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DOWNTOWN AUSTIN ALLIANCE PRESENTS NEW BOARD LEADERSHIP,
BIKE RACK SCULPTURES, IMPACT AWARD WINNERS

Austin, TX – Oct. 31, 2008 – The Downtown Austin Alliance held its 2008 Annual Meeting and Biennial IMPACT Awards luncheon at the Sheraton Austin Hotel.

New Leadership

At the event, Chair Emeritus, Nancy Burns, Director of Property Management at Norwood Tower Management Company/LBJ Asset Management Partners, introduced incoming Board Chair, Tom Stacy, President of T. Stacy and Associates.

Tom Stacy has been instrumental in acquiring, managing and enhancing the value of Austin's landmark downtown properties over the past decade. In 1997, he was chairman of the Downtown Austin Alliance.  Since 2003, he has served as President of the Community Partnership for the Homeless, a non-profit organization which provides housing for the homeless and underprivileged.

“The success of the Downtown Austin Alliance is dependent on the dedication of our volunteer leaders,” said Charles Betts, executive director of the Downtown Austin Alliance.  “We’ve been very fortunate to have Nancy Burns serve as chair for the past year.  She is extremely conscientious and dedicated, and truly walks the walk. We’re also very lucky to have Tom Stacy at the helm once again – 11 years after his first term as board chair.  As a major downtown Austin developer, he demonstrates his commitment to our mission each day. He will undoubtedly continue along the path of success that Nancy and other past board chairs have established.”

“When I served as board chair more than a decade ago, downtown Austin was a very different place,” said Stacy.  “Thanks to the vision and determination of many people, downtown has developed into a 24-hour environment, filled with exciting office, residential, retail and cultural amenities.  I’m honored to serve as board chair during a time when the Downtown Austin Alliance is implementing its strategic plan with the goal of achieving an even more vibrant downtown than what we have today!”

Bike Rack Sculptures

Earlier this year, the Downtown Austin Alliance issued a request for proposal to local artists interested in creating unique durable artwork to serve as bike racks at along Congress Avenue.  The designs, funded initially by Thomas Properties Group, Grubb and Ellis and The Downtown Austin Alliance, were chosen based on high aesthetic merit of the work, functionality as a bike rack, ability to support and secure at least two bikes, the overall safety of the design and the degree of maintenance required.

Winning designs were submitted by: Ann Armstrong, Ben Harman and Kezia and Tim Simister.  The bike rack sculptures will be installed at 401, 600 and 816 Congress Avenue by May 2009. To view the winning designs, click here.

“This program helps the Downtown Austin Alliance achieve its mission of promoting and preserving the value and vitality of downtown by supporting public art and alternative means of transportation,” said Nancy Burns, DAA Chair Emeritus. “We look forward to seeing the designs come to life, and building upon this program each year.”

2008 IMPACT Awards Winners

The Downtown Austin Alliance’s biennial IMPACT Awards are given to individuals, organizations, projects and designs that are “larger than themselves,” positively impacting the Downtown Austin community and surrounding region during the past two years.

This year, the Downtown Austin Alliance celebrates its 15th Anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the DAA presented "Crystal" Awards, recognizing individuals, organizations and projects that have made a positive impact on downtown Austin during the past 15 years.

Community members nominated contenders and a panel of local leaders selected the winners.

The 2008 IMPACT Award Winners Are:

  • Special Chair’s Award – Charles Betts, DAA  Executive Director
    Charles Betts joined as the Executive Director of the Downtown Austin Alliance in 1996.  Since then, he has led the organization with a steadfast sense of purpose and dedication.  A large part of the success of the DAA over the past twelve years is due to Charlie’s strong relationships with a vast variety of people and organizations.  He forms genuine relationships with people and is always ready to lend a hand. He has
    forged key relationships at City Hall to ensure that people are listening when something in downtown needs to be addressed. He cares deeply about the issues affecting downtown - mobility, historical preservation, safety, cleanliness, retail development - and takes every opportunity to push the envelope.
  • Chair Emeritus Award:  Art City Austin
    Each April, hundreds of juried independent and emerging artists descend on the hub of innovation, expression, and individuality that is Austin, Texas. Art City Austin is set against streets, plazas, and green spaces on the edge of a flourishing and hip downtown shopping and arts district and the banks of Lady Bird Lake. Reflecting the city's vibrant energy, the city's largest and longest running outdoor art fair offers not
    only rousing art for many budgets, but complimentary art experiences for all who enter. Art City Austin is ranked the top art fair in Texas and 20th in the nation. In 2008, the event brought more than 25,000 people to downtown and contributed $1.3 million to our local economy.
  • Individual IMPACT Award: Wade Cooper
    Wade Cooper has been a champion of downtown and a true believer in the importance of a comprehensive transit system in Austin since he moved here in 1997. Wade has served two terms as chair of the DAA's Board of Directors.  During his term, he boldly led the DAA’s support of the 2004 Rail Referendum.  He has also served as co-chair of the DAA's Streetscapes and Transportation Committee since
    November of 2006, leading efforts to improve access to and mobility within downtown Austin. Wade also serves as managing partner at Jackson Walker L.L.P. and is listed in the 2008 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Monthly Magazine has twice named him a "Texas Super Lawyer."
  • Organization IMPACT Award:  Ballet Austin
    As distinctive and dynamic as the city it calls home, Ballet Austin welcomes audiences near and far to participate in its “classically innovative” vision for the democratization of dance. With a rich history spanning five decades, acclaimed productions, and one of the nation’s largest classical ballet academies, the
    organization is poised for an even greater future. From their new home in downtown Austin, the Butler Dance Education Center and Community School makes the greatest possible cultural, social and educational contribution to Central Texas while supporting Ballet Austin's vision of breaking down key barriers to accessibility, including finances, physical challenges, cultural context and geography.
  • Design IMPACT Award: Long Center for the Performing Arts
    The Long Center for the Performing Arts opened with a flourish in spring 2008 - the culmination of a community undertaking reaching back nearly 20 years. Building on substantial community support, a dedicated design team made up of top national and local architects created a truly distinct and striking building - the crown jewel of a new civic, cultural and recreational district on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake. Most importantly, in a city that values historic preservation and sustainability, the designers created a truly distinct and striking building while retaining much of the identity and even much of the material of the original Palmer Auditorium. An astounding 97% of that material was reused, 65% of it in the Long Center itself. The venue will have a multi-million dollar annual impact on the regional economy through
    the employment of 250 people; by its direct spending of $7 million and by indirect spending it creates.
  • Project IMPACT Award: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Ritz
    Tim and Karrie League, who originally founded the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin in 1997, have created a nationally renowned concept of combining food and film.  In 2007, they made an indelible mark on downtown by relocating their flagship location to the Ritz Theatre on E. Sixth Street. Renovating the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Ritz in 2007 has brought the Ritz back to its historic use as a movie theatre, restoring a piece of history with the tradition of honoring filmmakers and moviegoers in a location filled with memories of days gone by.  Bringing this lost cultural icon back to the heart of downtown Austin is a major step in the revitalization of E. Sixth Street.
  • Crystal IMPACT Award - Individual: Mayor Will Wynn
    Mayor Will Wynn understands that in order to be a great city, Austin needs to have a great downtown. Prior to being elected to his first term as an Austin City Council Member, Wynn served as Chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance, and has long been a leading advocate for transforming downtown Austin into the most vibrant urban core in the country. Through his terms as a City Council Member and Mayor, he has
    been at the forefront of several critical issues affecting downtown, including regional transportation, commuter rail, downtown street car connector circulator system, live music, historic preservation and retail development. Mayor Wynn has been a true partner, with an unwavering commitment to creating a dynamic, diverse and dense downtown.
  • Crystal IMPACT Award - Organization: City of Austin’s Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office (EGRSO)
    The Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office was created to manage the city's economic development policies and to promote and facilitate sustainable growth in the Desired Development Zone, in partnership with the community, project developers and the City of Austin. The mission of EGRSO is to enhance livability and economic viability in a manner that preserves the character of Austin and its
    environment. Through its leadership and keen understanding of the needs of our city, the EGRSO team has shepherded the completion of successful downtown public/private projects that have brought cultural, residential, retail, tourism and business amenities to our city. From proving the market to creating momentum, The Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office has helped to shape downtown.

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El Sol y La Luna Eats Up Opportunity to Relocate to Historic Sixth Street District

AUSTIN, Texas – October 9, 2008 – El Sol y La Luna is relocating to the northeast corner of Sixth and Red River streets, enhancing the stature of the East Sixth Street Historic Entertainment District as a world-class destination for music, fun and food.

The Interior Mexican restaurant, an Austin favorite since 1995, is set to debut its new Sixth Street home in spring 2009.

Owners Nilda de la Llata, Anna Salinas and Lynn Tiemann decided to move their restaurant from South Congress Avenue to capitalize on the growth opportunity and business diversity provided on Sixth Street.

El Sol y La Luna, which currently employs 25 people, has signed a long-term lease for 5,000 square feet at 600 E. Sixth St. This iconic business will join successful neighbors such as Alamo Drafthouse, B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub, Emo’s, Esther’s Follies, Maggie Mae’s, parkside restaurant and The Driskill Hotel.

“The relocation of El Sol y La Luna to Sixth and Red River represents another significant step forward in our efforts to build on and improve the Sixth Street brand, arguably Austin’s best-known brand,” Austin Mayor Will Wynn said. “With its unique food and Latin-flavored music, El Sol y La Luna will be a dynamic addition to an area known around the world for its bustling nightlife, live music and historic structures.”

El Sol y La Luna boasts a full menu of Interior Mexican cuisine; folk art by local and international artists; and live Latin American music. It received a 2008 Zagat Survey award and consistently has been named one of Hispanic Magazine’s Top 50 restaurants in the United States.

“Moving to this vibrant location in the Sixth Street district gives us more seating, a bigger kitchen, a big bar, and plenty of room for live music, dancing and artwork,” de la Llata said. “This space fits perfectly with our growth plan for El Sol y La Luna and the collective vision for Sixth Street.”

In 1995, de la Llata, Salinas and Tiemann invested their savings to convert a motel coffee shop on South Congress into what has become an Austin culinary and cultural staple. El Sol y La Luna played a key role in jump-starting redevelopment of Austin’s SoCo district.

Austin City Council Member Sheryl Cole said: “El Sol y La Luna will be an incredible draw for the thousands of conventioneers and visitors who come to Austin every year, particularly given the fact that it’s a short walk from the Austin Convention Center, the Hilton Austin and other Downtown Austin hotels. Furthermore, the arrival of El Sol y La Luna will add tremendously to the planned revitalization of the Waller Creek area. For Waller Creek to succeed, Sixth Street must succeed.”

Dick Clark Architecture, a downtown Austin firm that specializes in restaurants, will create the interior and exterior design—described as “cultural urban funky”—for the new location of El Sol y La Luna.

Nancy Burns, chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance, said: “El Sol y La Luna’s commitment to the Sixth Street district is a strong endorsement of the growing vitality of this area. El Sol y La Luna’s move demonstrates Sixth Street is a great place for everyone—and gives momentum to our efforts to make it an even better place. Thanks to the leadership of property owners Gary Wilson, Frank Hendrix, Jeff Brown and Vance Holmes, we are making our vision for Sixth Street a reality.”

Larry Craddock, chair of 6ixth Street Austin, said: “The addition of El Sol y La Luna further diversifies the Sixth Street district. Now, grandchildren and grandparents alike can enjoy El Sol y La Luna’s distinctive community-oriented blend of food, music and art. With El Sol y La Luna serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant also helps accomplish one of the key goals of 6ixth Street Austin—to bolster daytime activity, making Sixth Street a true 18-hour destination.”

About El Sol y La Luna

El Sol y La Luna, the originator of “Sol Food,” is Austin’s laid-back home for Interior Mexican cuisine as well as live music, dancing and international folk art. El Sol y La Luna consistently has been named by Hispanic Magazine as one of the Top 50 restaurants in the United States. The business started in 1995 in the converted coffee shop of an Austin motel. For more information, call 512-444-7770 or visit www.elsolylalunaaustin.com.

About the Downtown Austin Alliance

The Downtown Austin Alliance is a partnership of property owners, businesses and individuals devoted to promoting the value and vitality of downtown. Providing private sector leadership, the Alliance works with government to develop and implement programs that enhance the business, cultural and residential environment of downtown. For more information about the Downtown Austin Alliance and its programs, call 512-469-1766 or visit www.downtownaustin.com.

About 6ixth Street Austin

6ixth Street Austin is a nonprofit association of property and business owners with a mission to enhance the East Sixth Street National Register Historic District as a source of pride to the Austin community by:
• Advocating for the preservation and enhancement of the district’s unique historic character.
• Creating a vibrant mixed-use district, in which locals and visitors alike will use its diverse offerings.
• Making East Sixth Street an important economic and cultural asset to the community for today and future generations.

For more information, call 512-203-7280 or visit www.6ixth.com.

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The Downtown Austin Alliance Issues RFP for Downtown Bike Rack Sculptures

The Downtown Austin Alliance is issuing a Request for Proposals to artists and artist teams interested in creating unique, durable artwork to serve as bike racks at three specific right-of-way locations along Congress Avenue.

Download the RFP by clicking on this link. The deadline is September 24, 2008.

The mission of the DAA is to promote and preserve the value and vitality of downtown. We do this through supporting the arts, promoting smart development, advocating for alternative means of transportation and working to enhance property values in downtown Austin. This project provides a chance for the DAA to realize these goals, in cooperation with downtown constituents and the City of Austin. The bike rack sculptures will also provide amenities for an eco-friendly mode of transportation while encouraging residents and visitors to spend more time downtown.

Artists and artist groups will be chosen based on a wide range of ideas, but there are several fundamental aims of the project that the selected artists/artist teams should keep in mind while designing artwork for the site. These include the importance of:

- High aesthetic merit of the work

- Functionality as a bike rack, able to support and secure at least two bikes

- Overall safety of the design

- Low degree of maintenance of the work

An Artist Information meeting will be held on Thursday, September 4, 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Arthouse, located at 700 Congress Avenue. We will discuss the project, answerquestions and tour potential installation sites. We encourage you to use public transportation, walk or ride bicycles to the meeting. Free parking is also available in the DAA garage, located on 7th St. between Brazos and San Jacinto.

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The Downtown Austin Alliance invites you to submit a nomination for the 2008 IMPACT Awards.

The IMPACT Awards are given to individuals, organizations, projects and designs that are "larger than themselves," and have had a positive impact on the Downtown Austin community and surrounding region.

Nomination forms can be found online by clicking here

All information must be received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2008.

Winners will be recognized at the 2008 DAA IMPACT Awards Luncheon on Friday, October 31 at the Sheraton Downtown Austin, 701 East 11th.

If you have any questions, please contact Lacy LaBorde at 512-469-1766 or via email at lacy@downtownaustin.com.

Thank you, and Good Luck!

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MAYOR PRO TEM DUNKERLEY, COUNCIL MEMBERS COLE AND LEFFINGWELL LEAD EFFORTS FOR DOWNTOWN PARKS REVITALIZATION

Downtown Austin Alliance Supports Initiatives, Applauds Leadership

Austin, TEXAS, June 5, 2008 – Former Mayor Kirk Watson called downtown the living room of the community, and the historic squares its front yard. In an effort to enhance downtown green spaces and make downtown more accessible to everyone, Mayor Pro Tem Betty Dunkerley and Council Members Sheryl Cole and Lee Leffingwell have called for the City Council to support a resolution identifying funding sources for a master plan for downtown squares, parks and open spaces, a feasibility study for heritage homes, and a preliminary wayfinding plan.

“To ensure that downtown Austin continues to be a place that residents and visitors alike gravitate towards, we must enhance our downtown green spaces and create a system that helps people get around downtown,” said Nancy Burns, Chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance. “These initiatives require leadership, focus, partnerships and determination. The Downtown Austin Alliance commends Mayor Pro Tem Dunkerley and Council Members Cole and Leffingwell for their leadership and pledge our support through every step of the development of the Parks and Wayfinding Master Plans.”

Downtown Historic Squares

“The creation of a downtown parks master plan is the first step to turning our historic squares into places that people of all ages can enjoy every day; where they want to go to spend time with their friends, family and pets,” said Hayden Brooks, Downtown Austin Alliance Board Member and Parks Committee Chair. “While each of the squares has a unique heritage and character, having a comprehensive plan for all downtown parks will lead to a more cohesive downtown neighborhood and will increase the linkages between our green spaces. We urge City Council to create a plan that provides permanent improvement designs, maintenance plans, programming concepts and partnership ideas. With this plan in hand, organizations like the Downtown Austin Alliance will have the tools to assist the city with fund raising and implementation.”

In 2001, the Downtown Austin Alliance joined forces with the Austin Parks Foundation and the City Parks and Recreation Department to create vibrant public spaces. Since then, the organizations have partnered to hold special events in downtown’s Brush, Republic and Wooldridge Squares, with the near-term goal of drawing more people to the parks. Events such as the Sustainable Foods Center’s Austin Farmers’ Market, Movies in the Park, Giant Chess and Yoga in the Park have been particularly successful in making the parks top of mind as people look for places to enjoy the outdoors in downtown’s urban setting.

“We’ve been very pleased with the results of special events held in downtown squares during the past several years,” Brooks continued. “In order to bring our parks to the next level, we need to focus our efforts on creating public gathering spaces, interesting art or features, seating, shade, and other amenities that would attract residents, employees, and visitors to the parks.”

Wayfinding

Wayfinding is the process of using spatial and environmental cues to navigate through an area. In its most literal sense, a wayfinding system enhances the ability of a person to find his or her way to a destination. For the past two years, the DAA has worked with downtown stakeholders to devise an integrated wayfinding system that would be aesthetically pleasing, intuitive and universally accessible. To move the plan to the next step, the DAA recommends that the City engage with a consultant team to create a scope of work, then issue a Request for Proposal to identify the right team to design and implement the system.

“A wayfinding system should be more than a signage system,” said John Rosato, Downtown Austin Alliance Board Member and Wayfinding Committee Chair. “It should deliver the brand of the community, assist with business development and provide a sense of connection between people and places. The implementation of such a system is paramount to the success of downtown.”

For more information on the downtown parks, upcoming activities, historical site studies and past plans, http://downtownaustin.com/fun/recreation/#parks.

About the Downtown Austin Alliance

The Downtown Austin Alliance is a partnership of property owners, businesses and individuals devoted to promoting the value and vitality of downtown. Providing private sector leadership, the Alliance works with government to develop and implement programs that enhance the business, cultural and residential environment of downtown. For more information about the Downtown Austin Alliance and its programs, call 512.469.1766 or visit www.downtownaustin.com.

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5/2/08: DOWNTOWN TV Show Receives Envision Central Texas 2008 Community Stewardship Award

Envision Central Texas recognized the DOWNTOWN TV show, produced by the Downtown Austin Alliance, KLRU-TV and Action Figure, with the "Raising Public Awareness" Community Stewardship Award.

Throughout the past three seasons, DOWNTOWN on KLRU has tackled issues facing the country's fastest-growing city of its size: Austin, Texas. From segments on sustainability, to others celebrating the local businesses that help shape the city, the show aims to educate the 18-county area on the economic and ecological impacts of a dense urban core. The show reaches over 1.5 million viewers.

Envision Central Texas is a non-profit organization that serves as a catalyst for change in the region's growth management strategies to advance Central Texas' Vision for the future. The organization advocates for multiple choices of transportation and housing, compact walkable communities in key nodes, abundant open spaces and recreation opportunities and a strong emphasis on social equity and preservation of our region's unique character and history.

The DAA would like to thank Envision Central Texas, our partners Action Figure and KLRU-TV, our members, sponsors and viewers. We would also like to congratulate and thank fellow nominees Katherine Gregor, writer for the Austin Chronicle, and The Hill Country Alliance Calendar for their leadership and positive community impact.

To read more about the awards and additional winners, please visit the Envision Central Texas Web site.

 

4/9/08: Patagonia Chooses Congress Ave. for First Texas Retail Location

The Downtown Austin Alliance announced that Patagonia, outdoor clothing manufacturer and environmental leader, will open its first Texas retail store at 316 Congress Ave. We are very excited to welcome Patagonia to the ‘Main Street of Texas!’

You can read about the announcement in today’s Austin American-Statesman and Austin Business Journal.

Please join us in welcoming this world-class retailer to Downtown Austin!

PATAGONIA CHOOSES CONGRESS AVE FOR FIRST TEXAS RETAIL LOCATION

Company plans to renovate historic building to original conditions



AUSTIN, TEXAS - April 9, 2008 - Outdoor clothing manufacturer and environmental leader Patagonia will open its first Texas retail store on Austin’s Congress Avenue.

Patagonia’s plan to open a retail location in downtown Austin in the historic W.B. Smith Building at 316 Congress Ave. in the fall of 2008 reflects the company’s interest in highly active communities with a focus on ecological sensitivity. Austin, consistently ranked among the healthiest and greenest cities in the nation, is a natural fit for the company that caters to outdoor adventurers with an eye for eco-friendly merchandise.

“At Patagonia, we look to open stores in cities filled with people who love the outdoors as much as we do,” said Vickie Achee, Retail Marketing Manager at Patagonia. “Austin is an extremely diverse and fit community full of trail runners, rowers and cyclists, and is a nationwide leader in the push to go green, as evidenced by its progressive stances on energy, construction and conservation.”

Patagonia chose its Austin location after working closely with the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) who, along with the City of Austin, is on a mission to return retail success to Congress Avenue. The DAA matches building owners with potential tenants to help expand downtown’s retail mix to include national, regional and local retailers. Patagonia chose the W.B. Smith Building for the location of its first Texas store with the DAA's advice because of its historic character, high visibility and heavy foot traffic. In 2007 DAA introduced senior members of Patagonia's team to Clarke Heidrick, one of a group of owners who has held the property since it was restored in the early1980s. Patagonia will occupy the first floor of the building, of which the ownership group has begun remodeling to accommodate Patagonia's new store.

“The DAA promotes sustainable growth and vitality in downtown. One of the ways we do that is by reestablishing a more dynamic Congress Avenue with compelling retailers,” said Molly Alexander, DAA Associate Director. “Everyone has to work together to make that happen. Without property owners like Clarke who understand the vision of retail on Congress Avenue, we wouldn’t be celebrating the arrival of Patagonia in Austin.”

Keeping with its green principles, the company regularly chooses to refurbish historic buildings back to original state to house their stores rather than build new structures. For Patagonia, the historic Congress Avenue, only blocks from Lady Bird Lake’s hike-and-bike trails, was an ideal location to obtain a unique property while reaching a large consumer group.

“We have always hoped that the ground floor of the building would someday revert to its original use as a retail store and that we could rent the second floor to an office user who appreciates historic buildings," said Clarke Heidrick. "We were pleased by the level of interest in retail on Congress that the DAA has been able to generate and appreciate very much the support they have provided to us and other building owners in bringing retail back to downtown. Patagonia will be a great asset to Congress Avenue and our community. It has quality products and is composed of people who have a sincere and long-standing commitment to the environment and to working with historic buildings. If the quality of their other retail locations is any indication, I’d say that Austin is in for a treat!”

Built in 1884, 316 Congress Ave. originally served as W.B. Smith’s dry goods store before becoming a lunchroom and wholesale grocery. Throughout its history, the building also housed an eclectic group of businesses such as McNamara Brothers Candy manufacturer in the 1910s and 1920s, John Cherico’s Barbershop in the 1920s and 1930s and the Vulcan Gas Company’s psychedelic rock emporium in the late 1960s. Most recently, the building housed advertising agency LatinWorks.

Established in 1972, the Ventura, Calif.-based Patagonia has donated one percent of its sales, or $31 million, to environmental groups since 1985, and even co-founded 1% For the Planet, an alliance of more than 1,000 businesses worldwide who donate profits to environmental concerns. The company also reflects its mission to cause no unnecessary harm through its usage of only organic cottons, fleeces made from post-consumer-use plastic bottles and construction of new garments from donated clothing.

“In Austin, we are working hard to protect our environment, revitalize our downtown and to bring more retail back to Congress Avenue - and Patagonia is a perfect fit!” said Will Wynn, Mayor of Austin, former Chair of the DAA and a leading national advocate for climate protection. “They are an example that successful businesses can not only be non-intrusive on the environment, but can inspire and help others do the same.”

Patagonia’s Austin store, the company’s 25th retail location, will carry outdoor sports and lifestyle products tailored to Austin’s varied outdoor activities. Items range from layering systems and men’s and women’s surfing apparel to specific products for local sports such as trail running, bouldering, paddling, and hiking/trekking.

The company uses 100% organic cotton for all Patagonia-branded apparel to avoid causing environmental damage from toxic chemicals used in growing conventional cotton. It also has used fleece made from post-consumer recycled plastic soda bottles since 1993, and last year became the first clothing manufacturer to recycle competitors’ garments as well as its own through a program that accepts worn-out fleece, organic cotton t-shirts and Capilene (long underwear) products. The donated garments are recycled into new fibers to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Patagonia is currently accepting applications for managerial and retail associate positions at the Austin store. For more information, visit www.patagonia.com.

About Patagonia
Patagonia is a manufacturer and retailer of outdoor clothing, technical apparel and gear that is noted internationally for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism, including environmental responsibility in product development such as its policy of using 100% organic cotton. Its Environmental Grants Program has contributed over $31 million to grassroots environmental activists since 1985, and its Environmental Internship Program allows employees to work for environmental groups while receiving their full paycheck. The company has been recognized for many years by Working Mother magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” and is a regular recipient of recognition by Fortune and Human Resources Management magazines as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America.”

About the Downtown Austin Alliance
The Downtown Austin Alliance is a partnership of individuals and businesses devoted to promoting the value and vitality of downtown. Providing private sector leadership, the Alliance works with government to develop and implement programs that enhance the business, cultural and residential environment of downtown. For more information about the Downtown Austin Alliance and its programs, call 512.469.1766 or visit www.downtownaustin.com.

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4/2/08: Downtown Austin Condo Myths Debunked

  • Myth #1: They're building too many condos in downtown Austin.
  • Myth #2: No one is really going to live downtown; the condos are all being purchased by investors.
  • Myth #3: All the people moving downtown are from California.

You've all heard the chatter. You've seen the construction cranes. You've wondered if anyone is really going to buy these downtown condos, and if so, who are these people? The Downtown Austin Alliance and Capitol Market Research bring you a report that provides an accurate snapshot of downtown condo buyer demographic and sales data. Click here to get the facts that will dispel these myths.

2/22/08: Barack Obama to Hold Rally Downtown Friday, Feb. 22

Sen. Barack Obama will hold a public rally in front of the State Capitol Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public; however an RSVP is required. Click here for more information. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

WHERE:
Congress Avenue at 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Public Entrance: Located at 10th Street

Associated Street Closures:

Congress Avenue from 11th Street to 10th Street, and 11th Street from Colorado Street to Brazos Street will be closed to traffic beginning at midnight Thursday, 2/21.

Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday 2/22, Congress Avenue closure will be extended to an area from 11th Street to 8th Street. The 11th Street closure will be extended from Brazos to San Jacinto Boulevard.

In addition, the following cross streets will be affected beginning at 6 p.m. on 2/22:

  • Colorado from 11th to 9th Street
  • 10th Street from Lavaca Street to Brazos.
  • 9th Street from Colorado to Brazos.

Those planning to attend are advised to expect a large number of people in the downtown area in the hours leading up to the 9 p.m. event. Downtown parking will be extremely limited in the immediate vicinity of the rally.

All downtown streets are expected to reopen to traffic by 3 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

 

2/21/08: Preparations Underway For Debate At UT

All eyes are on Texas this week as the race for the White House reaches a tipping point.

Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will face off in a debate Thursday that could help one of the candidates garner crucial support for the upcoming Texas primary.

Hundreds of elected officials, debate-watchers and campaign officials will be flooding onto the UT campus Thursday, Feb. 21.

 

2/20/08: Downtown Austin Alliance Responds to Downtown Austin Plan

The Downtown Austin Alliance has been following and participating in the Downtown Austin Plan over the past 6 months and has submitted recommendations for Phase Two to the Austin City Council.

The City of Austin chose ROMA Design Group as the lead consultant for the planning effort. After studying baseline conditions, meeting with various stakeholder groups, and conducting an online survey, they completed Phase One—a report outlining a vision for downtown and detailing the opportunities and challenges to achieving that vision. This Phase I report recommended five key priorities for the Phase Two scope of work. The Alliance recommends that the City fund and complete all five, although we also noted two omissions and re-prioritized the list.

The Alliance believes that Priority 5—Dedicate the leadership, capacity, and funding to implement the DAP—is a given. We know that this Council has always been committed to creating an implementable plan with identified funding sources. This priority should be considered across the board.

In general, we support the priorities as detailed by ROMA in the January 2, 2008 document. We rank them in order of importance—Public Re-investment in the Public Realm, Maintain Downtown's Competitive Position in the Region, Keep It Authentic and Diverse, and Make Downtown A Stronger Place.

1. Public Re-investment in the Public Realm:
PROBLEM: Downtown’s infrastructure is in a deteriorating condition, and its public spaces and streets do not create a high quality environment.
STRATEGY: Develop a Master Plan for the phased upgrading and financing of public infrastructure, streets and parks in the downtown.

DAA Response:

- We agree that all of the identified elements—parks, Great Streets, and infrastructure—are critical.

- Consider the results of the bicycle and pedestrian plan when implementing Great Streets.

- We ask that all funding sources be studied comprehensively.

2. Maintain Downtown's Competitive Position in the Region:
PROBLEM: Downtown is losing its competitive position in the region, because of increased congestion, development costs and regulatory uncertainties.
STRATEGY: Create a more level playing field, whereby higher density development in the downtown is a more attractive alternative to lower density land-consumptive patterns of development in outlying areas.

DAA Response:

- In addition to the issues identified (improving access and mobility, reducing regulatory uncertainty, and reviewing downtown development fees), we believe that the impact of social services should be addressed. This issue is critical for downtown, and it is more of an issue in downtown than in other neighborhoods in the region. It impacts all economic sectors—office, residential, retail, and tourism.

3. Keep It Authentic And Diverse:

PROBLEM: Downtown is at risk of losing its unique authenticity and diversity, with the loss of live music venues and “iconic businesses” to new development, and with the high cost of downtown housing, pricing out all but the most affluent.
STRATEGY: Develop policies that promote a more inclusive downtown, with appropriate and sustainable levels of housing affordability.

DAA Response:

- The strategy should include strengthening the cultural and historic fabric.

- ROMA does mention live music, but downtown Austin is the regional center for other cultural attractions as well.

- Historic preservation is a major component of authenticity.

- The City of Austin and Downtown Austin Alliance have worked together since 2004 to create a retail strategy downtown and merchandising mix strategies for Congress Avenue and East and West 6th Street. This includes recommendations for a mix of local, regional, and targeted national retailers. Because of this, the focus should be to support the retail strategy already in place, not to create a new strategy.

4. Make Downtown A Stronger Place. Be More Purposeful About How Density Is Achieved:

PROBLEM: Intensification is essential for downtown’s survival as development capacity is limited; however, it needs to be guided more purposefully to build on the unique qualities and physical and cultural characteristics that already exist in the downtown.
STRATEGY: Create form-based regulations that can achieve greater intensity, while responding to the natural setting, geography, history and culture of the downtown.

DAA Response:

- We are keenly interested in how form-based zoning and districts might positively impact downtown. We request that an educational component for downtown property owners and other stakeholders be included.

For more information on the Downtown Austin Plan, click here.

Start Your Holidays with the Downtown Austin Alliance!

Dec. 1: Holiday Sing-Along, Tree Lighting and Congress Ave. Stroll
6:00 p.m.  – 9:00 p.m.
Texas State Capitol and Congress Avenue

Start your Holidays on December 1 with the Downtown Austin Alliance and KUT 90.5 FM at the annual Holiday Sing-Along, Capitol Tree Lighting and Congress Ave. Stroll!  

The evening starts at 6:00 p.m. when crowds gather on the south steps of the Capitol to sing the songs of the season during John Aielli’s Holiday Sing-Along.

Then, at 7:00 p.m. the countdown begins for the lighting of the Capitol tree - a 40 ft. native Texas beauty - at the apex of Congress Avenue, the Main Street of Texas.  

Congress Avenue will be buzzing with holiday cheer during the Congress Avenue Stroll from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature special activities, offers or refreshments to visitors. Performances from the Austin Clickity Cloggers, Ballet Austin, Invincible Czars, Super Sonic Soul Squad, and many more along Congress Avenue will be sure to delight children of all ages.

You can help Caritas help others by bringing non-perishable food items or monetary donations to the base of the Christmas Tree on the Capitol Grounds. Events are free and open to the public.   We hope to see you there!!

Breaking News: Mayor Wynn Calls for 2008 Rail Election at DAA Annual Luncheon

On Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, Mayor Will Wynn put a stake in the ground for enhancing mass transit for Austin, specifically for downtown. He announced the call for a November 2008 election to build a Central Austin passenger rail system connecting the airport, downtown and the University of Texas, along with the Triangle and Mueller developments in near North Austin. One of the most important elements of the election will be a downtown circulator system, or streetcar, that will enhance mobility, but more importantly it will spur an additional $268 million of incremental downtown development according to research conducted by Charles Heimsath of Capitol Market Research. To listen to the Mayor's speech in its entirety, click here.

DOWNTOWN

Watch on of the EMMY ® Award-winning 30-minute television shows co-produced by the Downtown Austin Alliance and Action Figure for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS. This new and exciting series captures the essence of Downtown Austin. Each episode highlights the many unique and fascinating qualities that make Downtown "As Austin as it Gets.™"

Downtown Headlines

There's lots of news happening in and around Downtown Austin. Here are links to some of the most recent Downtown news stories.

This Week in Downtown

Get on the list to get all the latest news in Downtown. This Week in Downtown is the weekly electronic newsletter of the Downtown Austin Alliance featuring news about Downtown arts and cultural events, street closings and other important news.

Downtown Focus

Click here to read the Downtown Focus, the Downtown Austin Alliance's print newsletter. Each issue features information about recent Downtown development, the Downtown Austin Alliance's popular luncheons and speakers series, and updates on Alliance Committee activities.

Annual Report

Click here to download the Alliance's most recent Annual Report. Included in the report are the highlights of the past year's activities and the Alliance's latest Financial Statements.