Peek inside the new JP’s Peace, Love, and Happiness Lounge coming to the Paramount. | Rendering courtesy Paramount Theatre
46 years. That’s how long it’s been since the Paramount Theatre was last renovated and restored. The historic, 110-year-old theater is due for some TLC, and that’s what’s in store with the Shine On campaign.
The teams behind the Paramount Theatre and the Austin Theater Alliance debuted plans to refresh both the Paramount and completely reimagine the State Theatre yesterday.
The project is expected to begin in June, and the organization hopes to raise ~$65 million to cover costs, of which $27 million has already been pledged.
The Paramount’s decor will stay the same, just get a refresh. | Photo and rendering courtesy Paramount Theatre
Paying homage to 1900s blueprints that included a ballroom that never came to fruition, the third floor will become “JP’s Peace, Love, and Happiness Lounge.” The new space will be made possible by a $7.25 million gift from local billionaire John Paul DeJoria.
Finally — after decades of foot traffic, performances, movie premieres, and smoking in the olden days — the artwork inside the theater will receive comprehensive restoration treatment to the paint work, plaster molding, and chandeliers.
North Austin Asian grocery store Hana World Market will close at the end of the year, according to a Facebook post from the company. The owners didn’t list a reason why, but they did mention the store’s recent vandalization and asked for continued support until the closure.
Try This
The holidays came early. The Downtown Austin Alliance and Uber will partner to offer 50% off rides to Downtown in December in an effort to make holiday festivities safer and easier.
Transit
CapMetro released a plan for the next 10 years that will add six new routes, improve 19 routes, and realign 41 routes. Frequent travelers can expect more connections to the airport and more integration with the Austin Light Rail — explore changes taking place over the next five years.
Drink
Sip, sip, hooray. Local vineyard William Chris ranked No. 31 on “The World’s 50 Best Vineyards” list. It’s the first time a Texas winery has been listed on this portion of the list, having placed No. 63 in 2024. (CultureMap)
Ranked
Austin is continuing to fall through the ranks of the “World’s Best Cities” list, claiming the 87th spot in the 2026 edition. Austin ranked No. 55 last year, and before that, held No. 43 in 2023 and 2022. Austin will always be No. 1 in our hearts.
Now Open
Neon Belly Coffee & Bakery, a new “cozy-meets-retro” cafe, is now open on Burnet Road. The colorful space offers signature bevs like an orange ginger matcha latte + baklava latte and serves up gelato from local favorite Dolce Bacio. (CultureMap)
Quoted
“I really enjoy this website so I’m gonna give you 25 bucks, but if you misuse it and start getting politically motivated, I’m dropping it.”That’s what reader Jack K. said during our last fundraising campaign, and we’re proud to say that ATXtoday remains politics-free, now and forever. If you support that, make like Jack + contribute.
Older Adults
Are you taking advantage of all the savings opportunities for adults ages 50+? This list of tips can support your continued saving and help build additional wealth.*
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Shout out to Nick on the Paramount Theatre’s marketing team, who came to say hi when I attended yesterday’s press conference. Meeting with readers like Nick always brightens my day, so if you see me, come say hello.
