Council approves first step in height, affordability trade-off for Austin mixed-use developments "A proposal to allow increased height for some new mixed-use developments was approved by Austin City Council members Nov. 18, potentially clearing the way for taller buildings and more affordable housing options along Austin's major corridors." (Ben Thompson, Community Impact)
2021 is the deadliest year on Austin roads "This year has been the deadliest ever on Austin's roads with at least 106 people killed in traffic crashes. The new death toll exceeds the previous record of 105 fatalities in 2015, according to a Texas Department of Transportation database of crash reports filed by police officers." (Nathan Bernier, KUT)
The Amaya’s Condo Redevelopment is Austin’s Feel-Good Project of the Year "A zoning change approved by the City of Austin’s Planning Commission this week will allow the Amaya family behind local Tex-Mex institution Amaya’s Taco Village to redevelop their 1.2-acre restaurant site at the far edge of the North Loop neighborhood near the southwest corner of I-35 and Highway 290, with plans for a five-story mixed-use building containing an estimated 80 condo units." (James Rambin, Towers)
Austin crowned the world’s No. 1 city to move to in global ranking British personal finance platform money.co.uk ranks Austin the No. 1 city in the world for people hunting for a new place to live. Earlier this year, polling results released by the Boston Consulting Group and The Network, a recruiting alliance, placed London atop the list of the world’s best spots for relocating workers." (John Egan, CultureMap Austin)
Enviro Groups Oppose Plans for Violet Crown Venue "Several prominent Central Texas environmental organizations have announced their unified opposition to plans for the ambitious Violet Crown Amphitheater, a proposed 20,000-seat venue billed as Austin's answer to Colorado's historic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The development, which is surrounded by the Nature Conservancy's Barton Creek Habitat Preserve and the creek itself, has plans for luxury apartments, a driving range, a distillery, and a nightclub, but Mike Clifford of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance says it's the amphitheatre itself that's the main issue:" (Lina Fisher, Austin Chronicle)
Old City Hall could host new downtown court "As Deputy Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Olivares explained during Tuesday’s City Council work session, city staffers are recommending relocating the Downtown Austin Community Court to the Municipal Building at 124 W. Eighth St. She explained that staff had considered 22 different sites in the Central Austin area before deciding that the old City Hall is the best location. After hearing Olivares’ presentation, several Council members indicated they would be happy to settle on that location." (Jo Clifton, Austin Monitor)
Austin home prices still rising, but market frenzy slows in October "While the Austin Round-Rock housing market remains on track for a record-breaking year, the homebuying frenzy that sparked bidding wars over the past 18 months has cooled a bit. ... The number of home sales declined across the five-county Austin region — which stretches from Georgetown to San Marcos — and within Austin's city limits. Sales fell 12.1% for the metro area and were down 11.7% inside the city limits, the Austin Board of Realtors said in its October home sales report Thursday." (Shonda Novak, Austin American-Statesman)
Construction milestone reached on soon-to-be-tallest tower in Austin "One half done, another half to go. What will soon be Austin’s tallest tower has reached the halfway point of construction. When completed, Sixth and Guadalupe is supposed to reach 875 feet in height, surpassing The Independent. Construction is now entering the next phase on the skyscraper at 400 W. Sixth St., with apartments set to take up floors 34 to 66. Amenities will be on the 33rd floor." (Parimal M. Rohit, Austin Business Journal)
