Austin Texas Real Estate Blog

The Austin Marathon has grown every year since it's inception. Expect the trend to continue as central Texans stay healthy.

Long-distance runners in training for the Boston Marathon are eagerly awaiting Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010, when the AT&T Austin Marathon will be held. Runners will traverse a scenic course along the Colorado River and the Town Lake area, and will spend a portion of their time in the beautiful rolling trails of Austin Hill Country. The full marathon course is the regulation 26.2 miles, but a half-marathon spanning 13.1 miles is also available for less experienced runners. Congress Avenue Bridge marks the starting line for this popular event, which is scheduled to start at 7:00 and is expected to last for about seven hours; the finish line at 4th and Congress Avenue is expected to draw especially large numbers of sightseers and well-wishers on race day.

The Austin Marathon has been named the Greenest Race in North America by Runners World magazine, and is considered the fastest course in the state of Texas; additionally, the course is arranged in a loop to allow easy access to the start and finish lines from a number of local hotels. Because the Austin Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, it attracts participants from all over the country. Since about 80% of runners come from outside the Austin area, local hotels are expected to be booked to near capacity for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

The Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon festivities will include almost 40 Austin bands playing at the Paramount Theater to entertain spectators at this popular race. Twenty-six rest stations offering water and Powerade will be strategically placed along the route, along with medical personnel from Seton Health Care who will monitor the condition of runners as they progress through the course. The water stops will be hosted by 26 Miles for 26 Charities as in years past; this organization allows charities to raise public awareness and funds by showcasing local agencies including the Austin Children’s Shelter, Blue Dog Rescue, Colin’s Hope, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and St. Jude Heroes among many others.

For runners who are not ready to take on the Austin Marathon or Half-Marathon, the Paramount 5K run offers a lower level of challenge along with food, drinks, and merriment after the race. On the Friday and Saturday before, the Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon Health & Fitness Expo will be held at the Palmer Events Center; vendors from throughout the area will be on hand to demonstrate and display their merchandise for runners and visitors. A large turnout is expected for these events, so spectators are advised to arrive early to claim the best observation spots along the route.

Developer Magazine has announced its 2009 Sustainable Community of the Year. Mueller is located in the vibrant city center of Austin, Texas, and reflects Austin’s commitment to green technology and environmental responsibility. The development makes use of the land formerly devoted to the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, reimagining it as a mixed-use urban environment incorporating commercial and residential elements in one unique package. Built by Catellus Development Corporation and designed by ROMA Design Group, the project is expected to provide approximately 10,000 construction jobs to Austin residents.

As a participant in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development program, the development requires that all residential construction in Mueller qualify for Austin Energy’s three-star energy-efficiency rating. In addition, commercial buildings within the development must meet LEED certification standards; this ensures that they will provide healthy and energy-efficient environments. The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas is the first hospital ever to achieve LEED platinum certification and set the standard for new construction in Mueller. It is joined by the platinum-certified Ronald McDonald House and the silver-rated Dell Pediatric Research Institute; Mueller’s strict environmental standards ensure the highest level of green-friendly building possible.

Mueller already boasts over 200 three-star rated homes; the community is eventually slated to provide 4,600 residential units, of which one-fourth will be devoted to low and middle-income housing. Entry-level homes are designed to provide a point of access to the housing market for younger buyers, while a senior living community is expected to provide affordable housing for older residents. Ultimately it is planned that 10,000 residents will be served by the Mueller development. Green space and parks comprise twenty percent of the development and occupy 140 acres, providing families with safe places to relax and play together.

Mueller is the result of a partnership between Austin and Catellus Development and is centrally located to allow easy access to major employers within the metropolitan area. Situated just two miles from the University of Texas campus and three miles from downtown businesses, Mueller earns high marks for its pedestrian-friendly design and well-planned transportation routes. The development will eventually include over four million square feet of retail and employment opportunities, allowing many residents to live and work in the same area and eliminating lengthy commutes. Austin Energy’s on-site power plant is environmentally advanced and provides green energy for the development.

Mueller offers unique advantages to residents and businesses; as a result, it has gained local support and is considered one of the most innovative and green-friendly projects of its kind anywhere in the United States. Recreational, retail, employment, and residential areas coexist harmoniously and provide a cohesive and sustainable community in the heart of Austin.

Downtown Austin thrives in the midst of unbelievable development and opportunity. In the midst of this growth and development comes continuous controversy. The business district’s historical locations are being lost through the development. At present, not one structure in downtown Austin has been submitted to receive historical protection or landmark status. Also confusing, not one of the local or national historic registers have listed the area, in part or in whole, as a location of value. One instance of upcoming development that should alarm local Austin historians is the latest permit acquired by the Gables Republic Park, a 16 level apartment community. This demolition permit allows the builder to partially demolish the 1913 Nabisco warehouse. Over the last 15 years the site was home for the Ginger Man Company.

Austin’s local Preserve District Council has advanced some constructive thoughts together with proposals to save a minimum part of Downtown Austin. The proposal prepared by the ROMA Design Group and HR & A advisers has created a momentous and lively debate among property owners and local organizations such as the Downtown Austin New Alliance and the Heritage Society of Austin. Also voicing their opinion actively is the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, the city of Austin’s design and planning commissions and Central Texas Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism. ROMA’s suggestions were presented in public on July 23. Thus far, this issue is actively debated, as many of the supporters of the concept do not care for specific ideas. Those specific items can be found here: www.cityofaustin.org/downtown . Members will supply guidelines and direction. A vote may occur directing a draft of the density bonus and all applicable ordinances including specific warehouse district rules.

There will be a great deal of deliberation regarding how to balance historic conservation at the same permitting needed development. Before the council votes on the proposal, and prior to determining exactly what will be required, the neighborhood will call for their own view on the issue to be heard.

Austin has been a city at the top of the list for cities that have embraced the green movement. Many local builders are using sustainable materials to build new homes. Energy efficient appliances are becoming the norm as opposed to upgrades options. Now the movement has moved outside. Many new commercial buildings are including landscape architecture with a green touch. The result is a beautiful place for employees to relax and, in some cases, to work.

The outside of commercial buildings has long been an ignored space. With the new focus on conservation, many businesses have begun to realize that utilizing this otherwise unused space can create a better working environment. Native plants and sustainable materials are being used to make these outdoor settings more eco-friendly. The most notable recent eco-friendly landscaping project in Austin is the Austonian building. When complete the building will include a 17,000 square foot rooftop garden that includes a 75 foot pool with fountains and an energy saving water irrigation system. That system will literally use rainwater to care for its plants. There will also be a dog park and herb garden. Landscape architecture firm, TBG Partners has been called upon to create similar outdoor havens for companies like the Ronald McDonald House and Dell’s Children’s Medical Center.

There is an increasing desire to conserve as much energy as possible and businesses in Austin have stepped up their efforts to lend a helping hand to the environment. As the trend continues to become the norm here, more companies are expected to follow.