AUSTIN | Project Updates Thread Part II

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by wwmiv

Uh... Since when is it uncool to bring the facts to the plate?

Drummer's post was pure sarcasm.

[wwmiv]

Oh.

[drummer]

Haha, thanks for backing me up ATX. wwmiv, you know I appreciate facts...

[wwmiv]

Originally Posted by drummer

Haha, thanks for backing me up ATX. wwmiv, you know I appreciate facts...

you know me, always bringing the heat but never taking it.

[The ATX]

Demo is underway at the abandoned dealership at Ben White & I-35 (SW corner) for the Aloft hotel. I still haven't seen a rendering. But I suspect it will bare more of a resemblance to the other dozen ~4-story hotels in the area than anything noteworthy.

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by The ATX

Demo is underway at the abandoned dealership at Ben White & I-35 (SW corner) for the Aloft hotel. I still haven't seen a rendering. But I suspect it will bare more of a resemblance to the other dozen ~4-story hotels in the area than anything noteworthy.

I think it'll be similar in size and shape, but with a little more pizzazz.

[Mopacs]

Originally Posted by The ATX

Demo is underway at the abandoned dealership at Ben White & I-35 (SW corner) for the Aloft hotel. I still haven't seen a rendering. But I suspect it will bare more of a resemblance to the other dozen ~4-story hotels in the area than anything noteworthy.

The new Aloft adjacent to Lakeline Mall is 6 stories, so perhaps this one be in that neighborhood too (as minor as that is).

[KevinFromTexas]

I saw this article on the unemployment rate in Texas, and it says hospitality jobs decreased by 12,300 last month. I was wondering if that might be a new trend and how that might affect our hotel boom.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/...ime=1492790525

Texas unemployment rate ticks upward, surpasses California's

Jill Cowan, Economy reporter
Connect with Jill Cowan

Texas' economic engine sputtered for a second consecutive month, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday, adding 9,500 jobs in March — essentially flat after a February during which the state posted lackluster employment numbers.

But statewide leisure and hospitality jobs fell by 12,300 — a sign that consumers might be tightening up on spending.

[We vs us]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

I saw this article on the unemployment rate in Texas, and it says hospitality jobs decreased by 12,300 last month. I was wondering if that might be a new trend and how that might affect our hotel boom.

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/...ime=1492790525

Sheesh, that's a surprising number. Would love to see Austin broken out from that. Anecdotally -- having spoken to both Hilton and Fairmont HR folks in the recent past, it's pretty clear there's a HUGE labor shortage, mostly for hourly employees (housekeeping, banquets, restaurant, etc). Fairmont needs easily 1000+ heads, and our hotel pipeline in the next few years (Element/Aloft, ZaZa, Marriott DT, Autograph-AC-Moxy by campus, etc) should keep demand for labor pretty tight. And of course that doesn't count the 1000 room Kalahari in Round Rock, or other projects in the larger metro.

[We vs us]

I heard today that CVS has abandoned their building on the corner of 5th and Congress, which is currently under renovation. Not sure if the building is in much worse shape than anticipated, or they've just found something better, or . . . . ?

[jbssfelix]

Originally Posted by We vs us

I heard today that CVS has abandoned their building on the corner of 5th and Congress, which is currently under renovation. Not sure if the building is in much worse shape than anticipated, or they've just found something better, or . . . . ?

I'm...I'm...not upset about this.

[We vs us]

Originally Posted by jbssfelix

I'm...I'm...not upset about this.

Yeah, have to agree . . . though central DT needs a convenience store of some kind to replace it.

[smt1]

I'd like to see another urban Target like they're building in 21st/Guad. I know they are planning to build a lot of them.

more of a wet dream: an Amazon Go store.

[Sigaven]

Originally Posted by We vs us

I heard today that CVS has abandoned their building on the corner of 5th and Congress, which is currently under renovation. Not sure if the building is in much worse shape than anticipated, or they've just found something better, or . . . . ?

I've always wondered this, is the building there a historic building that has just been covered up in awful 80's stucco work, or is it a (relatively) newer structure that wouldn't hurt to tear down?

Edit: well I'm answering my own question!

http://www.austinlibrary.com/jonesgl...=J015&action=v

I don't know what this poor building did to deserve those blue tiles and crappy stucco. Are they planning on restoring the original facade? I wish I knew more of what was happening to this building!

[JoninATX]

On the front side of CVS there is s a banner which it states it has temporary close., But for all that it's worth please bring back the original state of the building.


http://www.austinlibrary.com/jonesgl...=J015&action=v

Thank you Sigevan for the link.

[Jdawgboy]

I'm not sure but they may be restoring the original look of the building. I noticed a week ago I could see the outline of the arched windows along 5th Street now.

DT needs a pharmacy more a convenience store. 7-Eleven is a couple of blocks over on Congress plus there's several Royal blue groceries. Having said that, the pharmacy doesn't have to be where the CVS was. Hopefully they are going to have more retail, restaurant or entertainment venue space. Adding another rooftop lounge would fit well since there are several in the immediate vicinity.

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by Sigaven

I've always wondered this, is the building there a historic building that has just been covered up in awful 80's stucco work, or is it a (relatively) newer structure that wouldn't hurt to tear down?

Edit: well I'm answering my own question!

http://www.austinlibrary.com/jonesgl...=J015&action=v

I don't know what this poor building did to deserve those blue tiles and crappy stucco. Are they planning on restoring the original facade? I wish I knew more of what was happening to this building!

Good find!
I too hope it gets restored....
AND we need a pharmacy Downtown!

[rayfes]

Totally agree on there needing to be a pharmacy downtown!

Though it doesn't have to be in that location. I needed some allergy meds the other day and the 7-11 was ridiculously priced per pill for the small packages they had. Couldn't find any at Royal Blue and didn't think Trader Joe's or Whole Foods would have them.

I'm glad we have a health clinic now. Austin's downtown has come so far but there's a good ways to go.

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by JoninATX

On the front side of CVS there is s a banner which it states it has temporary close., But for all that it's worth please bring back the original state of the building.


http://www.austinlibrary.com/jonesgl...=J015&action=v

Thank you Sigevan for the link.

This building is indeed being restored or at any rate being updated, all of the windows facing 5th are exposed. They have surrounded the building with construction cloth or something.

[JoninATX]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

This building is indeed being restored or at any rate being updated, all of the windows facing 5th are exposed. They have surrounded the building with construction cloth or something.

That's great too hear.