Local news matters — now more than ever. We’re close to our fundraising deadline and need your support. Help us keep sharing positive, community-first stories. Contribute today to keep local media strong.
🏗️ Downtown is for lease
However, prospective tenants might have the upper hand. | Photo via @a_veggie_in_austin.
14.8 million sqft. That’s how much office space is currently vacant in Downtown Austin, according to a report from commercial real estate firm Franklin Street. That’s ~24% of the commercial space in Austin’s Central Business District.
The “historic vacancy rate” in ATX is reportedly caused by “compressed space needs” since the pandemic, a decline in venture capital deployment, sizable sub-leases from tech companies, and more than 2.2 million sqft of new space being built in the last 18 months. Eleven of those individual vacancies exceed 50,000 sqft.
Here’s the bright side — the slowdown in leasing activity creates a favorable market for prospective tenants to move into Downtown or upgrade to newer properties. On the other hand, historic buildings are most likely to feel negative effects from a softening market.
New skyscrapers Waterline, Sixth & Guadalupe, ATX Tower, and The Republic have the most open space. Existing buildings, including 300 West Sixth, One American Center, and Austin Centre also have direct availability.
From checking estrogen and testosterone levels to cortisol testing, these transparently priced tests provide quick answers to your pressing health questions.
They’re also the exact same tests your doctor uses — only faster and easier.
Uchi, Franklin Barbecue, and Birdie’s are three of the best restaurants in the modern era. Don’t take our word for it — The Robb Report named them on its “100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century” list. By the way, they were the only restaurants in Texas to make the cut.
Quoted
“I’m not going anywhere.” That’s what Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said in response to rumors that he would leave his position at the end of the season. Sarkisian said he hasn’t had any conversations with the school or his agent on the topic, and is under contract through the 2031 season. (KXAN)
Civic
Austin Energy customers are poised to see ~$2 in monthly savings on their power bills beginning next month, as the company will enact a 5% administrative decrease due to stabilizing wholesale energy prices. (KVUE)
Announced
A proposed 5,000-seat concert venue on Fitzhugh Road will not move forward due to community pushback. Fitzhugh Ridge, LLC plans to purchase the land where the venue was proposed, after which the venue’s developer will withdraw permit applications.
Real Estate
Pflugerville and Hutto have ~43% more homes on the market now than the suburbs did this time last year. If you’re looking to buy, the median sales price is $370,000. (Community Impact)
Region
Calling all adrenaline lovers — San Antonio’s Six Flags Over Texas will open its newest roller coaster, Tormenta: Rampaging Run, next year. It’s expected to be the tallest and fastest dive roller coaster in the world, reaching a top speed of 87 miles per hour and dropping 309 ft. (KVUE)
November is Native American Heritage Month, and Austinites will gather to honor the occasion at the annual Austin Powwow from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 22.
Presented by The Native American Cultural Center, the Austin Powwow is the largest one-day powwow in the US, drawing 15,000 attendees, 300+ dancers, and 100+ Native American vendors.
All people are welcome, regardless of their background. Grab tickets.
Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
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.
I have one more shout-out to cap off the week, if y’all don’t mind. My friend Jacqee is one of ATXtoday’s most loyal readers, and she’s often on my mind when I’m writing each day. If you’re also a fan of our work, consider supporting ATXtoday through our giving campaign. Thanks for reading, Jacqee.
