Austin's attempt to build an affordable home in a wealthy area violates property rules, judge says "On Tuesday, a Travis County district judge ruled city officials violated long established property rules when they began constructing an affordable home on the land in Brykerwoods, a wealthy neighborhood in West Austin. (Audrey McGlinchy, KUT 90.5)
Tesla investigated over funds ‘used to build secret Austin house for Elon Musk’ "US prosecutors are investigating Tesla over alleged use of company funds for a secret project described internally as a house for Elon Musk, the electric carmaker’s chief executive. ... The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, added that the Securities and Exchange Commission, the US financial regulator, had also opened a civil investigation into the project, which was known as 'Project 42' internally." (Dan Milmo, the Guardian)
Self-driving Cruise cars have quietly expanded to offer rideshare in more areas of Austin "The company confirmed to the American-Statesman that it expanded into parts of East Austin around the middle of August. In a statement, a company spokesperson said extending to East Austin is a typical expansion for the company, and said the company plans to continue to grow its service areas." (Kara Carlson, Austin American-Statesman)
Dual-tower plan meets Austin's urban design guidelines, commission finds "Manifold Real Estate's unique dual-tower proposal for a downtown half-block near the Austin Convention Center has taken a significant step forward. The Austin Design Commission voted 6-2 on Aug. 28 that the plan meets the city's urban design guidelines, which is needed in order to qualify for a density bonus that would allow the developer to build higher than what is normally allowed." (Mike Christen, Austin Business Journal)
Demolition Underway at Avenue Lofts "The Avenue Lofts condo building at 410 East Fifth Street is officially coming down. Demolition is currently underway by construction firm AAR Incorporated this week at the 0.8-acre property at the northeast corner of East Fifth and Trinity Streets, only a bit more than a year after the 2022 buyout of this 38-unit downtown condo community by local developer Wilson Capital." (James Rambin, Towers)
