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Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 ATX Restaurants Thanksgiving 2020

May 24, 2021November 3, 2020 by Emily Johnson

Top 5 Austin Restaurants

to Order Thanksgiving Takeout From

For those who find themselves a bit overwhelmed with cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner, or want to switch up their normal routine and support local Austin restaurants, here’s a list of Urbanspace’s top 5 restaurants to order takeout from:

Texas Honey Ham: An Austin and Office favorite, Texas Honey Ham has both Honey Glazed Hams and Freshly Roasted Turkey Breast available for purchase by the pound, and delicious side options that include Corn Bread Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Chipotle Cranberry Sauce, Baked Potato Casserole, Apple Slaw, Austin Baked Beans, Honey Mustard Potato Salad, and of course Shells and Cheese. (3736 bee cave rd, ste. 6, 78746)

Fresa’s Chicken al Carbon: Fresa’s entire Thanksgiving meal comes with a roasted turkey with gravy, chorizo stuffing, and a spicy citrus-serrano cranberry sauce. Or opt for the turkey breast meal if you don’t feel like dealing with bones. Diners can also pick out three of the available sides for any of the two meals, which include roasted Brussels sprouts, poblano spinach gratin, and mac and cheese. Order a pozole kit for those turkey leftovers, and there are pies too. (1703 s. 1st st., 78704)

Micklethwait Craft Meats: For a smoked meats-filled Thanksgiving, the barbecue trailer is accepting preorders for the holiday. On deck are family-style meals with either whole turkeys or briskets, plus sides such as green bean casserole, lemon poppy slaw, jalapeno cheese grits, and more. Then there are standalone whole turkeys with gravy or pickles, onions, sauces, and bread, or whole brisket with the same pickle addition, plus a la carte green bean casseroles, stuffing, and pies. (1309 rosewood ave., 78702)

Salt & Time: The butcher shop and restaurant has a variety of meats and sides for the holiday, including the enormous John Madden: a 22 to 24-pound turkey with extra drumsticks stuffed with sausage and cornbread dressing and wrapped in lace fat. Meats range from $7.50 to $52 per pound; the John Madden is $200; sides and condiments range from $8 to $16; party platters start at $50; pies are $24. (1912 E. 7th St., 78702)

Dai Due: The Cherrywood butcher shop carries a cornucopia of Thanksgiving offerings, including brined turkeys from Belle Vie Farm, smoked ham, turducken sausages, charcuterie, mincemeat, brined quails, sides, kolaches, pies, and pie dough. (2406 manor rd., 78722)

Multifamily Project Winner: The Independent

October 7, 2020 by Emily Johnson

The Independent is Named the Top Multifamily Project

in ABJ’s 2020 Commercial Real Estate Awards

Category: Multifamily development

Companies involved*: Buyer broker: Constructive Ventures

Seller brokers: City of Austin (land sale), Urbanspace Real Estate + Interiors (condo sales)

Lead developers: Aspen Heights, CIM Group

General contractor: Balfour Beatty

Primary architect: Rhode Partners

Primary MEP: Garza Bury

Landscape architect: Studio Balcones

Interior designer: Rhode Partners

Civil engineer: Urban Design Group

Structural engineer: LAM+DCI

Title companies: Heritage Title (land sale); Heritage Title and Stewart Title (condo sales)

Financiers: CIM Group, Bank of the Ozarks

Law firms: Dubois Bryant & Campbell LLP, Winstead PC

* all information provided by nominator

Why it won: The Independent tower’s Jenga-like design marked a welcome addition to the downtown skyline when it was completed in 2019.

Austin’s tallest tower at 58 stories, The Independent has also turned heads with its unique crown — which is now illuminated at night to give the tower a special glow at all hours of the day. There’s enough intrigue in The Independent that the story of it’s design and construction has been featured in a Science Channel program called “Impossible Engineering.”

And the hits just keep coming: The Independent has now been honored with a 2020 CREA Award for a new or rehabbed multifamily development.

The Independent features 363 condo units across 950,000 square feet while resting upon just 1.7 acres, maximizing the land and taxable value. The $300 million-plus project has helped the city of Austin reinvigorate a portion of downtown that has gone from hosting power and water plants to towering, new buildings that welcome people day and night.

Aside from its architectural prowess, The Independent has met LEED Gold certification standards for environmental efficiency and sustainability — its application for official LEED Gold certification is currently pending.

What’s more, project co-developers Aspen Heights and CIM Group contributed more than $1 million to various funds that helped improve the infrastructure and beauty of the area.

Urbanspace Favs | Top 5 Longhorn Watch Venues

May 24, 2021October 7, 2020 by Emily Johnson

Top 5 Places to Watch a Longhorn Win

While DKR may still be the best spot in the house to witness a Texas Longhorns Win, these local favorites aren’t too bad for a second option. Here’s a list of some of Urbanspace’s favorite restaurants and bars where you can go to catch the game.

Abel’s On the Lake: Abel’s on the Lake is the prime spot to come enjoy a drink with your friends and watch the Texas Longhorns play. With spectacular views of Lake Austin, classic American food, mixed drinks and a selection of over sixty beers on tap, including seventeen local brews you’re sure to have a good day. (3825 lake austin blvd, 78703)

Star Bar: Established in 1995, Star Bar is the original west 6th street bar. With three great patios equipped with 14 flat screen TVs, 17 rotating taps dedicated to dispensing the best beer available in Texas, and a Via 313 food truck on site there’s no reason you won’t enjoy game day from here. (600 west 6th street, 78701)

Scholz Garten: Since 1866, Scholz Garten has been a favorite of the Austin community from hosting a celebration for the University of Texas football team’s first undefeated season in 1893 to being honored by the 1966 Texas legislature with House Resolution #68, which recognized Scholz Garten as “a gathering place for Texans of discernment, taste, culture, erudition, epitomizing the finest tradition of magnificent German heritage in our State. Whether you’re craving a cold bier, cocktail, or fresh German food, Scholz Garten is the perfect spot to watch the game. Reservations can be made online at safegarten@scholz1866.com (1601 waterston, 78703)

Buford’s: This popular West 6th bar is a great place to watch a Longhorns win and grab a craft beer or cocktail indoors or outdoors with several TV’s and an extensive patio area. (700 West 6th St, 78701)

Bouldin Acres: Located on a historic intersection of Bouldin Creek and South Lamar Blvd, Bouldin Acres resurrects approachable, quality eats & drinks in a fun indoor/outdoor environment that’s both family and pet friendly. Our style is open, relaxed, friendly and inclusive. With 2 acres sitting on Bouldin Creek, Bouldin Acres is a great venue to watch sports, play games, eat, drink, and hang out with friends. (2027 south lamar blvd, 78704)

2020 Texas Football Schedule
Sept. 12—UTEP
Sept. 26—Texas Tech
Oct. 3—TCU
Oct. 10—vs Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl)
Oct. 24—BAYLOR
Oct. 31—Oklahoma State
Nov. 7—WEST VIRGINIA
Nov. 21- Kansas
Nov. 27—IOWA STATE
Dec. 5-Kansas State

Get to Know Austin’s High-Rise King, Kevin Burns

September 8, 2020September 3, 2020 by Emily Johnson

Get to Know Austin’s High-Rise King

FEATURED IN TRIBEZA’S SUMMER 2020 ISSUE

KEVIN BURNS SHARES A PERFECT DAY IN ATX

Known as Austin’s High-Rise King, and our own beloved CEO and Founder, Kevin Burns has helped shape the Austin skyline for over 20 years now with the 20th anniversary of Urbanspace. Featured in Tribeza’s Summer 2020 Issue, Burns shows off his expertise of the downtown Austin lifestyle, and welcomes the public into what makes up the perfect day in downtown Austin.

Burns likes to start his day early with a bike ride around the Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail which happens to be a favorite exercise spot for many members of the Urbanspace team, both real estate agents and designers alike. Just a short ride away from the new Urbanspace HQ, and Burns’ residence at The Independent, the trail is the perfect place to connect with nature, enjoy the city’s green space, and break a sweat.

After his workout, Burns is all about eating, drinking, and being social. A few of his favorite weekend activities include brunch at TRACE, hanging poolside at The Independent, dinner at ATX Cocina, and catching a show at Stubb’s or Moody Theater.

Watch the video, or check out the full article featured on Tribeza’s website to get the full scoop on a perfect day in Austin and what the future of downtown development looks like in Austin.

How To | TCAD Appraisal Protest

July 2, 2020April 23, 2020 by Emily Johnson

Written By: Connor Matthews

Every spring, Travis County property owners whose market value has increased by at least $1,000 over the last year will receive a Notice of Appraised Value by the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD). This notice contains three important values; Market Value, Assessed Value, and Taxable Value. The TCAD is responsible for fairly determining the value of all real and business personal property within Travis, County, and appraises property according to the Texas Property Tax Code and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP).

However, if you believe the market value of your property is incorrect, you have the right to protest that value. Here’s a simple guide on when you should protest your taxes and how you can do so.

When should I protest my taxes?

When your appraised value is higher than your purchase price (if purchased during the prior year).
If similar sales comps indicate a lower than appraised value.
If property condition is poorer (and can be documented) vs. similar appraised properties.

How do I protest my taxes online?

Go to https://www.traviscad.org/eservices/ and select “E-File”. If you do not already have a login, you’ll need to create a New User account.
Once your account is created, you’ll need to add the Owner ID and PIN number provided in your notice of appraised value mailed to you from TCAD. To add your Owner ID and PIN, go to Profile > Manage PINs > Add New PIN.
You’re now ready to appeal your taxes online. Select Taxpayer Tools > Online Appeals > Click Here to E-File > Select “E-File” button next to the property you would like to protest. Once selected, you’ll need to provide commentary (limited to 1024 characters – don’t worry, you’ll still have the opportunity to upload evidence at a later stage). Check the box at the top if you would like to request a copy of the evidence which will be used in the hearing. After submitting, be ready to provide your opinion of value. The status of your appeal should show “In Review” at this stage.
Shortly after submitting your appeal (it could be a few days pending volume of appeals), you should receive a protest update email from TCAD indicating a protest and case number have been successfully created for your property. You can now upload evidence using the Evidence menu at the top of the TCAD Web Portal. If you purchased your home in the prior year and your purchase price was lower than your appraised value, your best path forward is simply uploading your Closing Disclosure that reflects the purchase price (TCAD is generally prompt at making adjustments with this evidence provided). If your appraised value is under your purchase price or you did not purchase your home in the prior year, you’ll need to provide sales comps as evidence that your TCAD appraisal is overvalued. If in fact your home’s tax appraisal is overvalued, your Urbanspace agent may be able to provide sales comps for your protest evidence. To submit evidence, select “Evidence View” from the Protest Summary view and select “Upload”.
Once evidence is submitted, TCAD will review and provide a settlement offer (within 10 business days). The settlement amount could be higher or lower than or the same as the initial appraised amount. After receiving the settlement amount you must accept, reject, or withdraw the offer.
- If accepted, your appraised value will be updated to reflect the settlement offer.
- If you reject the settlement offer, you will receive a letter in the mail with a formal hearing date and time.
- You can withdraw from the appeal process at any time.

TCAD also provides tutorial videos here https://www.traviscad.org/protests/

Understand How TCAD appraises Your Property

It’s important to note that TCAD’s process of appraising homes is much different than how an appraiser hired by a bank values a property. Understanding how TCAD appraises properties will help in determining what evidence will and will not be to your benefit when protesting.

TCAD assesses a property value based on the land and the improvements
- Land value is based on the neighborhood and is generally consistent across similar sized lots within a neighborhood
- Improvements are valued based on square footage and property condition
  - Property condition is identified with a class code and is generally a factor of property age
    - As property ages the class code will be adjusted to reflect condition
    - If you apply for a permit to renovate your home, the class code will also be updated
Generally, it’s easier to argue a properties improvements value vs. land value. This can be a challenge for central Austin neighborhoods as often, the land is worth more than the improvement. If you protest your land value, you likely will not be offered a reduced settlement and will need to reject and proceed with a formal hearing date and time.

How To | Get Pre-Qualified for a Home Mortgage

July 2, 2020April 10, 2020 by Emily Johnson

Shopping for a new home is an exciting time and we love getting to be a part of the process. To make this process as easy as possible for you, we strongly recommend that you get pre-qualified by a lender. A mortgage pre-qualification can be useful as an accurate estimate of how much you can afford to spend on a home and ensures you are truly looking in your price range.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on the pre-qualification process.

1. Find a Lender

Find a lender you’d like to work with. We’ve included a few of our favorite lenders below. They serve as a resource to select the financial institution best suited to you so that you can choose the most competitive loan terms and most favorable lending experience.

Sean Patrick Condon – Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Banking
Max Leaman – Leaman Team Powered By New American Funding
Armando Andrew Garcia – UFCU Mortgage Services
Zander Blunt – PrimeLending
Michael Task – Movement Mortgage

2. Have Your Information Ready

Once you’ve found a lender you’d like to work with, the Lender will start with gathering some basic information about you and your financial history. If you are going to have a co-borrower, the Lender will need their information as well. In order to pull the required credit report, the lender will need information such as your gross income before taxes, and your social security number.

3. Receive Your Results

If the information you have given and the information obtained from your credit report meets the lender’s guidelines, the lender will make a preliminary decision on the particular loan you qualify for. *It is important to note that the Lender is not making a promise to lend this specific amount. Each lender will have their own standards and guidelines as to how much they will allow you to borrow.

Urbanspace’s Favorite Austin Food Delivery + Take-Out Spots

October 8, 2020April 1, 2020 by Emily Johnson

With the citywide “Shelter in Place” order in full effect until April 13th, Austin restaurants have been forced to temporarily close their dining rooms. However, some of Austin’s best restaurants remain open with carry-out and delivery options. While typical takeout options range from drive-thrus to pizza delivery, many local restaurants that have never offered takeout service before have turned to the new model.

While transitioning to to-go can be difficult with certain cuisines, restaurants have found a way to make it work including additions to the menu, and the option for “family-style” meals. With an expansive list of new takeout options, now is the prime time to support your local restaurants and order takeout from somewhere you wouldn’t normally consider.

Here’s a list of some of Urbanspace’s favorite restaurants that are still serving to-go.

Hestia: The open-fire restaurant is now fully to-go with both delivery and curbside options, Tuesday-Saturday, 5-9pm. Sister restaurant Henbit will be serving food as well, from 11am-2pm, and 5-9pm. (607 w 3rd st, austin, tx 78701)

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails: The neighborhood bar that specializes in burgers & breakfast offers both curbside and delivery options from 9am-9pm. Check out their Happy Hour menu that consists of $5 burgers and sangria everyday from 1-4pm. (406 walsh st, austin, tx 78703)

Uchi: The upscale sushi restaurant located on South Lamar currently offers curbside pickup with a delivery option coming soon. Simply place your order over the phone during 2:30-8:30pm or online to reserve a pickup time. Wine, sake, and beer is 25% off. (801 south lamar blvd, austin, tx 78704)

Red Ash: The craft Italian restaurant that specializes in fresh handmade pastas, pristine seafood, and locally sourced prime meats offers call ahead and pickup orders each day from 4:30-9:00pm. Enjoy 50% off all Wines by the bottle with your food order. (303 colorado st, austin, tx 78701)

Matt’s El Rancho: An Austin Tex-Mex favorite, Matt’s currently offers delivery or pickup Sunday-Thursday, 11am-7:30pm, and Friday-Saturday, 11am-8:30pm. Don’t forget about the legendary Bob Armstrong! (2613 south lamar blvd, austin, tx 78704)

Tiny Boxwoods: The Houston based restaurant is offering their classic lunch and dinner menu items such as the Turkey Avocado Club, the Lucky Burger, and Pizza. They are also offering family style meals that feed 4- check out their website for this week’s lineup. Tiny’s will be open for pickup Tuesday-Friday, 11am-2pm and 4-8pm, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm, and Saturday, 4-8pm. Tiny’s bakery Milk & Cookies will be open daily from 8am-8pm. (1503 w 35th st, austin, tx 78703)

Fixe: This Southern Cuisine favorite is now offering call-ahead curbside pickup and delivery daily from 9am-8pm. The menu includes Biscuits and Biscuit Sandwiches, Snacks & Salads, select Entrees, and Family Style Meals like Fried Chicken or New Orleans Style Jambalaya. (500 w 5th st, austin, tx 78701)

Loro: This Asian Smokehouse and Bar is now offering takeout and delivery daily from 11:30am-8:30pm. Specials include 25% off all beer, wine, and sake available for pickup only, the Loro Cheeseburger available all day for $8.75, and $40 Cocktail kits that make 8 drinks. (2115 south lamar blvd, austin, tx 78704)

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew: This exceptional BBQ joint located off North Lamar is now offering curbside pickup with call-in and online orders Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-8pm. Check out their website for their daily specials such as today’s Smoked Prime Rib and Friday’s Texas Wagyu Chicken Fried Steak. (6610 north lamar blvd, austin, tx 78757)

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum: The restaurant that specializes in Asian home cooking and Dim Sum is now open for online orders offering takeout and delivery options for Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brunch. Hours for pickup include Monday-Friday, 11am-2:30pm, and 5-9:30pm, and Saturday-Sunday, 11am-2:30pm, and 5-9:30pm. (1203 w 6th st, austin, tx 78703)

5 Great Tips for Downsizing to a Condo

September 30, 2020March 30, 2020 by Emily Johnson

By Abby Drexler

There are many reasons why you might be downsizing to a condo, including the fact that your kids have moved out of the house and you no longer need the space, you need a place that requires less maintenance or you are looking for a change. No matter what the reason, getting ready to move from a larger home into a smaller one will take some time and effort.

1. Plan Ahead

Since it can take a while to sort through your belongings and sell the home you are currently living in, you’ll want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get through the process. If you are moving with a family member or spouse, make sure everyone is comfortable and on board with the downsizing decision. This can reduce having to deal with hurt feelings and anger later down the road. Depending on your situation, you may need a few months to get all of your things together and make sure everyone is comfortable, or you may need up to a year. Make sure to take as much time as you need.

2. Consider the Items You Can’t Live Without

Through the years of living in your current home, you have no doubt acquired a lot of different things. Some of these will be important to you, and others not so much. Before moving into your new condo, it’s a good idea to make a list of the things that you can’t live without. This might include sentimental items that were given to you by friends or family members or pieces of furniture that are incredibly comfortable that you just have to have.

3. Get Rid of Things You No Longer Need

For all the items that didn’t make it onto your list, you’ll need to decide what to do with them. There won’t be enough room in your condo for all of your belongings, so the only options you have are putting your stuff in storage (which will incur a monthly cost) or getting rid of them. If any of the items are in good shape, consider recycling, selling ordonating them. The only things that you should throw away are items that are broken.

4. Know the Measurements in Your New Place

Before moving any items into your new condo, it’s helpful if you know the measurements in your new place. This will ensure that your furniture and other belongings will fit. If they won’t, then you’ll need to make some decisions about what to do with them. This step can help you reduce your belongings even further to ensure that you are only taking the necessary items to your new home.

5. Work with a Moving Company

Once you are ready to move into your new condo, make sure to work with a moving company. This will make the process easier. You won’t have to worry about asking friends or family members to help move you into your new condo, and you won’t have to stress about how you’re going to move the heavy items. If you work with the right moving company, they may even pack your belongings for you.

Deciding to downsize your home and move into a condo is a major life decision. It will come with some stresses and fears, but it can also be viewed as an exciting new adventure. It will take some time and effort to get ready for the move, but putting a plan in place and having people help, including professional movers, will make the process less daunting and challenging.