[paulsjv]

Also, DSW Shoes moved as well. I often thought that the shopping center where the shoe store and circuit city was didn't get a lot of traffic because it was fairly hard to get to coming off of 183 north or 360.

[hookem]

The circle of retail life. I'm sure some other big box will come in and take the space that the ones moving leave... after all, both Circuit City and Best Buy were in their 2nd locations in that area. The Circuit City was on the other side of 183 where the Petco is, and Best Buy was where the Golfsmith store was.

[ATXboom]

There are plans... that were posted on this forum a long time ago showing how parking lots west of mopac/ would be converted to vmu low rise uses with integrated parking. Essentially creating a retrofit Domain... this was 10-20 years out... but I believe still the plan. They will have to do something like this to maintain competitive positions.

[Raining Inside]

Also, DSW Shoes moved as well. I often thought that the shopping center where the shoe store and circuit city was didn't get a lot of traffic because it was fairly hard to get to coming off of 183 north or 360.

I always thought it was awkward to get to also. Mainly because TxDot didn't continue the US183 access lanes across MoPac.

[M1EK]

The whole Braker/183 interchange is going through the typical suburban sprawl clear-out; traffic got so bad there for large parts of the day that the retail was choking itself. (Problem, again, with TXDOT's idiotic insistence on frontage roads everywhere - the intersection basically fell over completely; which is no small part of why it's being abandoned by so many retailers now that there are other options).

[hookem]

The 360/183 intersection was the worst. People having to cross over 4 lanes of the frontage road to get over into the Gateway shopping center.

Oddly, though, both Circuit City and Best Buy chose those newer Gateway centers even though their existing locations (183 & Great Hills and 360/183 but on the other side of the horrible intersection) had easier access and were basically the same location.

I see the exact same thing traffic thing happening Arbor Walk... not so much with the Domain, yet.

My guess is the newer developments offer these big box retailers (the ones they want) with teaser deals in exchange for 5 year leases. Then they can get the anchor tenants they need to sell out the development, or lock in the investment needed for construction.

Either that, or these big retailers feel the newer locations are necessary to maintain the desirability of the store, so they move to the new strip mall even if it is just across the street. They don't want to be stuck in a dying strip mall; they want the prime space in the area, before it gets taken by someone else.

[KevinFromTexas]

That whole shopping center is difficult to navigate also. Besides getting into it, the place is always a mad house and is really packed even on off times. Thank god for the REI and Whole Foods in downtown.

[bluedogok]

I havn't been up to the Domain recently, how much progress are the on the next phase?
they have some mesh fencing up and it looks like they are doing some sitework. We moved our offices last Friday, I already know the area could use some eating establishments other than the $15 and up burger joints. Hopefully the newer phases will have more varied offerings.

I was looking through the website at the buildings that were never built in Austin and there was supposed to be 2 24 story office towers up around Gateway they were gunna be called One and Two Stonebridge Gateway Tower and there was also supposed to be a 15 story Lincoln hotel too part of the Stonebridge Gateway Galleria. Does anyone know what it's talking about the Stonebridge Gateway Galleria? was Gateway supposed to be a Galleria mall like in Houston and Dallas? cause it's not called a Galleria now.
My former employer did the Stonebridge buildings along with the Arboretum and many of the office buildings around it, the ones that were built were shorter than that.

CompUSA closed its doors nationwide and Whole Foods is moving to new digs across MoPac.
Well, they kind of did, there is still a CompUSA, both online and physical stores. A company bought them and kept some markets open and closed in others. CompUSA.com has a listing of new store openings.

[AustinGuy]

Interesting article in Variety about the movie theater chain that will be opening at The Domain. I wonder if they'll have this $35/ticket rate in Austin?

http://www.variety.com/VR1117982907.html


Filmgoers get a taste of the good life
Luxury exhib chain plans $35 film tickets
By MARC GRASER
A recession may be looming, but a group of investors thinks Americans are ready to pony up $35 for a movie ticket.
Village Roadshow Ltd., Act III, Lambert Entertainment and the Retirement Systems of Alabama pension fund have partnered to bring the luxury cinema circuit Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas to the U.S.

The partners will spend $200 million to build 50 theaters nationwide over the next five years, with the first two venues set to open in South Barrington, a suburb of Chicago, and the Seattle suburb of Redmond in October. Others are planned for Fairview, Texas, near Dallas-Fort Worth, and Scottsdale, Ariz.

Each complex will sport theaters featuring 40 reclining armchair seats with footrests, digital projection and the capability to screen 2-D and 3-D movies, as well as a lounge and bar serving cocktails and appetizers, a concierge service and valet parking.

But the circuit will especially push its culinary offerings -- made-to-order meals like sushi and other theater-friendly foods from on-site chefs (a service button at each seat calls a waiter). Moviegoers will have to pay extra for any food they order, however.

The Burbank-based company's hoping to attract 10 million "upscale and affluent" consumers per year to its theaters that will be housed in high-end shopping centers and malls. Each complex will typically house eight screens....

[paulsjv]

I would never pay $35 to see a movie plus food costs?! I really think most Austinites would laugh at the idea and just go to the drafthouse. ;)

[Jdawgboy]

Yea I agree, Alamo Draft house is just great, why would people want to pay 35 dollars for most of the things we can get at Alamo Draft house now.

[Raining Inside]

This type of business model would only work on the scale they are proposing in great economic times. I can see a handful of these theaters being successful in places not hit hard by a recession. But the Alamo would be pretty stiff competition for them in Austin in good times as well as bad times.

[KevinFromTexas]

35$? Ok, it's their funeral. Remember a few years back with all the news of movie theatres over building and struggling to fill them? Seems like they're getting ballsy again.

[bgrn198]

Yeah my dad's company has his offices in Stonebridge Plaza.

[bgrn198]

one master planned area that is kinda like a downtone is Greenway Plaza in Houston it was master planned.

[bgrn198]

Downtown

[bgrn198]

http://www.uptown-houston.com/info/photoArchiveNew/screen/UptownHoustonPanoram.html

[alexjon]

Luxury movie theaters?

Austin, you don't want to be in league with Redmond.

[austin242]

I don't know about the whole luxury theater it might work because one thing I know is that alamo draft house is anti kids so if this place isn't people might go their just so they can take their kids.

[austin242]

The reason theaters are having problems being filled is because they are so crappy. It seems that now days they forget to put in surround sound that is up to par. If they wan't theaters filled maby they shoud be more luxurious because I know I would deffinently be willing to pay 35 dollars to get HD surround sound and better picture quality while still getting a bite to eat.

[Saddle Man]

That's probably the best thing that Alamo ever did. Kids (and their parents) ruin movies.

[austin242]

true but when it is a pg movie you expect kids but if it is not yes agree no kids they are anoying but I hope that this movie theater will succeed because we need more THX certified theaters not just the Cinemark or Regal crap that these larger companies throw at us.

[Saddle Man]

So I should expect my movie to be ruined because it's PG? No. The most problems I've ever had with kids were not at G, PG, or PG-13 movies. It was at late night, R-rated movies. Shitty kids come from shitty parents. People should have to get a license to have children. Having children should be as hard as adopting.

[bgrn198]

This forum topic shure got quiet

[Jdawgboy]

Is anything even going on up there right now?

[bluedogok]

The Beck offices are across the corridor from us, I talked to one of them walking to the stairs. I asked him how it was going and he said it will be going when the City of Austin decides to give them a permit. He said that they just finished a $70 million project in Aurora, Colorado and the city pretty much worked with them every step of the way and was great to deal with. The suburbs are usually much easier to deal with than the main city, it seems like they try to discourage projects and become a road block most of the time.

I know full well how frustrating the CoA permit office can be. One of the warehouse projects here took forever to get permitted, they told us to do one thing and then later another. Then we were told the permit was approved but it couldn't be printed out because they were changing to the "new" software over the weekend and it should be ready by Monday. Well, as computer things and especially city things go, they couldn't print it out for another week. The developer had a deadline on the financing that he had to have permit in hand by a certain date or the financing would fall through. Basically, I think they had to get a signed letter by the city that the permit had been approved for the financing to get approved without the permit, pretty much saying it was the city's fault that the permit was not issued on time.

[bgrn198]

The Beck offices are across the corridor from us, I talked to one of them walking to the stairs. I asked him how it was going and he said it will be going when the City of Austin decides to give them a permit. He said that they just finished a $70 million project in Aurora, Colorado and the city pretty much worked with them every step of the way and was great to deal with. The suburbs are usually much easier to deal with than the main city, it seems like they try to discourage projects and become a road block most of the time.

I know full well how frustrating the CoA permit office can be. One of the warehouse projects here took forever to get permitted, they told us to do one thing and then later another. Then we were told the permit was approved but it couldn't be printed out because they were changing to the "new" software over the weekend and it should be ready by Monday. Well, as computer things and especially city things go, they couldn't print it out for another week. The developer had a deadline on the financing that he had to have permit in hand by a certain date or the financing would fall through. Basically, I think they had to get a signed letter by the city that the permit had been approved for the financing to get approved without the permit, pretty much saying it was the city's fault that the permit was not issued on time.



who is Beck? what do they want to do up there? they are working on one of the 5 story office buildings in the Domain but there doesn't seem to be any activity on the Twelve hotel or any of the hotels in there.

[austintilIdie]

I think it may be a while before we see more rapid development towards real density in this big chunk of land. I can imagine the rush hour congestion years from now. The commute in/out of the area won't be pretty by car but this will be a great development for those who will live/work in the second downtown. What are the zoning restrictions in terms of height? Twelve is supposed to be 300+ft?

Can someone clarify what has been added on to Southbound Mopac a bit south of Parmer Lane towards Duval Rd?? Are they improving Mopac access from Parmer Lane?

[KevinFromTexas]

I believe the city council approved heights up to 320 feet, which is the supposed height of TWELVE Domain.

[bgrn198]

Yeah on the Novare Group website for the Twelve Domain it says construction expected to begin First Quarter 2008 but the only thing they are building in there right now is a 5 story office building so I don't know when they are going to start on the Twelve hotel it would be nice to see some other higrise buildings in the Domain besides that one hotel though like some 20-30 story office buildings.

[bgrn198]

I think it may be a while before we see more rapid development towards real density in this big chunk of land. I can imagine the rush hour congestion years from now. The commute in/out of the area won't be pretty by car but this will be a great development for those who will live/work in the second downtown. What are the zoning restrictions in terms of height? Twelve is supposed to be 300+ft?

Can someone clarify what has been added on to Southbound Mopac a bit south of Parmer Lane towards Duval Rd?? Are they improving Mopac access from Parmer Lane?


I'm not shure what they are working on off Mopac I think maby it might be the new managed lanes for Mopac but i'm not shure.

[Mopacs]

I'm not shure what they are working on off Mopac I think maby it might be the new managed lanes for Mopac but i'm not shure.

They are adding a collector-distributor, additional turning/merge lanes, between Parmer and Duval. Very congested area in the mornings especially.

[M1EK]

Information about the Mopac/Parmer project is here: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/local_information/austin_district/parmer_lane_at_loop_1/default.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/local_information/austin_district/parmer_lane_at_loop_1/default.htm)

[AustinGuy]

Information about the Mopac/Parmer project is here: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/local_information/austin_district/parmer_lane_at_loop_1/default.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/local_information/austin_district/parmer_lane_at_loop_1/default.htm)

Improvement in traffic flow in this area is desperately needed. I'm glad they are working on something.

[Mopacs]

Found a couple of renderings of Domain Phase II. I like the tenant mix... This comes from Simon mall's new leasing package for the Domain center:
http://www.simon.com/Mall/LeasingSheet/4735_TheDomain_PropFactSheet.pdf


http://images36.fotki.com/v1184/photos/5/54967/2949615/DomainPhase2-vi.jpg

Info from Brochure...


Phase I
Opened March 2007
700,000 Sq. Ft.
Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, an Exciting Mix of Retail, Restaurants,
Office and Residential Space, Plus a Full-Service Hotel (Opening 2009)

Phase II
Scheduled to Open Fall 2009
600,000 Sq. Ft. Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Village Road Show Gold Class Cinema, Additional Retail and Restaurants, Plus Office and Residential Space

.................................

Project Overview: The Grand Plan

The Domain is part of a grand redevelopment initiative that is reshaping a 238-acre portion of Austin. Within the master-planned project, The Domain retail sites are situated in a major commercial and offi ce district containing the largest concentration of office pace and employees in the Austin market.

The first phase of this 57-acre, mixed-use project opened in March 2007.
Designed as an upscale Main Street center, The Domain features the city’s fi rst Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, an amazing array of the world’s most renowned retailers, 10 fi rst-class restaurants, 90,000 square feet of Class A offi ce space, 400 high-end apartments, and a hotel scheduled to open in 2009.

The ultimate collection of world-class retail, The Domain includes Apple, Barneys New York Co-Op, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Borders Books & Music, Burberry, Calypso Christiane Celle, Coach, Cole Haan, David Yurman, Intermix, J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, Louis Vuitton, Martin + Osa, Ralph Lauren, Sony Style, Stuart Weitzman, Sur La Table, Tiffany & Co., Tommy Bahama, Z Gallerie, and more.

Building on the success of Phase I, construction is underway on Phase II, which will feature 600,000 square feet of additional retail, restaurant, and offi ce space. Anchored by Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a Village Road Show Gold Class Cinema, the next phase of The Domain will also feature more than 400 high-end apartments and condominiums and 75,000 square feet of Class A offi ce space. Phase II is scheduled to open in Fall 2009.


http://images22.fotki.com/v814/photos/5/54967/2949615/DomainPhase2b-vi.jpg

[Jdawgboy]

LOL why are there so many spaces that are in the words on that artical? Anywho, I don't think its dense enough, is this particular area where the Domain is Zoned up to 320' or is that to the east of the Domain project?

[GoldenBoot]

The entire "Domain" site (both Simon-owned and Endeavor-owned pieces) is zoned with a max. height of 320'. However, Endeavor's portion of the site is, thus far, the only part with proposed structures exceeding 10 stories.

I'm not sure what's going on with the TWELVE, but, originally, it was proposed as a 29-story, 308' tower (to the roof) - any spires may exceed the 320' mark.

[Mopacs]

Here's a press release from Simon, announcing the start of Domain Phase II's construction:

http://www.simon.com/Assets/Mall/1207/PRESS_RELEASE/Domain%20Phase%20II%20Release%20051908.pdf


SIMON PROPERTY GROUP ANNOUNCES DOMAIN II

- More World-Class Retail and Restaurants Will Open in Austin -
- The Westin at The Domain Will Debut Too -


AUSTIN, TX (May 19, 2008) –Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG), the country’s largest owner, developer and manager of high quality retail real estate, announced today a second phase of its Domain project, a tremendously successful mixed-use shopping center which opened in March 2007 and has since garnered much acclaim as Austin’s most-desirable address to shop, live and work.

Construction on The Domain II will start next month with completion slated for November 2009. The first phase of this 57-acre, mixed-use project opened in March 2007. Designed as an upscale Main Street center, The Domain features Austin’s first Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, an unequalled array of the world’s most renowned retailers, 10 first-class restaurants, 90,000 square feet of Class A office space and 400 high-end apartments.

The ultimate collection of luxury retail, The Domain includes Apple, Barneys New York Co-Op, Borders Books & Music, Burberry, Cole Haan, David Yurman, Intermix, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Sony Style, Stuart Weitzman, Sur La Table, Tiffany & Co. and more.

“While complementary to Domain I in quality,” said Kathleen Shields, senior vice president of development at Simon, “Domain II will have its own unique and very hip image, catering to juniors and family shoppers as well as to the fashion-minded clientele of Domain I.”

Set within an architectural framework of contemporary, colorful artistic loft buildings, Domain II will feature a pedestrian esplanade with parks, vibrant landscape beds and intimate passageways that encourage exploration. Opportunities abound for tenants to express their individual identities and brand presentations which will undoubtedly enhance The Domain as one of Austin’s top attractions.

The second phase of the project will include a three-level Dillard’s, a Village Road Show theatre that will be unique to central Texas and a Dick’s Sporting Goods store. A four-star, full-service hotel will also break ground this summer, adding 340 guest rooms, conference facilities and a ballroom to this first-class mixed-use project.

The new Dillard’s will contain 200,000 square feet on three levels and will feature a broad selection of merchandise including the latest in fashion excitement for women, men, juniors and children as well as cosmetics and selections for the home. The tone of the new store, both in building design and in merchandise assortment, will reflect the company’s renewed focus on upscale and contemporary fashion.

Dick’s Sporting Goods will bring an 80,000 square foot, two-level store to The
Domain. Pittsburgh-based Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. is an authentic full-line
sporting goods retailer offering a broad assortment of brand name sporting goods equipment, apparel, and footwear in a specialty store environment. As of February 2, 2008, the Company operated 340 Dick's Sporting Goods stores, 79 Golf Galaxy stores and 15 Chick's Sporting Goods stores in Southern California.

The Village Road Show Gold Class Cinema will offer movie fans an intimate
atmosphere to watch films with an extraordinary level of personal service. There will be eight auditoriums with approximately 40 seats in each auditorium. Food and alcohol service will be available. This product will be unlike anything else offered in Austin.

World-class dining is another element of the mix that has made The Domain a
favorite for residents and tourists alike anxious to experience new concepts and dishes in a cosmopolitan setting. Domain II will continue the tradition of these unique culinary experiences. Maggiano’s will be bringing its high-level Italian cuisine and banquet facilities to the second phase of The Domain. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse will be coming as well, offering fun and casual fare for the discerning Domain guest. Another exciting addition to the great dining options at The Domain will be Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar which will open across from Daily Grill.

“The Domain has been a big hit since the day we opened the doors almost 15
months ago and from day one, we’ve been planning to extend the experience and increase the retail and entertainment offerings,” said Shields. “We’ve had great demand from retailers and restaurants who want to come into the project and we’re thrilled that with today’s announcement we will be able to accommodate them with an additional 600,000 square feet of commercial space.”

White Lodging, a fully integrated owner, developer and manager of premium brand hotels, based in Merrillville, Indiana, has partnered with Simon Property Group to add The Westin at The Domain. This will be a 340-room full-service Westin Hotel which will add yet another feature to this prestigious lifestyle and residential center. The Westin at The Domain is scheduled to break ground this summer and promises to be a truly unforgettable and inspiring guest experience which will include thoughtfully designed guestrooms and over 14,000 square feet of meeting space, perfect for any event or occasion.

The mixed-use elements that have made the first phase of The Domain so successful will be duplicated in the second phase. Plans call for 75,000 square feet of Class A office space and another 411 residential units where residents can take advantage on an everyday basis of all The Domain has to offer. “The demand for the residential units has been overwhelming,” said Shields, who also added that the existing apartments were fully leased.

“People love living in this convenient, safe, but still very urban environment. We can’t wait to bring new units on line to meet the demand for this great alternative to more traditional apartment offerings.”

ABOUT WHITE LODGING

Established in 1985 and headquartered in Merrillville, IN, White Lodging is a fully integrated owner, developer and manager of premium brand hotels - a recognized leader that consistently delivers superior leading brand hotel experiences and premium returns on investment among mid-to-large scale hotels across the country.

They currently employ over 6,000 associates and are looking to add an additional 2,500 managers in the next five years. Their managed portfolio of 130 hotels in 17 states encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Marriott; Radisson Hotels, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Hilton and Starwood. For more information about White Lodging, visit www.whitelodging.com (http://www.whitelodging.com).

ABOUT SIMON PROPERTY GROUP, INC.

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers®, The Mills®, community/lifestyle centers and international properties. It currently owns or has an interest in 382 properties comprising 260 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Company's website at www.simon.com (http://www.simon.com).

###

[Mopacs]

Here's a rendering of the Westin hotel, via White Lodging's website:

http://www.whitelodging.com/jb/comingsoon_austin.htm

http://www.whitelodging.com/images/comingsoon/img_austinDomain_03.jpg

[sakyle04]

i hate to say it - but this is starting to look more like a san antonio-style suburban development. c'mon austin - build up!!

[Saddle Man]

More stores for the domain.

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/other/06/10/0610saks.html

[MichaelB]

Took the inlaws to the Domain last week, was aware of how hard it was for them to walk it in the heat. Once all is said and done... the retail will be really spread out. Does anyone know if there is any plan for an internal "mass transit" within the development, or will people be getting in their cars to drive from the Dillards' to the Whole Foods? Ya know?

[Jdawgboy]

Took the inlaws to the Domain last week, was aware of how hard it was for them to walk it in the heat. Once all is said and done... the retail will be really spread out. Does anyone know if there is any plan for an internal "mass transit" within the development, or will people be getting in their cars to drive from the Dillards' to the Whole Foods? Ya know?

That is a great point to bring up. I agree there needs to be some sort of possible trolly line or something to get people to move from one part of the area to the other. When I went to visit my sister in Shreveport La, they have a boardwalk along the Red River on the Bossier City side that has a trolly that takes people from one side to the other.

I for one would rather be in an indoor mall like Barton Creek Square this time of year especially with this abnormally hot and dry weather we have been having. But I do think if they want that area to be a second downtown they are going to need some sort of mass transportation for inside the Domain Development.

[bluedogok]

C'mon, people actually WALK from Dillard's to Whole Foods? Only the ones who live in between the stores will walk. I bet people drive from Macy's to Neiman's now....but in the heat we have lately I probably would, I work there but I don't shop there.

[alexjon]

Yay sprawl

[KevinFromTexas]

The article notes that TWELVE Domain will break ground next year.

From the Austin American-Statesman
http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/08/06/0806westin.html

First of four hotels to get underway at the Domain

By Shonda Novak
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Construction is expected to start as soon as next month on Austin's first Westin hotel at Simon Property Group's Domain project in North Austin.

The eight-story hotel will have 340 rooms and more than 14,000 square feet of meeting room and banquet space, as well as a themed restaurant and bar, said Scott Travis, vice president of development for White Lodging Services Corp., which will jointly own the hotel with Simon.

White Lodging will develop the hotel at a cost of $70 million to $75 million and manage it, Travis said.

Despite a decline in the hotel market nationwide because of the economic downturn, "Austin continues to be a solid market," Travis said.

"We currently operate 17 hotels in the Austin market. And based on the growth on the north end of town, we feel strongly that demand to support this type of hotel and the quantity of rooms is sufficient," he said.

The hotel will be part of an expansion of the Simon project that also will include a Dillard's and a Dick's Sporting Goods. It will be south of the original project, which includes Neiman Marcus and other high-end retailers as well as apartments.

Just east of the Simon project, Endeavor Real Estate Group is working on a separate project, also called Domain, that will include three hotels, as well as retail, residential and office space.

Work on a six-story Aloft boutique hotel at the Endeavor project is expected to start in about a month. That hotel will be a joint venture of Open Hospitality Partners, a Dallas-based firm, and Lodgeworks of Wichita, Kan.

Developers have closed on the land and should break ground in about a month, said Mark Masinter, president of Open Hospitality.

Work should start next year on Twelve Domain, a 145-room hotel that will be part of a 28-story condominium tower. Atlanta-based Novare Group and its Austin partner, Andrews Urban, are co-developing that project.

The hotel market in Northwest Austin is strong, with a 7.3 percent increase in the average daily room rate in the first five months of the year, to $116.73, according to PKF Consulting.

That's almost double the year-over-year growth rate of the Austin market overall, said Camille Kapoor, a PKF consultant in the firm's Houston office.

Occupancy rates in Northwest Austin were 74.3 percent, down slightly from 75 percent a year ago.

"Northwest Austin is doing well," Kapoor said, thanks largely to a strong base of major employers nearby.

The list includes IBM Corp,. Apple Inc., National Instruments and Flextronics, plus the University of Texas' J.J. Pickle Research Campus.

In addition, more than 3.5 million square feet of first-class office space either opened recently or is under construction in Northwest and far Northwest Austin. Northwest Austin's office market, which had a vacancy rate of 13.7 percent for first-class space at the end of 2007, has been faring better than the market as a whole, which had a vacancy rate of 15.9 percent at year-end 2007.

"As long as the office space continues to be absorbed at the current rate and new buildings are filled, you'll continue to see demand for business-related hotel stays," Kapoor said.

Simon's Domain also has office space, and Endeavor has started work on the first office building at its project — a 175,000-square-foot building that eventually will be part of 3.5 million to 4 million square feet of office space at the project.

Randy McCaslin, a vice president with PKF Consulting, said Austin has four strong sources of demand for hotel rooms — business, leisure, group and government segments — that cushion the area more than some other markets against downturns in the economy.

Travis at White Lodging agreed.

Couple Austin's diverse economy "with the stability and growth of the city itself," he said, and that "tends to make the city more resilient than the majority of other markets."

[Mopacs]

I'm somewhat surprised Twelve Domain is still in the near-term plans.... at least the condo portion. A 28 story condo tower in a "relatively' unproven outlying urban development would seem a bit risky in the current economic environment. Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to see it built!

There was orginally a section of the Twelvehotels site dedicated to Twelve Domain, which is now redirected to the main site

http://www.twelvedomain.com

Time will tell.

[ATXboom]

In regard to timing developments....

It takes at least 2 years to deliver a major building. Our boom started during good times and buildings are finishing during bad. Frost actually had the ruthless mind set of wall street to buy low - they started building at the worst time post 911. They finished as we were emerging into a boom and set $$ records when selling off the building.

If I were an investor I would time things up like the stock market. Start plans in worst of times [labor should be lower price - however you can't control commodities/materials]. It takes 2 years! What will the economy be like in 2010/2011 is what you have to ask if you are just beginning something.

[Mopacs]

You make a very good point ATXboom. Where I was coming from really had more to do with the scale of the project in a very young development. Now if the 3-5 year masterplan of the Domain emerges as envisioned, then certainly this risk may very well pay off nicely. I certainly hope it does.

[Jdawgboy]

The Westin will be too bulky. 8 Stories and 350 rooms? wow talk about a massive footprint. If they are planning to build a 28 story hotel/condo in the area, you would think they would build up on the Westin. This project is not smart growth in my opinon... Shame on the developers:yuck:

[AustinGuy]

I'm curious what kind of price/per square foot they are going to try for at the twelve domain condos. I know the 360 was around mid $300s to mid $400s, so I'm guessing the domain location would need to be cheaper, but there has got to be some floor based on construction costs.

[Mopacs]

Large rendering now on White Lodging's website

http://www.whitelodging.com/images/underdev/austinwestinLG.jpg

http://www.whitelodging.com/

[Jdawgboy]

That rendering says it all, look at how long the building is! They could have easily cut that footprint in half and add another 8 floors to make it 16 stories.

[MichaelB]

Large rendering now on White Lodging's website

http://www.whitelodging.com/images/underdev/austinwestinLG.jpg

http://www.whitelodging.com/

Pardon me. but....blah..... now make that 5 or 6 time taller and you probably have the new Marriott on Congress. Same developer.

[NThomas]

^ Wow. Its really plain. Looks almost like Holiday Inn's early 2000s prototype.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/8324/holidayinnlargeoo6.jpg

[sakyle04]

In regard to timing developments....

It takes at least 2 years to deliver a major building. Our boom started during good times and buildings are finishing during bad. Frost actually had the ruthless mind set of wall street to buy low - they started building at the worst time post 911. They finished as we were emerging into a boom and set $$ records when selling off the building.

If I were an investor I would time things up like the stock market. Start plans in worst of times [labor should be lower price - however you can't control commodities/materials]. It takes 2 years! What will the economy be like in 2010/2011 is what you have to ask if you are just beginning something.

you're right with regards to the market cycle. what makes this one different is that the sources of finance are the ones that are taking the bath on wall street, drying up the capital that fuels these projects. i bet they want to build - the question is whether they can get the financing to build...

[Mopacs]

Pardon me. but....blah..... now make that 5 or 6 time taller and you probably have the new Marriott on Congress. Same developer.

TOTALLY agree dude! A small billboard with a variation of this rendering has been on site since last March when the first phase of the Domain was completed. I was disappointed then, and even more so now, knowing it is under the Westin hotel flag. :shrug:

[priller]

Wake me when it's built. :sleep: :sleep: :sleep:

[MichaelB]

Wake me when it's built. :sleep: :sleep: :sleep:

Funny man!

And yeah Mopacs. Maybe if it was a Holiday Inn I would be all happy for Holiday Inn. But Westin? .....and @ the Domain? I think it tell s us even more about White Lodging.

[Kevinb]

This is from the top parking deck looking South. Looking at maps, I believe this may be the beginning of construction on Dick's Sprting Goods (not certain though):

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/750/lookinsouthkj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is looking North at the Domain from Braker:

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3572/lookinnorthwr6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And this is looking to the East at the progress of the first new office building. (Burnet Rd. is just beyond):

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7086/officebrakerio1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[PartyLine]

Emopris.com shows Twelve Domain as proposed so I would think if they were gunna put it on hold for now that it would show on hold on Emporis. I e-mailed Endeavor Aug 5th the day before that article came out about them starting the Westin and they told me that Twelve Domain was put on hold for now and that if it does get built that it would probably be scaled back. Also they are going to build a Valencia Hotel like in San Antonio in the Domain.

[PartyLine]

Does anyone know what they are building in the Domain across Domain drive from where the Dillards and Dicks sporting goods are being built?

[Mopacs]

Does anyone know what they are building in the Domain across Domain drive from where the Dillards and Dicks sporting goods are being built?

If I am not mistaken, those buildings are part of the same phase of development (Domain Phase II)... which will encompass both sides of Domain Drive:

http://images38.fotki.com/v1276/photos/5/54967/2949615/DomainCrossing-vi.jpg
http://www.simon.com/Mall/LeasingSheet/4735_TheDomain_PropFactSheet.pdf

[alexjon]

What's the best thing to build on top of a former brownfield?

Parking!

[PartyLine]

They are starting Construction on the site across the street from Neiman Marcus where the aloft hotel and Nordstrom is going

[bluedogok]

I found out about this last Thursday, the project that I was working on got put on hold because of the hold on The Domain projects.

Statesman.com - Endeavor delays retail projects at the Domain (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/realestate/index.html)
By Shonda Novak | Monday, December 15, 2008, 03:45 PM

In another casualty of the recession, major retail projects at the Domain in North Austin have been pushed back for a year.

Endeavor Real Estate Group said a Nordstrom and Saks, along with 450,000 square feet of additional retail space, 490 apartments and 125,000 square feet of office space, won’t open until fall 2012. The delay will push the opening of a Whole Foods Market to May 2012.

Kirk Rudy, managing principal at Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group LLC, said the company had not started to seek financing. Given the state of the retail and capital markets and the economy, he said, it was wiser to hold off.

“Though Austin is faring relatively well in the economic downturn, we’re mindful of the uncertain climate,” Rudy said. “We feel a revised timeline for the retail district is appropriate given today’s economic environment.”

He said all three retailers agreed to the revised schedule.

The department stores are to be anchors in a project that will include condominiums, apartments, offices and hotels.

An office building and an Aloft hotel, a Starwood brand, hotel are under construction.

Endeavor is developing 176 acres east of the Simon Property Group’s Domain shopping center. The Endeavor land is bordered by Burnet Road, Braker Lane, North MoPac Boulevard and Domain Drive.

In Simon’s project, work has started on a Westin Hotel and new stores including Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Dillard’s had planned a store there as well. Simon wasn’t immediately available for a comment on the status of that project.

The Simon project already includes a Neiman Marcus and Macy’s.

The credit crunch has delayed projects nationwide, including a planned 1,000-room Marriott hotel on Congress Avenue and several retail centers in Central Texas.

[paulsjv]

I'm afraid that a lot of these projects that have yet to start at the Domain, Mueller, and downtown are going to be put on hold for much longer than a year. I'm thinking 3 to 5 years.

[bulletbala]

I thought they has stopped the construction at the Domain, but I passed last week and I see alot of construction, any info. anyone??

[bluedogok]

Everything that was funded prior to the collapse is under construction, Aloft and Westin Hotels, the second phase of the Simon shopping area (from Macy's to Braker Lane) with Dillard's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Maggiano's, etc. are under construction. The Saks/Nordstrom's and Whole Foods portion on the north side of Neiman-Marcus and Domain 5 was put on hold late last year.

[breathesgelatin]

Everything that was funded prior to the collapse is under construction, Aloft and Westin Hotels, the second phase of the Simon shopping area (from Macy's to Braker Lane) with Dillard's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Maggiano's, etc. are under construction. The Saks/Nordstrom's and Whole Foods portion on the north side of Neiman-Marcus and Domain 5 was put on hold late last year.

Ditto what he said. The new retail and apartments are coming along quite nicely and the hotels are really getting some height on them now. It's cool.

I am charging my camera and I promise I will take some photos of the construction soon. (I work at the Domain currently).

Speaking of the Domain, does anyone know if the Gateway office building has tenants? (the cool glass building on Burnet). It appears to be completed but empty.

[H2O]

Ditto what he said. The new retail and apartments are coming along quite nicely and the hotels are really getting some height on them now. It's cool.

I am charging my camera and I promise I will take some photos of the construction soon. (I work at the Domain currently).

Speaking of the Domain, does anyone know if the Gateway office building has tenants? (the cool glass building on Burnet). It appears to be completed but empty.

That building will be the HQ of One West Bank which acquired the assets of Indy Mac Bank.

[Jdawgboy]

I was there this past Saturday and was suprised at the ammount of work that has already progressed.

[KevinFromTexas]

Yeah, was up around there Saturday. The residential going in there actually has some height. Nothing too major, but it is more that was there before. And yeah, I had sort of forgotten about the hotel. And I saw the infamous Martin Hill water tank at night. What a monster!

[Myomi]

I was there this Saturday too and I had the same reaction! :D

[bluedogok]

I saw the Bettysport store was empty yesterday, so that is the third store that I know of to close here since we moved in March of '08. The first was the Oakville Grocery next to Borders but there has been some work going on in there recently so maybe something is getting ready to open up in there. Shabby Chic filed bankruptcy and closed all their stores last March, so it wasn't just The Domain location.

Here is a story in The Statesman about Bettysport which is a locally owned store, they still have the 12th & Lamar location open.
Austin360.com - Bettysport closes Domain location (http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/fitcity/entries/2009/06/29/bettysport_closes_domain_locat.html)

[bluedogok]

Saw this in my headlines today, must be going in where Oakville Grocery was located, hence the activity there.

Austin Business Journal - Gloria's to spice up The Domain (http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2009/06/29/daily35.html)
Thursday, July 2, 2009, 10:46am CDT

Gloria’s Restaurant, a popular Salvadorian restaurant with 10 locations in North Texas, will open its first Austin restaurant at The Domain by the end of the year.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant will be located at Esperanza Crossing and Robinson Road, next to Border’s Books & Music in the expanding Domain shopping center.

Gloria’s menu offers a combination of rich and rustic Latin flavors in a colorful atmosphere.

“We are so pleased to welcome Gloria’s to our diverse tenant list,” said Lauren Harris, director of marketing for The Domain. “We are constantly seeking new ways to enhance our center and retail mix and tailor to our customer’s need.”

Gloria's is a staple in the Dallas area dining scene, with locations from Fort Worth to Rockwall.

[PartyLine]

Any idea when BJ's brew pub and Maggiano's Little Italy are gunna open in there I heard they were going to open in the Domain.

[bluedogok]

Maggiano's has announced a late February opening in the Austin Business Journal a couple of weeks ago. Haven't heard anything about BJ's opening date yet.

[tgbAustinite]

Any idea when BJ's brew pub and Maggiano's Little Italy are gunna open in there I heard they were going to open in the Domain.

i wrote to maggiano's to find out when they plan on opening, and this was their reply:

July 9, 2009




Dear Mr. LongDuckDong,



Thank you very much for taking the time to send us an email and your interest in Maggiano's. As of right now we have not established an opening date for our Austin location.

You are welcome to check back closer to the end of 2009 and perhaps we will have an estimated opening date by then.

We again thank you for your interest in Maggiano's.



Maggiano's
Guest Relations
Reference Number: 309100

despite the nation's economic climate, austin is doing well and maybe it will open in february--we shall see. as far as bj's, i'm still waiting to hear from them. when i do, i'll post what they tell me.:shrug:

[bluedogok]

Here's the article that I saw....

Austin Business Journal - Maggiano's to open at The Domain in Feb. '10 (http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2009/06/22/daily2.html)
Monday, June 22, 2009

The contractor building the new Maggiano's Little Italy at The Domain says the expansive restaurant is on track to open in February 2010.

Florida-based RCC Associates General Contractors was hired by Maggiano's owner Brinker International Inc. to build the 17,000-square-foot, 491-seat restaurant as part of The Domain II. NCA Architecture of Dallas is the project architect.

The Maggiano’s Little Italy menu features classic and contemporary Italian dishes served in a casual atmosphere. This will be the chain's first location in Austin and its fifth in Texas.

The mixed-use Domain development has already become a dining hotspot with restaurants such as Joe DiMaggio's, Daily Grill, North and Fleming's. Besides Maggiano's, the new phase will also include a BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse.

Brinker has more than 1,700 restaurants in 27 countries and two territories.

RCC previously built Maggiano’s Little Italy locations in New Jersey, Florida and Ohio. The company has also constructed two Chili’s locations for Brinker International in Florida.

[MichaelB]

i wrote to maggiano's to find out when they plan on opening, and this was their reply:

July 9, 2009




Dear Mr. LongDuckDong,



Thank you very much for taking the time to send us an email and your interest in Maggiano's. As of right now we have not established an opening date for our Austin location.

You are welcome to check back closer to the end of 2009 and perhaps we will have an estimated opening date by then.

We again thank you for your interest in Maggiano's.



Maggiano's
Guest Relations
Reference Number: 309100

despite the nation's economic climate, austin is doing well and maybe it will open in february--we shall see. as far as bj's, i'm still waiting to hear from them. when i do, i'll post what they tell me.:shrug:

LONGDUCKDONG!!!!!!!! Um........ LMAO!

[NThomas]

Here' the Texas locations page from BJ's website. Even though it isn't listed, I wouldn't be surprised to see a Domain location added to this list.

http://www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations.aspx?qst=tx

[PartyLine]

Yeah I just saw on urbanaustin.org a while back they were going to open those restaurants up there.

[tgbAustinite]

yeah, i did change my last name (obviously)--they don't need to know my real name...:D

anyone know what happened to urbanaustin.org? it hasn't been working in months. i liked that website.

[Mopacs]

Photos taken yesterday (7/14)

Aloft Hotel (Next to Neiman Marcus)

http://images51.fotki.com/v1545/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130323-vi.jpg

Looking south on Domain Drive

http://images50.fotki.com/v1526/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130321-vi.jpg

Westin Hotel, at intersection of Domain Drive and Esperanza Crossing (across from Macy's)

http://images51.fotki.com/v1547/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130275-vi.jpg

Two-story Dick's Sporting Goods store (shares same parking lot as Macy's)

http://images51.fotki.com/v1548/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130263-vi.jpg

This is the next retail phase under construction, anchored by a 3-story Dillard's, Dick's Sporting Goods and a Village Roadshow theater (pictured in the background). From what I hear, it is a very high-end theater.

http://images51.fotki.com/v1544/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130249-vi.jpg

Oops...

http://images50.fotki.com/v1530/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130247-vi.jpg

The three-story Dillard's, in its awkward stages of growth

http://images50.fotki.com/v1528/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130228-vi.jpg

[Jdawgboy]

They should keep the Dillards that crazy color green, I think it would be cool.:jester:

[MichaelB]

They should keep the Dillards that crazy color green, I think it would be cool.:jester:

It might help! I look at the silhouette of the building and think of 80's mall. Hum, we'll see.

[PartyLine]

Anyone heard anything about when their going to start on the Nordstroms/Saks phase?

[bluedogok]

Nope, I haven't heard anything about our project that was dependent on that project going through (a relocation of a tenant in the immediate area). Our part would have to have been started by now to get them in by the end of next year.

[breathesgelatin]

I work at Macy's at the Domain. Looks like Mopacs beat me to posting some pictures. I'll still get around to taking some.

What we have been told is that Nordstrom's, Saks, and Whole Foods are all delayed until 2012. However, there is currently excavation going on around the area that is plotted for those stores and a sign that says "future home" of Whole Foods, so maybe they've already started or else started and paused. Phase II with Dillard's, Roadshow Theatre, etc., will open in February. Parts of it look nearly finished. I think the housing especially looks great.

[PartyLine]

Guess no word on the Twelve Domain hotel then

[bluedogok]

The Whole Foods sign has been up since the announcement of the Gateway store moving to The Domain early last year, their lot has been used as a staging area for the Aloft hotel construction. Much of that excavation was started last summer and they have been working on it some, just not at the pace they were back then. I am guessing that aspect of the construction was already financed when they started so they have continued working on it.

Aloft and Westin are the only ones going up for the time being, as posted above, the "one year delay" that we were told about last November has probably been stretched into a few years.

[MichaelB]

went up to the Domain last weekend. I am still baffled by the sprawl mentality of the whole development. The new area with Dillards is totally disconnected from the original shopping area by the "BIG BOX" sporting goods store and a hugh parking lot. I really can't imagine people not seeing all these as separate shopping malls.(..not unlike suburban strip malls) and driving from one to the other. They really need their own mass transit system.

Breathesgelatin, have you heard of any plans to tie the whole area together somehow? Carts? trams? shuttles? Monorail!???!!!!!!!!

[NThomas]

went up to the Domain last weekend. I am still baffled by the sprawl mentality of the whole development. The new area with Dillards is totally disconnected from the original shopping area by the "BIG BOX" sporting goods store and a hugh parking lot. I really can't imagine people not seeing all these as separate shopping malls.(..not unlike suburban strip malls) and driving from one to the other. They really need their own mass transit system.

Breathesgelatin, have you heard of any plans to tie the whole area together somehow? Carts? trams? shuttles? Monorail!???!!!!!!!!

I wouldn't be surprised to see a trolley like shuttle pop up when the development is nearing completion.

[bluedogok]

It provides separation from the current "high-end" section and the new "commoners" section...after all, there is supposed to be a Payless Shoe store in there :rolleyes:

[breathesgelatin]

I have heard discussion ad infinitum, as you might imagine, regarding Dillard's and how it will affect Macy's, as they're our largest national competitor. There's a lot of excitement, though, that they will draw in more customers. I have personally wondered, though, how easy it will be to walk between the two complexes. I personally find the first phase with Macy's and Neiman's extremely pleasant and walkable. The second phase looks nice, particularly as regards the housing (not as impressed with the Dillards and Dick's Sporting Goods designs), but perhaps not as walkable and indeed lacking in connectivity to the first phase. Agree that it's disjointed and not truly "New Urbanist." The south parking lot at Macy's is too big.

I think most of my fellow employees recognize this point tacitly because we are all convinced the Westin is going to draw in a TON of business for us because it's so much closer than Dillard's is.

What I still can't figure out is what is going to be going in between the Borders and the Westin (the one at the Southwest corner of Domain Drive and Esperanza Crossing). I know it's supposed to be some kind of entertainment according to the Domain map key. I'm also curious which building footprint on the map is supposed to be 12 Domain, if any.

[Mopacs]

The south Macy's parking lot very much resembles that of a typical mall...agreed. Especially now with Dick's outward entrance facing the same lot.

[MichaelB]

The south Macy's parking lot very much resembles that of a typical mall...agreed. Especially now with Dick's outward entrance facing the same lot.

yep, I just had this "Whaaaaaaayt? look on my face when I saw it. Crazy.

[PartyLine]

Is the Westin not going to have a parking garage? I would have thought it would have one attached to it or something

[bluedogok]

Both hotels will probably be using a surface lot behind each. I know the garage behind the Aloft for Nordstrom's and Saks is what affected our project and will not be built until those move forward. I would think it may be a similar situation behind the Westin.