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Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX 4th of July Events This Year

Top 5 ATX 4th of July Events This Year

 

 

Whether you’re looking to go all out on 4th of July weekend or just watch the fireworks, here are some great ways to spend the holiday weekend in Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

 

HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks: H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks is back! Spend this Independence Day with your family and friends, decked out in red, white and blue. Head down to Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores) this July 4th for an amazing event complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics. This event is planned, produced, and performed entirely by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, with the help of its generous sponsors. The festivities begin at 8 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks. The event is free and open to the public. (Auditorium Shores and Long Center) 

 

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival: Head to the Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival on July 4, 2021 from 4-10 p.m., for live music, shopping, dining and fireworks. Bring the whole family to enjoy backyard games and local live music, then finish out the evening with a spectacular firework show. (Hill Country Galleria)

 

Bob Schneider’s Independence Day Celebration: Another fan favorite is Austin musician Bob Schneider’s Independence Day Celebration. Bring the family out on Saturday, July 3, 2021 and join the local legend at the Nutty Brown Amphitheater, followed by (you guessed it) a firework show! (Nutty Brown Amphitheater)   

 

July 4th Weekend at Geraldine’s Austin: Geraldine’s, the 4th floor rooftop bar and live music venue inside the Hotel Van Zandt is hosting live blues performances all weekend long, from July 1-4, 2021, including performances by Jo James, Blake Whitmire, Vin Mott and Paul Val. On Sunday, July 4, the bar will welcome blues musician Paul Val from 8-9:30 p.m., then view the fireworks display across the lake from 9:30-10 p.m.(Hotel Van Zandt)

 

Lakeway 4th Of July Parade & Events: Independence Day is the largest annual event in Lakeway, Texas, which is about a half-hour drive from Austin. This festive parade starts at 8:30 am and marches from the Live Oak Golf Course to the Lakeway Activity Center. The procession is followed by a hot-dog lunch, fun activities, and the Pageantry of Flags program. Live music and other entertainment spice up the day. Families would enjoy the celebration at Lakeway Swim Center that lasts from noon to 8 pm. (Lakeway, TX

 

 

Austin’s Top Chef Competitor to Open Mexican Eatery on Rainey

Austin’s Top Chef Competitor

to Open Mexican Eatery on Rainey

 

 

For a taste of the Yucatan, head to Rainey Street District, run by an Austin-based top chef.

Chef Gabe Erales, currently the 18th season contestant of Bravo’s top chef and master of Mexican cuisine, will open his first restaurant – a Mexican-inspired restaurant called Bacalar, which draws influence from different regions of the Yucatan peninsula where Erales has his family .

Bacalar, slated to open next fall, will anchor the ground floor of 44 East Ave Residences, the sleek skyscraper currently under construction on the shores of Lady Bird Lake.

Bacalar is a partnership between Erales and Austin-based owner and CEO of Urbanspace Real Estate + Interiors, Kevin Burns, and the company’s lead designer, Merrill Alley. Burns and Alley, who recently launched Urbanspace’s first hospitality concept, Codependent Cocktails and Coffee in the Seaholm District, bought the first floor retail space at 44 East Ave and sought out Erales for the new restaurant partnership.

“I’m very excited to partner with Urbanspace as my relationship with Kevin and Merrill have shown me their true potential in developing projects that are not only unique and exciting, but also a milestone for the Austin community.” says Erales. “I’ve been a close friend of Merrill and her family for 10 years. During this time we exchanged our professional passions, dreams and goals and at the same time witnessed our professional growth. I knew that one day we could create something special together. “

Erales’ previous cooking stints in Austin include chef work at downtown Comedor and local favorite Dai Due Taqueria.

Although the new restaurant’s menu is still under development, the concept is based on Erales’ family memories of Bacalar, the historic and stunning Mexican lakeside town north of Belize, including its good experiences with local flavors and cuisine. Bacalar will also draw on the concept of “La Milpa”, with Erales emphasizing the personal relationships with the farmers he sources from and the ingredients he will highlight in his dishes. And you can bet the menu features odes to traditional Mexican corn and chilli, two of the chef-selected ingredients.

“We love working with passionate, talented people, and Gabe really is the best of the best,” says Burns. “His attention to detail in the preparation of his dishes matches the attention to detail we bring to the environments we create. This concept is about creating an appealing and harmonious setting in which Gabe’s talent takes center stage. “

While fans of Erales’ food will have to wait about a year to dine at Bacalar, they can catch him at Top Chef, the high-stakes culinary competition that airs Thursday night on Bravo.

 

Story taken from Dailyaustinnews.com 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Hotel Pool Passes

Top 5 ATX Hotel Pool Passes

 

Photo from: Travel + Leisure

 

 

Treat yourself with a day in the sun sipping your favorite cocktail and lounging poolside at some of the top hotels across the city. While you’d like to enjoy the luxury hotel pools offer without having to book a hotel room, plenty of Austin hotels allow non-guests to make a splash just for the day. Check out our Urbanspace Top 5 Hotel Pool Passes below!

 

Fairmont Austin: This spacious rooftop pool at The Fairmont offers resort-style amenities with a sophisticated city center backdrop. The expansive pool and whirlpool, situated on the 7th floor of the luxury hotel, present the perfect summer retreat. Day passes are available for outside guests to purchase Monday through Thursday. Adult passes are $40, and children are $25. (101 red river st, 78701) 

 

The LINE Austin: Enjoy a cocktail and a swim with the best vista in town at the LINE Austin’s lakeside salt water infinity pool. Overlooking the Congress Avenue Bridge, Lady Bird Lake and the lush Austin skyline, it’s a spot that will make you forget you’re in the heart of the city. The pool is reserved for hotel guest use only on weekends, with guest passes available for purchase on weekdays. Adult passes are $40, and children are $25. (111 e cesar chavez st, 78701)

 

Austin Motel: Austin Motel’s iconic kidney-shaped pool is now open for reservations Friday through Sunday from 12 – 8 p.m. Reservations are $40 a person for a two hour block and are available for parties up to 5. (1220 s congress ave, 78704)  

 

South Congress Hotel: The pool at South Congress Hotel is the perfect combo of chic and simple. Snack on the fresh, farm-to-table fare of Café No Sé while you lounge. Non-hotel guests can access the pool with daily passes for $40, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. To book your pool day, call 512-920-6405 or email concierge@southcongresshotel.com your name and requested date and time. (1603 s congress ave, 78704)

 

Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: Soak up the sun or breathtaking views of Lady Bird lake while relaxing poolside at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. With a refined design, luxurious lounge chairs, and premium cabanas, the Kimpton is an ideal daytime retreat. Day passes start at $38 for adults and $15 for children. (605 davis st, 78701

 

 

Austin Ranks as “Best-Performing” City Once Again

Austin Ranks as

“Best-Performing” City Once Again

 

Photo taken from Aquila Commercial. 

 

For the third year in a row, Austin took the No. 3 spot on the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities report.

Milken’s index ranks cities on a variety of metrics, including jobs, wages, salaries and technology output. It’s designed to help the public and private sectors evaluate and compare cities throughout the nation. It is particularly handy for Realtors, job recruiters and site selectors.

Placed in the “tier 1” category that includes 13 large and 13 small cities, Austin ranked number 3 right after (1) Provo, Utah and (2) Palm Bay, Florida, demonstrating its improvement in many indicators including “one year job and wage growth” and “five year job and wage growth”. No other Texas cities were in the top 10.

Among the many advantages of living in the Lone Star State, Austin offers a low tax rate and plenty of space for expansion and development. Austin boasts a relatively low cost of living despite a thriving tech sector and has marketed itself as friendly and open to business relocations. Dell, Apple Inc., IBM, and Samsung Austin Semiconductor are all major employers, and BAE Systems recently announced a new Austin campus, which plans to bring an additional 800 jobs to the city. The state capital is also home to the University of Texas at Austin, which is a major research university with strong ties to industry. Oracle, the world’s second-largest software maker, also recently announced plans to move its headquarters to Austin from Redwood City, highlighting the city’s magnetic tech pull.

Despite a tumultuous 2020 globally, the large public sector has helped stabilize the economy. The federal, state, and city governments each employ over 6,000 people, contributing to a 16th place rank in short-term job growth. Housing affordability, however, will continue to be an issue beyond the pandemic, especially with the growth in housing costs in recent years.

 

CALIFORNIA LOSES STEAM

Municipalities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area — known lately for sending thousands of new residents to Texas — took a beating in the Milken report.

San Francisco, which took the top spot in last year’s breakdown of U.S. cities, fell 23 places. San Jose, which was No. 5 last year, came in at 22. And Oakland dropped 48 spots, going from 17 to 65.

But the biggest declines in the country came from some of the Bay Area’s outlying cities. Salinas suffered the largest drop of any U.S. metro area, falling 90 places from 41 to 131. The Santa Cruz-Watsonville metro area went from 52 to 124, a 72-point drop.

“A notable common characteristic of the cities that dropped the most is their proximity to larger ‘superstar cities,'” according to the report from the Milken Institute, which is based in Southern California. “Most of these metros also have low levels of high-tech industry concentration and extremely high housing costs. In Oakland’s case, these pressures have displaced many residents and decreased socioeconomic diversity.”

“The pandemic has had an outsized impact on cities where the economic effects of the current recession are exacerbated by high-housing costs,” said Kevin Klowden executive director of the Milken Institute Center for Regional Economics and California Center.

The Milken rankings measures economic vitality in 200 large metropolitan areas and 201 small metropolitan areas using job creation, wage growth and innovation industry metrics. The 2021 version of emphasized jobs, wages and high tech growth, housing affordability and household broadband access.

To download the full report from the Milken Institute, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Swimming Spots

Top 5 ATX Swimming Spots

 

Photo from: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto/Getty Images

 

 

With Summer approaching fast and furious, you’ll definitely need a place to shake the Texas heat. But luckily, Mother Nature blessed Austin with a number of splashy swimming spots that offer a fun way to cool off. Check out our Urbanspace Top 5 Swimming Spots below!

 

Barton Springs Pool: Combine great swimming with people watching at the historic Barton Springs Pool, just minutes from downtown Austin. Located in the heart of the 360-acre Zilker Park, this swimmer’s paradise features clear water fed from underground springs that stays a refreshing 68 degrees year ‘round, along with grassy hills for sunbathing. (2131 william barton dr, 78746) 

 

Deep Eddy Pool: The huge Deep Eddy Pool is the state’s oldest pool, and offers a traditional public pool experience in the center of Austin. (401 deep eddy drive, 78703)

 

Hamilton Pool Preserve: Located a 40-minute drive from Austin in Texas Hill Country, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a geological wonder. This historic swimming hole was formed by the Hamilton Creek spilling out over limestone outcroppings, creating a dramatic 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a canyon. (24300 hamilton road, TX 78620)  

 

Jacob’s Well: Swim in an artesian spring just 40 minutes outside of Austin at Jacob’s Well Natural Area. The cool, clear water is surrounded by rocky ledges and shady trees, creating a picture-perfect swimming hole. Jacob’s Well is the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas and the spring releases thousands of gallons of water a day, eventually feeding into the Blanco River. (1699 Mt Sharp Rd., TX 78676)

 

Blue Hole: Drive 45 minutes south of Austin to reach the glorious Blue Hole, located just outside of Wimberley. The crystal-clear waters of Blue Hole stay an ideal 75 degrees all year round, and are shaded by towering cypress trees. Manicured waterside lawns are the perfect place to spread out a blanket and crack open your cooler. Rope swings hanging from the trees complete the quintessential water hole experience. Admittance is limited and reservations are required for swimming, so make your reservation online here. (blue hole ln, 78676

 

 

The Tech Scene: Austin-area Tech Employers

The Austin Tech Scene: Austin-area Tech Employers

 

Photo from: 9TO5Mac
Photo from: 9TO5Mac

 

Austin, Texas, has become one of the hottest relocation hotspots for tech talent during the pandemic. Ranked by the number of Austin employees, check out the top 10 tech employers with offices in the Austin Area.

The tech companies included provide some sort of proprietary technology that changes the way business is done. They include hardware and software makers, internet-based services, e-commerce companies, semiconductor corporations, manufacturers, biotech firms and artificial intelligence businesses, to mention just a few.

Information for the list is gathered from ABJ surveys, news coverage and company websites.

 

1. DELL TECHNOLOGIES

  • Address: One Dell Way, Round Rock, 78682
  • Brief Description: Dell Technologies helps organizations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live and play with an innovative technology and services portfolio for the data era.
  • Sector: Hardware, software, IT, services
  • Number of Austin Employees: 13,000
  • Products & Services: IT products and services
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1984

 

2. APPLE INC.

  • Address: 12545 Riata Vista Cir., Austin, 78727
  • Brief Description: Apple Inc. (Nasdaq:AAPL) is an information technology company headquartered in Cupertino, Calif. that provides consumer electronics, software and services.
  • Sector: Hardware, software, services
  • Number of Austin Employees: 7,000
  • Products & Services: Mobile communication, computers, music players, related software/services, peripherals, third-party digital content and apps
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 2004

 

3. IBM CORP. 

  • Address: 11500 Burnet Rd., Austin, 78758
  • Brief Description: IBM Corp. focuses on the intersection of business insight and technological innovation through five business segments: cognitive solutions, global business services, tech services and cloud platforms, systems and global financing.
  • Sector: Hardware, software and IT
  • Number of Austin Employees: 6,000
  • Products & Services: IT infrastructure, services, consulting, hardware/software, microelectronics, research
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1967

 

4. ACCENTURE PLC 

  • Address: 323 Congress Ave., Austin, 78701
  • Brief Description: Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security across more than 40 industries.
  • Sector: Technology consulting
  • Number of Austin Employees: 4,500
  • Products & Services: Professional services with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security; Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1976

 

5. AMAZON.COM LLC

  • Address: 11501 Alterra Pkwy., Austin, 78758
  • Brief Description: Amazon.com LLC is an online retailer based in Seattle with distribution center in San Marcos and an office at the Domain.
  • Sector: E-commerce
  • Number of Austin Employees: 4,000
  • Products & Services: Online retailer with distribution center in San Marcos and an office at the Domain
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 2015

 

5. NXP SEMICONDUCTORS

  • Address: 6501 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, 78735
  • Brief Description: NXP is a semiconductor designer and manufacturer of smart chips for automotive, mobile, and the industrial IoT.
  • Sector: Semiconductor
  • Number of Austin Employees: 4,000
  • Products & Services: Semiconductor design and manufacturer of embedded processors, such as microcontrollers and digital networking processors
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1974

 

7. SAMSUNG AUSTIN SEMICONDUCTOR LLC

  • Address: 12100 Samsung Blvd., Austin, 78754
  • Brief Description: Samsung Austin Semiconductor, a US-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., is one of the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the world with more than 3,000 employees and 2.45 million square feet of floor space.
  • Sector: Semiconductor
  • Number of Austin Employees: 3,000
  • Products & Services: Broad semiconductor processors including mobile, graphic, consumer, networking/high performance computing, Internet of Things, RF and automotive
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1996

 

8. AT&T INC. 

  • Address: 816 Congress Ave., Austin, 78701
  • Brief Description: AT&T is a modern media company headquartered in Dallas whose mission is to inspire human progress through the power of communication and entertainment.
  • Sector: Communications
  • Number of Austin Employees: 2,800
  • Products & Services: Advanced IP-based business services, wireless high-speed Internet access and voice service
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1881

 

8. INDEED

  • Address: 6433 Champion Grandview Way, Austin, 78750
  • Brief Description: More people find jobs on Indeed than anywhere else. Indeed is the #1 job site in the world (comScore, March 2018) and allows job seekers to search millions of jobs in more than 60 countries and 28 languages. For more information, visit indeed.com.
  • Sector: Internet, software
  • Number of Austin Employees: 2,800
  • Products & Services: Job search engine, job postings, job advertising, resume subscriptions, employer branding products, company pages, skills tests
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 2004

 

10. APPLIED MATERIALS INC. 

  • Address: 9700 E. Hwy. 290, Austin, 78724
  • Brief Description: Applied Materials is the leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world.
  • Sector: Tech manufacturing
  • Number of Austin Employees: 2,510
  • Products & Services: Materials engineering for the semiconductor, advanced display and adjacent industries
  • Year Est. in Austin Area: 1992

 

 

Urbanspace Favs | Easter Brunch 2021 ATX Dining Guide

Easter Brunch 2021: ATX Dining Guide

 

Photo from: Jeffreys of Austin

 

 

If you’re looking to celebrate Easter out of the house this year, Austin has a ton of great options to choose from. Check out these Urbanspace Favs for some delicious food and continue to support local this holiday weekend! 

 

Jeffrey’s: Treat yourself to a 4-course brunch on Easter Sunday. The special occasion menu highlights include foie gras, wood-fired lamb chops, spring pea and new potato salad and a dobos torte. Reservations available from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 4. (1204 west lynn st, 78703) 

 

Olive & June: Enjoy Easter brunch on the picturesque patio at Olive & June. Their special holiday menu features deviled eggs, a brioche cinnamon roll, eggs benedict, Tuscan home fries and a classic carrot cake. (3411 glenview ave, 78703)

 

South Congress Cafe: South Congress Cafe is serving up all of your brunch favorites this Easter Sunday! Enjoy tunes from an onsite DJ from 12-3 p.m. while sipping on your favorite cocktail or mimosa before ordering a delicious entree, like the shortrib hash or carrot cake French toast. (1600 south congress avenue, 78704)  

 

Fleming’s: Itching to go out? Dress in your Easter best end enjoy a decadent 3-course meal, featuring a hand-cut filet mignon paired with crab stuffed shrimp or lobster tail scampi. Open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. (320 east 2nd st, 78701)

 

Juniper: Juniper will host brunch on Easter Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrive hungry to enjoy their prix-fixe menu that includes fresh pastries, some classic Juniper dishes and fun Italian brunch items, like breakfast lasagna. (2400 east cesar chavez, 78702

 

 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Breweries in ATX

Urbanspace’s Top 5 Breweries in ATX

 

Photo From: Eater Austin

 

 

Austin is full of craft beer, and the city’s expansive brewery scene offers plenty of opportunity to get your drink on. With St. Patrick’s day coming up on Wednesday, March 17th, what better way to celebrate than with a beer in hand. Check out the list below for Urbanspace’s fav ATX breweries to hit up. 

 

Hi Sign Brewing: Hi Sign Brewing is just a stone’s throw from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Their shaded outdoor space has picnic tables and hammocks that are made for watching the planes flying overhead. While this is one of Austin’s newer breweries, Hi Sign has grown their lineup of core beers into an expansive menu that continues to offer more unique variants on classic styles. (1201 bastrop hwy, 78742) 

 

Zilker Brewing Company and Taproom: This industrial taproom showcases every aspect of their brewing process. What makes Zilker Brewing different from breweries is that they have seltzer here, and Spicy Boys Chicken is parked out front with their Asian-inspired fried chicken wings. (1701 e. 6th st, 78702)

 

The ABGB: Austin Beer Garden and Brewery, just off South Lamar, has literally everything you could want in a brewpub. And that’s exactly why they continue to win awards that acknowledge them as one of the best brewpubs in the country. Here you’re treated to spectacular live music on a stage that beautifully shows off the brewing equipment. Order some of the delicious pizza and salad to pair with The ABGB’s numerous award-winning beers. (1305 w oltorf st, 78704)  

 

Austin Beerworks: The iconic can-only brewery hosts tasting hours, as well as pint nights, with the brewery’s Can-tina truck on site. The taproom serves from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. (3001 industrial terrace, 78758)

 

Lazarus Brewing Company: Lazarus Brewing Company is right in the middle of East Austin’s popular Sixth Street district, but you’ll be able to spot the brewery by its bright teal exterior. Lazarus Brewing is constantly experimenting and brewing the most-underrepresented styles of beer. You might hear that often, but really, this is a brewery that will make you excited about craft beer. Lazarus opens early every morning for coffee and breakfast tacos and stays open late for craft beer and more tacos. (1902 e 6th st, 78702

 

 

Urbanspace Favs | Valentine’s Day 2021 ATX Takeout Guide

Valentine’s Day 2021: ATX Takeout Guide

 

Photo from: Abarestaurants.com
Photo from: Abarestaurants.com

 

 

While Valentine’s Day has always been an excuse for a fancy dinner and night out on the town, this year in the midst of a pandemic people are encouraged to order in and stay home. Luckily, Austin’s list of restaurants offering takeout remains abundant allowing us all to enjoy the luxury of 5 star restaurant cuisine from our own homes. From American to Mediterranean, Urbanspace has got you covered on the top Valentine’s Day meals in Austin this year. 

 

34th Street Cafe: The American restaurant is offering two prix fixe menus that come with a bottle of rosé. The four-course meal with smoked beef tenderloin is $135 and the five-course one with hot smoked salmon is $120, both for two people. (1005 w 34th st, 78705) 

 

Aba: The Austin location of the Chicago restaurant is offering two-person to-go dinners. There are options to add on wine, cocktails, dishes for children, and even a plant from local shop Tropic of Capricorn. The price is $119.95 for two people. (1011 south congress avenue, 78704)

 

Dai Due: The butcher shop/restaurant is putting together four-course single-serving meals for Valentine’s Day. There’s a wild game package and a vegetarian-friendly one, plus options to add the cookie box and bottles of wine. The wild game package for one person is $82; vegetable package for one person is $72. (2406 manor road, 78722)  

 

The Carillon: The campus restaurant is offering a four-course meal, featuring breads (including a ciabatta or baguette from Easy Tiger), spreads, salads, entrees, and desserts. $140 for two people. (1900 university avenue, 78705)

 

Salt & Time: The butcher shop put together a bunch of meal kits (with two different two-person prix fixe meal with steaks) and raw meat specials. Steak prix meals are $200 or $225 for the dry-aged option; meats per pound and other goods range from $10 to $20. (1912 east seventh street, 78702

 

 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Happy Hours

Top 5 ATX Happy Hours

 

 

Austin’s best happy hours make it easy to unwind after work or enjoy a drink with friends before dinner. Check out the list below for Urbanspace’s favorite ATX happy hours to attend. 

 

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee: Seaholm District’s hottest new hangout spot and the Brain Child of our very own Kevin Burns and Merrill Alley, Codependent is a conceptual coffee and cocktail bar inspired by Italian luxury, aperitivo culture and the belief that beautiful design should be enjoyed by all. Enjoy a charcuterie board alongside a glass of wine or rotating cocktail on the patio Monday-Friday from 4-6PM. Happy hour includes $10 rotating cocktails, $5 off wine-by-the-glass, $5 off charcuterie boards, and 5 bites for $5. (301 west ave #110, 78701) 

 

Jeffrey’s: Want to try Jeffrey’s, but not up for dropping the serious serious bucks required? The happy hour menu features half-off appetizers and $2 off drinks at the bar. It runs all night on Monday, and then from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. (1204 west lynn, 78703)

 

North Italia: The Italian restaurant chain’s happy hour includes half-off wine bottles and $10 pizzas from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. (500 w 2nd st. #120, 78701)  

 

La Condesa: All cocktails are half-off during the Mexican restaurant’s happy hour, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on the weekdays. Plus there are marked-down snacks like quesadillas, nachos, and tacos al pastor. It’s available in the bar area of the downtown restaurant. (400a w 2nd st, 78701)

 

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails: The West 5th Street cafe’s happy hour features excellent $5 cheeseburgers, $3 cans of beer, and $5 glasses of sangria from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Then there’s a late night happy hour with $5 draft cocktails and $2 Pearl beers, from 9 p.m. until close Tuesday through Sunday too. (406 walsh st, 78703

 

 

Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy

Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy

 

Shoal Creek conservancy is excited to announce their draft public space strategy that envisions the potential future of the district on their Cypress & Shoal Public Space Strategy community engagement headquarters. Input on transforming Cypress & Shoal Creek is highly valued by the conservancy, who will be accepting input from the public until January 31st. Below you can view the public outreach summary from 2020, as well as detailed information on each of the five project areas, including: a summary of existing conditions and public input, imagery to illustrate proposed design concepts, and the Draft Public Space Strategy for the area. Please visit the Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Strategy Page to leave your feedback.

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH SUMMARY: SPRING 2020

MARGARET MOSER PLAZA
  • congested plaza and street
  • confusing bike connection
  • not enough space for all uses
  • too many cars
  • no scooter parking
CONVERGENCE PLAZA
  • creek trail is poorly lit and feels unsafe
  • trash not cleaned regularly
  • blind crossings and hairpin turns are challenging for cyclists
  • could use more places to sit
MARKET PLAZA
  • confusing vehicular intersection
  • dangerous crosswalk
  • redundant drive streets
  • not enough bike parking
  • poor landscaping and maintenance
  • not enough shade
BOWIE STREET UNDERPASS
  • create safe connections for bikes and pedestrians
  • wider sidewalks
  • put vacant land to good use
  • deal with train noise
SHOAL CREEK TRAIL
  • widen the trail
  • create a safer trail
  • clean up trash and unsafe behavior
  • create passive seating areas

 

EXISTING BIKE & TRAIL ROUTES

 

CYPRESS & SHOAL CREEK: PROJECT AREAS

 

 

1. MARGARET MOSER PLAZA & 3RD STREET BRIDGES

Area of 3rd Street between the 360 Condos and Third + Shoal buildings, continuing over Shoal Creek via two renovated bridges.

 

MARGARET MOSER PLAZA & 3RD STREET BRIDGES: TODAY

PUBLIC FEEDBACK SUMMARY

  • congested plaza and street
  • confusing bike connection
  • not enough space for all uses
  • too many cars
  • no scooter parking

OPPORTUNITIES

  • streamline traffic for safety and convenience
  • create easier bike connections
  • restore historic railroad bridge for pedestrians
  • provide views of Lady Bird Lake
  • improve water quality of street stormwater runoff

CONSTRAINTS

  • city utilities spanning Shoal Creek
  • decaying railroad bridge
  • narrow commuter bridge
  • busy plaza
  • flood plain of shoal creek

 

 

MARGARET MOSER PLAZA & 3RD STREET BRIDGES: CONCEPTS

  • separated pedestrian and bike lanes across new bike/ped bridge
  • people-dominated plaza plaza specs where cars yield to pedestrian traffic
  • wider pedestrian bridge for bikes, scooters, pedestrians and pets
  • green streets with shade trees for health and comfort
  • clear directional signs
  • gateway element for district identity
  • restoration of the historic rail line
  • park space on old trestle bridge

MARGARET MOSER PLAZA & 3RD STREET BRIDGES: IN THE FUTURE

PLAZA GOALS

  • manage bikes, cars and people
  • improve safe crossings for all
  • narrow drive lanes and slow cars
  • improve and widen sidewalks
  • streamline the bike connection
  • incorporate sustainable design techniques

BRIDGE GOALS

  • new, wider commuter bridge
  • restore trestle bridge for public use and creek crossing
  • no impact to creek flood plain
  • provide a new, safe trail under bridges

KEY PLAN

 

 

 

2. CONVERGENCE PLAZA

Area between The Independent and the Austin Energy substation, at the convergence of 3rd Street and the Shoal Creek Trail.

CONVERGENCE PLAZA: TODAY

PUBLIC FEEDBACK SUMMARY

  • creek trail is poorly lit and feels unsafe
  • trash not cleaned regularly
  • blind crossings and hairpin turns are challenging for cyclists
  • could use more places to sit

OPPORTUNITIES

  • provide a continuous trail along the creek
  • improve lighting along the creek trail
  • widen paths for pedestrians and bikes
  • improve areas around Austin Energy land for public use

CONSTRAINTS

  • overhead and underground utilities
  • confusing traffic crossings and conflicts
  • significant grade changes

 

 

CONVERGENCE PLAZA: CONCEPTS

  • dedicated bike lanes
  • wider paths
  • dog park for residents and to reduce landscape damage
  • educational and wayfinding signage
  • use special paving colors or patterns to aid in wayfinding
  • utilize open space
  • provide space for seating

 

 

CONVERGENCE PLAZA: IN THE FUTURE (OPTION 1)

PLAZA GOALS: EAST-WEST

  • dedicated bike lanes
  • reduce bike and pedestrian conflicts
  • connectivity to new development
  • utilize open space
  • wider paths

CREEK TRAIL GOALS: NORTH-SOUTH

  • continue trail under bridges
  • interpretive/educational signage
  • wider paths
  • safer conditions

 

 

KEY PLAN

 

 

CONVERGENCE PLAZA: IN THE FUTURE (OPTION 2)

PLAZA GOALS: EAST-WEST

  • dedicated bike lanes
  • reduce bike and pedestrian conflicts
  • connectivity to new development
  • utilize open space
  • wider paths

CREEK TRAIL GOALS: NORTH-SOUTH

  • continue trail under bridges
  • interpretive/educational signage
  • wider paths
  • safer conditions

 

 

KEY PLAN

 

 

 

3. MARKET PLAZA

Area of 3rd Street and Power Plant Drive between Trader Joe’s/Seaholm Residences and the Gables West Avenue apartment building, reimagined as a public plaza.

 

 

MARKET PLAZA: TODAY

PUBLIC FEEDBACK SUMMARY

  • confusing vehicular intersection
  • dangerous crosswalk
  • redundant drive streets
  • not enough bike parking
  • poor landscaping and maintenance
  • not enough shade

OPPORTUNITIES

  • provide safer intersections
  • introduce more shade
  • improve water quality from street runoff
  • designated bike path
  • better pedestrian experience
  • re-vegetate the median with native plants

CONSTRAINTS

  • vehicular access and parking needs
  • fire department access
  • Austin Energy overhead power lines
  • pet relief needs

 

 

 

MARKET PLAZA: CONCEPTS

  • dedicated bike lane
  • dedicated pedestrian plaza
  • pop-up retail opportunities
  • stormwater treatment from street runoff
  • safer crosswalk
  • tighter turning radius for cars and shorter crosswalks
  • bold graphic markings to slow traffic
  • speed hump slows cars at crosswalks

 

 

 

 

MARKET PLAZA: IN THE FUTURE

GOALS:

  • reduce vehicular dominance
  • repurpose redundant parallel streets for pedestrians and bikes
  • provide safer crossings and reduce confusion
  • provide dedicated bike
  • improve pedestrian experience
  • maintain street parking
  • increase retail opportunities, such as pop-up markets
  • manage stormwater runoff
  • connect to future Bowie Street underpass

 

 

KEY PLAN

 

 

 

 

 

4. BOWIE STREET UNDERPASS

Connection of Bowie Street underneath the Union Pacific rail line, linking up with Sandra Muraida Way and ultimately to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake.

 

 

BOWIE STREET UNDERPASS: TODAY

PUBLIC FEEDBACK SUMMARY

  • create safe connections for bikes and pedestrians
  • wider sidewalks
  • use vacant city-owned property next to the train line for improved streetscape

OPPORTUNITIES

  • create designated bike & pedestrian connection to Pfluger bridge
  • create safer crossings
  • provide shaded sidewalks

CONSTRAINTS

  • Union Pacific active railway
  • Austin Energy overhead power lines
  • narrow roadway
  • significant grade changes

 

 

 

 

BOWIE STREET UNDERPASS: CONCEPTS

  • wide shared path
  • trestle underpass structure
  • street trees
  • improved crossing
  • gateway element

 

 

 

BOWIE STREET UNDERPASS: IN THE FUTURE

GOALS:

  • create a designated bike & pedestrian connection to Pfluger bridge
  • create safer crossings
  • provide wider sidewalks
  • provide shaded paths

 

 

KEY PLAN

5. SHOAL CREEK TRAIL AT RIO GRANDE STREET

Shoal Creek at Rio Grande Street and 4th Street where Little Shoal Creek daylights, including improvements to the Shoal Creek streambank and trail.

 

 

 

SHOAL CREEK TRAIL AT RIO GRANDE STREET: TODAY

PUBLIC FEEDBACK SUMMARY

  • widen the trail
  • create a safer trail
  • clean up trash and make space feel more space
  • create seating areas

OPPORTUNITIES

  • widen the trail
  • create passive seating areas
  • showcase historic Little Shoal Creek
  • remove invasive species and restore native habitat

CONSTRAINTS

  • narrow conditions
  • flood plain
  • utilities spanning creek

 

 

 

SHOAL CREEK TRAIL AT RIO GRANDE STREET: CONCEPTS

  • capture runoff from the streets in forebays to treat pollutants before entering the creek
  • provide educational signage
  • provide scenic overlook areas

 

 

 

 

SHOAL CREEK TRAIL AT RIO GRANDE STREET: IN THE FUTURE

GOALS:

  • widen trail to provide seating for people watching
  • create scenic overlooks
  • showcase historic creek outfall
  • remove invasive species and re-vegetate with native plantings
  • create a safer environment
  • provide lighting at night
  • clean up trash
  • provide educational elements

 

 

 

KEY PLAN

 

 

***Please visit the website linked here to give your input. 

 

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Holiday Events 2020

Top 5 Holiday Events

to Attend in Austin this December

 

The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park on Monday December 11, 2017. JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN

 

From light shows to shopping pop-ups and the Nutcracker at home, we’ve got you covered for the top events in Austin to help you celebrate the holidays this December:

 

Austin Trail of Lights: The 55th Annual Trail of Lights is part of the essential Austin experience, lighting up the season with a celebration of community, memories and fun. This year, the spectacular trail will return as a drive-thru event in December. Arrive early with a Dash Pass, or cruise through the night with General Admission starting November 28th through January 3rd. (zilker park)

 

Peppermint Parkway: Peppermint Parkway is a magical drive-thru experience at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas. The holiday spectacular will be a one-mile driving attraction that will immerse visitors in millions of holiday lights synchronized to joyful holiday classics from November 27th through January 3rd. Tickets can be purchased online. (circuit of the americas)

 

Luminations: At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, experience the calm of winter with the shimmer of thousands of luminarias lighting the way. This year, for the first time ever, stroll through the naturally beautiful Texas Arboretum among the illuminated oaks and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia. Held from November 27-January 3, with limited capacity and plenty of space to explore. (lady bird johnson wildflower center)  

 

“The Nutcracker: Home for the Holidays”: Ballet Austin is bringing a favorite holiday tradition home for the holidays by transforming its 58th annual production into an interactive, multi-media experience available to dance lovers around the world. The immersive entertainment offering will be available to audience members in the comfort and safety of their homes. (virtual performance)

 

Downtown Holiday Stroll: Downtown Holiday Stroll is back for 2020! Instead of just one night, this year’s Stroll will be a month-long celebration with free, family-friendly activities taking place throughout downtown. Visit downtown Austin to celebrate the holiday season with safe and socially-distanced festivities like the holiday shopping passport, pop-ups, appearances by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, holiday window and light displays and the signature 45-foot downtown tree. (congress avenue, between 9th street & 11th street

 

 

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