers, gaming and drinking very abounding in all quarters.” www.fiercewhiskers.com 10 Label Society , an Austin-based retailer selling preowned designer handbags, watches and accessories, will open its second location at Barton Creek Square mall in August. The shop carries brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and Hermes. Label Society’s first location is at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave at 12801 Hill Country Blvd. The new store will be located on Barton Creek Square’s lower level near Nord- strom at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. www.labelsociety.com 11 Offline by Aerie , a sister store to young adult fashion purveyors American Eagle and Aerie, will open its first Texas location at Barton Creek Square this fall. Offering leggings, sports bras, workout dresses and other activewear pieces for women, Offline will be located on the mall’s upper level across from its sister stores at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. www.bartoncreeksquare.com 12 Pure Barre will open a new location at the Arbor Trails shopping center, 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Bldg. B, Ste. 114, Austin, this fall. The national fitness chain offers classes that focus on full-body cardio and strength training with a blend of exercise techniques inspired by ballet, Pilates and yoga. Franchise owner Lisa O’Neill said she is
targeting an October opening date. 512-920-6966. www.purebarre.com RELOCATIONS 13 Neapolitan-style pizza truck Dough Boys relocated July 8 from its long-term location on Austin’s East 12th Street to Meanwhile Brewing Co. in Southeast Austin. Dough Boys serves pizza with house-made sauces and local ingredients, including Barton Springs Mill flour and Texas Sausage Co. pork sausage, cooked in an 800-pound wood-fired oven. Meanwhile Brewing is located at 3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin. www.doughboysatx.com 14 Fiery Sage Healing has moved its practice from 2720 Bee Caves Road, Austin, to 2500 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin, in the Stonegate Two office park. Jennifer Finegold practices both acupuncture and hypnotherapy, specializing in treating disorders such as anxiety and depression. 512-815-3555. www.fshealing.com 15 National chiropractic services chain The Joint moved to Brodie Lane from its former Circle C location July 16. The Joint’s Southwest Austin office is now open at 8916 Brodie Lane, Ste. 500, Austin, and offers the same chiroprac- tors and scheduling as its previous location with services aimed at relieving body pains, treating sciatica and treating injuries. 512-309-7825. www.thejoint. com/texas/austin/circle-c-28051 16 The Natural Health Center of Austin , an herbal medicine clinic also offering acupuncture and nutrition services, is set to relocate to 2804 S. First St., Ste. 1101, Austin, on Aug. 1. Originally located at 3809 S. Second St., The Natural Health Center opened in 2003 with the goal of helping Austinites with chronic pain, allergies and stress. 512-892-3366. www.austinacupuncturewellness.com RENOVATIONS 17 Home furnishings designer and wholesaler Four Hands completed a re- model of its corporate headquarters and showroom at 2090 Woodward St., Austin in June. Led by Austin-based firm Michael Hsu Office Architecture, the design in-
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Schlotzsky’s
COURTESY ALKALINE FALLS
COURTESY SCHLOTZSKY’S
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Dough Boys
Four Hands
COURTESY DOUGH BOYS
COURTESY CHASE DANIEL
cludes three house-like structures within the warehouse space. www.fourhands.com IN THE NEWS 18 SunHouse at Easton Park , located on Solari Drive in Southeast Austin, will be Tesla Energy’s first all-solar neighbor- hood. Construction on the first roughly dozen solar homes began in June, and will continue in phases over the next year. In partnership with developers Brook- field Residential and Dacra, SunHouse at Easton Park homes will feature Tesla’s V3 solar roof tiles, Powerwall battery stor- age and vehicle charging stations. Tesla will use SunHouse as a model for other communities worldwide, Brookfield said. www.eastonparkatx.com/innovation CLOSINGS 19 Austin Scoops’ ice cream store at 9600 Escarpment Blvd., Ste. 900, Austin, closed June 27. Following the June launch of its new factory, the brand will now
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SunHouse at Easton Park
COURTESY BROOKFIELD RESIDENTIAL
move into product sales through other businesses and events in the Austin area. www.austinscoops.com 20 Zoes Kitchen closed its Sunset Valley location July 14. The fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant still has several other Austin-area locations, including in North Austin, West Lake Hills and Round Rock. The restaurant was located at 5601 Brodie Lane, Ste. 525, Sunset Valley. www.zoeskitchen.com
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2021
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
We have a new test where we are comparing the performance of these two technologies side by side.” -EH Does HESOLAR install batteries? “Yes, HESOLAR is a certified installer of the Tesla Powerwall. With the Tesla Powerwall, a solar pv system can continue to operate in the event of a power outage. The Powerwalls can be added now or retrofitted to a system in the future without replacing existing equipment. This year we added Tesla Powerwalls to the test array and will continue to make suggestions based on our findings.” -DH What makes HESOLAR different from their competitors? “We have many answers to that question. The most common feedback we get is that our customers value working directly with Derrick and I from start to finish. Customers also have our direct contact after installation. On the sales side, we don’t knock on doors and we don’t push the sell, we just educate. Behind the scenes is where we really differentiate ourselves. Derrick and I have been Master Electricians for over 10 years, and we’re NABCEP Certi- fied Solar Installation Professionals. We lead our team through the design, installation, and warranty of your system. We don’t subcontract our labor and we use the highest quality materials available. Below is a table we use to display the differences between HESOLAR and our competitors.” -EH
Every design. Every installation. By The Hoffman Brothers.
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What exactly does HESOLAR Do? “The service we provide is a specialized form of electrical contracting. Derrick and I are second generation Master Electricians that grew up in the electrical industry. We’ve spent the last 10 years building on our skill-sets as Master Electricians specializing in solar power, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging. ” -Eric Hoffman Why are customers adding solar? “Saving money, back-up power capabilities, lowering their carbon footprint, energy independence... Ultimately, solar power allows customers to invest in their own energy needs. The cost of solar installation will be offset by savings gained on their electric bills. Additionally, the current Federal Tax Credit of 26% has motivated a lot of our customers to act now before the credit goes away.” - Derrick Hoffman How does the Tax Credit work? “The credit is factored on the entire system cost. It is currently at 26% and will ramp down to 22% next year. Homeowners should consult with a Tax Professional regarding applicability.” -DH Are all solar panels the same? “Not at all. Solar panels come in different colors, sizes, and quality. That’s why we created the HESOLAR Test Array. We are actively monitoring the top solar panels in the solar industry and specify our material based on the results. We are also testing leading inverter technologies.” -DH
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The HESOLAR Test Array video is available at hesolarllc.com
What are inverters? “The inverter converts the solar panel’s DC voltage to an AC voltage. Solar consumers will have a choice between Microinverters and DC-Optimized String Inverters. Microinverters convert the DC to AC under the solar panel. A DC-Optimized string inverter manipulates the DC voltage under the solar panel and then sends it to an inverter near the electrical service.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon or relocating
COMPILED BY OLIVIA ALDRIDGE
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Dripping Springs Distilling
RENDERING COURTESY DRIPPING SPRINGS DISTILLING
DRIPPING SPRINGS NOWOPEN 1 Big Dogg Custom Diesel Works opened July 7 and held a grand opening July 15at 1032 Canyon Bend Drive, Ste. A, Dripping Springs. Owned by two-time “Monster Garage with Jesse James” winner Thomas “Big Dogg” Betar Jr., the auto shop offers diesel truck repair and fleet services. 512-244-3644.
property. The bar and restaurant will serve craft cocktails and “elevated comfort food.” Distillers Hall will host weddings and events of up to 200 guests. Dripping Springs Distilling produces Dripping Springs Vodka and Gin, 1876 Vodka and Bourbon, Republic Tequila and multiple other liquor brands at 5330 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs. 512-858-1199. www.drippingspringsdistilling.com 3 Orangetheory Fitness will open a gym in Dripping Springs at the Shops at Ledgestone this fall. Located across from Belterra Village at 12680 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 150, the franchise will offer workout sessions that feature high-intensity interval training, including cardio, rowing and strength training. The chain has several other locations in the South Austin
area, including at Lantana Place and on South Lamar Boulevard. 512-994-2664. www.orangetheory.com 4 Total Care Primary Care will hold the grand opening for a new Belterra Village clinic Aug. 11 along with a ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. Total Care offers physical exams, allergy care and vaccinations, among other services at 164 Belterra Village Way, Ste. Y200, Dripping Springs. 512-866-3016.
3
www.total.healthcare RELOCATIONS
www.bigdoggdiesel.com COMING SOON
Orangetheory Fitness
COURTESY ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
5 High Cotton Home & Design plans to relocate to a private ranch at 130 Schoolhouse Ridge, Driftwood, in late September. Currently located at 10827 Hwy. 290, Ste. 110, Austin, the boutique furniture store and design center will be
open at its new space from Wednesday through Sunday during the first week of each month. Otherwise, it will open by appointment only. 512-296-2423. www.highcottonhomedesign.com
2 Dripping Springs Distilling will expand this summer with the opening of Distillers Bar and Distillers Hall, both located on the distillery’s 10-acre
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2021
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
July & August events
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BLUES ON THE GREEN ZILKER PARK
JULY 27, 28 &AUG. 10, 11
AUGUST 14
AUSTIN PRIDE CONGRESS AVENUE
AUGUST 22
OUTLAWMUSIC FESTIVAL CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
Austin City Limits Radio hosts its 30th annual Blues on the Green event across four dates in July and August, following a year o in 2020. The family- and pet- friendly concert series takes place at Zilker Park. A performance lineup is forthcoming. 8 p.m. Free. 2207 Lou Ne Road, Austin.www.acl-radio.com/ blues-on-the-green (Courtesy ACL Radio)
The Capital City’s pride parade and festival are back in 2021 to celebrate Austin’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Sponsored by the Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation, the pride festival is open to people of all ages. The parade begins outside the Texas Capitol and is free to watch. www.austinpride.org (Courtesy Austin Pride)
Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Ryan Bingham and more artists bring the Outlaw Music Festival’s tour to the Germania Insurance Amphitheater at the Circuit of The Americas. Doors open at 3 p.m., and the show begins at 4 p.m. $107 and up. 1901 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Del Valle. www.germaniaamp.com (Courtesy ACL Live)
29 THROUGHAUG. 1 &AUG. 5 8 1980S DANCE PARTY The Zach Theatre continues its “Songs Under the Stars” summer concert series with two weekends of 1980s dance music, featuring performances by Kenny Williams and Leslie McDonel. 7:30 p.m. (Thu.-Sat.), 6 p.m. (Sun.). $25 and up. 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-476-0541. www.zachtheatre.org AUGUST 03 SPACE INDUSTRY LECTURE Austin Public Library and the Austin Forum on Technology & Society present “Space: New Industries, Applications and Opportunities,” a talk by Tom Markusic, CEO of Fire y Aerospace. Markusic will discuss his experience in the space industry, with insights on technologies and goals for companies and agencies with their eyes on space. Fully vaccinated patrons may attend in person, and anyone may attend via Zoom. Free. Begins at 6 p.m. Austin Central Library,
07 THROUGH 08 MONSTER JAM
JULY 27 DINNER THEATRE AT THE DRIVE IN
710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. www.austinforum.org/august32021 05 ‘MUSEUMOF THE FUTURE PRESENT’ OPENING Native Hostel welcomes a new immersive art experience, “Museum of the Future Present,” an installation that combines music, visual art and performances by acts including The Cinematic Orchestra and Hannibal Burress. The installation was created by Los Angeles-based art collective Eye Contakt. Multiple times. $32. 807 E. Fourth St., Austin. www.museumofthefuturepresent.com 07 SUCCULENT ARRANGEMENT CLASS Articulture Designs o ers a workshop on modern succulent arranging, teaching participants to create their own living centerpieces. Materials are provided. 10-11 a.m. $75 and up. 6405 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-762-5228. 1701 Red River St., Austin. 512-471-7744. www.articulturedesigns.com
The University of Texas’ Frank Erwin Center hosts a monster truck rally featuring “high- ying stunts and four- wheel excitement.”7 p.m. (Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.). $22 and up. www.uterwincenter.com 07 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Austin ISD and Dripping Springs ISD students head back to class. The full academic calendar for the 2021-22 school years are available on the districts’ website. www.austinisd.org, www.dsisdtx.us 28 BAT FEST Austin holds its 16th annual Bat Fest, featuring live music, food, and a bat costume contest, plus a chance to see Congress Ave. Bridge’s famous bat colony take o . 4 p.m.-midnight. $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. Free for kids under 8. 100 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-220-2340. www.roadwayevents.com/event/bat-fest
The Blue Starlite Drive-In theater will serve a special themed dinner theater menu for a showing of the lm “North by Northwest.” Menu o erings include Kaplan Cakes (bacon pancakes on a stick) and Eve’s Honeypot (peach- lled, honey-glazed donuts). 9:15 p.m. Tickets start at $50. Blue Starlite Mueller, 2103 EM Franklin Ave., Austin. 512-850-6127. www.bluestarlitedrivein.com 27 THROUGHAUG. 31 SUNSET SUMMER SERIES YTX Austin, formerly known as Wanderlust Yoga, hosts its summer yoga series at Republic Square. Every Tuesday, participants with any level of yoga experience receive practice with a YTX instructor while a live musician or DJ plays. Free with preregistration.
422 Guadalupe St., Austin. www.republicsquare.org
Find more or submit Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
Keep your child protected with vaccines Book a daytime, evening, or weekend well-check* Get a full picture of your child’s health Discuss learning and behavioral questions Complete camp & sports paperwork *Extended hours vary per clinic, visit ARCpediatrics.com for full details. Book today at ARCcheckup.com • • • • • CHECK IN FOR A CHECKUP
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2021
TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES Capital Metrounveils initial plans
COMPILED BY BENTON GRAHAM
DOWNTOWNALIGNMENT GOES UNDERWATER
SERVICE EXPANDS Capital Metro Pickup service is coming to Southwest Austin Capital Metro is expanding its on-demand Pickup service into Southwest Austin. A The South Menchaca zone is scheduled to launch July 27, and B the North Oak Hill zone is scheduled to launch Aug. 24. Riders can schedule rides through the Pickup app or by calling 512-369-6200. Times: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays Fee: $1.25 per ride
for underground rail stations, route under Lady Bird Lake Capital Metro unveiled initial plans July 13 detailing how much of its future light-rail network will navigate the downtown Austin corridor. This section, which will likely be the most complicated and expensive portion of Project Connect, will include six underground stops at Republic Square, Congress Avenue, Government Center/Capitol West, the Rainey/Mexican American Cultural Center, Convention Center/Brush Square (currently Downtown Station) and Auditorium Shores. Peter Mullan, Austin Transit Partnership chief of architecture and urban design, said plans are 15% designed for the $7.1 billion project, and they could change as Capital Metro continues to evaluate rail station and tunnel locations. Capital Metro officials unveiled one of the larger changes to the original design: the Orange Line will now likely go under Lady Bird Lake instead of using a bridge to go over the body of water. That underwater tunnel segment will likely be just west of the South First Street bridge and connect the Republic Square and Auditorium Shores stations. “A lot of it has to do with the grading,” Mullan said. “It’s just very hard to find a place to come out of the ground because you start sloping up so much so quickly.” He added that traffic conflicts on the north side of Lady Bird Lake and flood zone issues on the south side of the lake factored into the decision. Capital Metro is still assessing whether that tunnel would go back to the surface before or after the SoCo Station, located near the intersection of South Congress Avenue and West Johanna Street. The Government Center/Capitol West Station will be the last underground stop on the north side of the Orange Line. That station will be on Guadalupe Street at either West 12th, 13th or 15th street. Capital Metro is also evaluating whether the train will emerge from the tunnel at the intersection of Guadalupe Street and either West 18th Street or just north of West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The tunnel will not extend onto the University of Texas at
Capital Metro’s downtown underground rail design plans are 15% complete. They include a tunnel under Lady Bird Lake connecting the Republic Square and Auditorium Shores stations, and a pedestrian-friendly area along Fourth Street. Orange Line Pedestrian-friendly area
BRUSH SQUARE STATION
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SOURCE: CAPITAL METRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER Austin campus in large part due to cost constraints, ATP Deputy Program Officer John Rhone said. The Republic Square Station, which will have stops for the Blue Line and Orange Line, also needed modifications. Because the Texas Legislature did not pass House Bill 3893, Capital Metro officials said they will not be able to build a tunnel below Republic Square. Instead, the platforms will be located just north of Republic Square on Guadalupe Street. The proposed signature entrance for that station is now at West Fourth and Guadalupe streets. In addition to the tunneled rail network, Capital Metro plans to make the section of Fourth from the Brush Square to Republic Square a more pedestrian- friendly street, giving Austin a “green spine” that cuts through downtown, Mullan said. The section—named the Downtown Transit Hub—will have three levels. One will be at street level, a second will be a concourse area below ground and the third will be the rail two levels below ground. As with all stations, the hub will be accessible for people of all abilities, using clear signage, elevators and escalators, officials said.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 19, 2021. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SWANEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION
Changes trail on the trail According to plans from Capital Metro, a new light- rail line will cross over Lady Bird Lake on an above- ground bridge near the Austin American-Statesman property and enter a downtown tunnel system near the mouth of Waller Creek. That means the space that houses Austin Rowing Club’s o ces, Alta’s Cafe and an event rental space will have to move.
Waller CreekBoathouse event, cafe spacewill have tomove tomakeway for rail project
BY JACK FLAGLER
Metro are involved in ongoing negotiations about nding a new home for the ARC. ARC Executive Director Kevin Reinis said the mission of the nonpro t during its 40 years in Austin has been to connect the community with rowing, and he believes the move can be a positive development for the ARC. “Let’s use this disruption as an opportunity and catalyst to make a lasting change and make a di erence in howwe engage the community of Austin around the opportunity of Lady Bird Lake,” Reinis said. Although he is looking forward
The planned Blue Line light-rail route that will connect the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to downtown and North Austin will cross over Lady Bird Lake on an above-ground bridge before entering into a tunnel system downtown. While sta fromCapital Metro and the Austin Transit Partnership are still discussing proposed station locations and the rail route, they have said the spot where the rail line crosses the river and enters the tunnel systemwill necessitate the removal of portions of the Waller Creek Boathouse. “The upper portion of the
SOURCE: CAPITAL METRO COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Proposed waterfront station
Waller Creek Boathouse
Proposed Blue Line bridge
Austin American-Statesman
“BY THE END OF 2022 WE SHOULD HAVE A PRETTY CLEAR PICTURE OF WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN, AND IF WE DON’T, I THINK WE’RE MISSING THE OPPORTUNITY.” KEVIN REINIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTIN ROWING CLUB
to the opportunities the move will provide, Reinis said he is looking to convey a sense of urgency upon the other partners involved in the discussion. “By the end of 2022 we should have a pretty clear picture of what’s going to happen, and if we don’t, I think we’re missing the opportunity,” he said. Construction of the light-rail lines is scheduled to start in 2024 and last about ve years. The Blue Line bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake would be located between South Congress
boathouse can’t be there anymore because of the grades we’re going across and then diving into the tunnel; it’s not possible to retain the upper portion,” ATP Chief Program O cer Dave Couch told the Capital Metro board of directors May 24. “We would very much like and intend to keep the lower portion.” The boathouse is owned by the city of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department and leased by the Austin Rowing Club, a nonpro t that provides rowing opportunities for the community.
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The upper portion of the boathouse includes Alta’s Café, an all-day spot with a menu including co ee, sandwiches and smoothies as well as an event space available for rentals. According to a statement from Capital Metro, the lower portion of the boathouse contains mechanical equipment for the Waller Creek stormwater tunnel, which will remain in operation during construction. “We really don’t want to try to move the pumps and everything that’s there,” Couch said. The loss of the upper portions of the boathouse does not mean the loss of the Austin Rowing Club altogether. The rowing club, the city and Capital
Avenue and I-35, connecting the Austin American- Statesman property on the south bank of the river to the Waller Creek Boathouse area to the north. Peter Mullan, ATP’s chief of architecture and urban design, told the ATP board of directors May 19 that it will have facilities for pedestrians and bicycles in addition to carrying the light rail across the lake. The ATP presented proposed station locations and routes June 16 for the north and south portions of the Orange Line and was scheduled to come back July 21, after the publication deadline for this edition, to present the downtown area where the Orange and Blue lines will converge.
The Waller Creek Boathouse’s upper portion, which includes Alta's Cafe and event space, will have to be relocated due to the construction of a light-rail line. JACK FLAGLER COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • JULY 2021
FUTURE ATSTAKE
DEVELOPMENT Austin seeks to rezone parcels, including theMuny golf course
The city is seeking feedback on the rezoning of four pieces of University of Texas-owned land throughout the city that could a ect the properties’ future uses by the university.
The largest of the four parcels includes Lions Municipal Golf Course.
BRACKENRIDGE TRACTS
BY BEN THOMPSON
Unlike most rezoning cases in which an appeal for a speci c change on a property is considered, Rusthoven said the UT cases will see sta build their own zoning recommendations based on community feedback. Sta will bring the proposals before the Austin Planning Commission and City Council. Rusthoven said the recommendations may advance both the university’s own plans for the land and city priorities such as the preservation of Muny. The rst feedback session had generated interest from hundreds of Austinites as of mid-June, he said. “I’m used to responding to what someone’s asking for, not being told, ‘Here’s a blank canvas; go paint it.’ Having to do that with about 500 people all with brushes and paint, it’ll be interesting,” he said. During the rst rezoning meeting, most participants, including District 10 Council Member Alison Alter, appeared to voice their support for maintaining the course. “You don’t need to convince me that we need to save Muny. ... I’m committed to that, and I’m committed to working together creatively to get to a place where UT can have the certainty that they need ... and Muny and [West Austin Youth Association] are preserved for future generations,” Alter said.
LAKE AUSTIN BLVD.
The future of West Austin’s Lions Municipal Golf Course, or Muny, is again up for discussion as Austin moves forward on the potential rezoning of land owned by The University of Texas throughout the city, including the historic civic landmark. The golf course was part of a 1910 land gift to UT from philanthropist George Washington Brackenridge, and has been leased by the city of Austin since the 1930s. The course has been free to the public through its history and remains a local civil rights landmark given its status as the rst Southern municipal golf course to desegregate beginning in 1950. Initiated by City Council in December, the rezoning process will see the city work to craft an “appropriate” zoning framework for land including the university-owned Brackenridge tracts containing the 141- acre Muny near the Colorado River. Muny remains operational through its month-to-month lease with Austin while part of the ongoing case. Properties now also under rezoning consideration include the Gateway Apartments tract located nearby on Sixth Street, North Austin’s West Pickle Research Campus and the Montopolis Research Center. Jerry Rusthoven, chief zoning o cer for the Austin Housing and Planning Department, said although the university did not initiate the current process, it agreed to city o cials’ direction to rezone the land.
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Muny is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the rst Southern municipal golf course to desegregate.
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The university’s research campus sits in North Austin. WEST PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS
MONTOPOLIS RESEARCH CENTER
GATEWAY APARTMENTS
The tract was formerly home to Sematech.
The tract is located east of MoPac.
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SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
and the nonpro t Muny Conservancy, established to raise funds for the eventual purchase of the course. Other speakers also mentioned their connections to Muny given its history of welcoming African American athletes, and its status as an accessible outdoor amenity enjoyed by Austinites of all backgrounds.
“Great cities preserve their history and green spaces, and what we do about [Muny] will say a lot about the social values and culture of our city and UT,” conservancy co-chair Scotty Sayers said. Public meetings and the opportunities to comment on Austin’s rezoning of the UT properties will continue this year.
Among the other meeting attendees were members of organizations such as the Save
Historic Muny District, a state-created entity tied to the course’s survival,
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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