The 2nd Street District In Downtown Austin Has Grown Rapidly, And Austin Is Reaping The Benefits

Category: Finance, Real Estate.

The 2nd Street District in downtown Austin has grown rapidly, and Austin is reaping the benefits.

Cashing in on Austinites love for being outdoors, and its close proximity to the Zilker hike and bike trail, the 2nd Street District is pedestrian oriented, and open air, with wide sidewalks store fronts and outdoor seating at many of the restaurants. Besides the nightlife bar scene of 6th Street, and a smattering of shops on Congress Avenue, downtown Austin lacked a hub for shopping, and entertainment that, eating the 2nd Street District is now providing with a vengeance. Locals and tourists alike will find a business that appeals to them. People- watching from an outside table provides limitless entertainment before heading to the next shop. Established local eateries, such as Austin Java Caf� and Jo s Coffee, mix and mingle with a few fun chains and other local establishments, to suit any taste bud. Several fine home furnishings and d�cor shops line the street.

IF+ D brings flooring, and more from, furniture international designers such as Tord Bjoonte, as well as equally beautiful pieces from local creative craftsmen Brian David Johnson, and Fisterra Studios, Holly Everett. Austin s branch of Design Within Reach carries licensed mid- century classics, while Finch is filled with beautiful homey items for the Dwell Magazine lover. The emergence of more downtown attractions has affected parts of the Austin real estate market, which provide proximity to downtown. Also several downtown Austin neighborhoods like Clarksville and Barton Hills which are in biking distance to downtown have also seen more interest from buyers due to their proximity to downtown. The first part of the market affected is the downtown Austin condos which have been popping up in recent years. Austin was recently listed as the 7th most dog friendly city in the country by Men s Health magazine, so man s best friend wasn t left out from the 2nd Street District s design.

The talented group comes together to create innovative, dog houses that, and amazingly designed are auctioned off, with proceeds going to local animal advocacy groups. For the past two years, 30 of Austin s best architects, and designers gather, builders on 2nd street for what s become known as Barkitecture. Also, the Lofty Dog store caters to those canines living the downtown lifestyle. Many shops, like Girl Next Door and Shiki Style carry women s fashion from up and coming clothing designers. Clothing boutiques dot the 2nd Street District. Cowboy Cool puts a western twist on primarily contemporary men s clothes. With newly built condominium complexes springing up downtown, and more on the way, the 2nd Street District can now be just steps from the front door.

After a day of shopping in the sun, it s nice to wind down at Sage Salon, or Milk and Honey Spa, with a relaxing couples massage. Block 21, at the corner of Lavaca and 2nd Street, will soon house the new W Hotel and Residences, the new Austin City Limits taping studio, as well as additional retail space, which will surely only add to the excitement and continuing evolution of Austin s 2nd Street District.