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.
Currently, you are a buyer. You are operating from the point of view of someone who wants to obtain property. As such, you have located a real estate agent, conducted research on quality areas with even more quality prices and toured several homes. You’ve seen many that you wouldn’t mind living in, which if your ultimate goal, would be wonderful, but it’s not. You aren’t looking for a house to become a home; you are looking for a house that can become a profit. You want to resell.
You must then find a piece of property with resale value. It cannot simply seem like a place you would live in or appear to have multitudes of potential. It has to have potential. It has to be able to appeal to others, and others aren’t you. Therefore, don’t get caught up in the perks that you fall for, such as views or quaint external decorations. Focus on what will truly sell:
•Landscape – A house’s appeal doesn’t exist solely in the house. The yard is important, too. It should be of a decent size and normal shape with, if not actual, the possibility of gardens, playgrounds and other valuable additions.
•Size – You do not want a house six times bigger than its neighbors or ten times smaller either. You want one that although not an exact replica of the ones around it, fits in with the aesthetics of the area.
•Rooms – The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the size of the kitchen, as well as the closet space, garage area and appliances in a house will affect the sale. Talk to a real estate agent to determine what is the most popular in the market, and then look for it.
You may be buying right now, but soon you’ll be selling. Talk to your real estate agent, and think like a buyer and a seller. In the end you’ll have success . . . and profit.
It used to be that a house delivered pre-built to a lot wasn’t something most people considered. When they bought, there was generally a house already there. If there wasn’t, they erected one on-site, trucking in pieces rather than a structure. But times have changed, and modular housing has gone from rare to trendy to logical.
A modular home is delivered to the site approximately 90 percent assembled, saving the owner a considerable amount of time, money and frustration. Built to the same standards as a regular family home, it now garners the same respect. Awards are given for the best ones on the market – 2008’s winner was Genesis Homes‘ Bunbury, the company’s newest urban in-fill.
The beauty of the Bunbury is the combination of flexibility and aesthetics. The home is designed to fit into the typical urban lot, making it perfect for urban fill projects. It can be built with a variety of exteriors and in a variety of styles to match the environment, and a garage can easily be added into the home. Similarly, the Homestead, built by Building Systems Network, is well designed and built to last. It appeals to the buyer with its impressive use of modern construction methods and forward-thinking amenities.
Modular housing used to be a rare occurrence, but today may be a wise choice. With well-built, beautiful homes that can squeeze into even the most restricted areas, it can be the perfect solution to a difficult problem. If you’re not sure which way to go, consider a house already built and waiting for an address.
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.
