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Dirty Martin’s no longer displaced by upcoming Project Connect light rail

Dirty Martin’s Place and seven other businesses in the area will no longer be displaced, as Austin Transit Partnership reevaluates the location of upcoming light rail stations.

A photo of four men standing in front of a turquoise vintage car in front of Dirty Martin's

The historic Austin restaurant has been a local staple since 1926.

Photo via @dirtymartins

A host of local businesses — including Dirty Martin’s Place at 2808 Guadalupe St. — will be spared from displacement due to Project Connect’s upcoming light rail, according to reports.

Plans for the light rail will continue near Guadalupe Street without causing the nearly 100-year-old business to move or close. Plans to build the light rail through the business were introduced mid-2023.

Austin Transit Partnership said the change was made after reevaluating traffic flow near 27th and 29th streets. The following businesses will remain unmoved:

  • The Ballroom @ Spider House, 2906 Fruth St.
  • Arlo’s Curbside, 2906 Fruth St.
  • Mighty Mo’s, 2716 ½ Guadalupe St.
  • Abu Omar Halal, 2718 Guadalupe St.
  • Smoke Paradise Vape and Dispensary, 2718 Guadalupe St.
  • Asian Express, 2718 Guadalupe St.
  • Whataburger, 2800 Guadalupe St.

New plans state that the rail will likely still move along the Drag. Additionally, conflicts with multi-family developments along Riverside Drive west of I-35 will be reduced.

Read more about the first phase of Project Connect.

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