The Austonian Blog - Downtown Luxury Condo in Austin, Texas

The Austin Symphony’s “Concerts in the Park” Series Begins This Sunday

June 5^th marks the first evening of the ninth year of the Hartman Foundation’s “Concerts in the Park” series in the Hartman Concert Park in front of The Long Center City Terrace. Taking place every Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. through August 28^th, each weekly concert features a different ensemble of The Austin Symphony. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket. For a full schedule of concerts and more information, visit The Austin Symphony website.

(Image via Downtown Austin Alliance)

Brooks Brothers coming to downtown Austin

Brooks Brothers will open in downtown Austin on Congress near West Sixth Street this fall, the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA) announced late last week. The 200-year-old clothing retailer will open a 9,000-square-foot store in the Scarbrough Building.

"Having an institution this rich in history and significance on Congress Avenue continues to propel our vision for the Main Street of Texas," said DAA Associate Director Molly Alexander in a recent article in the Austin American-Statesman.

Congress Avenue has added 16 new retailers in the past five years, increasing the total number of stores on Congress from 11 in the year 2005 to 27 in the year 2011. The retail revitalization is due in part to cultural and historic anchors on the Avenue including Arthouse, the Austin Museum of Art, The Paramount and State Theatres, and the Texas State Capitol.

The addition of several new luxury condos including The Austonian, The W and the Four Seasons over the past year has supported retail growth in the area and the development of a 24/7 downtown Austin neighborhood.

(Photo: www.brooksbrothers.com) 

Memorial Day: The Capital of Texas Triathlon in Downtown Austin

 
Photo: Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

On Monday, May 30^th, thousands of athletes from all over the world will come to Austin to participate in The Capital of Texas Triathlon. The triathlon is one of the premier fitness events in the United States. Specific races at the event suit a range of fitness levels, accommodating everyone from beginners to pro triathletes.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.captextri.com/.

Health and fitness is a top priority for many Austin residents. The Austonian, recognized by Austin Fit Magazine as one of the fittest residences in Austin, is home to amenities and services designed for fitness enthusiasts and serious athletes. Workout facilities at The Austonian include a 75-foot saltwater pool that is open year-round; a 6,000-square-foot 56^th-floor Fitness Center with strength training, cardio equipment, Pilates and yoga; and bike valet service and onsite bike storage.

 

Bar Congress at The Austonian named one of “The Best Bars in America 2011” by Esquire Magazine

 
Photo credit: Casey Dunn 

Bar Congress was recently featured in Esquire Magazine’s “The Best Bars in America 2011,” an annual survey of the best places to drink throughout the U.S. The article, written by Andy Langer, tells of downtown Austin’s recent comeback. The number of people living in downtown Austin has doubled over the past ten years.

See more photos of Second Bar + Kitchen, Bar Congress and Congress, which are located in the base of high-rise condos The Austonian, here.  

Read the Esquire Magazine story here.

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Trail Foundation

This month, KUT News highlighted The Trail Foundation, a non-profit making a positive change in Austin. The Trail Foundation, which is funded through citizens, foundations and businesses, is dedicated to protecting and enhancing The Trail at Lady Bird Lake.

Located only blocks from The Austonian, the trail around Lady Bird Lake (part of the Colorado River) is a part of many of The Austonian residents’ daily lives. Many people living and working in downtown Austin enjoy walking or jogging, riding their bicycle or taking their dogs to romp around in the parks. Listen to the news story and read the full interview, which includes opportunities to get involved in The Trail Foundation here.

(Image via http://www.townlaketrail.org)

Texas Ranks Best State for Business for Seventh Consecutive Year

This month, the Chief Executive magazine website ranked Texas as the best state for business for the seventh consecutive year. The rankings were determined by more than 500 CEOs who considered a wide range of criteria including workforce quality and living environment, as well as taxation and regulation. Read the full article here.

(Photo taken at the official "Topping Out" of The Austonian in September 2009).

Today: I Art Congress: “Art & Architecture on the Avenue”

 (Image via http://www.austintowers.net)

The monthly “I Art Congress” series continues today in downtown Austin from 6 to 9 p.m. In conjunction with National Preservation Month, May’s theme is “Art & Architecture on the Avenue,” allowing attendees to explore the historical sites of Congress.

Congress Avenue has a unique history revealed by the preserved buildings and sites that tell its story. The Austonian features the 100-year-old façade of the Brown-Dumas Blacksmith Shop, serving as the only remaining façade of its era near the intersection of Congress Avenue and 2^nd Street.

I Art Congress is a series of themed, open house events at Congress Avenue museums and galleries taking place the second Thursday of every month.

For more information about the free series, visit: http://iartcongress.com/

Downtown Austin Weekly Event: Wine Down Wednesdays on the ACL Live Front Porch

The Austonian’s new neighbor, ACL Live, will start their new summer music series “Wine Down Wednesdays” this week from 5 to 7 p.m. on the ACL Live Front Porch. The series, running every Wednesday through May and June, will feature Clos du Bois wine at happy hour prices, food from various restaurants in the 2^nd Street District and live music. The weekly event is free and open to the public.

This Weekend in Downtown Austin: Pecan Street Festival

 
The bi-annual Pecan Street Festival is happening on 6^th Street this weekend (May 7th and 8th). The free, juried arts and crafts festival features artisans from all over the United States who display and sell homemade goods. Festival attendees can enjoy five stages of live music and a wide variety of ethnic and regional food. The Pecan Street Festival is the largest free art festival in Central Texas.

Festival proceeds will benefit the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the Austin Blues Society, The Knights of Columbus, and Oak Springs Elementary School.

For more information, visit: http://www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com/.

Cinco de Mayo Downtown Block Party in Downtown Austin

La Condesa’s Cinco de Mayo Downtown Block Party takes place this Thursday, May 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. at West 2^nd Street (between San Antonio and Guadalupe). This event, which is free and open to the public, celebrates the rich heritage and culture of Mexico and features an array of food and beverages provided by local neighborhood restaurants. Live performances by DJ Chicken George, Mariachi Tamazula, Ocote Soul Sounds (DJ set), La Guerilla and Bombasta will entertain block party attendees.

More information may be found here.