Newsroom

Welcome to the Downtown Austin Alliance's Newsroom.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Marketing & Communications Director

(512) 381-6267

 

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO PROMOTE DONATIONS TO
LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
Coalition Seeks to Encourage Responsible Giving and Curb Panhandling

A coalition of local social service agencies, businesses and residents have announced a campaign to encourage donations to social service agencies and decrease the prevalence of panhandling in the downtown area. The Know Before You Give campaign asks the public to know that it is ok to say no to panhandling and yes to responsible giving. “Austinites with good intentions and big hearts naturally want to help those who are asking for
help,” said Helen Varty, Executive Director of ARCH/Front Steps. “However, the most effective way to help is to support local organizations with the mission and expertise to truly make a longterm
difference in the lives of Austin’s neediest.”

Know Before You Give aims to persuade Austinites to give responsibly, which means donating money to an organization that will use the funds more effectively rather than giving directly to an
individual on the street. Such social service organizations are able to address specific needs and provide an effective, long-term alternative to panhandling. Through recognizing Austinites’
passion to help those in need, Know Before You Give encourages residents to ask themselves: “What is the best way I can truly help?”

“Most of us have experienced panhandling downtown,” said Tim League, owner of the Alamo Drafthouse and chairman of campaign partner 6ixth Street Austin Association. “It’s distressing
to those who work, live and visit downtown. That negative perception of safety could threaten our neighborhood and businesses if people choose not to come downtown because of it. We
know there are effective ways to help those in need and curb panhandling at the same time.”

Know Before You Give aspires to unite the downtown community to aid those in need by attempting to shift donations from people who panhandle to social service organizations, which
provide essential services. The campaign educates the Austin public on the root causes – such as mental illness, disabilities, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, poverty and major life
transitions -- that lead many to resort to panhandling. By addressing the root causes, Austin’s social service agencies can help more people off the streets, into homes and out of poverty.

Panhandling often continues the cycle of dependency, whereas responsible giving empowers both those in need and the Austin community as a whole. By donating to social service agencies, Austin residents can help more people immediately, and provide the funding to expand basic care, programs and housing for the community’s neediest. Social service agencies in Austin provide numerous services including: prepared meals, grocery
pantries, shelters, medical care, mental health, dental and eye care, legal aid/advocacy, veterans services and other helpful services.

About Know Before You Give
Know Before You Give is made up of many different members of the community including the following organizations: ARCH/Front Steps, Caritas of Austin, Downtown Cluster of
Congregation and Social Services, Salvation Army, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, Austin Hotel and Lodging Association, Building Owners and Managers Association, Downtown Austin Alliance, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, Old Pecan Street Association, Texas Association of Realtors, and 6ixth Street Austin Association.

 

 

City Council Calls for $90 Million Mobility Bond Election

Austin City Council voted on the proposed November 2010 bond package and approved ballot language at its Thursday, August 5, 2010 meeting. It will go to voters on November 2, 2010. The $90 million bond package is divided into various categories:  

Roadway Projects - $51,330,000 (57 percent)
* Arterial Streets - $22,265,000
* Intersection Improvements - $9,315,000
* Highway Projects - $3,400,000
* Neighborhood Streets - $16,350,000
 
Multi-modal Projects - $38,670,000 (43 percent)
* Transit - $2,000,000
* Pedestrian and Sidewalk - $16,377,500
* Bicycle Infrastructure - $4,192,500
* Mobility/Trail - $1,700,000
* Boardwalk - $14,400,000

Of the projects on the proposed list, several are of direct importance to Downtown:

*3rd Street Reconstruction and implementation of Great Streets improvements. Addition of bike lanes to complete the Lance Armstrong Cross Town Bikeway - $8,000,000
*7th and 8th Street Conversion to Two-way Traffic-- preliminary engineering - $250,000
*Major Investment Corridor Study for I-35 - $1,000,000
*MoPac - $100,000 toward $2 million dollar TxDOT design/study of connection from MoPac managed lanes to CBD.
*4th Street and I-35 pedestrian crossing improvements - $200,000
*East Sixth Street/Sabine Street Promendae/Waller Creek Trail Pedestrian Improvements engineering and design - $2,700,000
*Relocation of utilities on Lavaca and Guadalupe for Bus Rapid Transit and Urban Rail -- $2,000,000
*Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake - $14,400,000

 


DAA Seeking Proposals for Holiday Tree Decorations

The DAA is seeking for proposals from artists, designers, and other qualified individuals to create an attractive, cohesive and Austin-centric set of decorations for the downtown holiday tree. The approximately 40’ live tree is installed at the base of the Capitol in early December and remains in place until the second week in January. The tree is an important part of the downtown holiday experience. The decorations will showcase a local artist or designer while providing a uniquely festive signature tree for downtown. Proposals are due on August 30th and a pre-proposals meeting will be held on August 13th.

For more information, review the RFP.

 

Transportation Management Association Feasibility Study

Transportation management associations solve mobility problems by working with people to create viable transportation choices. Is a transportation management association right for Downtown Austin? A 2009 study by the Texas Transportation Institute found that a TMA could reduce the percentage of commuters who choose to commute by driving alone by 3.2% - 9.7%. In 2010, the DAA, the City of Austin, Capital Metro, and Travis County hired UrbanTrans North America to conduct a TMA feasibility study to determine if the Downtown community would support a TMA. See the consultant's July 21 presentation by clicking here.

For more information about efforts to establish a Downtown Austin TMA, contact Thomas Butler at the Downtown Austin Alliance.

 

Capitol Complex Redevelopment Plan

The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) has announced that it plans to re-imagine the future of state government's presence in the heart of Austin.  This new plan could triple the amount of space at the Capitol complex, add 7 million square feet of space to downtown, and include joint development with private interests where parking lots or garages currently exist.

You can read more about the Texas Facility's plans in the Austin Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman.

 

 

“DOWNTOWN” RECEIVES FOUR LONE STAR EMMY® NOMINATIONS

Austin’s Popular PBS Series Feature the Stories that Make DOWNTOWN: As Austin As It Gets™

Austin, TX (Sept. 21, 2009) “DOWNTOWN,” a co-production of the Downtown Austin Alliance, Action Figure and KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, has received four nominations for the Seventh Annual Lone Star EMMY® Awards. This series, which airs on KLRU-TV and online at www.downtownaustintv.org, features unique stories of the people and places that make “DOWNTOWN: As Austin As It Gets.™” Winners of the 2008 Lone Star EMMY Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Dallas on Oct. 17, 2009.

The series, now in its fourth season, received nominations in the following categories:

  • MAGAZINE PROGRAM - PROGRAM / SPECIAL: Episode 406 “Austin's Independent Businesses / Recycling / The New Music Model,” Downtown is home to some of Austin's most iconic independent businesses. From trendy to traditional, find out why shopping downtown is As Austin as it Gets™! / Recycle, Reuse, Reduce… and Rethink. Learn how you can make a big difference by making small changes. / What happens when the Live Music Capital of the World goes digital? Discover how Austin’s music venues and bands thrive in the new music model. Interstitials: Dumpster Drive, Dragon Boat Festival
  • PUBLIC/CURRENT/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS - PROGRAM / SPECIAL / FEATURE / SEGMENT: Episode 401 “Creating a Great Downtown,” Creating a sense of place, how to fit all of the pieces together to create a downtown where people love to live, work and play.
  • ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT - PROGRAM / SPECIAL / FEATURE / SEGMENT: Episode 402 “Republic of Texas Biker Rally,” Once a year, it becomes the 59th largest city in Austin and infuses $35 million into the local economy. Rev up your engines and join the gang for Austin’s biggest party – the Republic of Texas Biker Rally!
  • TEXAS HERITAGE - PROGRAM FEATURE/SEGMENT: Episode 402 “The Austin History Center,” Journey to the bowels of the Austin History Center and meet the keepers of the past.

“’DOWNTOWN’ shows us that, as a community, we all connect through our experiences. Through the show, we hope to encourage people to explore all the opportunities that downtown Austin offers,” said Tom Stacy, chair of the Downtown Austin Alliance. “We’re proud to be one of the co-producers of this wonderful series that paints a picture of what we treasure most about our city.”

This thought-provoking and educational series has quickly become one of the most watched shows on Austin's Public Television Station – reaching more than 1.5 million viewers. The series has won six Lone Star EMMYs®, the Austin Chronicle’s Reader’s Choice Poll for the “Best Locally Produced TV Show,” the 2007 Liveable City Vision Award, and the 2008 Envision Central Texas “Raising Public Awareness” Community Stewardship Award.

“DOWNTOWN” began airing on KLRU-TV in 2005 as a series of 30-minute programs. In 2008, all four seasons were made available online as individual segments or full programs.

For more information or to view segments of “DOWNTOWN,” please visit www.downtownaustintv.org.

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 Action Figure

Action Figure is an Austin-Based multi-disciplinary production company offering creative solutions for commercials, TV series, branded content, short form web, rich media and motion graphics. For more information, please visit www.actionfigure.com.

About KLRU-TV

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texas through creative excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest running live music television show Austin City Limits, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including the documentaries Last Best Hope and Lady Bird. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

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DAA Issues Arts and Entertainment Marketing Sponsorships

Each year, the DAA offers marketing sponsorships to arts organizations, venues or projects located within the Public Improvement District in an effort to unify, strengthen, and promote the arts and culture in downtown Austin. If your organization is interested in applying for a sponsorship, please complete the application and email or mail it and any supporting materials to the DAA by or before August 25, 2009.

Download the form by clicking here.

Send the completed form via email to: lacy@downtownaustin.com

or via mail to:

Downtown Austin Alliance

Attn: Lacy LaBorde

211 E. 7th Street, Suite 818

Austin, TX 78701

 

 

Start Your Holidays with a Song and a Stroll!

Join the Downtown Austin Alliance Dec. 4 for the Holiday Sing-Along, Capitol Tree Lighting and Congress Avenue Stroll

Just as Austinites trade their shorts for scarves, our city’s downtown is also gearing up to don its seasonal attire. On Saturday, Dec. 4, the Downtown Austin Alliance and KUT Radio 90.5 will host the annual Holiday Sing-Along, Capitol Tree Lighting and Congress Avenue Stroll, a glowing kickoff to the holiday season.

The festivities, which are free to the public, begin at 6 p.m. on the Capitol’s south steps. KUT’s John Aielli will host the Holiday Sing-Along, leading the crowd in a chorus of favorite seasonal songs to set the mood for the tree lighting.

As the clock chimes 7 p.m., the countdown begins to the lighting of the Capitol tree and the Congress Avenue Holiday Lights, brought to you by Austin Energy!

Revelers can view the tree and new lights from every vantage point during the Congress Avenue Stroll from 7-9 p.m. Congress Avenue shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late, offering special activities, offers and refreshments to visitors. A diverse array of Austin musicians, including Golden Arm Trio, The Invincible Czars, McCallum Fine Arts Academy Orchestra and the Super Sonic Soul Squad will entertain shoppers.

The Austin Farmers’ Market will also join in the festivities, temporarily setting up shop across from the Capitol grounds from 5:30-9 p.m. And 2nd Street District merchants and restaurants will be open late for shopping, strolling, food and fun!

In keeping with the season’s spirit of giving, KUT 90.5 and the Downtown Austin Alliance are coordinating a special food drive with Caritas of Austin. Caritas provides a service continuum for those experiencing poverty that begins with a safety net and links them to resources to achieve self-sufficiency. 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.

Parking is easy and available for just $3 all day at the AMLI on 2nd parking garage (entrance on San Antonio between 2nd and 3rd Streets) and the AMLI downtown parking garage (entrance on Lavaca between 2nd and 3rd Streets) Park your car, then take the ‘Dillo to the Capitol! The Congress Avenue ‘Dillo will be available until 9:00 p.m. and cost just $.50 for two hours!

For more information, please visit kut.org or downtownaustin.com/news, or call 512-469-1766.

WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2010:

  • 6:00 – 6:50 p.m.: Holiday Sing-Along with John Aielli
  • 6:50 – 7:00 p.m.: Tree and Congress Avenue Lighting
  • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Holiday Stroll and Performances along Congress Avenue

WHERE: The Sing-Along will take place at the steps of the Texas State Capitol (11th Street and Congress Ave.). The Tree is stationed at the south gates of the Capitol Lawn. The Holiday Lights are strung across Congress Avenue from the Capitol to Cesar Chavez. The Stroll will occur along Congress Ave. from 11th Street to 3rd Street.

 

 

 

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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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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.


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.