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North Central Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 7 OCT. 31 DEC. 1, 2025
Tower sta ng shortages drive local delays
Local near-miss incidents coupled with rising employee stress hint at an agency struggling to keep pace with demand, further revealing local delays are part of broader challenges across U.S. air tra c control.
the problem isn’t unique to Austin, or even the state. A history of disrupted training pipelines, high academy turnover and challenging qual- ifying standards have resulted in overworked controllers in towers across the nation. As Austin’s airport expands, o cials worry tower sta ng may not keep pace with growth— posing risks to safety and the region’s economy.
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Flight delays can feel random, like the luck of the draw, but Austin’s tarmac backups are just the tip of a nationwide air tra c system under strain. The air tra c control tower at Austin-Berg- strom International Airport is one of the most understa ed in the country, U.S. o cials say, yet
CONTINUED ON 14
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Also in this issue
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Impacts
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Check out a new bar at historic hotel The Driskill
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Government
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Learn where Austin campaign money is going
Airplane takeo s and landings continue under Austin’s air tra c control tower, which is currently operating at less than half its recommended sta ng. HALEY MCLEOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Business
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Discover 50 years of a local holiday market
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The more you feed the blob the bigger it gets, becoming a monster clog causing expensive repairs, foul odors and sanitary sewer overflows! Fat, oil and grease comes from food like cooking oil, meat drippings, butter, sauces, gravy, dairy products, and even salad dressing. Help stop the Grease Blob! 6 Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost if you can 6 Collect cooking oil in a container then toss into the trash 6 Use paper towels or wipes to remove grease. DON’T FLUSH , toss them into the trash
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Impacts North Central Austin
4 Luby’s The Texas-founded restaurant has crafted a cafeteria- style dining experience since 1947 with nearly 40 locations throughout the state. The eatery offers fried fish, roasted chicken, chicken fried steak, meatloaf and more homestyle meals that can be paired with macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. • Opened Aug. 28 • 314 W. 11th St., Ste. 163, Austin • www.lubys.com/austin-lubyscafe-granger 5 Eggman ATX The food truck is now open in the Mueller Hangar mobile food vendor collective, serving up New York- style breakfast sandwiches from Queens native Richard Tavetian. Eggman can also be found in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. • Opened in September • 4209 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.eggmanatx.com 6 Scratch Ranch The new scratch kitchen features locally sourced meals for businesses and families, offering breakfast tacos, corporate catering and prepackaged group and wholesale orders. The taco and catering shop is located inside High 5 and also offers delivery services. • Opened Sept. 2 • 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 101, Austin • www.scratchranch.com 7 B2J Tasty Pot Known as a “Chinese sauerkraut fish” concept, the menu centers on its signature dish: tender fish fillets in a tangy broth of pickled mustard greens—called Chinese pickles—chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. Additional broth options are also available. • Opened Sept. 11 • 6929 Airport Blvd., Ste. 167, Austin • www.buerjiacsf.com 8 Rocco’s Neighborhood Joint Restaurateur Wade McElroy and chef Nicholas Ford have opened a cozy Italian eatery inspired by Northeast neighborhood spots. Open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, the restaurant serves antipasto, salads, pastas and Italian wines.
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13
360
18
360
NORTHLAND DR.
12
RESEARCH BLVD.
183
MOPAC
183
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7
SHOAL CREEK BLVD.
MOPAC
AIRPORT BLVD.
2
290
W. KOENIG LN.
1
8
3
ALDRICH ST.
4
10
5
14
35
35
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N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
183 who opened their debut location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The second location of their growing venture is now open in The Linc. • Opened Aug. 16 • 6406 N. I-35 frontage road, Unit 2520, Austin • www.clutch-em.com 3 Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Salad Chick is now open in the Hancock Center at I-35 and 41st Street. The chain offers chicken salad soups, sides, desserts, and grab-and-go options. • Opened Aug. 26 • 1000 E. 41st St., Ste. 200, Austin • www.chickensaladchick.com
MOPAC Now open
1 Sushi Warriors The newest restaurant to join The Triangle serves all- you-can-eat sushi, sashimi, soup, Japanese entrees and desserts. • Opened Aug. 10
OPAC
35
• 4600 W. Guadalupe St., Ste. B5, Austin • www.facebook.com/sushiwarriorstx
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• Opened Sept. 17 • 5001 Airport Blvd., Austin • Instagram: @roccosaustin
Coming soon
Now open
13 Roya The Persian pop-up is set to open its first brick-and- mortar restaurant this fall. The seasonally rotating menu will feature traditional Persian dishes with “minor modern tweaks.” Mainstays will include the Royal Egg, or a savory egg custard with caviar, labneh and a chive blossom garnish; ghormeh sabzi, or an herb stew made with short rib; kashke bademjan, or eggplant dip; kabobs; and caviar service. • Opening in the fall • 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin • Instagram: @royaaustin 14 Dollar Tree A new Dollar Tree store is slated to open in East Austin off Airport Boulevard. The international discount chain sells items at a primary price point of $1.25. Available merchandise includes seasonal decor, party supplies, dishes, food items, cleaning supplies, beauty products and toys. • Opening this fall • 3851 Airport Blvd., Ste. 107, Austin • www.dollartree.com 15 CityVet The veterinary clinic is expected to open near the Mueller area The company provides veterinary and urgent care for pets, including medical, dental and surgical services. Additional offerings include pharmacy, bathing and grooming services, according to CityVet’s website. • Opening in early 2026 • 2201 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.cityvet.com 16 Moxies The chain eatery, bar and lounge is slated to bring two new locations to Austin over the next two years, per a representative for the business. One location is planned for Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. The menu features appetizers such as crab cakes, potstickers and bruschetta; entrees such as steak, seafood and pasta; and desserts such as key lime pie and sticky toffee pudding. • Opening 2026
9 Veracruz All Natural Customers can find bites such as a barbacoa taco, a shrimp macha taco, a migas taco, and salads and tortas, which are currently exclusively available at the newest location. • Opened Sept. 21 • 75 Rainey St., Austin • www.veracruzallnatural.com 10 La Mezca The duo behind Veracruz All Natural and Veracruz Fonda & Bar has launched its first mezcaleria, La Mezca. Located next to Veracruz Fonda & Bar in Mueller, the business honors small-batch agave spirits and the generations of mezcaleros who create them. • Opened Oct. 1 • 1905 Aldrich St., Ste. 125-B, Austin • www.lamezcaatx.com 11 Velvet Taco The Texas taco chain has opened a new location in the previously closed Flyrite Chicken. Velvet Taco’s fusion menu includes more than 20 tacos and bowls with unique flavors such as spicy tikka chicken, beer-battered cauliflower, bacon smash burger and more. • Opened Oct. 6 • 6539 Burnet Road, Austin • www.velvettaco.com 12 Churchrow Tejas BBQ The restaurant opened in the space previously occupied by Black Gold Craft Meats & Cocktails. The concept is led by Simon Madera of La Holly and Taco Flats and pitmaster Miguel Vidal and showcases barbecue with a Tejano twist, highlighting Madera and Vidal’s heritage. • Opened Oct. 22
17 The Victorian A new bar inspired by historic English pubs and old Western saloons opened at The Driskill, paying tribute to the hotel’s 140-year history. The Victorian serves cocktails, heritage whiskeys and a range of beers alongside Texas-inspired pub fare, including burgers, pretzel rolls, rattlesnake bites, and fish and chips. • Opened Oct. 2 • 604 Brazos St., Austin • www.thevictorianbar.com
• 600 Congress Ave., Austin • www.moxies.com
In the news
18 Austin School of Fashion Design This November, the fashion-focused learning center celebrates a decade of programming with sewing and design classes for adults and kids. The business also offers summer camps, birthday parties, and events. Its 10-year anniversary celebration Nov. 8 will feature student creations—runway and all. • 9503 Research Blvd., Ste. 250, Austin • www.sewingsummercamp.com
• 1521 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • Instagram: @churchrowbbq
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
• Timeline: segment C2 construction expected to begin in mid-November, C3 construction expected to begin in summer 2026, C4 construction expected to begin in spring 2026 • Cost: $13.8million (C2), $23 million (C3), $16 million (C4) • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond 3 I 35 Capital Express Central Project Project: The Texas Department of Transportation’s $4.5 billion I-35 Capital Express Central project, which broke ground last October, will add two nontolled high- occupancy-vehicle lanes stretching roughly 8 miles from Hwy. 290 to the north down to Hwy. 71 to the south. The I-35 facelift will also see the removal of the upper decks, sink portions of the roadway about 25 feet below ground level and widen the corridor to a range of 17-22 lanes. Update: The northbound I-35 entrance ramp at 15th Street and the southbound upper deck exit to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are permanently closed, with limited lane access on the bridge through late 2025 with occasional nighttime closures. • Timeline: 2024-2026 • Cost: $34.4 million • Funding sources: TxDOT, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Ongoing projects
MOPAC
FAR WEST BLVD.
183
1 US 183 North Mobility Project Project: The project aims to relieve congestion along 183 North—the 9-mile section of road between MoPac and SH 45—by adding two toll lanes in each direction that will connect to the existing tolls on MoPac and US 183A in Cedar Park. Update: The southbound MoPac exit for Far West Boulevard is expected to remain closed through the remainder of 2025. • Timeline: summer2025-spring 2026 • Cost: Total project cost $612 million • Funding source: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority 2 Burnet Road Mobility Program Project: Includes updated tra c signals, improved crossings, bus stop improvements, trail connections, curb extensions, drainage improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant shared-use paths, raised medians and more on Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to US 183 (known as segment C2), Bright Verde Way to MoPac (C3) and US 183 to Bright Verde Way (C4). Update: Work will begin on segment C2 at Burnet Road and Koenig Lane and continue north to just south of US 183. Final design is complete for segments C3 and C4 and the two projects have gone to bid.
35
1
MOPAC
BRIGHT VERDE WAY
2
360
290
WHITE HORSE TRL.
183
W. KOENIG LN.
E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD.
Austin
3
MOPAC
15TH ST.
E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD.
35
71
35
N MAP NOT TO SCALE
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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Government
BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
New city short-term rental rules in effect Approval of new rules for short-term rentals, or STRs, in September ended a reg- ulatory overhaul meant to curb unlicensed rental operations and nuisances in Austin. What happened For years, Austin hasn’t been able to keep up with the spread of rental units that aren’t registered with the city—and therefore not paying hotel occupancy taxes that support cultural initiatives, officials said. New policies are aimed at making it easier to strike unlicensed STR listings from plat- forms like Airbnb and Vrbo, and ensuring full tax collections, officials said. City Council also moved to streamline the licensing process, allow renters to participate in the STR market, and permit up to two rentals on lots with multiple housing units.
Tax hike to boost Travis County health care services Travis County homeowners will see about $64 added to their property tax bills that officials said will be used to fund county health care services. The big picture
and speed up health care options for low-income residents. District documents outlined several “patient-first” priorities for the coming year: • Reduce appointment wait times • Curb avoidable hospital readmissions and emergency room visits • Expand health insurance coverage for more patients • Close gaps in care
County hospital district Central Health’s tax rate will increase 9.3% in fiscal year 2025-26, to $0.118023 per $100 property valuation. The aver- age homeowner will pay roughly $608 in property taxes to Central Health, up from $544 last year. The additional funding would be used to expand
Central Health tax rate year-over-year Travis County leaders have raised the hospital district’s tax rate to fund health care services for several years.
$0.12
$0.111814
$0.118023
$0.11
$0.100692
$0.107969
$0.10
$0.098684
$0.09
+9.31%
$0
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
SOURCE: CENTRAL HEALTH/TRAVIS COUNTY
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Government
Development
BY BEN THOMPSON
BY BEN THOMPSON
Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised by groups for and against Austin’s tax rate increase ballot measure, Proposition Q. Approval of a higher city tax rate would bring in almost $110 million for homelessness response, public health and safety, and other uses. Its rejection would force officials to trim Austin’s budget based on a lower tax rate. Political entities campaigning around the tax rate election include Love Austin and Austinites for Equity, raising more than $130,000 in support by early fall. Restore Leadership ATX and Save Austin Now, which led the successful 2021 campaign to restore Austin’s public camping ban, raised more than $110,000 in opposition. TRE campaigns ramp up
Austin skyline expanding south of Lady Bird Lake Two million square feet of new housing and com- mercial space are planned at the Ego’s bar property, the latest of many prominent high-rise redevelop- ments around the South Central Waterfront near downtown. What happened A 6.5-acre project from Related Cos. at 500 S. Congress Ave. was approved Sept. 11 with: • 950 residences • A 225-room hotel • 600,000 square feet of offices and 135,000 square feet of commercial space Retailers, restaurants, a grocer and the return of Ego’s are planned. The site’s tallest tower may reach up to 650 feet, with the rest of the property capped at 500 feet.
South Central Waterfront development District boundary
Zooming in
Fundraising in focus From July though late September, political groups raised and spent tens of thousands of dollars for and against Austin's tax rate election.
High-rise projects
Mayor Kirk Watson and council members Vanessa Fuentes and Chito Vela contributed a combined $26,000 to Love Austin. The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition and a public employee union also each donated $25,000, and a local EMS workers’ political group and nonprofit Foundation Communities each pledged $25,000. Other homelessness and housing entities added thousands of dollars. Hundreds of people sent $10- $10,000 to Save Austin Now. Restore Leadership’s largest donation was $25,000 from an LLC linked to Horizon Bank. Donations of $1,000- $10,000 came from other entities and five West Austin residents. Final preelection financial reports are due Oct. 27, after press time.
Donations
Spending
Cash on hand
N
Austinites for Equity (supports Proposition Q)
$30,000
Ego's bar
$307.48
35
4K-capacity Riverside venue breaks ground Global live entertainment company AEG Presents broke ground on a 65,000-square- foot indoor music venue in September. The details The venue plus two apartment buildings and a hotel at 4700 E. Riverside Drive will anchor the 109-acre River Park mixed-use development. AEG officials said the venue with space for 4,000 attendees, opening in 2027, fills a gap in Austin’s music market.
$82,447.08
Love Austin (supports Proposition Q)
$102,870.30
$58,837.08
N
$41,972.92
$52,522.42 Restore Leadership ATX (opposes Proposition Q) $49,000 $2,549.29 $63,506.76 Save Austin Now (opposes Proposition Q) $10,309.13 $12,863.19
Another project A 510-foot tower planned nearby at 600 E. Riverside Drive was also reviewed in September, but its final approvals are months away. Endeavor Real Estate Group’s lakeshore project would replace the Cidercade bar with 200 condos and retail space. Other mixed-use tower projects are also coming to the waterfront district, like the 19-acre “Statesman PUD” redevelopment on Lady Bird Lake.
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
35TH STREET 1500 West 35th St (512)-277-2518 HIGHLAND 5775 Airport Blvd (512) 366-8300
ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expy
(512) 342-6893 NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665
Tower sta ng falls short of airport growth From the cover
Some context
The big picture
The tower at ABIA is one of the most under- sta ed in the nation, operating at only 45% of its target sta ng level, according to U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett. Doggett said the air tra c control tower is down to just 27 of the 60 needed controllers. Tower controllers are assigned to airports based on sta ng needs and quali cations, rather than their preferred location, agency documents state. The FAA may o er incentives for control- lers willing to work in low-sta ed airports. According to the FAA’s Air Tra c Controller Workforce Plan 2025-2028, today’s challenges are linked to the current hiring pipeline. The plan cites three major events that weakened its ability to train new controllers: • The March 2013 government sequester, which imposed federal spending cuts • The 35-day government shutdown beginning in December 2018 • The COVID-19 pandemic These disruptions contribute to sta ng challenges that persist today, the report states, noting the high turnover rate for new trainees. According to the workforce plan, “academy attrition” is the single largest projected source of controller loss between 2024-28, accounting for 3,206 of the 6,872 total expected losses. More controllers are projected to be lost during training than from retirements, promotions and resignations combined. The agency launched a hiring campaign in late 2024 bringing on 2,026 new controllers, with plans to hire 8,900 total by 2028. Yet with 6,872 departures anticipated over that time, the net gain results in just over 2,000 controllers.
in air tra c controller sta ng. However, the reality includes a mix of tough working conditions, red tape and systemwide problems that go beyond a simple headcount, said Ashley Lane, a former ABIA air tra c controller of eight years, now a contracted instructor. “[Flying] is safe, but it’s not as safe as it could be,” Lane said.
Since late 2022, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has seen six near-catastrophic events, per Federal Aviation Administration incident data. Just last October, an American Airlines jet carrying 122 passengers nearly collided with a single-engine Cessna plane—coming within 350 feet of each other. The reason most often reported is a shortage
Federal Aviation Administration sta ng at AUS tower FAA established target tower sta ng Certi ed Professional Controller X
*JANUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2025
CPC in training
60
20 10 30 40 50 60
42
38
0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 *2025
SOURCE: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
Total aircraft operations overseen at ABIA by AUS tower ABIA was among the fastest airports in the nation to rebound from the COVID-19 downturn after 2020, according to airport o cials, hitting record tra c volumes in 2022 and 2023.
Indicates a reported safety incident that year
12K 16K 20K 24K 28K
8K 4K
0
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 2025
SOURCE: AUSTIN BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Airports overseen by AUS tower sta Controllers at major airports are often responsible for air tra c up to 50 miles away from the radar room. A Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
The local lens
The outlook
Lane said local controllers are not only managing Austin’s busy airport tra c but are also responsible for the air tra c landing at surrounding satellite airports, like Austin Executive in P ugerville and Georgetown Executive Airport. Lane explained new trainees without prior radar experience are being thrown into a fast-paced environment with no time to learn the basics— what she calls a “ re hose” situation. “We’re doing the best with what we’ve got,” Lane said. ABIA was among the rst airports to deploy the FAA’s new Surface Awareness Initiative in 2024, which gives air tra c controllers real-time, bird’s- eye views of everything happening on the ground. The FAA did not respond to a request for com- ment as of press time. Community Impact has been in contact with the FAA for several months, but the recent government shutdown has prevented responses after Oct. 1.
Tower sta ng falls under the FAA’s authority; the city has no control over it. “These sta ng-related disruptions are now systemic, recurring with increasing frequency and intensity. … With record- setting passenger growth and a multibillion- dollar expansion underway, [ABIA] cannot meet its operational or safety commitments without immediate sta ng relief,” ABIA CEO Ghizlane Badawi wrote in a letter to FAA administrators. Badawi said shortages have caused frequent delays, threatening ABIA’s reliability as a major hub, but expressed optimism following a recent $12 million federal investment for technology upgrades. Earlier this year, the FAA announced short- term bonuses, faster hiring and a new fatigue mitigation plan adding new rest requirements for controllers. As of press time, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported worsening conditions amid the government shutdown at an Oct. 6 news conference. The Austin airport saw ground delays following major city events Oct. 13 and Oct. 20.
Georgetown
183
29
Taylor
79
Cedar Park
130 TOLL
77
Lago Vista
Lexington
P ugerville
620
71
290
Austin
21
Bastrop
95
290
A
Giddings
35
21
130 TOLL
San Marcos
Smithville
71
Lockhart
La Grange
304
35
183
77
130 TOLL
10
95
80
Seguin
Gonzales
N
SOURCES: ASHLEY LANE, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
Fewer than 10% of applicants meet the criteria for the FAA’s controller training program, per agency documents. Eligibility : U.S. citizen under 31, one year work or college experience, medical checks
Of note
“I’m really encouraged and hopeful that by the time we complete
Airport o cials and Doggett have urged the FAA to upgrade Austin’s airspace from Class C to Class B, which was hoped would improve safety and lead to increased incentive pay for controllers. Class B is a stricter standard used at major hubs like Chicago and Atlanta. However, the FAA denied the request in June—a decision Lane said further hurt morale. Doggett said the FAA has not responded to inquiries as to why the request was denied.
the infrastructure, ve years from now, the FAA will have advanced air tra c [control] sta ng.” GHIZLANE BADAWI, ABIA CEO
On-the-job training : 1-3 years working under supervision, practical experience FAA Academy : 2-5 months classroom and simulation training Certi cation & career : receive certi cation, evaluations, additional testing for advancement Application : pass Air Tra c Skills Assessment, clear background checks
SOURCE: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Events
BY DACIA GARCIA
Blue Genie Art Bazaar The holiday market will offer in-person and virtual shopping options. The first-ever bazaar was held in 2001 and is now an annual event featuring the work of
November
Austin Food & Wine Festival The 14th annual event will showcase a range of chefs and wine and spirit experts. The event will feature cooking demonstrations, drink tastings, a hands-on grilling session and more. • Nov. 7-9 • $185+ • 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ The show based on the “Peanuts” special will feature a pay-what-you-wish weekend, markets and an ASL night. • Nov. 7-Dec. 28, showtimes vary by date • $21-$31 • 1421 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.zachtheater.org Two Step Night In partnership with Native Texan Two Step, Waterloo Greenway will host an evening of two-step. • Nov. 8, 7-10 p.m. • Free • 1401 Trinity St., Austin • www.waterloogreenway.org
over 200 artists. • Nov. 14-Dec. 24 • Free (admission) • 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.bluegenieartbazaar.com
A Christmas Affair The Junior League of Austin will host its annual fundraiser which will include over 200 vendors. • Nov. 19-23, entry times vary by day • $25 (one-day admission) • 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.jlaustin.org/a-christmas-affair 2025 ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot Interested individuals can participate in the race in a variety of ways, including the timed or untimed 5-mile run, 1-mile walk/run or the kids’ 1K. The race will benefit nonprofit Caritas of Austin. • Nov. 27, 8:30 a.m. • $12-$30 • 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.thundercloud.com/turkeytrot
Texas Book Festival Featuring over 300 authors, the festival will give community members an opportunity to experience presentations, panels, book signings, cooking demonstrations, kids programs, activities and more. • Nov. 8-9 • Free (admission) • Downtown Austin, Texas State Capitol and surrounding area • www.texasbookfestival.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY DACIA GARCIA
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar celebrates 50 years of community
What started out as a two-day Christmas market with 50 vendors has bloomed into one of Austin’s must-do holiday experiences. Now featuring over 200 artists, Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is celebrat- ing its fth decade bringing artists, musicians and community members together, all in one space. The backstory The event rst launched at music venue Arma- dillo World Headquarters in 1976 with 50 vendors with the intent to save the venue from closing. While the event brought the headquarters four more years, the space o cially closed in 1980 and the experience moved across the city. The venue shifted from South Austin, Austin Opera House, Austin Music Hall and Austin Convention Center before landing at Palmer Events Center in 2010. The atmosphere From Dec. 13-21, the bazaar will ll the Palmer Events Center from oor to ceiling with a variety of art paired with live music and food. “It’s such a creative high,” executive producer Bruce Willenzik said. “We have artists say it’s the well spring of creativity.” Willenzik has been the brains behind the opera- tion since its inception. He’s been able to watch the event and its vendors expand throughout the years. “I got to see so many young artists, both exhibitors and performers, grow and prosper as they built careers—many to national prominence coming from the show,” Willenzik said. The impact Producer and general manager Anne Johnson has been in the Armadillo scene since she was a child. As the daughter of two Armadillo employ- ees, she started her career at the bazaar at ve years old passing out yers. “Some families have Christmas dinner or their Christmas traditions. We had Armadillo,” John- son said. “My dad always told us that Armadillo was what our Christmas was about and the way he funded our Christmas and that’s where our Christmas presents came from.” Artist and longtime attendee Greg Davis has his fair share of transformative memories from the bazaar. In one of his early years selling his photography at Armadillo in 2009, an employee with National Geographic viewed his pieces and a year later, Davis was o ered a contract with the
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will begin its 50th season featuring nearly 200 artists and live music at Palmer Events Center.
COURTESY ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
The bazaar showcases artists with various art forms including photography, ceramics, paintings and jewelry.
The bazaar rst launched at Armadillo World Headquarters in 1976.
COURTESY ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
COURTESY ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR PHOTO BY SAM YEATES
publication’s image collection. He said Armadillo stands out from other art fairs with its high quality production and sense of community. Looking forward The bazaar has impacted generations of employees, artists, musicians and attendees alike. Willenzik hopes the legacy tradition will continue to evolve alongside the city’s culture.
N
900 Barton Springs Road, Austin www.armadillobazaar.com
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Turn over a new leaf this Fall and let your savings grow. Driving with an electronic tag will save you 33% on tolls. Learn more at MobilityAuthority.com/tags.
Cele ate the Season DEC 10-23 in ilker Park Don’t Miss Austin’s Holiday Event of the Year TICKETS ON SALE!
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Dining
BY DACIA GARCIA
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden features 20 sausage varieties at any given time.
DACIA GARCIA COMMUNITY IMPACT
Banger’s Sausage House serves up sausage, beers Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden is maintaining its classic charm while in the midst of rapid change in the Rainey Street District. The backstory Banger’s owner Ben Siegel came across The Best Wurst sausage cart one night as a The University of Texas at Austin student. While waiting in the cart’s extensive line, Siegel wondered why the business didn’t open a brick and mortar. Years later, while on a plane from a friend’s wedding in December 2010, Siegel had an epiphany to move back to Austin and work on his restaurant idea. “That moment for me was very much that shift in my own system of, ‘Hey, this is something that I want to do. This is something I am going to do,’” Siegel said. What’s changed Since its launch 13 years ago, Banger’s has expanded in a few ways from opening a sandwich shop, a sausage house, a meat processing facility, a pickling facility, a curing facility and a smoking facility—all on the same property. The eatery features 200 beers on draft and 20 varieties of sausage on the menu at any given time. Looking forward Siegel said the restaurant is taking its bites on the road with the upcoming launch of its catering operation, Bangers Cowboy Kitchen.
Appetizers include the Fried Cheese Curds.
DACIA GARCIA COMMUNITY IMPACT
Ben Siegel launched the restaurant 13 years ago.
COURTESY BANGERS SAUSAGE
35
N
79 Rainey St., Austin www.bangersaustin.com
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Real estate
Central Austin homes spent more days on the market in September 2025 compared to September 2024, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data
Homes sold
September 2024
September 2025
+50%
+14.29%
+130%
+30.3%
-0.13%
+166.67%
78705 78751 78752 78756
78701
78702
78703
78704
78705
78722
78757
78731
290
360
78723
78703
-30%
+7.14%
-33.33%
+100%
+40%
+24%
78701
78722
78702
78704
290
183
35
71
MOPAC
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MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512 454 7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!
Celebrating 20 years in Austin
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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