Plus, we want to know which developments you would like to see turned into affordable housing.
 
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Today’s Forecast

69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

 

🏙 Be the broker

Be the broker: Which vacant office spaces would you like to see become affordable housing?

The Austin skyline, as seen at nighttime
The Austin skyline has seen some changes in 2022 — and even more are yet to come. | Photo by @kateheartscake
Have you noticed some of the empty office space around town? Office vacancies are currently at 21.2% as of this September. Compare those numbers to the national office vacancy rate, which was 17.8% as of September. One possible use for vacant offices? Affordable housing.

Recently, the White House released a new plan to convert commercial buildings into residential housing — affordable housing in particular. Resources will be made available from 20+ programs across multiple agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

We’re talking below-market loans, grants, and tax credits... all available to help take advantage of preexisting buildings to make more affordable housing.

Office vacancies in Austin are high but no conversion projects are currently underway. However, office space conversions have been suggested by District 9 Austin City Council member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, so the idea isn’t entirely new to town.

Which vacant spaces would you like to see converted?

Have you passed an empty office building that would be a sweet apartment? How about some empty warehouses near public transportation that would make for a quick commute?
Asked

Which spaces would you like to see remade into housing?


Psst... we may feature your picks in an upcoming newsletter.
Tell us here
 
Events
Monday, Dec. 11
  • Scumberparty Christmas Party LIVE! | Monday, Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Black Rabbit Comedy ATX, 411 Brazos St., Ste. #100b, Austin | $10 | Take it back to childhood with this comedy show featuring scary stories, roasts, and games.
  • Macy Gray | Monday, Dec. 11 | 8 p.m. | Antone’s Nightclub, 305 E. 5th St., Austin | $50 | Emily Kathleen and DJ MAHEALANI will also perform at this Monday night show.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
  • Millennial Choirs and Orchestras | Tuesday, Dec. 12 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $21-$49 | “The World Was Waiting” features holiday tunes performed by youth choirs, chorus members, and a symphony orchestra.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
  • The Moth Mainstage | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 7 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $35-$65 | Spend an evening immersed in storytelling.
Plan Ahead
  • Santa Pop-up | Wednesday, Dec. 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Santa will take a break from all his toy-making to take photos with families at this event also offering holiday beverages for purchase.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Shop

Add to cart is the best part 🎁

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Graphic by 6AM City
Jingle bells might be ringing, but the clock is also ticking to snag one (or all) of our best-selling items from our online shop Six & Main.

So, what products are flying off of our virtual shelves? Take a look for yourself…
  1. The Savvy Oak Dough Bowl Candle is unique and smells amazing.
  2. Holiday parties just got better with the savory Appalachian Trail Mix.
  3. Glassware featuring our city’s skyline is a festive way to toast to the holidays.
  4. Celebrate the city and state we all love with artwork great for any home or office.
  5. Perfectly curated gift sets are excellent go-to presents for the holidays.
Don’t leave these items in your cart for too long — order by noon on Friday, Dec. 15 for delivery by Monday, December 25.
Get the good stuff
News Notes
Weather
  • A Freeze Warning is in effect in the Austin metropolitan area until 9 a.m. today, according to the National Weather Service. Freeze Warnings are issued when temperatures are expected to dip below 32 degrees, but Travis County’s low forecast for this morning is 33 degrees and temperatures as low as 26 degrees are possible.
Civic
  • Austin City Council passed phase one of the HOME Initiative in a 9-2 supermajority vote last Thursday. The code amendment means single family lots now allow up to three units, including tiny homes. Use the Property Profile tool to check your lot’s zoning.
Closing
  • Korean restaurant Seoulju, 9515 N. Lamar Blvd., will close down at the end of the year. Owners said they were unable to come to an agreement with owners of the shopping plaza where Seoulju is located, and they will host a goodbye New Year’s Eve party on Sunday, Dec. 31. (Eater Austin)
Try This
  • The Armadillo Art Bazaar runs Friday, Dec. 15 through Saturday, Dec. 23. This year, the bazaar will begin with a twist: the Armadillo Artway, an interactive activation featuring tintype portaits, a DIY marbling station, and a surprise at the Almost Real Things booth. Get tickets.
Health
  • The dreaded cedar fever season is around the corner, so keep those allergy meds at the ready. The pollen allergy — which is actually caused by Ashe juniper trees — typically begins in late November or early December and lasts through January. (Austin American-Statesman)
 
Food

ONETACO. Won taco.

ONETACO. Taquería crowned ATXtoday’s readers’ choice taco

A spread of tacos on a table at ONETACO.
We tried ONETACO. for ourselves to celebrate its win. | Photo by ATXtoday
After eight nominees, three voting rounds, and hundreds of votes cast, we’re ready to name the ATXtoday’s Reader’s Choice Taquería: ONETACO. Taquería.

Let’s learn a bit about ONETACO.'s winning tacos.

ONETACO. started as a food truck opened by Tony Avila and Axel Beverido in 2009. The pair, who wanted to recreate the traditional Mexican tacos they ate as children, studied flavors in Monterrey, Mexico prior to opening.

Fast forward to today, ONETACO. has eight locations in Austin, including one inside Q2 Stadium and the original food truck, which is located at Little Woodrow’s Downtown. They’ve even been featured in an UberEats commerical.

We tried ONETACO.'s winning tacos for ourselves — we recommend the al pastor, pollo asado, and “liflower” tacos.
The Buy

The Buy 12.11.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A stocking stuffer from this unique collection. Think: sleep mist, beard combs, satin scrunchies, and specialty seasoning packs.
31 Days of Local Shopping

🕯 Candles and crystals and ceramics, oh my


Three candles with scents called "cereal milk," "cactus flower," and "fruit salad" on a table. Each have elaborately themed decorations inside.

Stock up on adorable candles, handmade jewelry, and unique art pieces at Clover + Maven.

|

Photo courtesy Clover + Maven

Stop scrolling — we’ve got the perfect place to find gifts for the loved ones who enjoy the finer things in life.

Clover + Maven, 1023 Springdale Rd., Bldg. #6D | This east side art collective sells gifts for lovers of the arts. Check out this watercolor painting of Cosmic Coffee, this cereal milk candle, or this donut vase. Plus, if you’re looking for a gift that won’t break the bank, check out this list of options for under $25.
More local shopping
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The Wrap
 
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Today’s edition by:
Figi

From the editor
Every single item of jewelry from local company Ashdel is the cutest thing I have ever seen — in case you needed any last-minute gift ideas. I particularly love the line drop studs.
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