[PartyLine]

I wonder when the 6 acre park will be done there's a sign for it on one of the roads in there but nothing's going on with it.

[breathesgelatin]

The Aloft hotel is really starting to look cool. I'm going to take pictures this weekend when the rest of the fam is out of town.

[bixkit78]

New to the forum, interesting discussion. I was told by the property management (Lincoln Properties) of the Villages at the Domain (the residential units being constructed for Phase 2), that I was the first to sign a residential lease in the new phase.

I am set to move in on September 25th, and already have taken a few tours of the construction site of building Z (the stand-alone apartment building across from the shopping center). I am very excited to be moving into the new phase of the project, as I can already tell the the level of quality and design of the residential units are much higher than that of the first phase - Residences at the Domain.

I haven't been back to the site in over a month, but I am planning to take a look at it again next week, I will try to take some pictures and post them up.

I do have a question though. Has there been any discussion on what else is going into the Phase 2 project besides the 2 anchors, a couple of restaurants and a movie theater? ... I think I actually heard from the apartment management a bowling alley was coming too? ... LOL, talk about a class difference compared to having LV and Tiffany's over in Phase 1.

[PartyLine]

Not shure shure what all is going in besides the Anchors and movie theater me and my dad are maby going to look at building 5 in the Domain for our office.

[breathesgelatin]

New to the forum, interesting discussion. I was told by the property management (Lincoln Properties) of the Villages at the Domain (the residential units being constructed for Phase 2), that I was the first to sign a residential lease in the new phase.

I am set to move in on September 25th, and already have taken a few tours of the construction site of building Z (the stand-alone apartment building across from the shopping center). I am very excited to be moving into the new phase of the project, as I can already tell the the level of quality and design of the residential units are much higher than that of the first phase - Residences at the Domain.

I haven't been back to the site in over a month, but I am planning to take a look at it again next week, I will try to take some pictures and post them up.

I do have a question though. Has there been any discussion on what else is going into the Phase 2 project besides the 2 anchors, a couple of restaurants and a movie theater? ... I think I actually heard from the apartment management a bowling alley was coming too? ... LOL, talk about a class difference compared to having LV and Tiffany's over in Phase 1.

Welcome, bizkit. I had been seeing cars parked at the Villages at the Domain apartments and wondered when they would be opening. They do seem to be advertised as more exclusive. I was wondering if you knew what the retail beneath the apartments was going to be?

I haven't heard anything about the other stores going in at Phase 2. It is a HUGE topic of discussion at Macy's. I get the impression, I dunno from where, that it is going to be slightly lower end than Phase 1. But maybe I just made that up in my head. I know that the Macy's people would love some more affordable places to grab lunch.

[bluedogok]

I heard from our person doing the office interior test fits that there is supposed to be a Payless Shoes among all of the other businesses. She has seen the store layout map but I can't remember any of the others, our discussion was about the difference in "status" level between the two phases. Which I think is a good thing, maybe we can get some decently priced eating options for lunch within walking distance.

There can be "upscale" bowling as well, the Redpin (http://www.bowlredpin.com/) in OKC (Lower Bricktown) is one. It isn't your standard AMF/Brunswick bowling alley.

[PartyLine]

California Pizza Kitchen is probably the most affordible restaurant in there right now their pretty good

[bixkit78]

Welcome, bizkit. I had been seeing cars parked at the Villages at the Domain apartments and wondered when they would be opening. They do seem to be advertised as more exclusive. I was wondering if you knew what the retail beneath the apartments was going to be?

I haven't heard anything about the other stores going in at Phase 2. It is a HUGE topic of discussion at Macy's. I get the impression, I dunno from where, that it is going to be slightly lower end than Phase 1. But maybe I just made that up in my head. I know that the Macy's people would love some more affordable places to grab lunch.

Villages currently have a building they are trying to lease out now, above ZARA, but those are very pricey, and I think they currently have just a few residence (like 8?). The other newer units by Phase 2 (especially one I am moving into -- 710sqft for $900), are a little more reasonable, especially since they are offering 2 months free.

As for the retail spots beneath the complex, the leasing agents I have been working with all have told me that they are currently empty... kinda makes me worried if I'm gonna be the only person over there ... lol

[bixkit78]

I heard from our person doing the office interior test fits that there is supposed to be a Payless Shoes among all of the other businesses. She has seen the store layout map but I can't remember any of the others, our discussion was about the difference in "status" level between the two phases. Which I think is a good thing, maybe we can get some decently priced eating options for lunch within walking distance.

There can be "upscale" bowling as well, the Redpin (http://www.bowlredpin.com/) in OKC (Lower Bricktown) is one. It isn't your standard AMF/Brunswick bowling alley.

Though I do agree it would be nice to have some reasonably priced places in the new phase, I am really digging the Redpin concept... sounds like a lot of fun after spending $35 per ticket over at Village Roadhouse Cinema... haha

[bixkit78]

California Pizza Kitchen is probably the most affordible restaurant in there right now their pretty good

I think North is "pretty" reasonable, and I think they have really good food. Also Kona Grill isn't too bad...

[PartyLine]

Yeah North is good

[breathesgelatin]

Well, I'm talking reasonable from a Macy's employee perspective... Although one of the places has a happy hour special on burgers and fries for $3 or $4, can't remember which one.

[bluedogok]

Reasonable for lunch would be nice, I am not talking about a McDonald's dollar menu thing but something like under 10 for a lunch meal. That's a hard thing to do at any of the current restaurants there right now.

CPK/Macy's is the view out of the windows at our office.

[MichaelB]

I think North is "pretty" reasonable, and I think they have really good food. Also Kona Grill isn't too bad...

I've only had lunch there. It was very reasonable, all things considered.

[Mopacs]

A short order restaurant of any variety would be very much appreciated. Particularly the 'fast casual' types, such as Chipotle, Freebirds, Taco Cabana, etc. Not necessarily McDonalds or Burger King, and the like. I would be very surprised if the new phase doesn't have several eateries of that genre.

[MichaelB]

Freebirds is a good almost local. Would be interesting to see some other small local chains up there: Galaxy comes to mind. El Chilito.....

[bixkit78]

Freebirds is a good almost local. Would be interesting to see some other small local chains up there: Galaxy comes to mind. El Chilito.....

There is a Freebirds right on the other side of Burnet across from the Domain. It would be a nice walk if it was a little more pedestrian friendly... Similar to having to "walk" to the new MetroRail. I wouldn't mind the walk at all if it was more pedestrian friendly... maybe some day.

[Talon]

Well, I'm talking reasonable from a Macy's employee perspective... Although one of the places has a happy hour special on burgers and fries for $3 or $4, can't remember which one.

McCormick's happy hour has burger and fries for $1.95, lots of other tasty options under $5 as well. I've gone to it several times both at the downtown location and more recently the domain.

I agree about the Kramer MetroRail station, I work about a little over mile from it and even biking isn't an easy proposition for me the way Braker and Kramer are setup. Walking is not even possible.

[Scottolini]

I thought those roads had sidewalks? Or is there some other reason walking isn't possible?

[M1EK]

They have sidewalks on most of the length, but there's no shade; and nothing to look at but traffic and stuff so ugly it makes the traffic look good.

[Scottolini]

So it's a crappy place to walk, but is certainly possible.

[breathesgelatin]

Freebirds is a good almost local. Would be interesting to see some other small local chains up there: Galaxy comes to mind. El Chilito.....

Would kill for an El Chilito! I used to live a block from the original.

McCormick's happy hour has burger and fries for $1.95, lots of other tasty options under $5 as well. I've gone to it several times both at the downtown location and more recently the domain.

I agree about the Kramer MetroRail station, I work about a little over mile from it and even biking isn't an easy proposition for me the way Braker and Kramer are setup. Walking is not even possible.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking of - the McCormick's happy hour special.

I thought those roads had sidewalks? Or is there some other reason walking isn't possible?

Well, again from the perspective of an hourly-waged employee at the Domain, walking to Freebirds, getting food, eating, and getting back to work in an hour isn't really possible. Whereas something in the Domain would be walkable. It's quite a schlep out to Burnet.

[M1EK]

Well, again from the perspective of an hourly-waged employee at the Domain, walking to Freebirds, getting food, eating, and getting back to work in an hour isn't really possible. Whereas something in the Domain would be walkable. It's quite a schlep out to Burnet.

True dat. When I worked at IBM (east side of Burnet, a little closer than Freebird's), I walked over to the basketball courts (where the Domain is now) the first time I went out to play at lunch - it took 20 minutes each way; far too long to be feasible. After that, the next 500 times, I drove.

[Talon]

So it's a crappy place to walk, but is certainly possible.

You're right, I let the hyperbole get away from me there. I used a poor choice of word in 'possible'.

The sidewalk along Kramer from Braker to Metro Rail ends a little past Culver's so your'e walking on brush for the last couple hundred feet. The path along Braker east from Kramer to my office actually isn't so bad when it's not 100+.

[breathesgelatin]

Man, I never seem to get around to taking pictures. I guess I just get off work and want to see my daughter so badly!

The cladding & windows are nearly complete on the Westin now. It is looking better than I expected. The Aloft, I think, looks really good.

The Dick's Sporting Goods has a "now hiring" sign up. I wonder if they will actually open earlier than expected? They have signage up inside the store and everything.

Someone asked about the Maggiano's. I saw some plyboard over an entrance that was spray-painted "Maggiano's," which leads me to believe they must be making deliveries to the location.

At work today I had 2-3 more discussions about how we need more affordable places to eat. Seriously, it is on the mind of all the retail workers there.

[PartyLine]

A Fox Sports grill might do good there like the one in Houston in the Galleria

[PartyLine]

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2009/10/26/daily22.html

[breathesgelatin]

According to an update at work, the Grand Opening date for the Dillard's and "several smaller stores" will be February 26th.

[Scottolini]

Domain II tenants

* A’GACI, teen clothing, www.agacistore.com
* American Eagle Outfitters, men’s and women’s clothing, www.ae.com
* Aeropostale, men’s and women’s clothing, www.aeropostale.com
* Avalon, nail salon, www.avalonnailsalon.com
* Bath & Body Works, fragrant body care products, www.bathandbodyworks.com
* The Buckle, men’s and women’s clothing, www.buckle.com
* Bui-yah-kah, young women’s clothing, www.bui-yah-kah.com
* Charming Charlie, women’s fashion accessories, www.charmingcharlie.com
* Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, coffee and tea shop, www.coffeebean.com
* DICK’S Sporting Goods, sporting goods, www.dickssportinggoods.com
* Dillard’s, department store, www.dillards.com
* East Fifth Hub, clothing
* EXPRESS, men’s and women’s clothing, www.express.com
* Finish Line, athletic shoes and apparel, www.finishline.com
* GameStop, video games, www.gamestop.com
* Gold Class Cinema, movie theater, www.goldclasscinemas.com
* The Limited, women’s clothing, www.thelimited.com
* Maggiano’s, Italian restaurant, www.maggianos.com
* Master Wok, Chinese restaurant, www.kcmasterwok.com
* Payless ShoeSource, footwear and accessories, www.payless.com
* Perfume Palace, men’s and women’s fragrances, www.perfumepalace.us
* Shasa Collection, women’s clothing, www.shasa.com
* Stride Rite, children’s footwear, www.striderite.com
* Sushi Zushi, Japanese restaurant, www.sushizushi.com
* Vans, action sports footwear, www.vans.com
* Yogurt Planet, frozen yogurt, www.yogurtplanet.com
* Zumiez, snowboarding and skateboarding shoes and clothing, www.zumiez.com

http://impactnews.com/northwest-austin/239-local-news/6503-the-domain-phase-ii-set-to-open-february-2010

[breathesgelatin]

The new section is decidedly more downmarket than the original section.

Thanks for posting that list. I knew about most of the stores but didn't have a comprehensive list to reference.

We've heard buzz about a Subway at work, which isn't on the list... There is a subway across the street on Burnet but it would be great to have one closer.

ETA: I just realized one of my friends is quoted in that article. HA!

[PartyLine]

I saw the other day when I was in the Domain that they were tearing down one of the old IBM buildings over kinda behind the building where Texas Culinary Academy is not shure if their just tearing it down or if their going to start something there.

[Scottolini]

The Domain has landed a corporate headquarters...


Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 9:11am CST
Hanger Orthopedics confirms move to Austin
Austin Business Journal

Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc. (NYSE:HGR) confirmed its headquarters move to Austin today, following reports last week that it was negotiating a 75,000 square foot lease on the North side of the city.

Officials said in the release this morning that the Domain 2 building in North Austin will allow room for growth and is more centralized between the company’s 700 national care facilities. Before deciding on Austin, Maryland-based Hanger considered the greater Washington DC metro area.

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/01/11/daily19.html

[Scottolini]

Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 10:48am CST
Westin and W hotels to hire 436 in Austin
Austin Business Journal

Westin Austin and the downtown W Austin Hotel & Residences will add more than 430 jobs to the local economy, developers announced today.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT) will run a hiring fair from the Westin at The Domain Jan. 25-27 and Jan. 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Starwood spokesperson said the 340-room, 10-story hotel will open sometime this March.

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/01/11/daily21.html


I didn't realize the new Westin at the Domain was 10-stories. Do you know the height, Kevin?

[Mopacs]

Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 10:48am CST
Westin and W hotels to hire 436 in Austin
Austin Business Journal

Westin Austin and the downtown W Austin Hotel & Residences will add more than 430 jobs to the local economy, developers announced today.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT) will run a hiring fair from the Westin at The Domain Jan. 25-27 and Jan. 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Starwood spokesperson said the 340-room, 10-story hotel will open sometime this March.

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/01/11/daily21.html


I didn't realize the new Westin at the Domain was 10-stories. Do you know the height, Kevin?

I dont think that's correct. It is 8-stories.

[PartyLine]

I thought some where I saw it was going to be 10 stories but yeah it is 8

[KevinFromTexas]

Yeah, 8 floors was all that I've heard or seen of it. It certainly doesn't stick up like a 10-story building anyway, it's hardly noticeable in the area. I'm not sure what the height is, but I would assume it's probably 110 to 120 feet tall. It might just barely be considered a high rise.

[JoninATX]

Has anyone here stayed in the new Aloft? I hear their rates are fare.

[breathesgelatin]

Has anyone here stayed in the new Aloft? I hear their rates are fare.

I haven't, but one of my college friends came to town for work and stayed there. I never really got the DL on the place from him, though.

[Mopacs]

Yeah, 8 floors was all that I've heard or seen of it. It certainly doesn't stick up like a 10-story building anyway, it's hardly noticeable in the area. I'm not sure what the height is, but I would assume it's probably 110 to 120 feet tall. It might just barely be considered a high rise.

I agree... it doesn't stand out at all... even from Mopac as you pass the Domain (northbound). The hotel sort of blends in with the apartments and offices. Same goes for the northbound elevated lanes of 183 (between Lamar and Burnet). It's barely visible, blending in with the industrial warehouses along Metric.

[bluedogok]

As some things are opening, others are closing....

Bailey, Banks & Biddle (jewelry) closed around Christmas, there was another that I remember seeing empty on that end/side as well. I just noticed yesterday that the streetscape fronted shop between Victoria's Secret and the Apple Store was empty.

Also, there were some break-ins or something right after Thanksgiving, the Coach store had one of it's glass doors replaced with plywood, so did the Louis Vuitton store along with one of the corner displays and a large window on the north side facing Neiman's covered partially in plywood with the plate glass cracked. LV covered up the front plywood door and the corner display with some banners.

[Scottolini]

Also, there were some break-ins or something right after Thanksgiving, the Coach store had one of it's glass doors replaced with plywood, so did the Louis Vuitton store along with one of the corner displays and a large window on the north side facing Neiman's covered partially in plywood with the plate glass cracked. LV covered up the front plywood door and the corner display with some banners.

I'm not supposed to talk about it, but that was just a Project Mayhem homework assignment.

[bluedogok]

I'm not supposed to talk about it, but that was just a Project Mayhem homework assignment.
I noticed today that the LV store had new glass, must have fixed it yesterday afternoon.

[breathesgelatin]

As some things are opening, others are closing....

Bailey, Banks & Biddle (jewelry) closed around Christmas, there was another that I remember seeing empty on that end/side as well. I just noticed yesterday that the streetscape fronted shop between Victoria's Secret and the Apple Store was empty.

Also, there were some break-ins or something right after Thanksgiving, the Coach store had one of it's glass doors replaced with plywood, so did the Louis Vuitton store along with one of the corner displays and a large window on the north side facing Neiman's covered partially in plywood with the plate glass cracked. LV covered up the front plywood door and the corner display with some banners.

Bailey Banks & Biddle went out of business nationally, as did Ruehl, the streetscape fronted store. So it wasn't necessarily a case of either failing in the Austin market.

Ruehl was a more upscale, more adult brand by Abercrombie and Fitch. It was only launched pretty recently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruehl_No.925

Bailey, Banks and Biddle I could tell you a lot about. I used to work for the company that operated them...

[arbeiter]

Bailey Banks & Biddle went out of business nationally, as did Ruehl, the streetscape fronted store. So it wasn't necessarily a case of either failing in the Austin market.

Ruehl was a more upscale, more adult brand by Abercrombie and Fitch. It was only launched pretty recently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruehl_No.925

Bailey, Banks and Biddle I could tell you a lot about. I used to work for the company that operated them...

I thought Bailey Banks and Biddle was a law firm. It certainly sounded like one.

My friend was one of the head designers for Ruehl, he even relocated to Columbus Ohio for the job. I need to check up on him now.

I wonder what will go in place of those? Get us an H&M now!

[MichaelB]

I thought Bailey Banks and Biddle was a law firm. It certainly sounded like one.

My friend was one of the head designers for Ruehl, he even relocated to Columbus Ohio for the job. I need to check up on him now.

I wonder what will go in place of those? Get us an H&M now!

I want H & M on 2nd Street! I even wrote them! ha!

[breathesgelatin]

I thought Bailey Banks and Biddle was a law firm. It certainly sounded like one.

My friend was one of the head designers for Ruehl, he even relocated to Columbus Ohio for the job. I need to check up on him now.

I wonder what will go in place of those? Get us an H&M now!

I would love an H&M.

Bailey Banks and Biddle was high end jewelry...

[bluedogok]

I couldn't remember what their (Ruehl) name was, all I know is between them and Victoria's Secret that side of the street was very "fragrant" in the morning on my walk to Starbuck's....dang allergies.

I thought BB&B was just another outlet of Zales or another one of those conglomerates with 40 different store names...or did they just shut down that moniker?

[breathesgelatin]

I thought BB&B was just another outlet of Zales or another one of those conglomerates with 40 different store names...or did they just shut down that moniker?

Yeah, sort of.

BB&B was owned by Zales until 2007 or 2008, when a company named Finlay Fine Jewelry purchased them. Finlay operated several stand-alone jewelry chains and a bunch of department store fine jewelry departments, including at Macy's.

As part of Macy's ongoing rebranding and nationwide "One Macy's" program, they decided not to renew Finlay's contract with them. Thus Finlay was thrown into turmoil and faced the prospect of not being able to make the payments on the gigantic loan they took out to buy BB&B.

I worked for Finlay in a Macy's jewelry department until July - I now work for Macy's, still in fine jewelry. Finlay went into bankruptcy in September. I believe all of their brands are gone by now. (They also operated Carlyle & Co., J.E. Caldwell & Co., and Park Promenade.)

[KevinFromTexas]

Thousands apply for 160 positions at new Westin Hotel
Updated: 1/28/2010 7:57 AM
By: Harlan Schmidt

The new Westin Hotel at the Domain is holding a job fair through Saturday. The Westin is seeking to hire 160 employees. According to Westin officials, they have seen more than 2,000 applicants.

...


http://news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=265151

[Scottolini]

Dillard’s at the Domain to open March 11
By American-Statesman staff | Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:39 AM

Dillard’s plans to open its new store at the Domain on March 11.

The 600,000 square-foot expansion also includes a Dick’s Sporting Goods, a Gold Class Cinema, apartments and office space.


http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/theticker/entries/2010/02/10/dillards_at_the_domain_to_open.html?srcTrk=RTR_95609

[southsideatx04]

Can we change the name of this thread? I mean, what's a second downtown? Maybe meant an uptown, I dunno? :koko:

[KevinFromTexas]

We could. It shouldn't be called "The Domain" though since that refers to only one major development in the area, although, that is the only major one going on there that will no doubt fuel future development. But technically, the area is called North Burnet. Everyone agree?

[Scottolini]

North Burnet/Gateway Projects & Redevelopment is my suggestion.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/planning/neighborhood/burnet.htm

[southsideatx04]

We could. It shouldn't be called "The Domain" though since that refers to only one major development in the area, although, that is the only major one going on there that will no doubt fuel future development. But technically, the area is called North Burnet. Everyone agree?

Sorry, I'm not trying to be a smart ass.

Thanks Kevin!

[JAM]

Sorry, I'm not trying to be a smart ass.

Thanks Kevin!

Its funny southside... I was looking at the thread title page last night thinking the exact same thing, noticed you wrote something on this thread, and low and behold, you took the words right out of my finger tips! IMHO, its not quite a 2nd DT yet, just a nice outdoor mall at this point. When Boris originally wrote the thread, I think it was more of a visionary statement .....

[PartyLine]

That's what the city is planning on the area becomming in the future is a second downtown hopfully it will but yeah it's not there yet

[KevinFromTexas]

No prob, southsidetx04. By the way, your avatar is hilarious. :haha:

It makes more sense to name the thread this way since if someone is doing a Google Search they can find it by the area's name. I doubt few people would ever figure it's being planned as a 2nd downtown.

[PartyLine]

Now this would be cool up there something like stratosphere tower with a revolving restaurant would have awsome views of DT
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Stratosphere_Las_Vegas_-_November_2003.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

^I always wanted something like that for Butler Park next the Palmer Events Center.

[PartyLine]

Yeah I used to go to Tower Of The Americas in San Antonio all the time when I was down there it's got a wonderful view of DT SA and San Antonio area

[grojas]

Does anyone know if the landowners around the new station have any intent on redeveloping the area into a TOD any time soon? I know this is an urban station but parking will be a problem for riders in this area until bike/pedestrian trails are built out from the surrounding neighborhoods or the block bounded by Burnet, Braker, and Kramer is redeveloped into housing, live/work, etc. I've taken a peak at the NBG plan (very nice!) and it looks as though, with the recently revised zoning for the area, building can be as high as 320 feet here.

[bluedogok]

I wouldn't expect any traction in that immediate area unless the city moves the large Austin Energy yard in the area and does something (sale/lease) with that land. It is mostly industrial and much of it occupied at the moment, the empty buildings in the area seem to front Braker like the old Eurway store, I don't know if anything has moved into the old Corvette Palace space. The only empty lots are the one behind Freebirds/Firehouse and the IBM land on the north edge of that.

I think it will happen eventually but not anytime in the near future.

[bluedogok]

I see the drunk driver hitting a pedestrian in The Domain last Thursday finally hit the news today.

KXAN.com - Cops: Drunk driver 5x over limit (http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/kxan-cops-drunk-driver-five-times-over-limit)

[KevinFromTexas]

Friday, April 23, 2010
Domain Phase II grand opening today
Austin Business Journal

The second phase of Simon Property Group's 600,000-square-foot Domain project opens its doors today.

The 175-acre, mixed-use development will eventually include more than 3 million square feet of office space, 4,000 residential units, 900,000 square feet of retail

...


http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2010/04/19/daily64.html?surround=lfn

[natrius]

Links to the planned map of the Domain as well as the details of the development have been removed from the site, which seems like sign of something. The information was outdated since the second phase of the Domain opened, so maybe that's the only reason for the changes. They're still in the HTML if you want to poke around.

http://www.thedomainaustin.com/

[breathesgelatin]

I heard a rumor that the Nordstrom's was canceled. It is probably just that, a rumor.

There are few more stores about to open in Phase II and something (not sure what) is about to go in where Ruehl 925 was.

[PartyLine]

I heard a rumor that the Nordstrom's was canceled. It is probably just that, a rumor.

There are few more stores about to open in Phase II and something (not sure what) is about to go in where Ruehl 925 was.


Last I heard Nordstroms,Saks and the Whole Foods was on hold

[Spaceman]

Most rumors are true...In fact at a rate of 75% true....Bye bye Nordstroms

[hookem]

Most rumors are true...In fact at a rate of 75% true....Bye bye Nordstroms

And the Austonian will never be built past the parking garage! The W is going to be the next Intel Shell! Yup, 75% of all rumors are true.

("find all posts by ...") ;)

[Spaceman]

Let's wait and see....Time will tell...Nordstroms wants to be in North Austin...If they could , they would.

[bluedogok]

I heard a rumor that the Nordstrom's was canceled. It is probably just that, a rumor.
The entire Phase III portion is on an indefinite hold, from what I understand Nordstrom is still interested, as is Whole Foods but with a smaller location than originally planned. Since Saks has an existing north location they aren't as eager to move and most of the smaller retailers have pretty much backed out. So right now there isn't enough "commitment" to get the funding in the current lending environment. They have been putting in surface parking where the garage was supposed to go by Aloft.

There are few more stores about to open in Phase II and something (not sure what) is about to go in where Ruehl 925 was.
Anthropologie is opening in the former Ruehl space.

[bluedogok]

The Sony Style store at the Domain has closed.

[breathesgelatin]

I saw that Martin + Osa recently closed, too.

Anyone seen or heard any news about the Hotel Valencia at the Domain?

[bluedogok]

I think they closed a couple of weeks ago, American Eagle Outfitters was closing the whole chain down as of the end of July.

On the Endeavor site they claim a Fall 2011 opening for the Hotel Valencia, I haven't heard of Phase II starting back up but the project that we were stalled with on Phase II is dead in the water as far as a I know.

[breathesgelatin]

I think they closed a couple of weeks ago, American Eagle Outfitters was closing the whole chain down as of the end of July.

On the Endeavor site they claim a Fall 2011 opening for the Hotel Valencia, I haven't heard of Phase II starting back up but the project that we were stalled with on Phase II is dead in the water as far as a I know.

Yeah, neither Martin + Osa nor Ruehl 925 (American Eagle's and Abercrombie and Fitch's 'adult' lines, respectively) seem to have been successful ventures. They didn't exactly launch in the best retail environment.

Re: Hotel Valencia, I guess what I hadn't been totally clear on is if its development was tied in with Phase II or not.

[bluedogok]

I think what was "Phase II" has been fluid since November 2008 when they officially called it on hold. I have heard some things might go ahead based on the owners desires and if they can operate without the rest of the phase being completed. I would think this hotel could very well fit into that criteria. I know they have been working some on the road between Domain 5 and the culinary academy building.

[Mopacs]

Are there any long-term plans to improve access to/from the Domain from Mopac? The approaches from both the N and South are a bit awkward and cumbersome. ie.,Domain Drive, via Braker or the Duval NB exit (which requires an immediate crossing of 2 lanes to reach the north-entrance.)

That's not to say there's a lack of alternatives (via Burnet Road, etc.), but the majority of shoppers are either not aware or willing to access from other ingress/egress points. The congestion figures to get much worse as further development comes online.

I advise anyone I know to avoid the Braker entrance if at all possible. (I get off at Duval and do the double-u-turn route)

[tgbAustinite]

Are there any long-term plans to improve access to/from the Domain from Mopac? The approaches from both the N and South are a bit awkward and cumbersome. ie.,Domain Drive, via Braker or the Duval NB exit (which requires an immediate crossing of 2 lanes to reach the north-entrance.)

That's not to say there's a lack of alternatives (via Burnet Road, etc.), but the majority of shoppers are either not aware or willing to access from other ingress/egress points. The congestion figures to get much worse as further development comes online.

I advise anyone I know to avoid the Braker entrance if at all possible. (I get off at Duval and do the double-u-turn route)

good question. accessing the domain from braker during peak times is a big pain, especially when coming from mopac. having lived near there for a few years now, i always use the entrance on burnet. it's always easy to get in & out, plus it's quicker to get to the heart of the domain. i certainly do hope they make access more convenient in the future. also, getting to arbor walk is a pain in the *ss, too. poor planning...

[bluedogok]

There is another planned entry off Mopac that is supposed to be between the future Whole Foods and the existing hotel to the north of it.
It is shown on The Domain Map (http://www.thedomainaustin.com/Dining-Retail-and-Entertainment.aspx)

I come in off Mopac every morning, the light at Braker light is a mess, the timings are worthless....and yes, getting in/out of Arbor Walk is a complete mess.

[Mopacs]

To make matters worse, there are two left-turn lanes to get from EB Braker to Domain Drive. Once you finally get through the light, Domain Drive immediately narrows down to one lane (right lane splits off), followed by a series of 4-way stops as you drive in a single file.

Couldn't agree more about Arbor Walk. The size and orientation of that property is totally inappropriate for high-traffic retail use. All entrances are one-way right-in, right-out (2 on Mopac's NB FR and 1 on EB Braker). I believe the land is leased to Simon from UT.

One thing is for certain, I will avoid that area like the plague during the upcoming Sales Tax Holiday weekend!

[bluedogok]

After working there for two and a half years I find it one of the worst planned facilities of this type that I have seen, there are so many things that I would do differently if I was doing the site planning. One thing that I find ridiculous is the lack of connection between the Phase I and II portions withs Macy's closing one end and Dick's closing the other end with nothing but a huge parking lot between them, there should be an inviting, walkable connection. I took my car in for service at the Euro shop on Burnet & Braker and walked to the office, there is no sidewalk from Braker to Dillard's and no place open for them as the entry signs and landscaping block the natural path of where a sidewalk should be. It is nothing more than two separate outdoor malls and Simon runs the office buildings in the same manner. One day when I open up my own practice, it will not be in a similar type of location. It just seems to be a a shell of what it could be and I think it would still be that way when completed, it just is not as cohesive as it should be, definitely NOT a "second downtown" as some were claiming.

I tend to avoid it on all weekends unless I have a need to go to the office (like last weekend).

[Mopacs]

Regarding the sprawling parking lot between Macy's and Dick's, there are large LCRA electrical transmission lines running directly through this section. Perhaps it would have been hazardous to perform construction activities in this location. Nevertheless, that does not excuse the lack of pedestrian connectivity between the two phases.

[M1EK]

Some of us here have been saying this all along - there is no chance that this area ever becomes a second downtown - it'll likely at some point maybe approach the density of the Triangle; yet still be less relevant overall.

[JAM]

Some of us here have been saying this all along - there is no chance that this area ever becomes a second downtown - it'll likely at some point maybe approach the density of the Triangle; yet still be less relevant overall.

I'd be interested in a clarification? I don't find the Triangle all that relevant to people that I know, most seem to go to Domain over Triangle. I would venture a guess the Domain if financially more relevant to the city in terms of sales, jobs and tax revenue???

[M1EK]

In terms of activity per square foot, the Triangle has a hell of a lot more going on these days than does the Domain. Come down on a Farmers' Market night in the summer and check it out (or go on any night to the area around the pub/Galaxy).

[bluedogok]

I would rather work in the real downtown instead of a shopping mall, it was also cut my commute drastically.

[tgbAustinite]

the walkability within each phase of the domain is pretty good, but the walkability between the 2 phases is laughable, when considering how "pedestrian-friendly" it's supposed to be. even more laughable is the inability for pedestrians to access the domain. it disgusts me that the car culture smears what should be a wonderful development. so yeah, i agree it's planning is subpar. i just hope it evolves over the years into what it should have been in the first place.

[JAM]

Since we're on the subject of walk-ability, I'd like to set the record straight. There is nothing more walkable or bike-able about downtown than there is the Domain or Triangle. All are very pedestrian unfriendly. I can understand the Domain and Triangle not being pedestrian friendly because you're gonna have to drive to get to them, and both are surrounded by roads with cars traveling 60 MPH and faster.

But there is no excuse for downtown, as it is the epicenter of entertainment in Austin. I walk downtown and SoCo on a very regular basis, and if you are not on your guard, you can get run over. So really, if we can't even get Downtown figured out, how in the hell can we expect the Domain to get there?

In fact, I'd say Austin is no more pedestrian friendly than Houston or Dallas. Any politician that tells you otherwise is paying lip service.

[bluedogok]

Since we're on the subject of walk-ability, I'd like to set the record straight. There is nothing more walkable or bike-able about downtown than there is the Domain or Triangle. All are very pedestrian unfriendly. I can understand the Domain and Triangle not being pedestrian friendly because you're gonna have to drive to get to them, and both are surrounded by roads with cars traveling 60 MPH and faster.
I don't expect suburban centers to be walkable to them, but they sure should be walkable inside them.

But there is no excuse for downtown, as it is the epicenter of entertainment in Austin. I walk downtown and SoCo on a very regular basis, and if you are not on your guard, you can get run over. So really, if we can't even get Downtown figured out, how in the hell can we expect the Domain to get there?
Because The Domain was a "clean sheet" for the most part and could have been designed to be walkable internally and the connections to the "outside". At The Domain there are only a few buildings that were retained and they were not in locations that really impacted the movement of pedestrians. The largest impact of an existing building was the IBM building close to Braker and the Pickle light which did affect the immediate curve at that drive, but even that could have been resolved in a better way by giving up some of the parking on the west of the building and moving it to the east or north of the building. There is still absolutely no reason why a sidewalk could not have been extended to Braker or the landscaping/signage at least designed to where it would not impede the natural walking path along the road.


In fact, I'd say Austin is no more pedestrian friendly than Houston or Dallas. Any politician that tells you otherwise is paying lip service.
That is very true....

[Mopacs]

On a semi-related note, the long-proposed Cedar Park Town Center apparently is no longer planned as a vertical mixed-use district. The latest site plan shows a suburban setup of big box stores and garden apartments. A wasted opportunity.

[KevinFromTexas]

Yuck. I hate to say it and be that way, but I try to avoid areas of our metro area like that.

[M1EK]

On a semi-related note, the long-proposed Cedar Park Town Center apparently is no longer planned as a vertical mixed-use district. The latest site plan shows a suburban setup of big box stores and garden apartments. A wasted opportunity.

Were you able to sense how surprised I was to hear it? This is the same exact pattern that happened with supposed TOD on Tri-Rail. Turns out people don't want to spend a premium to live near transit that isn't any good.

[Mopacs]

The "Downtown District," as city leaders refer to it, has been talked about and planned for well over a decade. The residential portion is mostly built-out ...which is basically a collection of DR Horton homes with back alleys/garages.

Here's a little background info and conceptual plans/renderings.

City of Cedar Park Town Center page:

http://www.cedarparktx.us/cp/page285299.aspx

More conceptual plans...

http://www.jerde.com/projects/project.php?id=41

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/experiential/cedarpark_full_mainst.jpg

http://www.jerde.com/media/images/technical/cedarpark_info_model.jpg

[JAM]

Were you able to sense how surprised I was to hear it? This is the same exact pattern that happened with supposed TOD on Tri-Rail. Turns out people don't want to spend a premium to live near transit that isn't any good.

I doubt that is what is going on in people minds. Rail transit is a low consideration in the majority of peoples minds. We live in Texas for heavens sake.... where trucks and SUV's RULE. If I was going to live way up north, I would want a big yard and a big house with a big garage - that is the Cedar Park real estate market, like it or not. Want to be able to resell you property in Cedar Park, you better have these amenities. The developer knows that, and he is going to RISK his investment by addressing the market's needs.

If I want to purchase a little space stacked up on top of other people, then I will live somewhere that it has potential resale value, but not in Cedar Park. Small market - high risk of losing value.

This area would be good for apartments, not condos. Were they originally planning condos or apartments on top of the retail? Is this totally shot down now?

[SecretAgentMan]

Were you able to sense how surprised I was to hear it? This is the same exact pattern that happened with supposed TOD on Tri-Rail. Turns out people don't want to spend a premium to live near transit that isn't any good.

The Cedar Park Town Center is not a TOD. It was planned long before MetroRail, and although it is adjacent to the rail line, there is no station there because Cedar Park is not in Cap Metro's service area. Even if there was a station there, it would be better categorized as Transit Adjacent Development, since the commercial area is across the lake from the tracks!

[M1EK]

Yeah, sorry guys, I was confusing this thing with the Leander project that's also in crickets-chirping-ville (also not a TOD; a TAD at best).

[Mopacs]

I just found an updated site plan for the southern-half of the "town center" Apparently will include a Sprouts market and what looks like a Costco. Even better, the backs of the big boxes will 'face' Main Street! Just lovely.

Site plan from United Commercial Realty.

http://www.ucrrealty.com/photos/properties/flyers/201005201233540.Cedar%20Park%20Town%20Center%20Flyer%20Package%20-%202010.pdf


http://images53.fotki.com/v535/photos/5/54967/234733/CPTC-vi.jpg

Anyway, sorry for taking this thread off-topic, but it's worth mentioning given the issues at The Domain.

[Mopacs]

^^^ Time will tell if this iteration of the plan comes to fruition. Given the state of the economy, I held on to hope that with the delay would ultimately result in a far more appropriate plan that had become watered down over time (now to this).

[SecretAgentMan]

Yeah, sorry guys, I was confusing this thing with the Leander project that's also in crickets-chirping-ville (also not a TOD; a TAD at best).

I don't know, this sure looks like TOD to me.

http://hcmaustin.com/properties/item/1-leander-transit-village-investment

Even if you subscribe to Todd Littman's narrow definition of TOD that it requires a certain level of transit service to qualify, it would be more appropriate to label the Leander TOD Transit Ready Development. Transit Adjacent Development (TAD) describes development that is adjacent to transit, but does not appropriately address it, by turning away from the station, or placing inappropriate land uses next to the station.

EDIT: I'm not sure this is the appropriate thread for this discussion.

[M1EK]

I don't know, this sure looks like TOD to me.

http://hcmaustin.com/properties/item/1-leander-transit-village-investment

Even if you subscribe to Todd Littman's narrow definition of TOD that it requires a certain level of transit service to qualify, it would be more appropriate to label the Leander TOD Transit Ready Development. Transit Adjacent Development (TAD) describes development that is adjacent to transit, but does not appropriately address it, by turning away from the station, or placing inappropriate land uses next to the station.

EDIT: I'm not sure this is the appropriate thread for this discussion.

Littman's 'narrow' definition also requires that it prioritize transit over parking; and the pictures you supply contradict what's on the ground there now anyways.

Finally, the basic common sense test ought to be this: does the presence of the transit allow for more successfully satisfied demand for density (and less parking) than other developments in the same area? In the case of the Red Line further down in Austin, we know this to not be the case - Crestview Station is less dense than the Triangle, for instance.