This photo that Linda shot not long ago of the west side of Congress Avenue at 10th Street shows how things are changing in the heart of Austin. A couple of decades ago, it seemed like half the stores on Congress Avenue, our main street that extends south from the state capitol, were shuttered. Now you see situations like this, where an older building is being expanded with an additional floor on top and converted into a private home. And just to the south (left in this photo) of this building are two new high-end restaurants and a popular locally-owned coffee shop which are attracting serious crowds. It's interesting to see the essential nature of downtown Austin morphing to being a friendlier place where people live and enjoy themselves. (Of course, that will include Linda and me by this time next year. In fact, this area will be just a leisurely walk from our condo.)
Monday, July 2, 2007
The Changing Face of Downtown
This photo that Linda shot not long ago of the west side of Congress Avenue at 10th Street shows how things are changing in the heart of Austin. A couple of decades ago, it seemed like half the stores on Congress Avenue, our main street that extends south from the state capitol, were shuttered. Now you see situations like this, where an older building is being expanded with an additional floor on top and converted into a private home. And just to the south (left in this photo) of this building are two new high-end restaurants and a popular locally-owned coffee shop which are attracting serious crowds. It's interesting to see the essential nature of downtown Austin morphing to being a friendlier place where people live and enjoy themselves. (Of course, that will include Linda and me by this time next year. In fact, this area will be just a leisurely walk from our condo.)
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What a wonderful idea. I like the new room or house on top. That is a great idea. We have a lot of old buildings and all are closed, for the most part. Nobody goes downtown anymore around here except to the one or two shops like the barber.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame.
Abraham Lincoln
American Gold Finch—
I hope your experience of living downtown is a rewarding as ours has been. We absolutely love it ... Austin offers more entertainment options than our hometown however it may also offer more late night noise. We purchased on the top floor of a condo complex which helped significantly reduce noise ... Best wishes on your move.
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