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Editor’s Letter
On the House
WHILE GROWING UP in Houston, if you’d asked me my main goals leading into adulthood, I imagine escaping suburbia would’ve been at the top of the list. An hour away from the cultural center of the Museum District, surrounded by chain restaurants, and cloistered in the cookie-cutter mundanity of homogenous single-family homes, I longed for a more metropolitan way of life.
Fast forward to 2021, when my wife and I were finally in a position to buy a home in Austin, and a funny thing happened: All those spacious little bungalows in South Menchaca where we used to rent were now nothing but a pipe dream. Since 2020, housing costs in the capital city have risen a whopping 93.5 percent. Renters are getting squeezed, too, with prices increasing 35 percent in the metro area between January 2021 and January 2022. That’s all to say, our dream neighborhoods became the sole hunting grounds of app developers, finance bros, and early crypto traders.
Today’s market is more challenging than ever with low inventory and prices that are almost laughably exorbitant. So, how to even begin? It takes a level of sleuthing and ingenuity one would’ve thought insane just a decade ago. Assuming affordability is a factor (and that’s saying a lot considering median home costs now top more than $500,000), you have to know the promising neighborhoods primed for big development. In our feature, “Where Austin Wants to Live Now!” (p. 56), writer Erin Quinn-Kong looks at areas like Bastrop, Cherry Creek, and East Congress, where exciting eateries and live music venues are not only popping up, but quality of life is at a premium.
Putting a face behind the town’s real estate explosion is writer Omar L. Gallaga, who spent time with Ari Rastegar, the investor and entrepreneur Forbes dubbed “The Oracle of Austin.” Known as much for his obsessive health routines (he consumes more than 150 vitamins and supplements a day) as for his shrewd business sense, he’s upended West Campus and gobbled up property across the city as he looks to market the next South Congress or East Cesar Chavez. Now, stop me if this sounds too familiar, but after months of searching, we finally did snag a house. It was further out than we’d imagined and in a ZIP code not initially considered. It’s an area in flux. For instance, a quick Yelp search for “Italian food” listed Firehouse Subs as the closest destination. But our neighbors are great, and new growth is happening every day. Our suburban flight has come full circle—yet we finally found that piece of “home” that remains elusive for so many. Hopefully our annual real estate issue provides a little solace in your own market maneuverings. Because if anything, as you’ll come to understand, you’re not alone.
Chris Hughes Editor in Chief chughes@austinmonthly.com
@cmhughestx @chris_hughestx
Stroke of Genius
For Emily Eisenhart, all the world’s a canvas. The multidisciplinary artist has created everything from beer can artwork for Hold Out Brewing and bike design for Specialized Austin to gameday posters for Austin FC. But the Seattle native, who moved to the capital city in 2015, is best known for her abstract murals, including local ones at Madewell on South Congress and the taproom at St. Elmo Brewing Company (pictured). Utilizing acrylic paint or Sumi ink as her chosen medium, Eisenhart features dynamic shapes and bold colors to reflect the
native landscape of a given area. “My mom is an artist, and my dad is an anthropologist, so from them I got a curiosity around the natural world around me and people and cultures and traveling,” she says. Lately, she’s noticed more requests to paint the walls inside company workspaces, too: “With people moving back to the office, there is this increased interest in art being a part of the welcome-back experience.” See her vibrant projects across the country at emilyeisenhart.com or on Instagram at @emily.eisenhart. —Madeline Hollern
Meme, Myself, and I
Determined to read more and post less, one editor went on a social media purge.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
BY OCT. 4, I knew I had a problem. It was a Monday afternoon, the day after weekend one of ACL Fest 2021. Feeling the inevitable letdown that comes with the conclusion of any event, I looked to lift my spirits by clicking on Instagram for post-fest pics and memes. When it didn’t refresh any new content, I exited. A few minutes later, I tried again. Nothing. Must be a Wi-Fi issue, I thought with a desperate giggle. But other websites worked fine. With growing anxiety, I took to Twitter to vent my frustration.
“Certainly humbling to realize I check Instagram 400,000 times an hour.” In total, the site was only down for six hours, yet the uneasy feeling remained. Social media has played a dominant role in my life since my freshman year at UT in 2004, which was also the year when “The Facebook” launched. These platforms provide an easy way to interact with friends and love interests, chronicle my daily experiences on the town, and share pieces of writing. But as the years went by, I’d noticed some unsettling developments. Once a voracious reader, I now eschewed curling up with a good book in favor of showing off whatever event I’d attended, or repeatedly checking to see if my crush du jour had
watched my Instagram stories. (Yes, they usually had, and no, that didn’t mean they liked me.)
I’d also become fixated with crafting the perfect photo. Sometimes, after posting a picture of myself and tracking its number of likes, I would think of the last line of James Joyce’s Araby, a memorable short story I had read back in high school: “Gazing up into the darkness, I saw myself as a creature driven and derided by vanity, and my eyes burned with anger and anguish.” That quote had always resonated with me, but it felt all too apt now.
While I ruminated on the idea of a social media detox, it nonetheless took me seven full months to start. Despite the pull of cool events, I finally heeded the encouragement of a friend, and resolved to log off on May 1 for two weeks. Without question, I was going to need something stimulating to distract my brain from its usual Instagram fix, so I took his suggestion to read Henry Miller’s so-sexy-it-wasbanned 1934 novel, Tropic of Cancer.
Getting off social media felt like that moment before you jump into icy Barton Springs, where you know it’s going to be super painful, but eventually, it will feel good. Except that wasn’t the case at all. Upon starting my detox, my relief came almost immediately. In a crucial move, I turned off push alerts to my phone and moved the apps away from my home screen.
On my first day, I attended Austin Fashion Week and started taking videos on my phone out of habit. Realizing I was never going to post them, I stopped, and just enjoyed the couture. That set the tone for the next 14 days. I attended concerts like the Sylvan Esso taping for Austin City Limits without obsessively trying to capture great shots. I took my mom
to Swan Lake at Ballet Austin on Mother’s Day weekend and didn’t snap a picture of the program. I cheered on Austin FC from a private suite in anonymity.
In my down time, I was reading about Miller’s misadventures with prostitutes and pals in France. I started jotting down vocabulary words from the book that I wanted to learn: lugubrious, palaver, saturnine. When I caught up with friends, I heard the real stories of what was going on in their lives—not just the curated highlights we all post. After 48 hours off the grid—noticing how much less anxious I felt—I was confident I’d never come back.
Of course, some moments were frustrating. I had a new cover story out in the May issue of Austin Monthly that I couldn’t promote—a necessary evil in our industry. Researching articles felt much harder without Instagram. I couldn’t see the social commentary on the Supreme Court’s potential overturning of Roe v. Wade. And, this year, I missed the always-hilarious memes after the stylish Met Gala in New York. (The horror!)
After finishing Tropic of Cancer, I chose another book on a relevant topic: addiction. In Dopamine Nation, psychiatrist Anna Lembke explains how social media causes spikes of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which gives us feelings of reward. But because pleasure and pain are processed in the same parts of the brain, and the brain works to keep them in equilibrium, our time spent on social media can quickly go from making us feel amazing to awful. To reset the balance, she suggests taking a full month off any addictive behavior, aided by the help of “self-binding.” A nod to The Odyssey—in which Odysseus has his men bind him to his ship’s mast in order to hear the songs of the Sirens without crashing his vessel—the practice involves enacting behaviors that help you get out of your own way. For me, those had been removing the Sirens of push notifications and apps on my home screen. When I finally rejoined social media, I kept these elements in place. Now, the sites feel alluring, but not overwhelming. The compulsion had subsided, and I’m reading more than ever. These days, I still post photos of my activities and of myself on social media. I just won’t check to see if you’ve liked them 400,000 times an hour.
Walking on Sunshine
Heading to the coast? Pack your bag with this beach-ready resort wear line.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
FROM LIVING IN their native Florida to traveling to the pristine beaches of the Caribbean on family vacations, sisters Kaitie Sjostedt and Lisa Strandberg practically grew up in the sand. But although the siblings have always loved resort wear, as adults they quickly realized that the luxe apparel was better suited to indoor settings. Utilizing Sjostedt’s background in fashion design and Strandberg’s eye for style as a former booker for Ford Models, the duo teamed up to create The Shore Line, a versatile clothing brand that can handle the inevitable wind, sand, and spills that come with a day on the coast. “If you can’t play with your kids, have a cocktail, or nap in it, we don’t make it,” Sjostedt says.
Launched in 2021, the Austin-based fashion line features women’s apparel in neutral shades and patterns that are easy to mix-and-match, such as flowing maxi skirts and dresses with elastic waists and pockets, an oversized button-down beach shirt that can be worn loose or tucked in, and tanks that can be paired with coordinating trousers or shorts. Most of the pieces are made with rayon, which the sisters selected for being both light and machine washable. “We wanted the fabric to be super soft, just buttery on your skin,” Sjostedt says. “Thinking about being in the sun all day, that’s what you really want at the end of the day: just to throw on something super comfortable.” thisistheshoreline.com
SPACE: THE FINAL FRONTIER
As temperatures soar into triple digits this summer, your closet shouldn’t be cluttered with sweaters and ski boots. That’s where a new apparel storage service comes into play. Launched this year by Todd O’Neill and Chancy Kennedy, Concierge Closet picks up clothing and shoes from your home, professionally photographs them so they can be viewed on an app, and then safely stores the items until you need them returned. “It’s for people who don’t have enough space in their closet and don’t have enough time to do anything about it,” O’Neill says. The monthly fee starts at $55 for the pick-up, photography, and storage of 25 pieces plus one return delivery per season. Sign up at conciergecloset.com.
The Shore Line features chic tanks, trousers, and maxi dresses that can double as cover ups.
The To-Do List
Check out the coolest diversions just as the season turns its hottest.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
Pack your flip-flops and favorite swimsuit before heading about an hour south to Float Fest (July 23-24). Festivalgoers can cool off by tubing a 2-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River before catching 27 performing acts on two stages, including Vampire Weekend, Deadmau5, Chance the Rapper, Lord Huron, and Chvrches. Located on a 765-acre private ranch in Gonzales, Texas, the fest provides daily shuttles to and from the capital city. There’s also the opportunity for attendees to stay overnight at its pecan tree–shaded camping area. floatfest.net
For those who love to shoot pool, swig longnecks, and jam to the juke box, Texas Dives: Enduring Neighborhood Bars of the Lone Star State by Anthony Head chronicles 12 essential dive bars across a dozen Texas cities, including Austin’s La Perla and San Marcos’ Showdown. Don’t miss images of these watering holes’ memorable regulars and kitschy decor by local Kirk Weddle, the photographer who shot the iconic cover of Nirvana’s Nevermind album. Out July 8. tamupress.com
Looking to get some fresh ink? Get inspired at Forte Tattoo ATX , the new South Austin tattoo parlor helmed by internationally acclaimed artist Dillon Forte. Known for his unique sacred geometry style of tattooing, Forte has worked on the likes of Usher, Chris Hemsworth, and Kat Von D. With a passion for travel, the adventurous celebrity artist once gave someone a tattoo at 15,000 feet up on Mount Everest and has even given himself body art inside of a pyramid in Egypt. dillonforte.com
Forget Doritos and Dr Pepper! At THOSE Vending Machines , you won’t find snacks for sale, but rather artwork that helps provide a platform for LGBTQ and other marginalized artists. Stocked inside are pieces from about half a dozen local creatives—including enamel pins by Lys Santamaria and incense holders by Art by Zaleski—who pay no rent for the space and get to keep 100 percent of the profits. Customers can also nab items like colorful sunglasses and PEZ dispensers. Currently located at Last Stand Brewing in South Austin, the unique device has also appeared at area festivals like ACL Fest and SXSW.
Making Waves
For chef Fermín Núñez (Suerte), the North Star of Mexican seafood restaurants is Contramar in the Condesa-Roma neighborhood of Mexico City. And although Gabriela Cámara’s heavenly “beach food” hub certainly serves as inspiration, when creating his own coastal eatery, he turned to something more immediate: namely, the property that now houses his latest restaurant, Este. Located inside the former Eastside Café on Manor Road, Núñez and his partner, Sam Hellman-Mass, are looking to the same
garden that once made its predecessor a farm-totable darling. For instance, utilizing carrots and cucumbers grown in their own backyard to make seasonal aguachiles. Or employing fresh herbs and alliums as an accent to Contramar homages like a tuna tostada with burnt onion and nori. “When traveling in Mexico, the restaurants I visit most are doing seafood from a Mexican point of view,” Núñez says. “That’s the idea that really clicked for me, but I wanted to make it true to Austin.” —Chris Hughes
Vegging Out
Central Market’s latest innovation revolves around the world of plant-based proteins.
BY CHRIS HUGHES
Vegan-friendly fajitas, wings, kabobs, and more are the focus of Central Market’s new “Meatless Butcher” program.
ON AN EARLY Tuesday in May, the produce aisle at Central Market Westgate is unusually animated, as dozens of customers crowd around a glossy new display case tucked between the fresh-pressed juices and rows of exotic mushrooms. Chefs hand out wedges of pepperoni pizza and slices of chicken fajita meat and watch as skeptical chewing turns into pure bliss. Because at this newfangled butcher counter, nothing is what it appears at first glance. From the buffalo wings to bacon strips, all of the case’s 30-plus items are made with plant-based ingredients like seitan and tofu elevated with spices and vegetarian marinades.
For director of food service Phil Myers, this endeavor has been a near-three-year obsession, as
he and Central Market’s battalion of chefs have tirelessly developed its new “Meatless Butcher” program. Having witnessed the vegan market skyrocket from niche footnote to $7.4 billion industry in 2021, Myers knew his pursuit wasn’t in vain. But he also understood that convincing carnivorous Texans of its merits would require products that flawlessly emulated favorites, such as teriyaki-marinated chicken breasts and Greek-style kabobs.
To pull off this feat, Myers traveled the globe, visiting category-defining gold standards like Hiltl in Zurich, Switzerland, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. He shipped in selections from The Herbivorous Butcher in Minneapolis and Vancouver’s The Very Good Butchers. Finally, the Central Market team dissected their favorites, looking for trade secrets that they could use at the grocer’s own entrée into the genre.
Launched on April 22, the counter has proven an immediate success. Part of that can be attributed to the variety of quality products, like a meatless brisket that mirrors its bovine equivalent with a smoky bark (courtesy of hickory-smoked sea salt and smoked paprika) and, most importantly, a sinewy texture achieved with the addition of jackfruit. There’s also the chefs manning the space, ready to offer samples and cooking advice on the ideal way to prepare each dish. Because for Myers and his team, they understand that there could be an intimidation factor to the category. That plantbased novices might shy away simply out of selfdoubt or unfamiliarity.
“Most of these things are not specifically for vegans or vegetarians,” Myers says. “It’s for the other 94 percent who just want to eat something else. Maybe consume a little less meat. Maybe they care about the planet and they’re a reducetarian. Or they just want to have a meatless Monday.”
To help achieve this type of wide-market acceptance, Central Market has created “gateway items” that are easier to work with, such as a spicy seitan chorizo ready-made for breakfast tacos, or that aforementioned vegetarian pepperoni, seasoned with garlic, fennel seed, and crushed red pepper. So far, that approach has paid off, with a reception that has made the H-E-B offshoot stand up and take notice. Now, other locations are being primed for their own plant-based butcher counters—perhaps as soon as 2023. If anything, the experiment has proven that meat has met its match.
Love in Bloom
At Maie Day, chef Michael Fojtasek is on a mission to make chophouse favorites fun again. BY
CHRIS HUGHES
“I’VE DONE THE cheffy thing for a long time,” says Olamaie’s Michael Fojtasek. “Now, I just want to do simple American food done well.” For the James Beard Award–nominated chef, he’s channeling that no-frills mantra into a lifelong love of steakhouses. But how to steer the category from its stuffy, mahogany-shrouded proclivities? At Maie Day on South Congress, Fojtasek is pairing a vibrant, botanic-themed space with chophouse classics reinterpreted with a sense of humor. Most notably, you see that fun and approachability in dishes like his tribute to that king of the strip-mall splurge: Outback Steakhouse. Here, the keys to the chef’s take on the Bloomin’ Onion.
To cut a yellow onion into the dish’s signature fanned-out shape, Fojtasek studied the YouTube videos of Cowboy Kent Rollins. “This stuff is not in the type of cookbooks we normally look to for inspiration,” the chef jokes. “You’re not going to find it in Jeremy Fox’s On Vegetables.”
After dusting the onion in all-purpose flour, he dunks it in buttermilk and a dredge of corn starch, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. •
Once it’s been fried in canola oil, the center must be cored out to release the wedges of onion into a pull-apart presentation. “We only have one onion corer in the whole restaurant, and I’m terrified we’re going to lose it,” Fojtasek says. •
Unlike Outback Steakhouse’s horseradishbased sauce, Maie Day serves its interpretation with a mustard-heavy aioli. Fojtasek says it’s a natural progression from the 4-2-1 ratio of mustard, mayo, ketchup he applies to his burgers at Gimme Burger at Butler Pitch & Putt. •
History in the Baking
Cottage pastry sensation Olga Koutseridi is bringing sweet relief to her native Ukraine.
BY CHRIS HUGHES
AS MISSILES RAINED down on Ukraine, and Russian troops advanced toward Mariupol on Feb. 24, Olga Koutseridi sat transfixed in front of her television, too much in a state of shock to move. With family still living in the southeastern port city, the native Ukrainian was desperate to learn of any news on her grandmother and aunts from the world media. Almost immediately, internet was severed in her home country, and the lines of communication went dead. After 24 hours without word concerning their whereabouts, Koutseridi could no longer sit still.
“By Monday [Feb. 28], I needed to feel useful,” says the baker. “Just to pivot into some sort of action, I sent out an announcement through my newsletter
“It’s a way to preserve what’s being destroyed by the war.”
saying that proceeds from my Basque burnt cheesecake would be donated to different charities in Ukraine. I opened up a wave of slots, and they just kept filling and filling.”
A cottage baker who has been selling naturally fermented breads and pastries out of her home since 2019, Koutseridi has gained increasing recognition through some of the culinary scene’s biggest names. Chefs like Luis “Beto” Robledo (Cuantos Tacos), Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel (Birdie’s), and Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Emmer & Rye) have all enthusiastically advocated for her airy honey cake, dark chocolate sourdough babka, and Italian cream–filled maritozzi. But when Ukraine went under attack, all of that fell by the wayside.
Streamlining operations, the pastry chef focused on her most popular item and spent every spare minute that she wasn’t at her full-time job (as a senior advanced degree coordinator for global mobility at UT) into baking Basque cheesecakes. Inspired to raise funds for UNICEF Ukraine, Koutseridi’s passionate following began ordering the cakes in record numbers—often weeks out. Fatigue was apparent in her voice when I talked with her three months later, especially after weathering a national cream cheese shortage that threatened to halt her philanthropic resolutions. But that’s when Austin’s restaurant industry stepped in to help once again.
Coming up empty at Restaurant Depot and local grocery stores, Koutseridi began pleading her case to bagel shops like Nervous Charlie’s and Rosen’s Bagel Co. The response was swift, as shops donated up to 60 pounds each. “Even though they were struggling too, they said: ‘Oh my god, thank you for what you’re doing,’’’ Koutseridi says. “Without that
community support, I wouldn’t have been able to continue.”
Sustaining a business through social media and grassroots efforts isn’t unusual for Koutseridi. Having originally moved to Austin to pursue her own Ph.D. at UT—where she studied the trade and transportation of grain in the Roman Republic—she began baking as a way to blow off steam. Homesick and hungering for a taste of Ukraine, she taught herself the principles of fermentation and eliminated all commercial yeasts to replicate the flavors from abroad. Koutseridi channeled her research skills into finding esoteric grains and ingredients like currants and gooseberries. Crowdsourcing feedback from friends and colleagues on everything from pretzels to panettone, she says she was finally confident enough in her skills to start selling her results two years later.
Until the tragic events of late February, the baker was taking the tact of diversifying and enriching Austin’s food scene through the exploration of lesser-known global treats. For instance, offering Swedish cardamom buns one week and Eastern European doughnuts the next. She even schooled herself in the ways of rendering local pork fat so she could more accurately produce the requisite lacquer on ensaïmada, a laminated pastry from Mallorca.
For now, though, it’s all about those deeply caramelized Spanish-style cheesecakes. Variety will eventually make its way back into her repertoire, but not when she has an opportunity to support those most in need. Days after that first airstrike on Mariupol, Koutseridi came across an online telegram group that shared intel on areas that had been shelled within the city. She discovered that her family had indeed escaped, first into a nearby village in March, then across the border into Russia. But hundreds of others weren’t so lucky.
To this day, Ukrainians are being starved as supply routes are wrecked and Russian forces destroy precious farmland. Her grandparents’ house— the site of her first food memories as a child—is gone. That’s why, in addition to raising UNICEF funds, she’s preserving family recipes in the area with Olia Hercules and Alissa Timoshkina of #CooksforUkraine.
“I’ve been baking nonstop as a way of getting through the trauma,” Koutseridi says. “One of the reasons I cook is that food helps trigger memories of being back home. It’s a way to preserve what’s being destroyed by the war.”
Block Party
Texas Republicans have passed tighter—some say discriminatory—voting laws that are already having major implications ahead of the November election.
BY AMANDA O’DONNELL
VOTING IN TEXAS has never been easy.
Prior the 2020 presidential election, political scientists from the likes of Northern Illinois University and Wuhan University in China compiled a “cost-of-voting index” that ranked states by the ease in which residents could both register and cast their ballot. The analysis placed Texas dead last, citing the state’s tough voter identification laws, unforgiving registration deadlines, and general “restrictive electoral climate,” all of which made it the hardest state to vote in in the entire country.
And, of course, that was before Texas’ most recent election law overhaul even went into effect.
Despite persistent warnings from civil and voting rights advocates, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature passed the sweeping and far-reaching Senate Bill 1 into law in September 2021. Among other things, the law banned drive-thru and overnight voting, further tightened ID requirements, and allowed partisan poll watchers new freedoms. Additionally, assistants who work with Texans that
need help filling out their ballots can now face criminal charges. This type of assistance is most frequently used by voters with disabilities or physical needs, but non-English speaking voters and those who struggle to read and write are also entitled to aid in the state.
Political standing aside, interpretations of the new law shared in a base-level understanding: It was going to get even harder to earn an “I voted” sticker. According to Texas Republicans, the shift was necessary, as the GOP beefs up election integrity protections, citing murky and still unproven reports of rampant voter fraud. For local grassroots voting organizations, however, the focus remains on those who have taken the most direct hit under the new regulations—everyday Texans trying to make sure their vote gets counted.
“All Texas voters are impacted, but especially voters of color, low-income voters, young voters, older voters, and voters with a disability,” says Grace Chimene, president for the League of Women
Bob Kafka is working with disabled Texans to ensure they’re not impacted by the new voting laws. THE CUTTHROAT VOTE
SB 1’s ramifications on Texas elections and the rest of the country.
702, 257
Texans that lacked either a driver’s license or Social Security number on file, as of Dec. 2021.
8.2%
The rate at which mail-in ballots in Travis County were rejected during March’s primary election.
12.4%
The rate at which mail-in ballots in Texas were rejected during March’s primary election.
1%
Comparatively, the rate at which mail-in ballots were rejected during the 2020 presidential election.
27
Other states considering similar legislation, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.
“All Texas voters are impacted, but especially voters of color.”
Voters of Texas, a nonpartisan nonprofit that works to educate voters on election issues. Chimene says the law spurred an immediate change, pointing to the March primary election, when 25,000 voters had their vote-bymail ballots rejected, more than 1,800 from Austin-area counties alone. Those voters were mostly 65 and older, or voters with a disability.
Chimene also says not enough is being done to brief voters on the new requirements or properly prepare them for a successful visit to the polls. In response, the League is taking voter education into their own hands by providing extensive online voter guides and SB 1 explainers. “We’re working with the Center for Civic Design to create more resources provided in simple, plain language,” Chimene says of the group’s efforts.
Those materials have set a new standard and are often utilized by fellow nonprofit organizations like REV UP Texas, which works with Texans with disabilities to ensure they’re well represented within the voting body. Bob Kafka, the group’s statewide coordinator, echoes concerns that Texas’ disabled community is acutely impacted by the new voting legislation, which is breeding further distrust between them and local government. Although it would later be written out, an earlier version of the election bill included even more voting barriers for Texans with disabilities. “They were going to require the person to prove that they had a disability,” Kafka recalls. “It was so blatantly discriminatory; it would almost be like a poll tax. I use a motorized wheelchair, and I would have had to go to a doctor to somehow prove that I have a disability even though I’ve been in this wheelchair for almost 50 years.”
The irony that Gov. Greg Abbott, a well-known member of the state’s disabled community, has continued to champion the new voting law isn’t lost on Kafka. “My disability and spinal cord injury is similar to Gov. Abbott’s. You would think, you know, as a person with a disability, there would be some identity there.”
On top of ongoing efforts to educate voters on their rights and available aid, REV UP Texas will host its third Texas Disability Issues Forum in Austin this September ahead of the November election. The event includes voter registration drives and allows high-profile candidates running for office in the state an opportunity to speak on how their platforms relate to disability issues. While Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke has indicated his plans to attend, Kafka says the group has yet to hear back from Abbott’s office.
Kafka’s main advice to voters who are confused about new voting requirements or who have had their mail-in ballots rejected is to reach out. Whether that be to REV UP, the League of Women Voters, or to your county’s election office, he repeats the importance of not being deterred by the first hurdle.
“Let someone know,” he says. “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Diego Fagúndez
Austin FC Midfielder
If you’re overwhelmed by the energy emanating from Q2 Stadium, you only need to look to one player as the source of all that fervor. With his gritty attitude on the pitch, Diego Fagúndez has become a fan favorite of the verde and black. Born in Uruguay and raised in Massachusetts, Fagúndez played for his hometown New England Revolution for 10 seasons before departing on somewhat rocky terms. Now, the midfielder is embracing his inner Texan on an Austin squad that looks playoff-bound in just its second year in the MLS. INTERVIEW BY
CHRIS HUGHES
Have you had the opportunity to explore the city much?
I think I’ve been to most places outside of all the restaurants. Being out on a boat is something I’ve always liked. I did that a lot in Leominster, so when I came here, I actually decided to buy one. Now I’m out on Town Lake and Lake Travis all the time. Restaurant-wise, what’s really nice about the scene here is its diversity. It’s not just great barbecue and Mexican. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s out there.
What has it been like building the team from the ground up?
It’s crazy to think about us all coming in last year because it was 30 new players, a new staff, and we didn’t really know what it was going to be like. But at the same time, we knew we could make something special. This season, we only brought in a couple new faces, and the structure was already there. So, it was a lot easier to adapt and have those new guys adjust to the way we want to play. I really think this squad can go far. It’s just a matter of staying together.
You scored the team’s first goal last year. Where does that rank for you in terms of highlights?
I have jerseys commemorating my 50th and my first here. No one can ever take that away from me. I made Austin FC history, so it’s amazing.
Especially coming from New England where I felt unwanted.
Did you feel like you were being pushed out the door there?
I did and I didn’t. I feel like they basically said I was a player that wasn’t going to grow anymore, and when I talked to [head coach] Josh [Wolff] and [sporting director] Claudio [Reyna], they wanted and expected a lot more from me. They gave me a challenge, and I wanted to come here and prove to everyone that I’m not done.
The first year for Austin FC was a tough one. How did you find the motivation to keep putting forth the effort to build a winner? Well, you have to think, This is our job. I’m passionate about what I do, and I hate to lose. If you’re not passionate, then what are you doing? That’s the key: Is it just a job, or is it your dream?
You’ve been around the MLS for a while now. Describe the soccer culture here as compared to other cities.
I’ve said it plenty of times, and I mean it: We have the best fanbase. At least top three. Every other team that comes here talks about how our stadium and our fans are unbelievable. We’re trying to make Q2 a fortress, and the fans are always there for us.
Assuming Q2 is in the top three, what do you think are the other rowdiest stadiums?
LAFC and Sporting KC [Children’s Mercy Park]. It’s not a huge stadium, but you feel the energy. And playing LA is always tough. But I can’t even imagine what the opposition is thinking when they enter Q2. Our fans are loud! They’re throwing water and beer. They’re singing for all 90 minutes. And what I love is that the fans follow us on away trips. Traveling isn’t cheap, so when you see that, it’s special.
Did that level of enthusiasm surprise you?
Not really, because when I first got there it’s the only thing people were talking about. You saw jerseys and scarves all around town. Then I started meeting people who told me they went to all the initial talks about building the stadium. It was a lot of hard work that went into that!
From giving out jerseys to gesturing to supporters after scoring, you’re known for making the time to connect with fans. Why is that important to you? Because they helped bring back my passion—maybe where I wasn’t getting it elsewhere. They welcomed me with open arms. Is it tough? Yeah, because they also can get on me, which is fine. That’s part of it. When I left New England, this was my No. 1 choice, and now I’m just trying to give my all to Austin.
What are the expectations for yourself and the club the rest of the year?
I think we’ve just got to take it gameby-game. We need to score more goals, but we also need to make sure we’re having fun and sticking together. Overall, we all know we’ve got to make the playoffs. That’s what is most important.
Has your family moving here alleviated some of that pressure? For sure. I moved them out here in August. My dad reps the verde and black everywhere. He even traveled with Los Verdes [the independent fan group] to Houston so he could dance and sing on a recent road trip. They’re living the Texas life with me. And nothing beats Texas.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Anything Bot
A global competition featuring soccer-playing robots is advancing technology well beyond the pitch. BY JASON COHEN
EVERY UNIVERSITY OF Texas sports fan knows that when it comes to recent championships, the football team is way behind the likes of volleyball and swimming. But the biggest Longhorns dynasty of all? Robots playing soccer.
By the time you read this, professor Peter Stone and his computer science students will be on their way to Bangkok for the annual tournament called Robocup. Their robot soccer squad, Austin Villa, is something of a dynasty, having won nine out of the last 10 championships in Robocup’s 3D Simulation League, as well as one Robocup championship and four U.S. titles in Standard Platform competition (where actual robots play five-on-five soccer on a little indoor field).
Getting robots to play soccer is really just the beginning.
The standard platform robots (called “Naos”), made by Softbank, are the exact same across all teams; in both cases, the robots are fully autonomous once play begins. To succeed at Robocup is to succeed at artificial intelligence. That means coding and programming for skills as basic as walking and knowing how to get up when you fall down. And, perhaps most importantly, for interaction, such as the ability to work with and against other robots.
“That’s the multi-agent system aspect of it,” says Stone. “We need to make sure that they’re acting as a team. They need to be communicating about who is going to the ball, who’s going to play defense, and who’s going to play offense.”
But once the game starts, Austin Villa’s work is done. That was something Stone was cruelly reminded of during his very first Robocup, back when he was still a student at Carnegie Mellon, where he accidentally programmed his team’s goalkeeper to defend the wrong net.
The stated objective of Robocup is for a team of robots to beat the winner of the human World Cup by 2050. Not coincidentally, the tournament was founded in 1997, the same year the computer program Deep Blue bested Garry Kasparov in chess. But getting robots to play soccer is really just the beginning. Robocup also features competitions for rescue (involving things like natural disasters), industrial applications, and “Robocup at Home”—robots that can serve as domestic assistants. Because, ultimately, its real goal is advancing the technology in ways that benefit society.
One such victory can be seen in Kiva Systems, an order fulfillment company that was purchased by Amazon in 2012. Now called Amazon Robotics, it was created by repeat champion Raffaello D’Andrea and is just one of several spinoff technologies to come out of Robocup.
“The parallel I often make is the Apollo mission,” says Stone. “Arguably that doesn’t give you anything for humanity. But to get there [the moon], there’s a bunch of technologies that you have to develop along the way. Those kinds of technologies could have real-world implications that touch everybody’s dayto-day lives.”
UT’s Robocup team, Austin Villa, is favored to win this year’s competition in Bangkok.
Drawing the Line
Veteran editorial cartoonist Ben Sargent shares secrets behind 48 years of skewering Texas politicos in pen and ink. BY
EMMA SCHKLOVEN
WITH PULITZER PRIZE–WINNING credentials and an acid pen at the ready, 73-year-old Ben Sargent charges into battle, flat cap in hand. The minefield of political commentary where he forged his legacy —amid a 35-year career drawing editorial cartoons at the Austin American-Statesman—remains ripe as ever. Ink born of a newspaper family, his jabs, now delivered on behalf of the Texas Observer, strike their targets with Sargent’s trademark wit and ferocity. His battle cry is simple. “Raise hell,” he says, “and try to point out the emperor has no clothes.” Here, the cartoonist reveals his steadfast approach for transforming current events into thought-provoking images.
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So much of editorial cartoons relies on symbols and the messages they unconsciously evoke, says Sargent. “Usually, it’s by setting up a little situation in the cartoon and using that to be a symbol of what he’s trying to get across.” Take, for instance, Greg Abbott’s Rickety Ship, which finds the great vessel Texas buffeting about on choppy coronavirus waters. “A ship on a sea that’s heaving like that, it’s sort of the ultimate symbol of control or lack of control.”
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Every Sargent character has an inherent zaniness in their small heads and even tinier hands. “It’s just the way they seem to come out of the pen,” he chuckles. Those skills still get tested when faced with the editorial-cartoon essential of caricatures. The secret lies in those defining characteristics, from Ann Richard’s enormous up-do to Greg Abbott’s squint. The ultimate challenge? Trump. “He’s a walking caricature himself,” Sargent explains, “so he’s hard at first to exaggerate or lampoon.” Sargent kept it simple: Nail his “weird facial expressions … then the caricature is really carried off more by what one has him doing or saying.”
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Still preferring an old-school approach, Sargent first draws every line—including his signature crosshatches he picked up from childhood days perusing the pages of a Harper’s Weekly engravings book—in blue pencil. He then covers those lines in ink. Only then will he turn to the computer, using Photoshop to add color, as he has since brighter hues first entered his work at the Statesman around 2007. In total, it’s about five hours a cartoon.
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In the era of 24-hour news cycles, where stories never seem to truly end, cartoons also have a heightened staying power. It’s why Sargent’s thinking of returning to his 2021 panel “Out With Democracy,” which featured the ballot box of democracy in a Republican Party trashcan. “I’m toying with an extension of this one,” he shares, “showing the dumpster behind the Republican Party headquarters. It’s full because they’ve also thrown out decency, truth, rights.”
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As Texas politics change, so too has Sargent’s approach to depicting the warring legislators beneath the Capitol dome. “When I started, I was drawing them as little Mickey Mouse figures and clowns,” he recalls. “Now, there’s sort of an edge of evil.” Lawmakers like Dolph Briscoe, Tom Delay, and Bob Bullock used to collect Sargent’s depictions for their personal collections of inky self-effacements. But we somehow doubt today’s lawmakers do the same.
A Place to Call Home
One recent SXSW award winner could prove key in solving the nationwide homeless crisis.
BY MADELINE HOLLERN
WHEN IT CAME to housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness, Sam Haytham was shocked by the glorified tents and garden sheds that some cities had passed off as solutions. So, he developed an ambitious goal to create a structure that was scalable and actually livable.
As the founder of Austin-based Kiro Action, Haytham started his company with some core tenets in mind: “We have to have a home that can go up in hours; it has to be dignified; it has to look like a hotel room,” he says. The unit can be set up in underutilized, city-owned spots like parking lots or fields and can be assembled in just four hours without special machinery or heavy cranes. The modern glass shelter sits on its own foundation, can
“There’s a reason it has to be pretty— so the Karens accept it.”
be connected to utilities, and also has a portable AC unit and metal siding for privacy.
To demonstrate its potential as a solution for homelessness, the company put up a shelter near Mueller in 2020. Interestingly, individuals started reaching out to inquire about the units for their own homes, whether as backyard offices, writer rooms, or yoga dens. Then, when the company was featured on the national news, it began receiving requests from an insurance company on the Texas Gulf Coast for the shelters to be utilized in aiding displaced residents after natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Now, Kiro Action is committed to working with cities across the South to deploy its technology in helping the homeless population. It’s also expanding its mission to solve housing issues of all kinds, from crisis response and migrant farm worker housing to flex space for homeowners and potential pop-up hotels during festivals like ACL Fest. And because the units are small—those for sale on their website range from 96 to 192 square feet—they don’t require a permit in 95 percent of the country.
Even after becoming the only Texas company to win a grant at SXSW Pitch Program this past March, the founder notes that one goal for the company is for corporations to pay for the shelters and gift them to nonprofits in their city of choice. Haytham additionally points out that because of their aesthetically pleasing look, the structures are less likely to get pushback from the NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) crowd who doesn’t appreciate veritable garden sheds or tents in their neighborhoods: “There’s a reason it has to be pretty—so cities accept it, so the Karens accept it,” Haytham says. “You can’t justify Karen having it as a yoga room, and then being like, ‘that’s going to mess with the neighborhood in a parking lot or dilapidated hotel lot.’” kiroaction.com
Kiro Action’s customizable glass-and-metal structures can be utilized as homeless shelters.
8 booming areas to eat, drink, shop—and call home!
AS THE CAPITAL city continues to explode with growth and its sizzling real estate market shatters records (like how average home prices in Austin are now topping $500,000), we’re setting our sights on the new hot spots to live, work, and play in Central Texas. From a Domain-style development that will transform the East Riverside-Oltorf neighborhood to the future Tesla Gigafactory and HOPE Outdoor Gallery sites that will bring a flood
of new residents to Del Valle and Austin’s Colony, we spotlight the attractions that are leading homebuyers to put down roots outside the usual suspects. Featuring expert tips from real estate agents, market trend alerts, and sales data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR), here’s our comprehensive guide to not only finding the next great hangout spot, but your dream home located just beyond its doors.
BY ERIN QUINN-KONG
East Riverside-Oltorf
EVER WONDER WHY this area just south of Lady Bird Lake and east of I-35 is suddenly thriving? Three words: location, location, location. “The draw for this neighborhood is its proximity to everything,” says Ashley Brinkman, a Realtor and broker associate with Realty Austin. “It’s not far from downtown or the airport, for people who travel for work.” Save for student housing and a handful of midcentury and ranch-style houses tucked behind the main thoroughfare, the neighborhood was previously an underdeveloped part of the city for decades. Now, brand-new apartment complexes have been popping up everywhere as residents flock to live at spots like AMLI Southshore and the South Shore District—often scoring gorgeous views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline. Further fueling the growth is tech corporation Oracle, which opened a half-a-million-square-foot campus by East Riverside in 2018 and declared it the company’s headquarters two years later.
In addition to mixed-use developments, the ’hood is brimming with excellent restaurants (1618 Asian Fusion, La Tunita 512), coffee shops (The Buzz Mill), and music venues (Emo’s). The area is also home to Austin’s first public skate park, Mabel Davis District Park, which features a 12,000-square-foot concrete skate area.
DON’T MISS
Last June, Partners Group and Presidium announced a 109-acre mixed-use project in the area called River Park that is slated to begin construction in 2023. Dubbed “the new Domain,” the site will fill more than 10 million square feet of space in the next 10 to 20 years. The first phase of the ambitious project includes a 370-unit apartment complex, including affordable housing, 12,000 square feet of retail space, and nearly an acre of green space.
Boundaries: I-35; Hwy. 71; Colorado River; Grove Blvd.
Median Home Price: $572,000
Change in Sales Price
Year Over Year: 25.7 percent
Walk Score: 60
Great Schools Rating Average: 5/10
IN 2010, THE population of Hutto, located about 9 miles east of Round Rock, was just under 15,000. By 2020, that number had nearly doubled—and the growth hasn’t stopped. “We moved here in 2001 and have watched it grow by leaps and bounds,” says Maureen Rooker, real estate broker-owner of RE/Max Vision. Now, what was once rows of cornfields has evolved into its own small city filled with exciting restaurants, shops, and nightlife options. “You get more for your money here than in Austin,” she adds. “More house, more land, different taxes.” One new development creating plenty of buzz is the Hutto Co-op, a 35-acre business, retail, entertainment, and residential destination. Already home to the Hutto City Hall & Library and the third location of Elgin favorite Southside Market, future tenants include Top Notch Hamburgers and Cocina Jalisco Sports Bar & Grill from restaurateur Jaime Fernandez.
DON’T MISS
The homemade pies at The Texan Café and Pie Shop. Comfort food is taken to a new level at this old-school cafe, which serves up all the Lone Star standards, including chicken-fried steak, fried green tomatoes, and crispy fried catfish. Oh, and about that pie. You can’t go wrong with any slice you choose, whether it’s coconut cream or chocolate-covered cherry.
REEL ESTATE
For homebuyers and sellers, platforms like Instagram are more than just sources of inspiration. Realtor Wade Giles explains how they’ve become a crucial component for the local market.
After getting his real estate license in January 2014, Wade Giles asked his first two clients to film testimonials for him. He hired a video production company and promoted the clips all over social media. “The algorithms weren’t as complex back then, so you could target people,” he says. “I had that video everywhere; it really jumpstarted my career.”
Now, Giles (@wadeatx) has more than 9,100 followers on Instagram—his primary platform—and also posts regularly on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Here, Giles discusses the role that social media plays in his business and the hashtags you need to follow.
Do you get a lot of clients through social media? Absolutely. Last year a pretty significant portion of our business came through social media, especially buyers from out of state. Out-of-towners usually find our social
media or website, while locals find us through referrals from clients or friends. But then they check out our Instagram, which further reinforces and validates our legitimacy within the marketplace.
Are more Realtors posting on social media now? Oh, yeah. Some listings are super Instagrammable. We actually provide agents times that they can go into a home and create TikToks or Reels. It gives them control over how their videos come out, and it’s beneficial for us because the listing is all over social media.
Are there specific hashtags that you suggest buyers follow?
Yes. #austinrealestate, #austinluxury, and whatever neighborhood or ZIP code you’re looking in, like #78704.
Hutto
Cherry Creek
WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING for an ideal spot to raise a family or a laid-back community in close proximity to nightlife options, this Far South Austin area filled with classic Craftsmans and modern builds provides the best of both worlds. With quiet, mature oak–lined streets, ample yards, and good schools (Cowan Elementary, Covington Middle, and Bowie High), the neighborhood is undoubtedly a great place for kids to grow up in. In fact, green spaces surround its perimeter on all four sides, including Silk Oak Park, a popular spot for volleyball games and bike riding. But the area has also started to garner attention for its easy access to Menchaca Road, an emerging entertainment district with up-and-coming bars such as Lustre Pearl South, Moontower Saloon, and Indian Roller. Cherry Creek also has a host of nearby cafes (The Hive), restaurants (Armadillo Den, Rose’s Kitchen, Brick’s Pub) and retail options (Rose and Violets Boutique, shops at Escarpment Village).
DON’T MISS
Stephenson Nature Preserve and Outdoor Education Center. Head off the beaten path to get lost in nature at this preserve that features an easy 2-mile-loop hiking trail. Dogs and bikes aren’t allowed, so enjoy the quiet and get some exercise while watching for deer and other wildlife.
HOUSE RULES
Local Realtors share three strategies for success in a notoriously tough market.
Work with a seasoned Realtor. It’s key to partner with a Realtor who has relationships in the industry and knows about properties before they are on the market. “If you think that what you see online is all that’s available, you will never own real estate in this market,” says Twelve Rivers Realty associate broker Salma Manzur.
Try a less competitive season. Everyone says that the best time to
buy is in the spring, when most people list their homes. But house-shopping in the fall or winter is less congested, and you’ll have more data to support the sales price. “I’ve had 30 offers on a home in Travis Heights in the spring,” says Ashley Brinkman, associate broker at Realty Austin. “But in the fall, it’s usually only five to seven.”
Play the long game. In this market, finding your dream
Boundaries: Davis Lane; Brodie Lane; West William Cannon Drive; Menchaca Road
Median Home Price: $555,000
Change in Sales Price Year Over Year: 18.1 percent
Walk Score: 39
Great Schools Rating
house may be a tall order. Instead, consider buying a house now—perhaps smaller or farther out than you ultimately want—with the intent to sell in a few years. With that equity, you could move closer to the city and into a more-perfect abode. “I tell my clients that it may be a two-year process to get you into your dream home,” Manzur says. And with the price of rent surging in Austin as well (see page 64), buying is definitely a better investment.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE a decade can make. Sept. 4 will mark the 11th anniversary of the most destructive wildfire in Texas history, which destroyed 1,600 homes and 32,000 acres in the Bastrop area. But in the years since, the town of 9,600 has not only rebuilt—it’s thrived. Buyers are looking to the community in search of more affordable homes than they can find in Austin, which is located about 30 miles away. “I recently sold a home to a couple who wanted a more small-town feel,” says Erika Levack, a broker associate at Compass. “But people are also buying in Bastrop for more land or because they want a second home to get away from the city.” And builders are responding to growing demand. Last summer, two large developments were announced, including a 400-acre mixed-use subdivision west of FM 969 and a proposed 1,200-acre residential and commercial project in Western Bastrop County.
Median Home Price: $402,000
Change
Great Schools Rating: 4.9/10
DON’T MISS
Fans of independent bookstores will love The Painted Porch Book Shop on Main Street. For a memorable meal, make a reservation for the 17-course omakase experience at Sushi by Scratch Restaurants. Located at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, the restaurant is helmed by Michelin-starred couple Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee.
Del Valle
JUST A STONE’S throw from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this unincorporated community about 10 miles southeast of Austin has some rich history. Established in the mid-1870s and named after Mexican government official Santiago del Valle, the town of about 29,000 has no official local government, but it does have its own school district. Perhaps Del Valle’s greatest claim to fame is that Tesla picked it as the location of its Gigafactory 5, which will bring 20,000 jobs to the area. Another upcoming attraction is the new HOPE Outdoor Gallery, a revamped version of the incredibly popular Castle Hill graffiti park, which closed in 2019. Set to open in late 2022, the 18-acre open-art cultural center will feature art exhibits, practice paint walls, farmers markets, and a performance space.
DON’T MISS
Circuit of The Americas, a 20-turn track that is home to the only Formula 1 and MotoGP races in the country. This year’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is Oct. 21-23, while the next MotoGP is slated for April 2023. Catch a concert at its Germania Insurance Amphitheater, and be on the lookout for its forthcoming amusement park, set to debut in 2023 with 25 rides including five roller coasters.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
To avoid this crazy market, many Austin homeowners are opting to renovate or add on to their houses instead.
Boundaries: Hwy. 71; Thornberry Road; Hwy. 973; Colorado River
SELLING YOUR HOME for a huge profit is the dream—until you have to find a new domicile in a chaotic market. Instead of jumping into the fray, some homeowners have forgone house-shopping in favor of updating their current homes. One of them is Meghan Lehr, a mom of three boys who is finishing her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy. Realizing they would have to triple their mortgage to get another house in their Great Hills neighborhood, they decided to gut their existing home and add on 700 square feet for an office and two bedrooms. Not only did the family get to stay on their corner lot in a cul-de-sac with neighbors they love, but “the changes we made increased our home value significantly,” Lehr says. For Mauri Elbel, co-founder of nonprofit Carrying Hope and Austin Travels Magazine, avoiding pandemic-related delays was the key to making a renovation work for her family of five. They started ordering all the materials in summer 2021, filling up their garage in Circle C. While they didn’t add square footage, the family’s upgrades included changing the playroom into a bedroom for their teenage son. “It made more sense to make our home work for us during this phase of our lives,” Elbel says. “I call it committing to the spot you love.” For five expert tips on adding on to your home, visit austinmonthly.com/homeimprovement.
FEATURING A MIX of charming bungalows and ranch-style homes, this small town has been experiencing substantial growth for the past two years. In late 2021, it was announced that Samsung was building a $17 billion semiconductor plant in Taylor. The facility, which is set to open in the second half of 2024, will bring 2,000 jobs to the area. The announcement has turned up the heat on the already-scorching real estate market. “We only have nine houses on the market right now, whereas we had 150 a few years ago,” says Donna Brasfield of Brasfield Real Estate. But, she notes, about 400 new homes will be built in Taylor over the next few years. A large portion of those dwellings are in the new Castlewood mixed-use development, which will have 239 single family lots directly across from Taylor High School. The new two-story building holds 1,200 students and features flexible community spaces. Meanwhile, the Old Taylor High has been put to creative use: The old junior high was converted into 12 modern apartments, while the band room was changed into Plowman’s Kitchen restaurant, and The Loose Screw bar took over a former English classroom.
DON’T MISS
The legendary (and massive!) beef rib at Louie Mueller Barbecue. Come with an empty stomach before indulging in the rich, fatty rib, along with tender smoked brisket, pork ribs, and beef sausage. Serving smoked meats since 1949, the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, but often sells out. So, get in line early.
Austin’s Colony
IF YOU’VE NEVER heard of Austin’s Colony, you’re not alone. Located 30 minutes east of downtown, the neighborhood has long flown under the radar, mostly because it’s so far out of town. But now, the area is seeing a surge in new buyers, both for its affordability and because of its proximity to—you guessed it—Tesla’s Gigafactory. “It’s blowing up now, even though it’s been there for a while,” Brinkman says. An easy commute to Austin’s many restaurants, shops, and music venues is a draw here—the Realtor notes that it’s faster to drive east or west in the capital city than north or south—as is the neighborhood’s ample green space, including a private park, hiking trails, and views of the Colorado River.
DON’T MISS
Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory, which promotes the study and understanding of birds in Central Texas. Birders flock to the area to spot and log sandpipers, herons, warblers, and even rare sightings, such as the red-necked phalarope. After communing with nature, head to East Austin Pizza Kitchen for a scratch-made pie, wings, and sub sandwiches.
RENT (OUT OF) CONTROL
It’s not just buyers feeling the pinch. Rent.com shares the latest mind-blowing stats facing Austin tenants. >2x
Average one-bedroom prices in Travis Heights increased a whopping 138 percent in one year.
$3,001
The average one-bedroom rate in Central Austin as of May 2022.
1/2
Just over 50 percent of all Austin apartments are now more than $2,100.
Boundaries: Hwy. 130; Colorado River; Webberville Road; Dunlap Road S.
Median Home Price: $405,000
Change in Sales Price
Year Over Year: 24.2 percent
Walk Score: 11
Great Schools Rating Average: 3/10
41%
The growth of the average rate of a two-bedroom apartment in Austin in one year.
Boundaries:
I-35; E. Stassney Lane; S. Congress Ave.; Hwy. 71
Median Home Price:
$640,000
Change in Sales Price
Year Over Year:
19.8 percent
Walk Score: 35
Great Schools Rating
Average: 4.4/10
BACK IN 2006, when Realtor Katie Dochen lived right off St. Elmo Road, she admits it wasn’t the best place to call home sweet home. “We thought it was the middle of nowhere,” Dochen notes. But now, the East Congress area situated south of Ben White and west of 1-35 is booming with restaurants, breweries, condos, and walking trails. The area is also one of only a few neighborhoods in the capital city that allows owners to split their lots and sell their backyard for a new home. “It’s a way that Austin is improving its density,” says Dochen, who recently sold one of these modern ADU homes. “It’s a great way to keep people close to the city center.”
One major draw to the area is The Yard, a 200,000-square-foot warehouse district on East Saint Elmo Road with a refreshingly laid-back vibe. Standout dining options include hand rolls from Texas Sushiko and 100 percent vegan pizza at Lil Nonna’s. Grain-to-glass distillery Still Austin Whiskey Co. hosts live music, trivia nights, and drag queen bingo throughout the week, and patrons can also cross the street to sample mango sours and hoppy lagers at Vacancy Brewing. While the opening date is still yet to be determined, 78745 is also slated to become home to a much-anticipated 40,000-square-foot food market and community space called St. Elmo Public Market, which is being compared to New York City’s Chelsea Market.
DON’T MISS
Opened in the summer of 2020, Sagebrush shares the same ownership as popular East Austin bar The White Horse and hosts live music nearly every night of the week, with recurring acts like rockabilly band Two Tons of Steel and Neo Delta Blues artist Mrs. Glass. Strike up a game of horseshoes on its massive patio and save room for barbecue from Micklethwait Craft Meats, served Thursday through Sunday nights starting at 5 p.m.
East Congress
It’s pills, property, and positive aphorisms as developer and aspiring billionaire Ari Rastegar builds Austin into a playboy’s paradise.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANNIE RAY
Rastegar celebrating another victory inside his affirmation-filled “Dream Lab.”
IT SEEMS LIKE Ari Rastegar is talking very fast, but that’s not really true. The slightly raspy voice of the 40-year-old Austin real estate investor and entrepreneur is actually quite normal. In fact, he’s thoughtful in what he says. What could be mistaken for rushing is more of a verbal deluge. Rastegar just says a hell of a lot in a short amount of time.
Within five minutes of sitting down with him inside the affirmation-filled Westlake offices of Rastegar Property Company, he’s name-dropped motivational guru Tony Robbins, discussed the difference between “rational” and “irrational pain” (it’s experienced, wisdom-giving pain versus accidental, with no appreciable lessons learned), and listed many of his goals as an investor and real estate developer. He caps it all with a discussion of one of the biggest busts of his professional life, where a freak 2011 ice storm derailed a set of Dallas Super Bowl parties he put together while running an entertainment events company based out of Manhattan. The incident is one of several professional defeats he details in the book he wrote, The Gift of Failure, due out July 12.
Without pausing to gather his thoughts, or even gasp for some oxygen, he concludes
with a thesis for his entire life: “If you want to understand me in any regard,” he says, “the three things I live by are really growth, curiosity and servitude.”
Dressed impeccably in a gray-and-maroonbacked vest, his tanned skin seems to radiate with good health, even under the fluorescent office lights. It’s a physical feat rarely witnessed from a workaholic CEO, much less the father of three young children. There are good reasons for Ari’s concerted vanity, which he details in the book. But before we get to Rastegar’s very public health regimen or the deals he’s making that are putting Austin in a fast sprint toward becoming a tech mecca, we should mention “The Dream Lab.” It’s a room located right next to his office filled floor-to-ceiling with printed affirmations, framed quotes, and self-improvement posters in categories like “Spirituality,” “Body,” and “Friends.” If he wasn’t so sincere, you’d think it was in mock appreciation of Barney Stinson’s office in How I Met Your Mother
The reason that Rastegar so often spews anecdotes and bromides at such a rapid clip is that he loves words. A Texas A&M graduate with a degree in English, he is in thrall with the power of storytelling. It’s why he’s launching a companion podcast to his book, also called The Gift of Failure, and is a voracious reader, consuming anywhere from five to 15 books a week. He’s particularly enamored with the stories we tell ourselves—either to ruinous self-sabotage or tales that lift someone to heights of bootstrapped greatness.
RASTEGAR BEGAN INVESTING in Austin properties as early as 2012, but once his company launched in 2015, it began a run of apartment complex and office building purchases throughout Austin—and even a high-rise in Dallas called 1899 McKinney—that drew the attention of the national media. In a November 2020 article in The New York Times, they lasered in on Rastegar Property in its exploration of the trend of multifamily university housing being flipped into upscale apartments. In particular, they looked at Rastegar’s refurbishment of Plaza 38, which became Hyde Park Square near the University of Texas. A Forbes article in April 2021 went even further, dubbing Rastegar “The Oracle of Austin” for his foresight in investing in 11 commercial real estate deals during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a little embarrassing,” he quips today, admitting the moniker both flatters and slightly irritates him. “When I think of the Oracle. I think of the Oracle of Omaha (Warren Buffett). I wouldn’t put myself in that category. I’m certainly no magician like him.”
Born to a German mother and Iranian father in 1982, Rastegar was raised in Austin and Dallas, and eventually left Texas after earning a postgraduate degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in 2008. A practicing attorney in New York City by 2009, he took a career pivot by creating an events company called Capital A Entertainment a year later. It was there, while organizing a series of celebrity-fueled parties for the likes of P. Diddy, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta, and the Black Eyed Peas, that he met his wife, Kellie. A set of troubled events—including one during the NBA All-Star weekend in Los Angeles in 2011—proved a tipping point, and Rastegar’s notoriously short attention span kicked in once again. Investment and properties were in, and Capital A Entertainment was no longer.
A surprise 2013 announcement from Google was enough of a motivating factor to draw Rastegar back to his home state. In it, the search engine giant announced that it was going to build out a gigabit fiber internet network in the capital city, and Rastegar took it as a sign of significant change in his hometown—so much so that he was commuting there regularly by 2014. “I thought, OK, the biggest and most powerful data company in the world, out of all the places in the world, they’re looking at Austin, Texas.”
Obsessed with decoding Google’s motives, Rastegar studied quality of life measures, such as the large number of public parks in town, ease of travel to major cities, the food and music cultures,
As part of his extreme health regime, Rastegar consumes more than 150 supplements a day.
THE REASON THAT RASTEGAR SO OFTEN SPEWS ANECDOTES AND BROMIDES AT SUCH A RAPID CLIP IS THAT HE LOVES WORDS. HE IS IN THRALL WITH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING.
and, of course, Austin’s growing tech scene. “I started checking all these things and had this aha moment. I shaped my life and my business on it. Austin was just like a glaring neon sign,” he says.
That neon glow was shaped like dollar signs for Rastegar, who bet big on Austin and snatched up as much land and as many older multifamily buildings as he could get his hands on. In one downtown deal, he sold a South First lot to Intracorp, where he’ll retain profit participation on the 221,000-square-foot high-rise being erected, called One Oak.
Oracle or not, Rastegar’s big move paid off. In January 2021, Rastegar Property Co. launched a $150 million real estate institutional fund to purchase and renovate “vintage” multifamily properties built before 1990, not just in Austin, but across Sun Belt cities such as Charlotte, Phoenix, and Nashville (now 38 cities across 12 states). The company has already lined up deals for lots and buildings on South Congress, a boutique “post-COVID” office building on East Eighth Street, an industrial site near Tesla’s Gigafactory, and a massive 318-acre development in Kyle that Rastegar calls “futuristic suburbanism,” a term he’s already coined and trademarked.
Angelos Angelou, the chief executive officer of AngelouEconomics, is a kind of local oracle unto himself. The analyst says that Rastegar’s success is not that surprising given the state of the market (“Austin is hot; it’s the hottest real-estate market in the country”). But he’s also quick to point to his paternal bloodline as an unconventional factor in his burgeoning empire.
“I’ve been impressed with Iranian ingenuity and entrepreneurship,” Angelou says. “Some of the smartest, brightest people I’ve seen are Iranian entrepreneurs who’ve flourished in the U.S.”
EVEN IF YOU’VE never heard of Ari Rastegar’s real estate conquests until now, there’s a good chance his name rings a bell for a very different reason. As detailed in publications like GQ , Maxim, and the New York Post, the well-coiffed tycoon goes to extreme lengths to make himself the beacon of health. He adheres to an up-at-5 a.m. fitness plan that includes cardio, weights, meditation, and posture management. He undergoes hyperbaric chamber treatments up to five times a week. And, most notably, he consumes upwards of 150 supplements and vitamins a day.
But as he describes in detail in his book, there’s a method to the perceived madness. Stressed and working as many as 100 hours a week in his 30s, Rastegar was perpetually run-down and suffering
Ari Rastegar and his wife, Kellie, at the site of the future headquarters of Rastegar Property Group.
from chronic migraines. He turned to online resources, nutritionists, wellness consultants, and books from Austin’s wellknown community of “biohackers”—individuals who experiment on their own bodies with supplements, blood tests, and sleep hacks.
With guidance from the likes of Austin author and resident Tim Ferriss, he’s since modified his diet to eliminate most processed sugar, gets lots of vigorous exercise, and takes mounds of vitamins to keep himself lively and focused. Twice a day, Rastegar engages in 45-minute bouts of Transcendental Meditation, which he also impresses upon his family and the company’s employees.
This intense regime is less about becoming a physical specimen, and more about gaining a competitive advantage in his industry. To this day, Rastegar says he’s haunted by the premature death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, whom he sees as a kind of innovative equal in business. “I try to calibrate all the instruments within my body,” he says, likening his physical form to an orchestra. “If one violin is left untuned, it can destroy the entire symphony.”
The meditation and self-examination has been part of a concerted effort to elim-
inate negative thoughts and self-doubt, the kind of self-sabotaging defeatism that once made him freeze up and miss a spot on his high school basketball team. It’s what made him curl into a ball of self-loathing when his NBA All-Star parties in LA proved unprofitable. The mantras and inspirational quotes on his office walls, the self-help books, and the single-minded fixation on his health are ultimately, Rastegar says, about living a fuller, longer, more present life.
But there’s also a swagger and intensity when he discusses these topics. It’s a challenge to anyone with similar inclinations, a sinewy flex more akin to an anaconda squeezing the life from its prey. “If I have more energy, more staying power, even if all things were equal,” he says, with no lack of modesty, “I’m going to win.”
IT’S A DRIZZLY
morning in early May, and Rastegar is waiting in his black S Class Mercedes 580 next to what’s currently a huge pile of limestone rubble on Eighth Street. The area, a sloped lot against the access road, is loosely wrapped with chain-link fencing where a 28,000-square-foot office building—soon to be the global headquarters for Rastegar Property Group—will be standing next year. Perched on the side is a sight that’s becoming more and more familiar around the city: black signage boasting the Rastegar company symbol. The interlocking right-an-
A rendering of Rastegar’s Inf1nity Living building, which he hopes will transform the area around Stassney Lane and Ben White Boulevard.
gled lines of the insignia (an eternity knot) date back 5,000 years and stand for the marriage of divine wisdom and human measurement. The site has already been heavily tagged with graffiti, but if you look closely enough, you can see a Pablo Picasso quote situated conspicuously at the bottom: “Everything you can imagine is real.”
Stepping back inside the dry confines of his sleek Mercedes, he rockets down I-35, pointing to some of the projects that he’s partnered with or owns outright. One site on Live Oak Street calls to mind a story of a man who pulled a handgun on his property management team. The owner of that particular parcel demanded to speak to Rastegar mano a mano—and maybe with a little cold steel—before relinquishing his property.
It’s OK now, he insists. A fellow Iranian, the two have become close friends. Rastegar was even gifted one of Jimi Hendrix’s guitars in the arrangement. A lot of stories that Rastegar recounts end like this, where adversaries are won over—mainly through the enchantment of our protagonist’s sunny personality.
One such friend is Dustin Mehaffey, a real-estate broker who now scouts many of Rastegar’s upcoming projects. The two met on a study abroad trip in Guanajuato, Mexico. Even back then, the two college students dreamed of being millionaires and flying on private jets. They bonded over the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
“He’s always been very intense and really homed in on his goals,” Mehaffey says. “He’s one of those people that goes and makes everything work out for himself.”
The area that Mehaffey and Rastegar put together at Red Bird and Mockingbird Lanes will be called Inf1nity Living. The development—really several purchases combined into one large block-to-block lot—may hasten the transformation of an area between Ben White Boulevard and Stassney Lane that looks worlds apart from the glamorous hipster enclaves further up South Congress. Down here, it’s still auto body shops, dusty curbsides, and aging billboards. But before long, it’ll have a new face defined by sparkling condos and boutique shopping.
Rastegar despises the word “gentrification,” but he’s very aware of the pain Austinites are feeling with rising rents and skyrocketing home prices. If Austin is to become the next Silicon Valley, which he believes to be inevitable, today’s pricing crunch is going to seem modest in retrospect. Hey, compared to Palo Alto and New York City, it’s still a bargain, right?
“I think we’re going to look back on this time, and see those houses that we think were expensive, and realize they were a
THERE’S A SWAGGER AND INTENSITY WHEN HE DISCUSSES THESE TOPICS. IT’S A CHALLENGE TO ANYONE WITH SIMILAR INCLINATIONS, A SINEWY FLEX MORE AKIN TO AN ANACONDA SQUEEZING THE LIFE FROM ITS PREY.
steal,” he says, adding a dire prediction. “I think housing prices could double over the next seven to 10 years.”
Within the hour, he’s rhapsodized over the city’s homeless crisis, which he plans to throw himself into with his trademark ambition (“There needs to be infrastructure set up, which I do not know the answer to. But I intend to f*cking find out.”). He’s also made a decision to press the matter on a major land deal that could encompass multiple locations. He’s gotten impatient with the excessive number of meetings and back-and-forth flights from the East Coast, where these potential partners are based. Over the hands-free Bluetooth connection, Rastegar says his company has lost millions in time and opportunity costs on what was supposed to be a simple $14 million project that should have been wrapped up months ago. Frustration leads to continued promises of friendship, to mentions of a separate pact outside of Austin, to more rote amorous assurances. Regardless, if something isn’t signed within 72 hours, Rastegar says, he’s walking away from the deal.
When asked what he thinks will happen, he cocks an eyebrow with no shortage of moxie. “We’ll do the deal,” he says confidently.
Back at the Eighth Street site, Rastegar admits that despite the momentum he’s created in his business dealings, the road to becoming a self-made billionaire never gets easier. He’s about to fly to Los Angeles for a 14-hour trip, return to Austin for his daughter’s recital, get back on a plane to Chicago, head to New York for meetings, then return home from Albany—all within five days.
“I’m in a very stressful, stressful time because the stakes are so high. But I’m also really elated about what the end product is going to be,” he says. “I’ve never worked harder in my life than I’m working right now. But it’s my dream. I dreamt this, I wished for it.”
Rastegar leans back in his leather seat. The car’s enormous touch screen waits for the next command, but he takes a rare moment to pause and reflect. If he’s worried, it’s hard to tell because there are few, if any, age lines on his face. Rastegar could easily pass for 35 or younger. But looking that good takes an enormous amount of work.
He smiles ruefully. “Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.”
Sold for
By Bryan C. Parker
Since the pandemic started, Austin’s live music scene has been picked over by big corporations looking to cash in on its creative reputation. Now, those venues are being displaced and rebranded to develop a luxury concert experience at odds with the artists and fans who helped make Austin the hottest city in the country.
a Song
Photographs by Dave Creaney
ON A CHILLY night in December 2020, Maggie Lea found herself sitting alone on the patio of Cheer Up Charlies, the popular Red River hangout she owns with partner Tamara Hoover. The venue had been closed for the better part of a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Lea had to check on it almost daily amid a flurry of break-ins. Each visit to the empty bar made it feel increasingly abandoned, but Lea caught a glimpse of the string lights hanging above the patio and nostalgically flipped them on.
Sitting beneath the venue’s signature rainbow parachute, Lea glanced up at the silhouettes of the Hyatt House and the Hotel Indigo looming above, and thought: The city is just not the same as it was when Tamara and I opened a little bar that could
Debuting in 2009, Cheer Up began as an East Austin trailer that just sold chocolate and coconuts. But soon after, they moved into a tiny building next door where they began hosting live music, and immediately found themselves at odds with neighborhood groups that frequently complained to Austin Police about late-night noise. After a few tumultuous years, the bar’s landlord abruptly terminated their lease, and a hotel project popped up in their wake.
Lea and Hoover landed on their feet weeks later with a prime location on Red River Street in 2013. But Austin’s relentless downtown development would rear its head again, as construction began on the Hyatt House shortly after their relocation. While they grappled with extensive scaffolding and netting that prevented the venue from hosting shows on their outdoor stage, the skyline quickly morphed around them.
The cranes and ambitious vertical ascension of its high-rises provides a quick visual summary of its change, but there’s a quieter, less conspicuous story playing out beneath the surface. With many of Austin’s venues already at a tipping point, the pandemic paved the way for outside interests to step in and opportunistically buy low, subtly altering the fabric of its cultural identity. Many of Austin’s most iconic brands, from South by Southwest and Austin City Limits to Stubb’s and even the University of Texas have recently taken on partners or brokered relationships that give new corporate investors a hand on the wheel.
In April of last year, SXSW, the city’s most prized musical asset, sold half its stake to P-MRC (a corporation that owns Rolling Stone, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard, among others), which is headquartered in New York and LA. In October 2021, Stratus Properties, the ownership group behind the Second Street district’s Block 21—home to ACL Live at the Moody Theater and the W Hotel—announced that it would sell to Ryman Hospitality, a Nashville-based entity that owns the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium.
In February, concert promotions group Live Nation not only acquired Stubb’s, but the land on which it sits. The nearby Moody Amphitheater is situated in a city-owned park run by the Waterloo Conservancy, but the venue’s booking and operation will be handled by Live Nation. And this April, the Moody Center opened, bringing a new, state-of-the-art arena to the University of Texas
campus. The venue, which was funded entirely by private entities despite its location on public school grounds, will be operated by an alliance between the LA-based Oak View Group, Live Nation, Matthew McConaughey, and the university.
Within a brief two-year span, Austin experienced a total sea change in who controls premier venues in the “live music capital of the world.” That development begs the question: Will deeper pockets and industry-entrenched investors make it easier or more difficult to retain the magic of Austin’s musical identity?
“I’m not sure we know the answer to that question,” says Austin Mayor Steve Adler. From his perspective, these corporate entities bring resources that could bolster the city’s music ecosystem, but he also acknowledges that it’s important for those same businesses to understand what makes the scene so special. “If it becomes a homogenized national product,” he warns, “it won’t be who we are.”
In a sense, Austin’s desire to maintain its laid-back, free and easy lifestyle merely created an opportunity for developers and venture capitalists to snap up what the city had to offer. Austin was for sale, and it got bought.
Truth be told, change has been Austin’s brand just as much as live music. Even before the flurry of recent moves, Austin’s independent venues have struggled with affordability. Over the years, Beerland, Holy Mountain, Plush, The Sidewinder, Red 7, Red Eyed Fly, the North Door, and many more have risen and fallen due to market pressures and the rising cost of doing business in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. So ubiquitous is change, that cranes now appear as part of the backdrop used in Austin City Limits’ famous television program.
Through it all, Cheer Up Charlies has managed to persist, in part due to its status as a queer hub. It functions as a communal gathering spot for Austin’s LGBTQ+ community. But it also represents Austin’s cultural assets at large, hosting national touring acts like Megan Thee Stallion, drag shows, country-themed DJ nights, dance parties, and local indie rock and punk shows.
“With the hotels and the divvying up of downtown to real estate developers, and the breaking up of our clusters, it has just felt like riding a wave,” Lea says.
And that wave hasn’t crested, as downtown properties continue to be scooped up and redeveloped at a breakneck pace. Cheer Up Charlies’ lease ends in March 2024, a deadline that looms ominously for the couple. Many of the Red River District’s buildings have some protection thanks to Capitol View Corridors, a series of construction restrictions aimed at preserving sightlines that radiate out from the Texas State Capitol. Under Austin’s laws,
Cheer Up Charlies owner Maggie Lea remains hopeful despite the relentless development.
structures within those corridors must stay under a certain height, usually just a few stories. But Cheer Up Charlies has the unfortunate geography of being one of the few that fails to fall within that definition.
As a bastion of the queer community, her concerns are acutely warranted, since Austin’s unofficial gay district on Fourth Street will soon give way to proposed high-rise developments. Some, like Coconut Club, will be lost. Others, such as Oilcan Harry’s, will be scraped to the ground—the original bricks cleaned and reassembled to form the first floor of the new Hanover apartment building (which is still in the process of approval). “How will it be the same if you’re under this shiny new high-rise and they redo the whole façade?” Lea wonders. “When it comes to community spaces and identity spaces, how will you recreate that?”
When winter storm Uri hit in February 2021, Lea emerged from her home after several days sans power to check on the still-shuttered bar. Pulling up, she found the rainbow parachute that once sheltered the patio sagging just a few feet off the ground, crushed by the weight of several inches of snow and ice. Taking
an old set of gardening shears, she cut its tethers and watched it crumple to the ground.
It felt like a fitting moment, because sometimes there is no parachute. Sometimes, you’re simply in free fall.
The Tide is High but I’m Holding On
JAMES MOODY RETURNED to his North Austin home late one night in July 2020 and poured himself an old fashioned—his drink of choice for moments of heavy meditation. It had been a long day of calling people who held a financial stake in his venue, the Mohawk, to inform them that he’d decided to close it down permanently. Though he was heartbroken, he just couldn’t see a feasible way forward. The venue had laid off most of its staff in the weeks after the pandemic hit, and there was no incoming revenue stream to speak of.
But dissolving a business that has existed for 14 years can’t be achieved overnight, and as Moody continued wading through the process, new information kept trickling in to muddy the landscape. Reports swirled of vaccines, federal funding, and local grants, which made his head swim with a chaotic cocktail of possibilities. Before a meeting with Mohawk’s landlord, Joe Joseph, Moody climbed the stairs up to the rooftop balcony and looked out over the Red River District, a much different quarter than the one that existed when the Mohawk opened in 2006.
Gone is the Reddy Ice building, now a massive condo development. Gone are Beerland, Club Deville, and the Red Eyed Fly. Moody turned his gaze to the Mohawk’s vacant stage and reminisced about the nights Iggy Pop, Ice Cube, and Dinosaur Jr. all plugged in and filled the night air with raucous melody. Overcome with emotion, he had the sudden sensation that he had become part of something bigger than himself—something that desperately needed protecting.
Back downstairs in the dim bar, Moody and his business partner, Will Steakley, talked with Joseph about the future of the business. At the time, every landlord’s revenue stream had dried up just like their occupants, and Joseph had a rooting interest in keeping the lease going. Moody knew that even if the Mohawk could survive, they’d be entering a different market with far greater uncertainty and risk moving forward. So, he broached the idea of including an option to purchase the property in a new contract, and, shockingly, the owner agreed.
“I don’t think that they thought we would really do it,” Moody admits now. After mulling it over for a few months, the partners moved forward with the arrangement, reasoning that it was the only pathway to ensuring the Mohawk’s longevity. In December, Joseph and the club’s duo entered into a seller-financed agreement, meaning the parties will share a financial stake until the property is paid off over time.
In this unpredictable world, where the pandemic still lingers, nothing is guaranteed, of course. Moody knows that, and his self-described “Hail Mary” is simply a way of decreasing the outside risks facing the venue.
“There was probably going to be a day when we were going to get the call,” he says, insinuating that his landlord could sell out for the right deal. “Not only are some of these big outside companies coming into town, local buyers are making moves as well.”
The swelling population, particularly transplants flush with expendable incomes, are part of his calculation though. He’s hoping that more people means more customers, and an affluent economy that can sustain a flood of live music.
Austin
was for sale. And it got bought.
Austin’s Capitol View Corridors may also play to Mohawk’s advantage. Even with their new seller-financed agreement, there remains the possibility that a company could make an exorbitant offer that would be difficult to refuse. However, Mohawk sits directly in a codified area. Restricted to a few stories, anything that hypothetically replaces the venue would be much less profitable than a hotel or condo complex.
Still, the deep roots the Mohawk has made in the community will likely be necessary to compete against the bigger, more powerful venues that surround it. But the tactic that Moody employed is essentially the same as the one Live Nation implemented, which increased stability at Stubb’s through land ownership.
Cody Cowan, executive director of the Red River Cultural District (RRCD), says that Live Nation’s acquisition constitutes the best possible outcome for Austin music fans. With the entire block up for sale, Stubb’s’ future was far from certain, but now Live Nation has a vested interest in keeping it music-oriented. And as far as any concern about corporate-backed behemoths squeezing out the little guy, Cowan actually thinks the competition could benefit smaller outfits like Mohawk. “I think in Red River’s instance, we’re an example where there’s a rising tide that will lift all ships,” he says.
Comparing Austin’s hallowed independent clubs to the newly constructed concert venues is a “very different bathroom experience,” according to Cowan. He got his start working the door at Emo’s back when the club sat on the corner of Sixth and Red River. The venue’s restrooms had doorless stalls covered in a layer of grime and band stickers, and the urinal was just a metal trough with ice poured into it to staunch the smell of piss—a world apart from the pristine tile backsplash, marble countertops, and hands-free soap dispensers at the new Moody Center.
Despite his optimism that these tiers of entertainment can coexist, Cowan says that bar sales have not rebounded in smaller spaces whose primary business plan is local live music—places like Chess Club, the Green Jay, Valhalla, and Elysium. On the other hand, big tours have returned to form. In May, Stubb’s hosted 25 outdoor shows, a record month in the venue’s 26-year musical history.
Even if these new interests aren’t in competition, the arrival of luxury concert experiences has altered the expectations around seeing live music in Austin. Ticket prices have remained relatively low for decades, but contrast that with the cost of living here today. In the early aughts, you might find a spare room in a house in Hyde Park for $400. By May 2022, the average rent on an apartment was $1,735 a month. If working musicians are going
Cody Cowan of the Red River Cultural District thinks smaller venues can still find a local audience.
Change has been Austin’s brand as much as live music.
to be able to make it in Austin, the public can’t expect a show with four local bands to cost the same as a cup of coffee. What’s little known is that when the price of a ticket increases, that’s generally passed onto the artist, not the venue (which profits mostly from bar sales). That’s why advocates like Cowan feel that it’s due time for Austinites to make their own investments in the music scene, particularly with local acts.
“This is millennia-old wisdom—change is inevitable,” Cowan says. “My pitch for Austin’s music culture is: Do we want to be changed by change, or do we want to be the arbiters of our own change?”
Moody has taken charge of his own fate, but there may be more than one way to address downtown’s affordability crisis. If the center simply cannot hold for the capital city’s more eclectic spots, the quintessential Austin experience might just be found further out. Lawrence Boone, the talent buyer at The Far Out Lounge, located on a stretch of South Congress Avenue past William Cannon, says the venue just hosted their biggest show to date when a crowd of nearly 3,000 showed up to watch the punk band Bikini Kill.
The event was a watershed moment, as similar bookings had never taken place on Austin’s outskirts before. It lent credence to the notion that there’s still a hunger in Austin for a less-polished live music experience—one that eschews the hassle of downtown parking, costly rideshares, and tickets in excess of $100. But Boone believes there’s a place for everyone in Austin. “There are so many people here now that even if people like us don’t want to go downtown, there’s two other people who just moved here, and that’s all they want to do,” he says.
The Far Out Lounge’s Old Austin sensibility works as an argument that the town’s cultural tapestry may not be lost so much as it is displaced. Yes, the city has added a new tier of nightlife experiences, but a vestige of what once was remains. Concertgoers simply have to look just a little bit harder to find it.
Lean On Me
STANDING IN FRONT of the red glow of The Continental Club’s indoor neon sign, Torrence and Thurman Thomas of THEBROSFRESH performed their first show in July 2021. A rising sibling duo who play in a genre all their own (think touches of electropop, R&B, and rock), they’d frequented Austin for around
a year, swooping in for one-off shows before returning to their hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And while they pined to make the permanent move themselves, the skyrocketing cost of housing held them back. Unlike the artist-friendly zeitgeist of the ’60s and ’70s, Thurman says it’s incredibly difficult for musicians to live and work in Austin today. “One does not just move to Austin, Texas,” says Torrence, echoing his brother’s sentiments. “You gotta get your sh*t together.”
Finally taking the leap this March, they say the move has already paid off, as they’ve been able to snag bookings at venues like Cheer Up Charlies and Continental Club. THEBROSFRESH have played the Soho House several times and performed at a show sponsored by PNC Bank at ACL Live. “When these companies hire local talent for a private event, they want that authentic ‘Austin’ energy,” says Torrence. He adds that the larger budgets for private events also enable artists to afford the town’s increasing cost of living. “The money is fixed, and it’s going to be substantially more than a night at a traditional venue.”
Recently announced on the fall ACL Fest lineup, the band exemplifies the town’s shifting musical demographic. It also evidences the magnetic pull the city still holds over artists everywhere. Even as local musicians struggle to afford Austin’s ballooning price tag, others seek to capitalize on the newfound opportunities that deeper pockets have brought to the music economy.
Artists aren’t the only ones being lured here, as major industry players like performance rights organization BMI have also expanded to the capital city. Located in South Austin since March 2019, the nonprofit seeks out royalties owed to artists registered with the company—something executive director Mitch Ballard highly recommends to any musician seeking advice or feedback on how to start a career.
Ingratiating themselves to the community, BMI hosts a monthly songwriter showcase at the Saxon Pub and has sponsored a stage at ACL Fest since 2003. A native Texan, Ballard says that after a decades-long involvement with the Austin music scene, the company couldn’t justify not taking up residence here. “I think over the next five or six years, we’re going to see more industry develop and have a permanent presence in Austin,” Ballard says.
If the underground was formerly the mainstream, that free-spirited attitude has undoubtedly lost a foothold of late. With bigger players and greater resources, this newly transformed Austin requires a plan of attack. It’s a lesson Lea and Hoover have learned as they plan for their latest project, She She Lounge, a new bar set to open on the East Side later this year. Whereas Cheer Up Charlies was an intimate family affair, the pair have sought out invest-
Hotels and high-rises now loom above Austin’s unofficial gay district on Fourth Street.
ment partners for She She Lounge, and are even in the process of establishing a hospitality group to manage the venture. “I wanted it to be like Cheer Up, just two people, and small,” says Lea. “But to be honest, we just accepted and realized that we cannot do it again on our own.”
In the weeks leading up to Cheer Up Charlies’ reopening in May 2021, Lea was riddled with doubt. Beaten down by the pandemic, not to mention financial insecurity and a world now weary of large public gatherings, they’d admittedly lost some of their spark. To amend that, the pair hatched a plan to make a huge statement upon their return. With their iconic rainbow parachute lost to Uri, Lea quickly drew up a design for some neon artwork that would jut directly out of the rock wall behind the venue’s outdoor stage. It would be a new calling card: a lighthouse beacon that everyone in the city could recognize.
Commissioned and installed just days before reopening, Lea decided to give it a test run before the art was revealed to the
public. The night before she welcomed back the community, Lea stood on the patio alone and flipped on the lights just as she had done six months prior. Standing before that sign, a smiling face radiating neon joy, Lea broke down into tears.
Diagnosed with cancer in the spring of 2019, Lea had spent months in chemotherapy and radiation treatment up until the precipice of the pandemic. The illness gave her a new perspective on life, as anxiety gave way to optimism. She has no illusions about the harsh reality of being a small business owner in an industry going through major upheaval. And she knows that turmoil isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Yet she feels confident. “Nothing is forever,” she says. “We lose our spaces, but we’ll find more.”
She’s talking about the queer community along Austin’s unofficial gay district, but it’s a sentiment that people like James Moody, Lawrence Boone, and Cody Cowan would undoubtedly share. “It’s OK to have hope,” she says. “You fight, and when it doesn’t work out, at least you’ve done all you could.”
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500 W. Second St., Ste. 1900 866-407-1599 justin@parkplaceus.com
Alexis Michael SouthStar Bank
10737 E. Crystal Falls Pkwy., Leander 512-456-0035 alexis.michael@ southstarbank.com
Rodney Morales SouthStar Bank 4535 Williams Drive, Georgetown 512-688-5093 rodney.morales@ southstarbank.com
Alex Olmos
Amplify Credit Union 3600 W. Parmer Lane 512-940-5567 aolmos@goamplify.com
Rachel Rhodes
Motto Mortgage ATX 724 N. Lamar Blvd. 512-350-0628 rachel.rhodes@ mottomortgage.com
Kimberly Watson SouthStar Bank 10901 W. Hwy. 290 512-288-3322 kimberly.watson@ southstarbank.com
Barry Wheeler Hometown Lenders 9600 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 150W 512-653-1679 barry@leahylending.com
Katie White Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation 13812 N. Hwy. 183, Ste. B4 512-922-7602 katiewhiteteam@ fairwaymc.com
Sam Whitworth Movement Mortgage LLC 10814 Jollyville Road, Ste. 180 512-913-7088 sam.whitworth@ movement.com
Mark Wilkerson LoanPeople 3420 Executive Center Drive, Ste. G100 512-294-4599 mark.wilkerson@ loanpeople.com
Rick Zamora Happy State Bank 559 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 100, Round Rock 512-653-8097 rick.zamora@happybank.com
Ken Ziegler Capstar Lending LLC 6836 Austin Center Blvd., Ste. 110 512-739-7675 ken.ziegler@ capstarlending.com
HOW THIS LIST IS MADE
Using an online survey, Austin Monthly solicited peer nominations from mortgage professionals in the Austin metropolitan area, asking them to nominate people who they would trust with the care of their or their family’s loan needs. To ensure the nomination process is peer-based, full contact information was requested. Austin Monthly then tallied the results, selecting the top percent of vote recipients in each practice area before submitting the final list to our fact-checking process, which includes a review of good standing. Professionals do not and cannot pay to be a part of the list. We recognize that many good mortgage professionals are not included on the list; this is only a sampling of a huge array of talented professionals within the region. We encourage all consumers to do their own research before selecting a mortgage professional. Austin Monthly uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. It does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. Austin Monthly does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from Austin Monthly If you see an error in the information listed, please contact info@austinmonthly .com.
WINNERS
Congratulations! If you’d like to display this accomplishment with a plaque, please visit our official store at austinmonthly .com/plaques.
REALTOR
PROFILES
ALEX TAPP
THE TAPP GROUP
Austin Top Producer 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021
Awarded Top 50 Realtors Austin Business Journal
Platinum Top 500 Agent List for 2022
Ranked Top 1.5% of Real Estate Agents in the U.S.
Known for his extensive local market knowledge and unmatched devotion to his clients, Alex’s success is based almost exclusively on referrals and repeat business. He earns the respect of his clients and fellow colleagues by working tirelessly on their behalf and providing the highest level of customer service.
“Alex is a home buyer’s / seller’s dream come true! My husband and I have worked with him multiple times and have recommended him to countless friends and colleagues without hesitation. You can’t help but feel that Alex is rooting for you! Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the Austin market, but he and his team are super organized and keep you updated and in the loop from start to finish.”—Marcie
Alex has built a reputation for his refreshingly friendly approach, energy, and commitment to his clients. His proven ability to guide buyers to obtain the best value for their dream home and to assist sellers to a smooth, stress-free sale of their home has earned him rave reviews.
“His guidance and knowledge of Austin is second to none. Alex is professional, responsive, and strategic in his approach. He is genuine and has a terrific personality, making him an absolute pleasure to work with. Alex was laser-focused on protecting our interests. His representation was in a league of its own.”
—Michelle
Originally from London, England, Alex is a former professional soccer player. He represented his country at the youth level then rose through the ranks of Wimbledon F.C. before playing for MK Dons. Here in Austin, Alex played for the local professional soccer team, the Austin Aztex. He credits his dedication, work ethic, and competitiveness to his former career. Representing buyers and sellers on a day-to-day basis, Alex considers trust, communication, local market knowledge, and understanding his clients’ needs to be the backbone of his business. A 14-year Austinite, Alex resides in Central Austin with his wife, Meghan, and their three children, Matilda, Charlie, and Quincy.
In addition to her knowledge of the most enticing and charming neighborhoods throughout the city, Tia has a keen eye for design, refined floor plans, and architecture. She remains a constant resource to her clients’ future needs— far beyond their initial investment.
Tia loves the Austin lifestyle and welcomes the opportunity to share it with locals and newcomers alike.
Outside of work, Tia can be spotted at new local hot spots, enjoying the Austin food scene, spending time with family and friends, running in her neighborhood, or biking around the city.
Tia lives in Bouldin Creek with her dog, cat, and the neighborhood peacocks. Tia looks forward to attending to all of your real estate needs.
Work with the agent who wins! years, Cathy Romano has the area experience and expertise to help you win the home of your dreams. Whether buying or selling, Cathy knows how to beat out the competition. Voted consistently as one of Austin’s top 50 Real Estate Agents, competition doesn’t scare Cathy.
A former college athlete who still knows her way around the tennis court, Cathy comes out on top for clients in Austin’s hottest market. She navigates buyers through multiple offer situations and has sold the highest price per square foot in top neighborhoods like Lake Austin and Travis Heights. Her experience doesn’t stop there. Cathy’s career is unique and impressive—from stockbroker to marketing rep, to published author, and now a top-producing real estate agent. By applying her diverse expertise and winning spirit, Cathy ensures the best experience by providing the strongest results to all her clients.
512-627-4849
@cathyromanoatx | cromanorealtor.com
WENDI SLATON ANDERSON
ROOTS RESIDENTIAL GROUP | COMPASS
Wendi Slaton Anderson is the founding broker of the ROOTS Residential Group at Compass. Wendi is the true embodiment of Austin. She can be a hippie and yuppie in a single moment, yet she is always sophisticated, savvy, calm, and fiercely focused. She greets all with a warm smile and treats everyone she encounters with respect.
Wendi is committed to helping educate, empower, and seamlessly navigate her clients through each transaction with grace and grit. Her down-to-earth nature, professionalism, and masterful negotiation skills consistently land her in the top 1% of Central Texas Realtors.
Wendi is a scholar of real estate and a bountiful resource on all things Austin! While her credentials and accolades are impressive, it’s her character, energy, dedication, and authenticity that make her the natural choice for many of Austin’s most discerning luxury home buyers and sellers.
An Austinite for over 20 years and a real estate broker since 2005, Courtney has successfully worked with hundreds of buyers and sellers. She has been named an Austin Business Journal Top 25 agent and a Platinum Top 50 Winner multiple times.
Real Estate Specialties: Project sales and marketing for builders and developers. Luxury buyers and sellers.
Areas Served: Courtney personally works in Austin specializing in Central, Westlake, Southwest, and Dripping Springs. Oldham Group team members serve the surrounding markets.
Hobbies: Fitness! Courtney enjoys running, lifting weights, and roller skating on the Veloway.
Interests: Collecting Western art.
Giving Back: Courtney enjoys helping 4-H and FFA students through Austin Rodeo. She started the Syndicate Buyer’s Group in 2019 that was part of the record-shattering auction in 2022!
Real estate is both situational and specific. Watching the market is great, but there’s no substitute for an individual consultation based on your specific neighborhood, market data, and personal situation. Give Courtney a call to navigate your next move.
As one of Austin’s top-producing Realtors and a longtime practicing architect, Ed Hughey’s deep-rooted residential background gives him a unique advantage in providing exceptional service to his clients. Ed understands that buying and selling a home is an important, personal, and often challenging process that requires honest and steady advice every step of the way. Communicating clearly and consistently as well as listening to each client’s specific needs or goals are the cornerstones of his service. Ed’s broad knowledge of Austin and its surrounding areas, his extensive network, and his unwavering work ethic and professionalism are just a few of the benefits of working with him. With nearly 20 years in Austin, Ed looks forward to helping Austinites—both new and old— find their place in this great city.
512-940-0950
@edhugheyatx | ed@moreland.com edhughey.com
HEATHER WITBECK COMPASS REAL ESTATE
As a top Realtor in Austin, Heather Witbeck puts clients first. By really listening to her clients, Heather hears their needs, desires, and dreams. That translates into finding them a house they can call home, in a neighborhood that fits their lifestyle. Heather has a detailed knowledge of the Austin real estate market, combined with 15 years of experience in business focused on public relations and event planning, which gives her insight to help clients decide when to buy or sell and how to assess the competitive Austin real estate market. When working with buyers, she does her research and is a strong negotiator.
With a service-obsessed attitude and go-getter personality she works with her network of contacts to locate properties that might be “coming soon” or are not on the market yet to provide clients with every possible option in the market. She understands the importance of effective marketing, communication, and organization when listing a property. With her attention to detail, utilizing advanced promotional strategies, and her strong negotiation skills, Heather is ready to sell any home and make the process stress-free for her clients. She demonstrates an exemplary approach to real estate in the Austin area. No one will work harder to make your purchase or sale a success.
Heather lives in the heart of the city in one of the founding neighborhoods, Travis Heights, with her boyfriend and two spoiled, long-haired mini dachshunds. She works with the Austin Animal Center donating her time and funds to help support local animals in finding forever homes. Taking full advantage of the outdoor lifestyle Austin offers, Heather is an avid tennis player and runner. Early mornings you will find her at the gym or on the trail. She is passionate about food, both cooking and eating out, as well as live music—an ideal fit for Austin!
“Heather did an excellent job helping me find my dream home. Within the 78704 zip code, finding a home and not getting outbid is tough, but she helped guide me through the process and best options to make sure I secured the home I wanted. I would recommend her to anyone looking for the home of their dreams—she can help you find it and make it yours. Thanks so much.” JDB
Audrey sells Zilker + Barton Hills! her dog or chatting with them at one of her open houses in Zilker or Barton Hills, Audrey is deeply rooted in some of Austin’s hottest neighborhoods. As a long-time resident and neighborhood specialist in Zilker and Barton Hills, Audrey has watched 78704 become one of the most desirable zip codes in the U.S.
“I feel lucky to say I’ve found my calling. Real estate is a natural fit for me, and I love helping people find their dream home—or sell and start the next exciting chapter of their lives,” she says. Audrey’s 35+ five-star reviews reflect her reliable, consistent delivery of 100% effort to her clients. A recent luxury client review said it best: Hands down, the best Realtor in Austin.” is now with Moreland Properties. Audrey is pleased to have found a professional family in luxury real estate and is taking her career to its next level. While Audrey often sells luxury homes, she is passionate about preserving the unique character of central Austin neighborhoods. She is proud to have kept many homes out of the tear-down market and has made “Saving Zilker, one home at a time”
Audrey gives back to her community by donating a percentage of her annual sales income to local Austin causes. In her free time, you can find her making art, walking/running Lady Bird Lake, playing tennis and taking day trips through the Hill Country and beyond.
512-658-6822
audrey78704@moreland.com audrey78704.com
KRYSTLE COPULOS
THE
PLATINUM GROUP
Krystle Copulos, principal of the Platinum Group, has been a real estate broker for 20 years specializing in condo living in Central Austin. As a top producing agent in the downtown real estate market, Krystle utilizes her extensive knowledge of the existing condo inventory, future developments, and real estate trends to identify the ideal community for her clients. Whether you’re an empty nester looking to downsize and purchase a condo, or an urban dweller ready to make the move to the suburbs, Krystle and her team of professionals have all of your real estate needs covered. The Platinum Group storefront is conveniently located in the heart of downtown off of West 3rd and Nueces, allowing them to gain maximum exposure for their listings. When she’s not selling real estate, she’s busy with family, planning fundraisers benefiting local nonprofits, and exploring the city she loves.
512-659-9329
compass.com/agents/ krystle-copulos
360 Nueces St. #40 Austin, TX 78701
ALAINA MARTIN GOTTESMAN RESIDENTIAL REAL
ESTATE
Alaina moved to Austin from New York City in 2016 and after a successful career in media and marketing, she decided to pursue her dream of working in residential real estate. Alaina’s hustle and networking abilities have helped her advance quickly in a hyper-competitive market. She is known for her enthusiasm, work ethic, and ability to create a positive buying and selling experience for her clients who often become friends. Alaina has been mentored by some of the most successful agents in the business, including Laura Gottesman, broker/owner of Gottesman Residential Real Estate—one of the most prestigious brands in luxury real estate. Having relocated herself, Alaina enjoys helping Austin newcomers navigate a challenging real estate market. She finds satisfaction in giving her clients a leg up on the competition by finding them pre-market opportunities. Alaina’s experience as a former New York City resident gives her a deep appreciation for city living. She was one of four agents handpicked to sell out the remaining 62 condominiums at 70 Rainey, the first luxury high rise in the Rainey Street District. Alaina leverages her media and entertainment background in her real estate career and , an Emmy-nominated national television show highlighting real estate and lifestyle. When she’s not helping clients, Alaina loves spending time with her 5-year-old son, Tucker, and wake surfing on Lake Austin. Alaina is proud to support the BLESS Foundation, Kids Outdoor Zone, and LifeFamily Church, where she often sings on the worship team.
512-777-8082
alainamartin.com
1501 Enfield Road, Austin, TX 78703
THE GILES GROUP OF MORELAND PROPERTIES
CRYSTAL ROSE, WADE GILES, CHRISTINE LOWRANCE, MATT RICHARD, VANESSA BERETTA
The Giles Group continues to differentiate themselves among other top real estate groups in Austin by delivering a professional and tailored experience for each and every client. Their personal approach to real estate, love for their profession, and commitment to building and preserving relationships is what they believe makes buying and selling real estate more than just a transaction.
Wade Giles, the leader and founder of the Giles Group, prides himself on having put together a team of elite professionals in the industry that all share the desire to deliver the same high standard of client care that Wade has had since the beginning of his career. His longstanding tenure with prestigious groups like Elite 25 and Luxury League paired with his impressive social media following has made attracting talented team members a breeze. Crystal Rose is the newest member of the Giles Group and works alongside Wade as his licensed executive assistant, managing each detail of every day. Christine Lowrance, the operations manager, was raised in Austin and has over 13 years experience in real estate overseeing operations for teams of every size in the Austin area. Matt Richard, the longest standing member of the team and licensed Realtor, brings many years of experience in luxury sales to buyers and sellers alike. Vanessa Beretta, a licensed Realtor and entrepreneur for the team, transitioned from luxury apartment sales in New York and now works tirelessly to help each client make the most of every real estate opportunity.
This enthusiastic group was recently ranked as the #4 team in the city and is excited for what the future has in store.
512-646-6412
GilesGroupAustin.com
3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Ste. 501, Austin, TX 78703
JENNIFER & ALEX PURYEAR
REMAX AUSTIN SKYLINE
Mother-daughter REALTOR® duo Jennifer and Alex Puryear have teamed up. With their complementary skills, clients receive double the time and attention with an added sense of family. Native Texans, Jennifer and Alex are very familiar with the ever-changing landscape in Austin real estate. No matter the price, this duo understands that purchasing or selling a home could be the most amount of money one will spend, and they want that experience to be positive.
Jennifer began her career in real estate following graduation from the University of Texas (Bachelor of Journalism ’86). Consistently ranked at the top—nationally ranked Top 100 by RE/MAX in
CARL SHURR KUPER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Helping people live their best lives is at the core of why Carl loves being in real estate. “I believe when we do our job well we can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them focus on what is truly important to their happiness,” he says. Whether it be helping a client relocate to Austin and finding the perfect neighborhood to suit their lifestyle or helping a busy family find and transition from their current home to their future home with minimal stress, Carl has worked hard to build a team that can assist his clients with their every need.
A proud member of Luxury League, Elite 25, and Kuper’s elite President’s Club, Carl is thoroughly connected with the industry’s best and brightest. His experience and reputation affords him access to the most coveted properties, many of which are never listed in the highly competitive Austin luxury market.
Carl believes that real estate extends far beyond the transaction; it’s about uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.
Outside of work, Carl enjoys traveling, playing tennis, reading, and taking his dogs, Dude and Rocky, to the park.
737-701-2207
carl@carlshurr.com
carlshurr.com
GRAY & AIR ADKINS
REALTORS® | AUSTIN, TX
Meet Gray and Air Adkins—husband and wife team living and raising their two children in South Austin. With over a decade of experience in the real estate industry, they pride themselves on their diverse portfolio of closed transactions, property types, and experience they can offer.
Locally born and raised, Gray has seen Austin transform and grow to what it is today. It is with great passion and love for this city that brings inspiration to the way he conducts his business and the relationships he forms. Gray’s love for Austin enables him to highlight the best of everything, including great neighborhoods, hidden-gem properties, amenities, and more. Gray enjoys the opportunity to work for his clients to solve problems and create solutions in the real estate space.
Air moved to Austin in 2009 to pursue a degree in advertising and marketing. With a quick attraction to the industry, she found her place in the business and teamed up with Gray. Air brings experience, passion, and strategic direction to every opportunity. Air’s service promise is based on great communication and complete transparency. She skillfully draws on her advanced knowledge of marketing and sales to match people with their perfect properties.
Gray and Air’s track record of successfully closed transactions in Central Texas proves that they are ready and capable of handling anything, whether that’s a first-time purchase, new construction, acquisitions/commercial transactions, or an investment/rehab project. In short, they have built a reputation for supporting their clients every step of the way and getting things done.
512-762-8187
grayandair@kupersir.com
Kuper Sotheby’s Int’l Realty Follow us @grayandairhome
OFF THE CHARTS
A breakdown of the latest numbers in 35+ area ZIP codes.
Liberty for All
To celebrate the music venue’s last day, Liberty Lunch became the site of a 24-hour “Gloriathon.”
BY ROSIE NINESLING
IN THE SUMMER of 1999, Liberty Lunch manager J’Net Ward kept a green chalkboard where she would tally how many days the iconic music club had left before its closure. Come July 23, the sagging stage would be leveled in less than two weeks. Although everyone knew this, local bandleader Michael Hall was determined to extend his farewell. The plan? To perform Them’s (featuring Van Morrison) “Gloria” for 24 hours straight.
Mobilizing as many Austin musicians as possible, Hall and his group, The Brooders, kicked off the “Gloriathon” at 9 p.m. It started soft; they repeated the same three chords until it became a trance only broken by the powerful arrival of the chorus. From there, the mood ebbed based on who was playing. Some signed up for three-hour-long shifts, while others grabbed the microphone just in time to shout “Gloria!” There were organs and
cowbells, guitars stained with blood from too much strumming. When the sound began to fade around 5 a.m., a group of stoned friends jumped on stage to scream, jolting the heavy-eyed audience awake.
Gloriathon was a communal effort, but it was still a shock when the club got a call at 3:45 p.m. from Van Morrison himself. With the wireless phone hastily plugged into the PA system, the Grammy Award winner sang his own hit from 5,000 miles away in Chester, England.
At 9 p.m., the performers ecstatically crossed the finish line and said goodbye to Liberty Lunch. Demolition crews arrived later that week, and in a few years, it would be the new home of Silicon Laboratories. But for Hall, the memory of that night remains. In a 2009 Texas Monthly story, he puts it simply: “Time was passing, the Lunch was dying, we were still playing.”
Liberty Lunch in the 1970s. The club played host to artists like Dolly Parton and Nirvana.
