and your dream home. For nearly 20 years, Build Native has been at the forefront of sustainable homebuilding in Austin, seamlessly blending luxury with eco-friendly design. We specialize in combining green building techniques with renewable systems like solar panels and rainwater collection, ensuring our homes align with your lifestyle and values.
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The Gentlemen's Edition
In this month’s issue, we’re tipping our hats to the gentlemen of Austin — those who lead not just with talent and grit, but with heart.
You’ll meet Austin FC’s standout goalie Brad Stuver, who, along with his wife Ashley, is using his platform to uplift others through the Laundry Project — an initiative providing free laundry services to those in need. We also delve into the world of the Miró Quartet, a Grammy-nominated ensemble that proves classical music is alive and thriving in the live music capital.
For the automotive aficionados, we take a tour through the legendary Austin Speed Shop, where passion for restoration has fueled a decades-long tradition of craftsmanship. And if you’ve ever passed by a pickup baseball game in a neighborhood park, you might be seeing a slice of the Sandlot Revolution — a grassroots movement that’s turning community and camaraderie into meaningful impact.
This issue is a tribute to the kind of masculinity that values generosity, artistry and legacy. Here’s to the gentlemen of Austin — past, present and emerging.
JULIE ROYCE, EDITOR @ATXCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Zack Fogelman | zack.fogelman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Royce | julie.royce@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
Juan Martinez | juan.martinez@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Felicia Lillard-Humphrey
felicia.lillardhumphrey@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Willie Cochran
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stacy Berg, Shannon Southerland, Howard Carey, Jacob Gonzalez
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Common Symptoms We Treat
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Art enthusiasts enjoy the opening of "Icons and Vandals" at West Chelsea Contemporary. 2: Austin FC and its partners celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up Pease Park. 3: Families celebrated the 97th year of the ABC Kite Fest. 4: Runners competed in the 48th annual Statesman Cap10K Marathon. 5: The Texas Longhorns baseball team celebrates a win over Texas A&M with a drone light show. 6: The Autism Society of Texas raised $50K at the 17th Annual Texas Autism Walk. 7: STRFKR performs at Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge.
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business monthly
Buckaroo Summer Camp offers full & half day options
Austin Pickle Ranch, in partnership with ATX Beach and Zoocade, announces sign-ups for its Buckaroo Summer Camp, offering full- and half-day options for kids ages 8-12. Full-day camps, running June 9-13 and June 16-20, include volleyball, pickleball, and a visit to Zoocade’s holographic zoo, priced at $395 per week. Half-day pickleball clinics focus on skill-building and fun games from June 9 to July 25. All equipment is provided.
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ThunderCloud Subs Marks 50 Years as Austin’s Original Neighborhood Sub Shop
Founded in Austin in 1975, ThunderCloud Subs is celebrating 50 years of serving fresh, fast and healthy food with a side of happy. Known for scratch-made ingredients and deep community roots, ThunderCloud has grown to 26 locations across Central Texas. Each shop has its own unique personality, but every ThunderCloud experience stays true to what fans have loved since day one –great food and friendly people. Learn more at thundercloud.com
ZACH Theatre Summer Camps are on sale!
Unlock your child’s potential through the magic of theatre! Summer Camps at ZACH Theatre are now open for enrollment. These programs are designed to inspire creativity, build confidence and develop life skills through theatre skills. They’ll have the chance to explore acting, singing and dancing, while making new friends and creating unforgettable memories. Camps and Classes for ages 3.5 – 18 years. Now offering K-5 classes at Penfold Theatre in Round Rock!
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Photography Courtesy of Thundercloud Subs
Photography by 2014 Larry D. Moore. Licensed under CC BY 4.0
REDEFINING CLASSICAL MUSIC
Grammy-nominated Miró Quartet celebrates 30 years of making music together
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
“We’ve spent 23 years in Austin, and it’s shaped the way we create music,” shared Joshua Gindele, cellist of the Miró Quartet. "There’s something uniquely inspiring about this city that allows us to be both rooted in tradition and willing to take risks with new sounds."
Photo by Dagnushka
"We were inspired by the great ensembles before us and determined to carve out our own voice."
As one of America’s most celebrated string quartets, the Miró Quartet has carved out a prominent space in the classical music world, drawing on the creativity of Austin’s music scene to shape its distinct musical voice.
Founded in 1995, the Miró Quartet has garnered high praise from critics, with the Cleveland Plain Dealer noting their "exceptional tonal focus and interpretive intensity," and The New Yorker describing their performances as "furiously committed."
Named after Spanish surrealist artist Joan Miró, the quartet’s identity is rooted in the concept of blending imagination with tradition, much like Miró’s artwork. For the ensemble, the name mirrors their artistic approach: To honor the past while forging new, bold paths forward.
The quartet consists of Josh Gindele (cello), Daniel Ching (violin), William Fedkenheuer (violin), and John Largess (viola). Two of the original members, Ching
and Gindele, remain with the group, having built the Miró Quartet into one of the most influential ensembles in the world.
"When the Miró Quartet started in 1995, we were just a group of young musicians with big dreams and a lot of energy," Gindele recently told the Austin American-Statesman . "We were inspired by the great ensembles before us and determined to carve out our own voice."
The Miró Quartet’s recent Grammy nominations highlight their continued artistic growth and innovation. In 2024, they were nominated for a Grammy for House of Belonging, a collaboration with Austinbased choral group Conspirare.
"It was our first time as guests on someone else’s album, and it felt like such a rewarding artistic partnership," Gindele said. "We weren’t the main focus, but we were contributing to something beautiful and that was deeply meaningful for us."
Photo by Kenny Cheung
Their second Grammy nomination earlier this year for Home highlights their ongoing exploration of contemporary compositions.
"With Home, it’s all about reflecting our personal and collective experiences," Gindele said. "The album feels like a love letter to Austin and the way this city has influenced our sound."
The quartet worked with composers Kevin Puts and Caroline Shaw on Home. Their contemporary pieces anchor the album alongside works by George Walker and Samuel Barber.
"We’ve been so fortunate to work with these composers," Gindele shared. "Kevin’s and Caroline’s voices are theatrical, almost cinematic, yet deeply personal. Their pieces are the kind of music that speaks directly to the soul."
Recording in Austin’s KMFA, a local classical radio station, has further solidified their deep ties to the community.
"Recording at KMFA has been such a gamechanger for us," Gindele said. "It’s a space that feels like home. We get to sleep in our own beds and record at a world-class facility that’s just down the street."
The Miró Quartet’s connection to Austin is also reflected in their role as the quartet-in-residence at the University of Texas at Austin. For over two decades, they have influenced the next generation of musicians.
Top: Photo by Kenny Cheung Bottom: Photo by Dagnushka
"Recording at KMFA has been such a game-changer. It’s a space that feels like home. We get to sleep in our own beds and record at a world-class facility that’s just down the street."
"Teaching keeps us grounded," Gindele said. "It forces us to strip everything down, to explain why we do what we do. It’s an ever-evolving process of learning as much as it is about teaching."
Gindele sees teaching as integral to their musicianship, as it challenges them to reconsider their approach to music more deeply.
"It makes us rethink the very basics, which is something that never gets old," he said. "Every time I teach a student something, I rediscover it myself."
The quartet's long tenure in Austin has given them a sense of stability that many musicians lack.
"I’ve realized how lucky we are to have this longterm home in Austin," Gindele continued. "Being able to maintain a stable academic job while continuing to tour and create music is a rare gift in this industry. We don’t take that for granted."
The quartet’s roots in Austin have enabled them to build relationships that extend beyond the stage, nurturing a lasting connection with the city and its people.
As they celebrate 30 years of collaboration, the Miró Quartet remains focused on innovation and creative expression. Their upcoming projects, including a deep dive into the music of Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera, showcase their ongoing commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical music. They also plan to release a holiday album in November.
"Ginastera’s music is so rich and intricate," Gindele said. "Recording his complete string quartets has been a personal journey for all of us."
As the quartet continues to grow and inspire, Austin remains at the heart of their creativity.
Photo by Suntory Hall
"STUUUUUUU!"
ARTICLE BY ZACK FOGELMAN
Photo courtesy of Jacob Gonzalez/Austin FC
Brad Stuver's biggest saves are happening off the field
As Austin FC’s starting goalkeeper, Brad Stuver is best known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence between the posts. He’s been one of the league’s leaders in saves and a steady hand since the club's inaugural season. But for many in Austin, Stuver’s true impact extends far beyond the soccer pitch.
Together with his wife, Ashley, Stuver has become a leading voice for community advocacy in Central Texas — channeling his platform into service, support and meaningful change.
“Austin just felt like home immediately,” Stuver said. “We’ve lived in other cities, but there’s something special here. People genuinely care about their neighbors and their communities … that energy is contagious.”
That connection inspired the couple to launch the Brad and Ashley Stuver Foundation in early 2024. The foundation was created to support and amplify local organizations working on issues ranging from education and equity to access and community wellness.
“We wanted to use whatever reach we had to spotlight the work that’s already being done here,” he shared. “Austin is full of incredible nonprofits and grassroots efforts and our goal is to help bring more resources and attention to those voices.”
Photo by Stacy Berg
Stuver’s passion for service isn’t new. Long before his days with Austin FC, he and Ashley became involved with The Laundry Project.
This national initiative partners with local laundromats to cover the cost of laundry for low-income families. The project, rooted in dignity and practical support, quickly became a personal mission.
“We started in Columbus, took it to the Bronx, and brought it here to Austin,” he said. “It’s one of those things that seems so simple — just doing your laundry — but it makes a huge difference. The conversations you have with people at those events, you see how much it matters.”
Since settling in Austin, the Stuvers have organized multiple Laundry Project events across the city and helped inspire similar efforts in other MLS markets, including Charlotte and Nashville.
More recently, the couple has taken on a larger advocacy role through their involvement in state-level organizations promoting fairness, dignity and inclusive communities, such as Equality Texas and AVOW. By attending events, hosting fundraisers and inviting fellow players to join, they’ve helped introduce a new wave of civic engagement to Austin’s growing professional sports scene.
“Being a starter gives you a bigger platform — it’s just a fact,” Stuver said. “And with that comes a responsibility to do something meaningful with it. It’s not about changing who you are — it’s about showing up for your community.”
That approach has earned Stuver national recognition. He was the first MLS player ever nominated for the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award (twice, nonetheless) and a two-time finalist for MLS Works Humanitarian of the Year. Locally, the 4ATX Foundation honored him as the Legend of the Year.
Still, he’s quick to deflect any personal accolades.
“The recognition is great because it shines a spotlight on the causes and organizations we care about,” he said. “It’s never been about the attention — it’s about impact.”
While Ashley prefers to stay behind the scenes, Brad is clear about her role.
“She’s the brain trust,” he said with a smile. “She’s at every event, coordinating everything and doing the heavy lifting. It’s 100% a ‘we’ effort.”
For those in Austin who want to give back but aren’t sure where to begin, Stuver’s advice is simple: Start small, but start.
Brad and Ashley Stuver
Photo courtesy of Jacob Gonzalez/Austin FC
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” he said. “Find something that means something to you. For us, the Laundry Project felt right the moment we did it. You never know the ripple effect a simple act of service can have.”
Stuver also encourages fans to get involved with volunteer days, local fundraisers and seasonal campaigns — many of which are supported or organized through the foundation’s network.
“It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture,” he added. “Consistency is what creates real, lasting change.”
Now in his fifth season with Austin FC, Stuver remains a fan favorite — not just for his work in goal but also for his leadership throughout the community. As the city continues to grow, he hopes to grow with it.
“When we got here, we didn’t want to change Austin — we wanted to fit in, to learn what made it special,” he said. “We live in South Austin, we go to local spots, we try to stay rooted in what this city stands for.”
Looking ahead, Stuver knows his playing career won’t last forever. But he’s already thinking about what’s next.
“We love it here. We want to keep doing this work, no matter what,” he said. “If we can leave Austin a little better than we found it, that’s the legacy we’re aiming for.”
For more information about the foundation, visit https://www.bastuverfoundation.org/
FAST FIVE WITH BRAD
Favorite Taco + Food Spots in Austin?
Veracruz for tacos, Terry Black’s for barbecue, and Peacock Mediterranean Grill for a full meal—especially brunch or dinner.
Ideal Day Off in Austin?
Date mornings with Ashley—usually coffee or brunch. Favorites include Manana, Paperboy, and Desnudo. Then I get to mow my grass.
Favorite Live Music Experience?
ACL Live. We’ve been a couple times and really enjoy it. Still haven’t made it to Moody Center yet.
Most “Keep Austin Weird” Moment?
Seeing a bunch of half-naked people throwing a Frisbee around Zilker Park. That felt like peak Austin.
One Must-Do Austin Experience?
Rent a retro boat on Lady Bird Lake and try to catch the bats at sunset. Classic and worth it.
Photo by Stacy Berg
Photo courtesy of Jacob Gonzalez/Austin FC
COMMUNITY BUILT on resilience
"Rhapsody," a mosaic depicting Austin musicians.
Image courtesy of Carol M. Highsmith.
THE LEGACY BEHIND AUSTIN'S EAST END CULTURAL HERITAGE DISTRICT
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Albert J. Walker’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of the East End Cultural Heritage District, formerly known as "Blackland."
This historic East Austin neighborhood, defined by the boundaries of North of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, South of Manor Road, East of I-35 and West of Chestnut Street, once stood as one of the few places where African Americans could own property during segregation.
"When I was growing up, Blackland was more than just a place to live," Walker said. "It was a community — united, strong and full of pride."
Now 88 years old, Walker was born and raised in this neighborhood, which remains an integral part of his identity. His journey as one of the first Black firefighters for the Austin Fire Department stands as a testament to both his resilience and that of the community he calls home.
The Heritage District holds a significant place in Austin's history. In the early 1900s, it was one of the few neighborhoods where African Americans could own land and build businesses, an opportunity made possible by the segregationist policies that kept African Americans and whites largely separate.
During segregation, the area flourished with self-sustaining businesses, churches and schools as Black residents created their own community spaces. The neighborhood was a sanctuary for Black families seeking economic independence and cultural solidarity in a city that largely excluded them from mainstream life. Over the decades, this area has become home to countless Black families who have contributed to Austin’s rich cultural fabric.
Walker’s own experience growing up in East Austin was shaped by both opportunity and adversity. Despite the limitations imposed by segregation, the neighborhood remained a thriving, self-sufficient community.
Walker, who worked as a firefighter from 1963 to 1993, was determined to break barriers in a city that did not always make room for Black people.
"When I became a firefighter, I wasn’t just doing it for me; I was doing it for every Black person who had been told no," Walker said. "I wanted to prove that we could be just as good, if not better, than anyone else."
Discrimination was a constant reality for Black residents of East Austin, and their businesses were often excluded from the city’s accepted economy. Walker’s groundbreaking career as a firefighter is a significant part of the district’s legacy. When he joined the AFD, he was one of the first Black men to wear the uniform while facing discrimination.
"At the time, Black people faced significant discrimination in public service, and I was no exception," Walker recalled.
Despite these challenges, Walker persisted, breaking barriers for future generations.
"It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was worth it," Walker said. "By pushing through, I was opening doors for others, and I knew I had to keep going, no matter how hard it got."
As Austin’s population grew, so did the pressures of urbanization. Gentrification began to reshape the East Austin landscape. Longtime residents like Walker watched as rising rents and new developments displaced families who had lived in the neighborhood for generations.
"I’ve seen it change over the years,” Walker said. "Very few of my friends live here anymore. They’ve all moved away. But the people who remain have always found a way to rise above. "
Despite the shifting tides of gentrification, the East End Cultural Heritage District remains a neighborhood of historical significance and cultural identity. The area continues to honor its rich past, which has included being a home for legendary African American artists, business owners and civic leaders.
Today, efforts to preserve the district's cultural heritage are ongoing. The neighborhood is part of the City of Austin’s initiative to preserve Blackland's unique history and legacy. The area is home to cultural landmarks, public art installations and community-driven projects that highlight the significant contributions of African Americans to Austin’s development.
"People need to know the history," Walker stressed. "If we don’t tell it, who will?"
His words reflect the importance of preserving the district’s legacy, especially in the face of gentrification and the erasure of cultural landmarks.
"Though the neighborhood has changed, the spirit remains," he said. "We’ve been through a lot, but we’re still here and that’s what matters."
Image courtesy of Austin Public Library Archives.
Image courtesy of Austin Public Library Archives. Image courtesy of Austin Public Library Archives.
A GAME RECLAIMED
ARTICLE BY WILLIE COCHRAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEOFF MCLIN, ZACK FOGELMAN, HOWARD CAREY
SANDLOT BASEBALL BUILDS COMMUNITY IN AUSTIN AND BEYOND
In city parks and makeshift fields around Austin, a different kind of baseball is being played. It’s not a men’s league. It’s not slowpitch softball. It’s sandlot baseball—real baseball, with wood bats, hardballs and just enough rules to keep it fun.
At its heart is community.
“What we should be doing is encouraging a diverse group of people to play ball together,” said Seth Kessler, one of the founding members of the Cap City Cobras, one of Austin’s original sandlot teams. “And that should be the true goal.”
That spirit has spread. From just three teams in 2014 — the Texas Playboys, the Jardineros, and the Cobras — the sandlot scene in Austin has grown to nearly two dozen teams, each bringing their own culture and character to the field. They play on city park diamonds, old Little League fields and anywhere else they can secure a permit or clear enough space to chalk some lines and hang a backstop.
There’s no league. No trophy. No tryouts. And definitely no standings.
“We don’t keep track of wins and losses,” Kessler said. “No one’s getting a contract. None of us is going to the league. This is about camaraderie and having fun.”
That fun-first ethos shows up in all the right ways. It's not uncommon to see a third-base coach sipping a Lone Star mid-inning or players swapping gear across teams mid-game. After the final out, opponents crack beers together and stick around long after the sun sets.
“It’s a vibe,” Kessler said. “You want to play hard, sure. But it’s not about dominating — it’s about belonging.”
That spirit of inclusion is what keeps people coming back. The dugouts are filled with artists, musicians, service workers, CEOs and first-time ballplayers.
A member of the Cap City Cobras tags out a member of the East Austin Ramblers at Govalle Park.
“It’s all walks of life,” Kessler said. “People with different levels of education, different kinds of jobs, from different places. But the common line is that they want to play some baseball and they want to play it in a way that makes them feel good and gives them a sense of belonging.”
Wednesdays are practice days for the Cap City Cobras, and for many, that midweek ritual is just as sacred as any Sunday doubleheader.
“We are, by and large, a practice team,” Kessler said. “If we never played another game, we’d still show up on Wednesdays. That dugout — that’s what it’s about.”
Howard Carey, a longtime player with the Texas Playboys and the founder of SandlotRevolution.com , has helped connect teams across the country and document the national growth of the movement. But for Carey, the most important impact is local.
“Almost everyone I’ve met feels like baseball kicked them out at some point,” Carey said. “Whether it was a bad coach, a toxic league or life just moving on. Sandlot gives them a second chance.”
Carey remembers walking to the plate one evening at The Long Time, the Playboys’ home field, when he overheard a boy tell his father, “I didn’t know adults could have fun like this.”
“That hit me,” Carey said. “It reminded me why this matters. This isn’t just baseball — it’s joy. And it’s a way to show younger generations that joy doesn’t have to end.”
That joy has taken Austin teams to some wild places. The Cap City Cobras played the first-ever sandlot game at the Field of Dreams in Iowa in 2021. In 2023, the Playboys faced off against inmates inside San Quentin State Prison. In 2026, they’re headed to Bhutan to play against a national team that includes Buddhist monks.
And right here at home, teams are giving back. The Cobras partnered with Friends of Patterson Park to revitalize their neighborhood field, building a mound, backstop and base paths. What was once a neglected patch of grass is now a shared space where families, children and neighbors gather daily.
“I’ve seen dads pitching to their daughters out there,” Kessler said. “And a lot of people don’t know the Cobras helped make that happen. We just wanted a place to practice — and we ended up building something for the whole community.”
That’s what sandlot in Austin is about: Playing ball, yes, but also building friendships, stewarding fields, creating inclusive spaces and having fun doing it.
“There’s just one rule,” Kessler said. “Don’t be a jerk.”
That rule keeps the vibe intact. One where music plays between innings, the bleachers are open to anyone, and newcomers are welcomed with high-fives and maybe a borrowed glove. Teams may come and go. Fields may change. But the spirit of Austin sandlot? That’s not going anywhere.
It's not all baseball all the time. A band takes the stage at The Longtime, home of the Texas Playboys
The Cap City Cobras play at the 'Field of Dreams' in Iowa.
“IF WE NEVER PLAYED ANOTHER GAME, WE’D STILL SHOW UP ON WEDNESDAYS.”
A batter waits on deck at Govalle Park
Get your motors runnin’…
AUSTIN SPEED SHOP UNDERSTANDS CARS & COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
In South Austin stands the iconic Austin Speed Shop, where car enthusiasts come from all over the United States to have their classic cars restored.
The workshop grounds are covered with Mustangs, Mercurys, Corvettes, and VW Bugs, all being restored by the talented team led by General Manager Nick Merry.
“We’ve rebuilt cars as old as a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr to more recent models, like that ‘69 Bronco over there,” Merry said as he pointed across the shop.
Founded in 2005, the shop has evolved into a hub for enthusiasts, showcasing the craft of automotive restoration and modification.
Retired airline pilot Doug Jackson has been a Speed Shop customer for the last four years. He estimates that the team has maintained and repaired at least 15 of his 20 cars.
“They just know how to fix things,” he said. “Other garages remove and replace parts and don’t really fix anything; these guys know how to fix anything and everything.”
While it has become renowned for its high-end restorations and custom builds, its roots are deeply embedded in Austin’s culture, a place where cars and people come together to create something truly unique.
The Austin Speed Shop began as a passion project for its partners, John Joyoprayitno and Dr. Daniel Peterson. As they recall, the shop's inception wasn't driven by commercial ambition but by a shared love of cars.
Image courtesy of Austin Speed Shop.
“We all do a lot of different things outside of the shop, but this has always been a labor of love,” said Joyoprayitno.
Peterson added that the shop was initially a space where they could combine their personal interests with the talents of skilled fabricators and mechanics, making it a creative playground for car aficionados.
Over the years, the Speed Shop has grown, fueled by its passion for automotive history, craftsmanship and design, while staying true to the Austin community.
For Joyoprayitno and Peterson, the shop isn't just about cars — it's about building relationships.
“We’ve had all kinds of customers here, from celebrities to locals,” Peterson said, noting that the shop's open-door policy makes it a welcoming place for anyone with a passion for cars.
This approach has attracted a diverse group of people, all united by their love for the craft. From rockabilly fans to CEOs, the shop serves as a gathering place where everyone can appreciate the roots of car culture.
“Even if someone is more into modern cars, they can still admire the classic designs that built the foundation for today’s vehicles,” Joyoprayitno said.
Austin Speed Shop’s roots in the community run deep, primarily through its long-standing involvement with the Lonestar Roundup — an annual event celebrating custom and vintage cars that just marked its 22nd year.
The shop not only showcases its work at the Roundup but also helps shape the event, reinforcing its influence in Austin’s car culture. Beyond the show, the team stays active in the community by partnering with local nonprofits and hosting events that give back.
CONTINUED >
“Other garages remove and replace parts and don’t really fix anything; these guys know how to fix anything and everything.”
Image courtesy of Austin Speed Shop.
“Even if someone is more into modern cars, they can still admire the classic designs that built the foundation for today’s vehicles.”
While the shop’s ethos centers on community, the owners have never shied away from pushing the creative envelope. The vehicles that roll out are more than just cars; they are bespoke works of art.
“We’ve had projects where customers give us complete creative freedom,” Joyoprayitno said.
One standout was building a custom car for Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron. The design brief was something sleek yet practical for taking kids to school. This balance of style and function is a hallmark of the Austin Speed Shop's creations.
For the next 20 years, the Austin Speed Shop has big plans.
“We’d love to grow and create a space where people can not only see the cars but enjoy live music or a drink as well,” Joyoprayitno said.
Their vision for a future location involves incorporating a bar, live music, and an expanded event space to make the Speed Shop a full-fledged destination for both car enthusiasts and those seeking a good time.
Image courtesy of Austin Speed Shop.
Image courtesy of Austin Speed Shop.
PRESSURE WASHING BOOSTS CURB APPEAL
Casa Washa earns praise from homeowners and realtors
ARTICLE BY JULIE ROYCE
Maintaining a clean and inviting exterior is essential for homeowners looking to boost curb appeal and protect their investment.
Casa Washa, a local pressure washing company based in Austin, provides expert services to help homeowners revitalize their properties and preserve their value.
Over time, dirt, mold, grime and algae can accumulate on siding, roofs and walkways — damaging surfaces and diminishing a home's appearance. Regular pressure washing removes these harmful buildups, helping to maintain both a property’s visual appeal and structural integrity.
Casa Washa offers a full range of services, including house washing, roof cleaning, gutter clearing and concrete surface restoration. They also provide professional window cleaning, utilizing streak-free techniques to enhance views and indoor spaces.
“Eighty percent of my house is windows, and they were covered with construction debris from the build,” said client Chloe Chiang. “They cleaned every detail, even the second-story windows, and made my home sparkle ahead of a 150-guest housewarming.”
Chiang, a local Realtor, said she now trusts Casa Washa with all of her listings.
“They’re quick, well-priced and dependable,” she said. “In real estate, everything moves fast and I need partners who respond
quickly and make my clients’ homes stand out. Casa Washa always delivers — and makes me look good in the process.”
The team’s customer service has also drawn high marks.
“They showed up on time, sent reminders and did a walkthrough with me after the job,” Chiang said. “I’m picky, and when I pointed out a few small things, they came right back to fix them. They really cared about getting it right.”
CASA WASHA'S SERVICES INCLUDE:
• House Washing : Removes mold, algae and pollen to protect surfaces and refresh exterior walls.
• Roof Cleaning: Soft-wash methods paired with eco-friendly solutions help prevent long-term damage.
• Gutter Cleaning : Clears debris to prevent overflow and foundation issues.
• Driveway and Walkway Cleaning : Lifts oil, rust and grime to restore a like-new look.
• Window Cleaning: Offers streak-free clarity for enhanced lighting and improved aesthetics.
“They’re customer-service oriented and friendly,” Chiang added. “In a world of high expectations and tight timelines, Casa Washa rises to the challenge.”
For a free estimate or to schedule service, visit casawasha.com
