Quote:
Originally Posted by GoldenBoot
Don't get me wrong, I love the Ginger Man. I'm there almost every Friday after work. But, it's a chain which did not start in Austin. Therefore, it cannot be protected by the "local establishment" argument being used all around town.
Also, you cannot compare this development and that of 7Rio or Ardent Residential’s complex on S. Lamar. One: both Ranch 616 and the Broken Spoke are locally-owned, unique establishments. Two: Ardent's project is not a high-rise, single -building development. It's going to be a series of 5-6 story structures spread out over a couple of acres, thus making it much easier build around the Broken Spoke. And three: Ranch 616 sits on the eastern edge of 7Rio's property. Therefore, the building's designers have the opportunity to design a sleeker, point tower, thus saving the restaurant. Additionally, even if you subtract Ranch 616's plot on the site, the property is still large enough to construct a substantially sized building.
With regard to the Gables Republic Park site and the Ginger Man; the site runs the complete length of the southern half of the block. And, as most of us know, the Ginger Man sits smack dab in the middle of said site. There is not enough room on either side of the Ginger Man to construct a development of the scope Gables intends. Therefore, the Ginger Man must go to make way for the tower. If it sat at one of the edges of the property/site, it may have a chance to be “saved.” But, it doesn’t…
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GB I rarely disagree with you. But this time respectfully will.
I think one MUST look for a way as a developer to contribute to the character of a city, not tear it down. You can look for reasons not to... or can look for reasons to do, ya know. Economics are driven by will. Our will as a community must be to ensure that folks who want to profit from the character of Austin, don't tear it down in the process, but incorporate it and add to it. The building the Gingerman is in is becoming an endangered species. We have to ask that these few structures that gave birth and name to the warehouse district be used and not torn down (note I avoided the work "preserved") I was all about most of the 50'd/60's warehouses that existed where W, Amli, CSC, etc are located going away. This is where I am drawing my line. What will be next? ( and I am more than on record here as being very pro development and all about profit)
Pure bottom line decisions are made by companies who follow the market and not lead. Creative developers and entrepreneurs of all types will tell you that. This is Austin, think out of the box. Our city is good enough for us to expect folks to respect our character and work a little harder to be here.
I agree that the only business that could be referred to as Iconic in the list above is Broken Spoke. I was very careful in my statements to not refer to the Gingerman being saved, but the building it is in. I have many great times in that building... and the Gingerman are only the most recent inhabitants. I fully believe if that building were to be protected, a developer could and would find a way to work around it. I refer once again to the building that Lamberts is in at the corner of 2nd and Guadalupe. Look how much more interesting that corner is because CSC had to think differently. Any what do you know, they still built!
There is a different issue between a single business vs the character of an area. Unfortunately it looks like a company like Gables lags in this thinking (and the market). Fortunately they heard the outcry for "Mean Eyed Cat" which is neither iconic nor in a historical/unique building. So, it does look like they can be educated. Which we must do, or they will do what they can get away with.
Glad you brought up 7Rio....perfect example. They could indeed choose to build a point tower...I walked by there just a few seconds ago, There is almost a quarter block open on the west end. Build a parking garage and retail on the east end of the block and bridge them together. Or just, as I have suggested before... build over the building...(it would easily fit in the garage opening for AMLI). Have it serve food/room service to the building. That is what the developer at CLB (7Rio) has understood. He has sought out opportunities to have unique properties associated with the housing. (the above mentioned 7Rio paired with Ranch 616, because that is one of his fav restaurants) Bridges on the Park is paired with Paggi House. These are great examples of working to incorporate interest, texture, depth and local flavor into a project. AND PROFIT. There was no campaign to save either restaurant, the developer thought out of the box and figured it out himself, even smart enough to gain local support because of his actions! Works for me.
Profit is not only possible, but often greater when a civic minded and creative person drives a company and not just the bottom line. Actually I am sure many developers will tell you that. And I do know several myself. I have one developer friend who makes a game out of being able to tell how philanthropic a developer is by how interesting the project is. Think about that!
Again I ask folks to please write Gables and ask them to find a way to not tear down the Gingerman building. And write City Hall and express your need to have the warehouse district, well, have warehouses! Make sure you express your interest in development, etc so as to not seem like a common NIMBY. But, you know, our own special brand!
No boring developments in my back yard! Ha!
(and GB if you really love having a pint in that district,,,,, write! And thank you for all the insight and info you provide)
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You know I'm all for new development and such but the Gingerman is one of the great watering holes of Austin! Besides do we really need another 200+ apartments that are starting at $2000 a month!!! The developer of 7th & Rio worked out a deal to preserve Ranch 616, as did the company redeveloping the Broken Spoke; Gables could do the same thing if they really wanted to.
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