locale austin - winter edition 2015

AUST

INLOCALEY O U R G U I D E T O E N J O Y I N G T H E C A P I T A L C I T Y

Austin’s New Skyline is Coming. Are You Ready?

Another Crane? Find out exactly what is going up downtown.

Could Bravo TV’s Best New Restaurant be right here in Austin?

Paul Carrozza helps Keep Austin HealthY.

WINTER 2015

2 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P . C O M

LETTER FROM THE SHANNON SCHMITZ GROUP

Happy New Edition! We hope you and your families are having a successful start to the new year!

Austin’s scenery is really changing. It seems like another crane is popping up every day. Whether you love the growth or find it concerning, everyone’s curiosity is on high alert. We have included the scoop on some of what we consider to be the most impactful buildings going up (on page 18). There are so many new buildings going up that there was no way we could have included them all in this edition of LOCALE Austin (it would have been more like a novel!). If we missed the construction site that you are most curious about, please feel free to give us a shout. We’ll be glad to get you in the know.

We have lots of great articles in this edition. We take a insider’s look into the restaurants competing in BRAVO!’s new TV show “Best New Restaurant”. If you have just moved in to a smaller space - downtown or otherwise - our interior design friends at Revival Texas have a few fun ideas to really make the most of every square foot. Lisa Rodman checks in with Paul Carozza of RunTex fame to see what he’s working on these days. And we hear some heartfelt stories from local nonprofit, Comfort Crew who touches the lives of children in military families.

If you have a moment, please drop us a line and let us know what you think of our magazine!

Thank you for picking up our magazine!

Shannon Schmitz GroupAustin Portfolio Real Estate - Powered by Keller Williams Luxury International

512-794-6700 | www.ShannonSchmitzGroup.com

WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | 3S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P . C O M

CONTENTS

SMALL SPACE DESIGNMAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SMALL SPACE

PAUL CAROZZA RUNS THE GAMUT OF AUSTIN FITNESS

DOWNTOWN REDEFINEDGET READY FOR A TOTALLY

DIFFERENT SKYSCAPE IN ATX

BRAVO AUSTIN!AUSTIN HOSTS FOUR ENTRIES FOR

BEST NEW RESTAURANT ON BRAVO!

WITH THEM ALL THE WAYSPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL NONPROFIT

COMFORT CREW

6

12

18

32

39


5204 MAR T I N AVENUE

B R E N T W O O D


2100 GR I SWOLD

T A R R Y T O W NO F F E R E D A T $ 1 , 8 0 0 , 0 0 0

designin smallspaces

Photo Credit @AnaCarolinaFoto


With all of the new condos popping up downtown, people are increasingly considering a move to a smaller space with loads of amenities and less maintenance, but they struggle with the best ways to fill their space (without over-filling it). We talked with Lauren Réal Turner, Interior Designer at Revival (our favorite interior design spot in Bee Cave). She offered the following advice.

1. If you’re going small, go BIG! Austin’s trend to smaller more sustainable living and amazing high rise spaces lends the opportunity to transform a small dwelling into a lavish abode. With fewer pieces needed to fill smaller spaces you can really splurge. Be it high-end back splashes, a custom-made leather sofa or original wall treatments, make all of your pieces statements!

2. Authentic is always in. Ditch the reproductions and mass-produced items. Keep your focus on original pieces with history. Use your grandparents’ furniture, reclaimed vintage finds or handmade pieces. Consider using antique doors as a room divider or headboard. Also try using old window frames or iron as wall decor. Bring as much of the past into your home as possible.

3. All that glitters isn’t gold... not anymore.Blending multiple metals is in. Brilliant bronze, swanky silver, retro brass, dazzling gold and pristine pewter are all working together this season. Add mirrors into the metal mix, antiqued or otherwise, to reflect light and color across rooms.

8 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015 S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P . C O M

4. Textural fusion.Amp up the interest with a mix of wood, metal, glass, leather, basket weave, furniture upholstery, pre-patinated surfaces, unusual textiles, exotic decoration patterns and ethnic fabric prints. The concept of “less is more” has gone out the window.

5. Color has left the runway and entered your home.The 2015 runways are saturated with color - and that translates into home textiles, as well. The bright-pop colors of the 80’s are everywhere, however the delivery is a bit more sophisticated in this millenium. Lines are blurred and colors blended into nondescript watercolor and organic patterns. Hard lines are behind us but the color fun is here to stay. Be brave! Think black walls with vibrant fuchsias, limes or blues.

6. Wall treatments!I don’t mean the horrible wallpaper you spent hours stripping from your dated fixer-upper, but innovative treatments, like textural fabrics for the walls. Whether it’s a bold, masculine composition for a bachelor pad or a flocked, velvety pattern for an ultra-glam abode, wall treatments can add depth and personality to any room. Natural burlap or linen blends perfectly with rustic or classic spaces. My personal favorite is multi-directional linen

with sparse metallic threads throughout. Texture and tones galore!

7. Combine all usable space into one large entertaining area.If you are a social butterfly in a smaller dwelling, you’ve got to make use of every square inch. Keep close quarters interesting with unique divisions of space, like antique doors between a sofa and table to create a faux wall. Have bold colors in your living and dining rooms to help visually distinguish from each other. Have useful poufs, ottomans, a day bed or accent chairs that can float throughout both spaces to make guests completely comfortable. Think “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”... no space is off limits for a party.

Lauren Réal Turner is an Austin original, born

and raised in South Austin among the blues

musicians that have made Austin the “live music

capital of the world”. Her lifelong connection

with Austin gives her a natural funky “Keep

Austin Weird” undertone but her true love of

haute couture keeps her on the doorstep of

trending design aesthetics. She enjoys mixing

contemporary pieces with unique vintage or

salvaged pieces that hold history. Lauren would

love to use her unique style and knowledge

to assist you in creating an amazing space

whether you’re pulling together an entire home,

restaurant or bar. If you’d like her to help you

personalize your space, she can be contacted

at [email protected]

Photo Credit @AnaCarolinaFoto


1440 PAT T E R SON

B A R T O N C R E E KO F F E R E D A T $ 1 , 8 9 9 , 0 0 0


104 POR TO C IMA

F L I N T R O C K

12708 P I S TACH IO COUR T

S P A N I S H O A K S


Runs the Gamut of Austin FitnessBY LISA RODMAN

Paul CarozzaPHOTO CREDIT @ANACAROLINA FOTO


A philanthropist is defined as a “person who seeks to promote the welfare of others.” Some philanthropists are people who give generously of their time and expertise. Others are well-known community members who raise thousands of dollars by connecting people and making things happen. Some are private individuals who establish their own nonprofit foundations or philanthropic funds.

Paul Carrozza has done it all.

Known as one of the driving forces behind the running community in Austin, Paul Carrozza embodies the sweet spot where entrepreneurship and philanthropy meet.

Paul’s love of fitness began when he and his wife Sheila started their courtship in high school. He was on the basketball team, and she was a cheerleader for the rival school across town. Paul was raised in a conservative Church of Christ household and Sheila in an equally strict Mormon home.

Running was the only thing they were allowed to do together unchaperoned. Their love for each other - and a love for fitness - grew from there.

In 2002, Paul and Sheila founded the RunTex Foundation in Austin with a mission to increase fitness across the city, state and nation via community events and group training. Today, the RunTex Foundation helms many successful community initiatives, including the popular free water stations on the Lady Bird Lake running trail.

True to its founder’s entrepreneurial spirit, the RunTex Foundation quickly became an incubator, launching many fitness programs that have taken on a life of their own. Carrozza founded and developed well-known programs like: Marathon Kids, which partners with schools to introduce children to running and healthy lifestyle choices through training and activities

Born to Run, which provides running programs for children, adults and senior citizens through the support of area employers.

ATX100, a program specially designed to help those who want to lose 100 pounds or more.

In 2012, Carrozza and the RunTex Foundation brought back a much-loved Austin holiday institution: Trail of Lights, a fantastic display of lights set up along Zilker Park’s running trail. (Due to lack of funding, the Trail of Lights had been cut by the City Council in 2010).

Paul’s philosophy is to build programs with an eye toward “independency, not co-dependency.” Marathon Kids weaned itself from RunTex Foundation’s seed support and went on to be wildly successful. Last year, the Trail of Lights Foundation was formed as a separate entity and is now operating independently of the RunTex Foundation. Carrozza says he will now turn his attention to mobility and fitness for seniors.

“Paul was promoting running in Austin before running was cool.” – Bob Wynn, Board of Directors, The Trail Foundation


Recognize Good’s Ethics in Business & Community Award, which honors individuals, businesses and nonprofits who demonstrate exemplary ethical practices.

Austin has become known as one of the fittest cities in the nation. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, Austin is the 14th healthiest city in the United States. Why Austin? According to Paul Carrozza, “Lady Bird Lake Trail is in the middle of the city - where Austinites live, work and congregate. Fitness is the one great democratizer. It is the one platform where everyone can come together on equal footing.”

LOCALE Austin Contributing Writer Lisa

Rodman’s 20+ year career in nonprofit

management, corporate philanthropic

initiatives, and organizational development

is defined by outreach and service.

Having served in leadership positions with

organizations such as the Austin Children’s

Museum, Breast Cancer Resource Center of

Central Texas, Good Shepherd, GuideStar,

HeartGift Foundation, Hospice Austin, the

Junior League, and United Way, she founded

Rodman & Associates with the desire to help

others experience the joy found in doing for

others.

“Paul has an unbelievable ability to get people to move and behave in ways they wouldn’t by themselves.” says Peter Inman, principal at Camino Real Financial Strategies

Paul’s expertise and community involvement have placed him at the forefront of the fitness community both nationally and locally. He served two terms on the President’s Council on Sports and Fitness, served as the Co-Chair for the Governor’s Fitness Council, and is the Founder and Chair of the Austin Mayor’s Council on Fitness. Paul received The Austin Project’s Rostow Award, which honors Community Catalysts, as well as



WHAT WOULD YOU DO

WITH $1,000?FOR EVERY REFERRAL YOU SEND US THAT ENDS UP IN AN APPOINTMENT WITH A POTENTIAL BUYER OR SELLER WE’LL

• TAKE YOU OUT TO DINNER &

• ENTER YOU IN OUR 2015 REFERRAL CONTEST TO WIN A $1,000 GIFT CARD AT THE END OF THE YEAR.





SPECIAL REPORT:AUSTIN, TEXAS HOUSING MARKET

2015 Predictions2014 was such a banner year for Austin Real Estate that some are asking whether Austin is facing another housing bubble. Mark Dotzour, an economist and head of The Real Estate Center at Texas A & M University believes that rising home prices are due to organic causes, like the steady stream of people moving to Texas from other states. His feeling is that it’s a simple case of supply of homes not keeping up with demand. Co-Founder/Partner of the Shannon Schmitz

Group, Shannon T. Schmitz, also believes 2015 will be another strong year of growth for Austin, citing potential job growth in the capitol city. “Our job market is still very strong, and jobs drive real estate.”

In 2014, home prices rose about 5.4% in Texas’ major metro areas combined. Economist Mark Sprague also doesn’t buy the bubble theory. His assertion is that rising home prices are at normal levels, historically. Here’s a frame of reference:

• Home prices in Texas increased in 31 of the past 38 years.• The highest rate of appreciation was 17.8% in 1981.• Home prices increased by more than 10% in five of those years.• Texas home prices declined in only six of the past 38 years.• Four years of decline occurred in the 1980s when the oil market collapsed.• The Recession in 2009 and 2010 saw two years of price decline.

“Austin is an extremely desirable place to live.” Schmitz agrees, “In the city limits of Austin there are 1,191 homes pending and about 1,240 homes active, which makes for about .59 months of inventory. This, to me, is hard evidence that price increases are simply due to a supply and demand situation.” According to Sprague, “The good news is the real estate and housing market will increasingly depend on fundamentals such as job growth, rising incomes, and more household formation which are all strong in Austin.” “The next big question is interest rates,” Says Smith. “Experts are predicting rates will stay steady through the end of 2015. And remember, for every 1% interest rates go up, buyers lose 12% of their spending power. If you’re on the fence, now’s the time to make your move, whether you are looking to buy or sell”




7122 WOODHOL LOW #18

N O R T H W E S T

H I L L SO F F E R E D A T $ 1 8 8 , 0 0 0

113 WE S T JOHANNA

B O U L D I N


5408 AURORA D R I V E #A

B R E N T W O O DO F F E R E D A T $ 4 1 0 , 0 0 0


If a picture is worth a thousand words, a city’s skyline speaks volumes about the past, present and future of its people and culture.

DOWNTOWN REDEFINED


Iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Reunion Tower in Dallas or the Empire State Building in New York make these cities immediately recognizable when you see them in the skyline.

What is it that makes Austin’s skyline immediately recognizable? It depends, somewhat, on where you are standing.

The Texas Capitol Building is iconic by its own right and would be identifiable to most. The familiar stair-step structure of the historic One Congress Plaza building is definitely a standout. The crystalline Frost Bank Tower makes a modern, innovative statement.

There are so many new projects happening downtown, making permanent changes to our skyline today. If you’re like us, you are curious about every new crane you see on your morning commute.

Did you know that of the eight tallest buildings in downtown Austin today, not one of them existed 10 years ago? Planned and proposed projects that will add to the skyline include several hotels, condominiums, luxury apartments, office space, retail space, a central library and a new courthouse. Will one of these new projects steal the Austin Skyline show?

What we can say for sure is that visitors and residents alike will find a very different downtown Austin over the next few years. Get ready for a sneak peek of what’s to come.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a city’s skyline speaks volumes about the past, present and future of its people and culture.

PHOTO Credit: zappysprings.com

DOWNTOWN REDEFINED


Seaholm Residences at 222 West AvenueDown the street from 5th + West, between Cesar Chavez and 3rd Streets lies one of the most exciting projects in Austin yet. It has been a long journey for the Seaholm Power Plant redevelopment project, but this major addition to downtown is finally underway.

The iconic 1950’s Art Deco-style Seaholm Power Plant is being morphed into a mixed-use attraction that will literally change the face of downtown Austin,

“preserving a piece of the past and uniting it with the future,” according to the developer, Southwest Strategies Group. The project includes a 30 story high rise with 280 condominiums, almost 150,000 square feet of office space, close to 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space (including a Trader Joe’s, gasp!), event space and a huge terrace overlooking Lady Bird Lake.Despite the fact that

construction doesn’t begin until this summer (2015), the residences were 99% sold as of the end of 2014. Other confirmed tenants will include Athenahealth, Boiler 9, True Food Kitchen, Map My Fitness, Jackson Ruiz Salon and Optique. The residences have wonderful, open designs with floor to ceiling windows boasting protected views of the lake - you literally can’t build anything in between.


Central Library at 710 W. Cesar ChavezThis is not your mother’s library! BuildingATX.com wrote, “Gone are the days of the stodgy librarian shushing loud patrons. That dusty old stereotype, as well as the idea of a library as a building just filled with books, computers, and the occasional special event, has been replaced with new concepts of what a library could and should be, and Austin will have a shining example of that in 2016.”

The new Central Library’s size, amenities, art spaces, forward-

thinking and eco-friendly design, reading porches, and hints of the unexpected make it really exciting. This library will revolutionize the way we look at libraries – what do we need from a library that we can’t get from a smartphone? The renderings show a gathering place where people can collaborate and tap into resources that are digital, analog and HUMAN!

Just up the street from the Seaholm project, the Central Library will be part of this new booming area downtown. Construction is scheduled to be complete in Spring 2016.


• Recommendations for repairs or upgrades• Comprehensive Market Assessment• Professional Staging• Professional Photography• Email Flyers Sent to Targeted Agents• Pre-Lisitng emails sent to potential buyers

WE GET THE WORD OUT• Featured on our website• Featured in Company Blog• Featured Blog on LuxuryRealEstate.com• Email sent to 12,000+ agents• Monthly video email sent to potential buyers • We literally reach thousands of contacts monthly!

SOCIAL MEDIA• 7 Facebook Platforms• 3 Twitter Pages• LinkedIN, Pinterest & 22 other media outlets

YOUR NATIONAL LEADER IN REAL ESTATE MARKETINGTHE HIGHEST PROPERTY SALE PRICES ARE OFTEN DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE

QUALITY OF MARKETING THE PROPERTY RECEIVED.

OUR PRE-LISTING MARKETING PLAN INCLUDES


• Recommendations for repairs or upgrades• Comprehensive Market Assessment• Professional Staging• Professional Photography• Email Flyers Sent to Targeted Agents• Pre-Lisitng emails sent to potential buyers



COMPLETE MARKETING CAMPAIGNS DESIGNED FOR EVERY HOME

• Beautifully Designed Brochures• Virtual Tours that capture the essence of your home• Inclusion into local area tours• Open House Events• Just Listed Postcards • Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns• Lifestyle Video “Mini-Movies”• Featured Property on LuxuryRealEstate.com • Featured in LOCALE Austin magazine• Email Marketing Campaigns• Entered in up to three MLS systems (Houston, Dallas AND Austin!)• Syndication to the major real estate sites on the web

YOUR NATIONAL LEADER IN REAL ESTATE MARKETINGWINNER OF A NATIONAL MARKETING AWARD FROM THE

CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING’S MILLION DOLLAR GUILD.


Green Water Block 1 at San Antonio & Cesar ChavezThe Green Water project is another huge game-changer downtown. Block 1 is the first of four phases that will eventually cover 5 city blocks in the transformation of the former Thomas C. Green Water Treatment Plant. Trammell Crow is at the helm of this massive redevelopment, with an estimated $750 million in construction planned over the next 5-10 years.

Block 1 is set to host a 38-story, 436-unit apartment building that will also have about 40,000 square feet of office, restaurant and retail space. The community is planning to reserve 50 apartments to be offered below market rates to provide some more affordable options. The next phases will bring a hotel, office tower and more apartments as well as street level shopping and dining.

The Green Water project, with Seaholm Power and the Central Library on either side will become a major new district, a hub just west of the already booming 2nd Street District. If the transformation of an industrial area to a hopping lakeside urban neighborhood of residences, shopping and commerce isn’t a sweet enough deal, the city estimates that over the next 30 years, the project will generate $112 million in property taxes and $9.6 million in sales taxes.


Capital Studios will grace the northeast corner of 11th Street and San Jacinto with a fun, geometric structure that will really catch your eye. This project is super exciting because it’s something Austin hasn’t seen in awhile. The 135-unit low-rise building will be the first affordable housing community built in downtown in 45 years.

The community consists of efficiency-style units, which will be leased to people with income lower than $26,400/year, and - this is awesome - 5% of the apartments will be set aside specifically for artists. Rent ranges from $339-665/month, all bills paid.

The true genius of this project doesn’t stop there. Capital Studios utilizes entirely green design: low VOC paints, LED lights, energy efficient appliances and fixtures, solar-thermal water heating and highly efficient HVAC systems. Capital Studios will be also be home to Foundation Communities’ signature education, financial stability, and healthy living programs for residents, including access to dedicated case managers, college prep classes, integrated health care, and one-on-one financial coaching.

The developer is Foundation Communities, an innovative Austin-based company that provides first class, affordable homes and free onsite

support services for thousands of working families with kids, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The company was founded 20 years ago by UT Austin grads with the belief that everyone in Austin should have a nice place to live that they can afford close to good jobs and schools. Foundation Communities has created a model that empowers residents to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. In addition to Capital Studios, the company owns and operates 17 properties in Austin and North Texas. Capital Studios will welcome its first residents early this year.

Capital Studios at 309 E. 11th Street


5th + West at 501 West Ave.This stunning 39-story high-rise condominium started construction December 2014 at the northeast corner of 5th Street and West Avenue. This is a Riverside Resources project, which you might know as the developer of Capital Ridge, the new office building adjacent to the Hotel Granduca, northwest of Bee Cave Road and Capital of Texas Highway. It will have 154 units and is expected to be completed August 2017. The developer began taking reservations at the end of 2014, and if word of mouth is any indication, these condos will not last.

The interior of the building is designed by Austin local Michal Hsu Architects, and the exterior structure is designed by GDA Architects. The sleek triangular structure will have a minimal footprint, razing the existing structure and building up to a height of 448 ft. – not just another condo building, but a slick, modern addition to the sky-scape. The condos will range from 1-3 bedrooms and about 650-3,000 square feet. The estimated pricing is an average of $740/square foot.

5th & West is billed as “unique, casual and effortlessly elegant. This new residential experience is curated for lovers of quintessential Austin, those who demand quality and authenticity without the pretense.”


Gables Republic Park / Hotel Zaza at West 4th & Guadalupe St.Z-Resorts and Gables Residential are partnering in this impressive project at West 4th & Guadalupe across from Republic Square Park. The new 24-story tower will house 216 luxury apartments above a 160-room hotel. The building, which is under construction at the spot where the iconic Ginger Man pub once stood, is designed to blend aethetically with the surrounding Warehouse District. Some architectural elements were preserved during the dismantling process and will be reused in the public spaces of the new building.

Texas-based Hotel Zaza has locations in Dallas and Houston and is a tres chic boutique hotel to beat all boutique hotels. Austin’s Zaza will have two restaurants, cocktail bar, spa, conference center and beaucoup event space. With several new hotels opening in downtown with huge names like Westin and Marriott, it will be interesting to see how Zaza changes the game when it opens in late 2016.

The residences above the hotel will have their own parking, rooftop deck and pool. Not much has been released about the units themselves, but presumably this will be an excellent site for corporate apartments, business travel and luxury urban dwellers. Gables has six other properties around downtown.

COMING SOONNorth Shore Lofts

at 16 N IH35The plan for North Shore Lofts is for a multiple-family development near Rainey Street on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake on the lot next to the Holiday Inn. The project appears to be on hold, but if it goes forward, it will be part of at least 7 other potential Rainey Street projects and, wow, talk about unobstructed, protected views of Lady Bird Lake. More on this one as we have it.

Energy Control Center at West Avenue & Shoal CreekSpeaking of the changing skyline, the Energy Control Center project is set to make an impact as the 2nd tallest building in Austin at 50+ stories. Austin-based Aspen Heights, together with Constructive Ventures, will begin work on the striking glass tower toward the end of 2015.

Austin’s Rhode:Partners is the architecture firm behind this exciting project. Brett Rhode said the tower will be mostly glass, with landscaped areas on different levels that will break down the scale of the building and enhance its visual appeal. It will contain 400 condos, 120,000 square feet of office space and 15,000 square feet of retail space.

The building site on the corner of West and Shoal Creek formerly housed the Austin Energy Control Center, which has moved to East Austin.


99 Trinity Tower (pictured left)Austin-based World Class Capital Group, an investment and asset management firm, purchased the 1-acre tract at Cesar Chavez and Trinity Street across from the Four Seasons residences a couple of years ago, and construction began at the end of 2014. The 37-story, 350-unit residential building’s projected completion date is undetermined as of now. The completed structure will be the tallest apartment building in downtown, and the 4th tallest tower overall at 467 feet.

The units will have high-end, modern finishes with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. The plan includes 14,000 sqft of retail and restaurant space on the ground floor, and floors 2-8 will be parking.

70 Rainey StreetThe proposed development of 70 Rainey Street has been a source of controversy from a couple of different directions. There seems to be some dragging of feet from the city in getting the actual plan approved.

Specifically, there was a tiff over whether the actual site (which covers the addresses 66-72 Rainey Street) would also include the address 64 Rainey Steet. They were not, however, able to secure it.

Other potential opposition comes from members of the neighborhood who don’t like the idea of a 31-story building towering over historic Rainey Street.

Riverside Resources – also developing 5th + West - is the developer. The proposed structure would hold 197 luxury apartments as well as 3,600 square feet of retail and restaurant space in a 31-story (or 25, or 20-story?) tower. This is one of six or seven proposed projects in the Rainey Street area. Stay tuned for updates as they occur.


Or do you just want to get to knowAustin better?

KNOW ANYONE MOVING HERE?

C A L L T O D A Y F O R Y O U R F R E E C I T Y G U I D E !

METRO TRANSIT • SCHOOLS • SHOPPING • FESTIVALS • NEIGHBORHOODS • THEATER • HISTORY OF AUSTIN • HOSPITALS • OUTDOOR GUIDE • DOG PARKS • POOLS • GOLFING •

MUSEUMS • CINEMA • SPAS • BREWERIES • WINERIES • DAY TRIPS • GREEN AUSTIN

5 1 2 - 7 9 4 - 6 7 0 0

S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M


“LUXURY is not defined by price, but by the quality

of service you receive”




What our clients say about us...“Morgan worked with us through the home search and purchase process and did an excellent job. Very professional and without her we would not have had such a positive experience. I recommend her to anyone who is looking for a home in the Austin area.” - Robert, Hyde Park

“If you’re looking for a Real Estate Professional, Shannon Schmitz is the Gold Standard. She’s smart, honest, hard-working, creative, and genuinely enjoys guiding clients through the process of searching & buying, staging/presenting/selling. Shannon helped us sell one home (after it had little activity with another realtor), and she has helped us purchase 4 others... not kidding, FOUR. This lady is your kind of real estate advocate! And don’t think that closing day is when she disappears - our whole family now considers Shannon a friend, and a valuable resource! So if you’re thinking of hunting for real estate, or you’re considering selling what you have, give her a shot, and find out what it’s like to be well taken care of.”-Kimberly, Repeat Client

Morgan was a pleasure to work with, her knowledge of Austin is tremendous and the houses she showed us were exactly what we were looking for. I will work with Morgan on my next home purchase and recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell their home!- Patrick, Bee Caves

“We wanted to express our appreciation to Shannon Schmitz for “showing us Austin” during our recent trip to explore Austin as a potential retirement location. We initially identified her via the Platinum 50 top realtors list in Austin. We met her early in our stay and had a whirlwind experience studying Austin neighborhoods and homes that represented our profile interest. Shannon was extremely friendly and vivacious, clearly knowledgeable of the Austin markets, and attentive to our requests. We have no doubt that Shannon would be “willing to knock on doors” to help us find the right property! Many thanks to this Ambassador for Austin!”-Brian, Pebble Beach, CA


“Best New Restaurant” is an upcoming BRAVO TV competition/reality food series that will feature restaurants from across the nation in a fresh competition that focuses - not just on the chef - but on the restaurants themselves. The series is executive produced by none other than Gordon Ramsay and Tom Colicchio, two of the most acclaimed chefs, restaurateurs and TV personalities in the world.

Colicchio is serving as both host and judge, and if you are a BRAVO-phile like me, you know that this means creative challenges, thoughtful, honest critiques and lots of restaurant shenanigans. Tom will be joined by BlackboardEats.com’s Maggie Nemser and ‘wichcraft’s Jeffrey Zurofsky who will offer their expert opinions on the competing restaurants.

Most of the action will take place on location in the restaurants, which are located in Austin, Miami, New York and LA. The show will capture each establishment’s unique point of view, as well as a look at what it takes to open a successful restaurant. The winner will receive an editorial feature in Bon Appétit magazine, a featured spot at America’s #1 global food festival, “Vegas Uncork’d” by Bon Appétit and $100,000. (Can’t you just hear that in Padma’s voice? I know, wrong show.)

The restaurants will be evaluated by the judges on the restaurant as a whole, including food, hospitality, atmosphere, décor and overall concept. The first part of the competition pits restaurants against each other in pairs based on common themes that reflect their concept, service or cuisine.


BRAVO! Austin hosts four entries for Best New Restaurantwritten by self-described bravophile, brenda johnson


Shared Plates – The Federal (Miami) vs. Swift’s Attic (Austin)Italian Cuisine – Dolce Italian (Miami) vs. Doma Beverly Hills (LA)New Service Concepts – The Church Key (LA) vs. Restaurant Jezebel (Austin)Operated by Couples – R House (Miami) vs. Barlata Tapas Bar (Austin)Battle of the Burger – Porter Ale House and Gastropub (Austin) vs. Tongue & Cheek (Miami)European Inspired – L’Apicio (NY) vs. Little Sparrow (LA)Fast Casual Dining – Morgan’s Barbecue (Brooklyn) vs. Buns & Buns (Miami)Seasonal Menus – Union Restaurant (Pasadena) vs. The Pines (Brooklyn)

Tom C and Chef Parind Vora at Restaurant Jezebel.

The show will depict each restaurant facing the same set of challenges. First, the “Pressure Test” in which 30 diners arrive without notice to see how the staff executes under pressure. Second, two “Undercover Diners” will be wired for sound and video to see what a regular service experience is like when the restaurant does not know it is being judged. Finally, the two paired restaurant concepts meet at a neutral location to

serve dinner to 30 VIP guests. At the end of each round, Tom and the judges will select a winner who will move on to the semi-finals. The semifinal rounds will feature the restaurants battling in two groups to open a pop-up restaurant based around what the eateries see as the next evolution of their current concepts. The grand finale pits the final two restaurants against each

other in a head-to-head contest to put forward their best service possible for a group of 50 VIP diners at Tom’s restaurant Riverpark in New York City. “Best New Restaurant” is currently airing on the BRAVO Network (it began January 21 at 9PM CT). Swift’s Attic and Porter Ale House will be hosting watching parties. Call for details.


When we found out that four new Austin restaurants were going to be featured on a new BRAVO TV series, we knew we were going to cover it in LOCALE Austin. When we discovered that three of the four restaurants had a happy hour, we knew that we needed to schedule an epic Austin Happy Hour Extravaganza. I love my job. All of us at The Shannon Schmitz Group have an ongoing love affair with Austin’s incredible restaurant and bar scene. Our food and drink offerings run the gamut from food truck to fine dining (sometimes both at once). We are fortunate to have some truly world-class artists in our kitchens and bars. When I read about the open casting call for diners for BRAVO’s show “Best New Restaurant” (the details of which were shrouded in secrecy), Jennifer Asbury-Hughes, your LOCALE Austin editor, and I sent in our headshots and earnest, gushing essays about why we were the perfect choices to be wined and dined for TV. Alas, we were not selected (No hard feelings, BRAVO Casting, we still love ya). This, however, did not quell our enthusiasm one bit. We decided to embark on our own journey (for the sake of the magazine, of course) to experience these four “Best New Restaurants.”

first stop. swifts attic.We started our Happy Hour Extravaganza at Swift’s Attic on Congress Avenue, just south of 4th Street. Why did we start there, you ask? Well, our office is super close... and... their happy hour starts at 2:00pm. They are located directly upstairs from the world famous Elephant Room, that oh-so-cool dungeon of jazz awesomeness. Date night, anyone?! Consequently, before we even walked in, I decided that this was probably my favorite place in the world.

The atmosphere is immediately welcoming as you climb the stairs from the street to the “Attic.” The owners have made excellent use of the historic building that was once the Swift’s Premium Food Co. back in 1905. High ceilings, wood floors and gorgeous bar area with both high-top table seating and a luxe, green leather banquette along one wall create a casual elegance that is warm and inviting.

We took a seat at a wooden tall top in the bar area next to a window overlooking the street. In the early afternoon, there were only a few other patrons, so we had the full attention of the very charming, professional staff.

Swift’s is competing in the category of “Shared Plates” for the show, but “overall concept” is part of the competition, so please allow me to gush about cocktails for a moment. WOW! Swift’s has this “Ice Ball” cocktail menu, comprised of several craft cocktails that are the innovative brainchild of Bar Manager, Jeff Hammett. The ingredients of the cocktail are frozen into a ball and served with the liquor poured over the ice ball.

This is a brilliant way to serve thoughtful, delicious craft cocktails without having to stand at the bar and wait 15 minutes while your Mixologist carefully puts your 72-component drink together. Efficiency aside, the ice ball cocktail is an experience from the first sip to the last. As the ball melts, the “The Stage Name”


flavor changes. It’s remarkable from start to finish. I ordered the “Stage Name”, an elegant concoction of sage, lavender bitters and barrel-aged Waterloo gin.

My cohort ordered the Cuidado Piso Mojado, Swift’s Attic’s twist on a margarita with muddled jalapenos and St. Germain liquor. This drink was fantastic and unlike any cocktail either of us had ever tasted. It was a shocking delight! We both - literally - had a physical response with every sip. It’s not just that it was spicy – which it was - but the drink gave you a pop of flavor and energy with each sip. I’m not kidding – it packed a physical and vocal “BANG”! Every. Time. For the record, we’re still talking about it.

The food here appeals to all of the senses. The spicy edamame was accompanied by a mixture of rock salt and POP ROCKS for dipping. It was delicious, perfectly cooked and every pop-laden bite made us giggle like schoolgirls. Another highlight was the squid fingers plate. Please try it. You may have had calamari before, but you’ve never had it this good. Massive, meaty portions of squid fried to perfection in a delicate batter... It was texturally perfect.

Swift’s Attic describes its style as “not holding to any particular cooking genre or style, but rather focused on the creative, whimsical and delicious.” We agree. Everything we tried was exceptionally

scrumptious.

In addition to the upcoming BRAVO show, the restaurant has been garnering a lot of media attention. Food & Wine magazine nominated Chef Mat Clouser as a People’s Choice Best New Chef in 2013 and 2014 and the restaurant has been featured numerous times in publications like DETAILS magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Texas Monthly, Austin Monthly, Delta Sky inflight magazine, and now LOCALE Austin.

Aside from happy hour, they are open for lunch and dinner, offering creative, innovative food and drink in a lovely atmosphere. If you haven’t been yet, it’s about time. Your taste buds will thank you for it. That’s my personal guarantee.

“Cuidado Piso Mojado”

We took the short journey down Congress and over to South 1st and we were soon pulling up to Porter Ale House. I love this neighborhood. Neil, one of the three owners told us how perfect the spot was for what they wanted, and how hard they fought to secure it .

Porter Ale House is an upscale neighborhood bar. I can see myself returning here for a working lunch, to watch a game, to enjoy brunch on the dog-friendly patio or a meet-up with a large group of friends.

They have an incredible beer menu. I consider myself a certified beer nerd. Jennifer ordered a Duchesse du Borgogne, a hard-to-find variety of the sudsy stuff, and we discovered our shared obsession with Sour Ale.

Porter Ale House also has an

NEXT STOP.PORTER ALE HOUSE.


evolved little craft cocktail list. Anyone who thinks to put a gin and tonic on tap is speaking my language. I also have a secret love affair with Mezcal, so the “Up in Smoke” was right up my alley. Smoky and delicious, this cocktail hit all the right notes.

Porter Ale House is competing in the “Battle of the Burger,” so clearly we had to try the Porter Burger. Well, it was already becoming a big food night, so we actually shared the slider-sized portion. All I can say is that when triple-cream brie, pancetta, homemade kettle chips and roasted garlic aioli on a brioche bun come together, the result is a perfect bite. Did I mention the kettle chips are on the burger? We think the Porter Burger’s chances in the competition are really, really good.

Up Next.BARLATA TAPAS BAR

Our next stop took us down South Lamar to Barlata Tapas Bar. Barlata’s atmosphere manages to evoke a traditional Spanish tapas bar and a hip, modern scene you might find in the pages of a trendy culinary magazine.

Barlata is competing in the category of new restaurants managed by couples. Everyone knows that working with one’s partner in life can be a challenge. The husband and wife team Vanessa Jerez and Chef Daniel Olivella seem to have built a magical creative synergy. Their combined love of food and culture is palpable in the atmosphere. Regarding the style and culture of Barlata, Jerez says, “In Spain, there’s a word called ‘tapeo’. They made tapas a verb because it’s an action. It’s more than just eating. It’s a way of life.”

Barlata has both intimate tables in the main restaurant and common seating

in the bar. We decided to be seated in the common area so we could see and discuss what our tablemates were having (which is great for someone like me who sometimes has to be physically restrained from ordering everything on the menu). Barlata certainly makes it hard to choose!

We asked the waiter to bring his favorite dish. He recommended the oxtail with red potatoes. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Oxtail is not a very forgiving meat, but Chef Olivella’s perfectly portioned plate melted in our mouths. It was tender, juicy and flavorful.

As for their liquid concoctions, Barlata did not disappoint. We tried the Lucia, a delightful mix of Mezcal, Aperol, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Lime, Honey and Paella Salt. The smoky yumminess of this cocktail was a perfect compliment to the cheese plate. (Sip, bite, sip, bite).

I have a serious weakness for bubbles. We finished our meal with a glass of Rose Cava and felt supremely elegant - just two ladies on the town and in the know about some of Austin’s best hot spots.


Restaurant Jezebel has a truly unique concept – and when I say “unique,” I mean I’ve never heard of anything quite like it. Neither has the rest of Austin, the surrounding Hill Country and visitors to our fair city, apparently, because it’s really hard to get a reservation. Really hard.Like 6-8 weeks hard. No walk-ins, no bar seating and absolutely no pictures. So, shrouded in mystery, we are still waiting for our reservation, now.

The reason Restaurant Jezebel is small, selective and incredibly popular is that they don’t have a menu.

Chef Parind Vora is at the helm of this concept, billed as “couture dining.” What does that mean? Diners at Jezebel each experience a unique meal. The staff discusses likes and dislikes, preferences and tastes with their guests, and Chef Vora creates a meal based on what they like. Seriously? Wine and cocktail pairings

are carefully choreographed with each course to perfectly compliment each different taste. “The Jezebel experience is one that you will savor forever.” Wow.

Jackets are required, reservations are a must, and diners have a choice of a Five-Course Dinner at $125 per diner or Five Courses with Wine Pairing for $250. From the website: “Your plate is a playground for exotic game and the freshest seafood, and even the most stalwart of classics is prepared with an unexpected sense of wit and flair for the dramatic.”

Jezebel is competing in the area of “New Service Concepts,” against an LA hotspot called The Church Key. Glancing through some press on the competition, it’s an incredibly cool menu with a concept that involves a service staff roaming the restaurant with interesting dishes for guests to try. Tempting and intriguing, yes... but truly unique? It sounds like Jezebel has a great chance of taking the win.

Shrouded in mystery:RESTAURANT JEZEBEL.

IT’S SO EASY!

1. VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.LOCALEAUSTIN.COM

2. FOLLOW THE LINK TO GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION &

TELL US WHERE TO MAIL IT

3. SIT BACK, RELAX AND WAIT FOR THE NEWEST ISSUES TO

COME TO YOUR DOOR!

A C T N O W T O G E T A

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONTO LOCALE AUSTIN!


With them all the way

COMFORT CREWThere are over 1 million military kids that have had a parent deploy at least once since 9/11. Military children separated from their parents due to deployment can experience increased levels of anxiety, fear, and depression that may lead to trouble in school, bullying, substance abuse, and increased risky behavior.

Research also shows that post-deployment families often experience higher levels of stress, instability, and lower levels of family functioning, including divorce. Analysts estimate over 62% of troops returning are receiving support to treat PTSD or PTSD-like symptoms.

The Comfort Crew for Military Kids, founded in 2007, is a 501(c)3 National organization located in Austin that supports military kids ages 6 and up through programs designed to strengthen their social and emotional resilience. The Comfort Crew delivers proven strategies to support and prepare every military child for the unique challenges they face so they

THE ARNETTE FAMILY


COMFORT CREW STORIES: The Arnett Family

Captain Sam Arnett and his family know what it is like to face the challenges of multiple deployments. They have experienced three 12-month deployments over the past eight years. For Sara Jane and her three boys, all under the age of 7, those times of separation have been emotionally challenging. “The boys were experiencing anxiousness, sadness, and worry about their dad being gone and concern for the safety of his life,” Sara Jane shared.

When Sara Jane learned about The Comfort Crew’s resources to help and empower military kids through deployment, she immediately requested them for her boys. The Deployment Kit they received provided strategies to manage their feelings, activities to stay connected, and tools to help them communicate to those close to them. ”The With You All the Way Deployment Kit pushed my sons through months of lonely, sad times,” said Sara Jane. Sara Jane has since helped countless other military families by working with The Comfort Crew and distributing deployment kits in San Antonio.

As a military child, The Comfort Crew’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ronda Englander, grew up thinking that she was the only child who lost her dad in Vietnam. She has experienced how connecting with others and sharing her history has not only helped in healing, but has given her a rewarding opportunity give back to military families like the Arnetts.

“We have an obligation to this new generation of military kids to make sure that they know they are not alone.” – Ronda Englander, Co-Founder and Executive Director

positively impact themselves, their families, and our country.

BRINGING FAMILIES BACK TOGETHER

Bringing Families Back Together is a two-part program that provides strategies that support families during all phases of the deployment cycle. The program is designed to work on both the deployment and reintegration experience by giving children and families the tools to deal with this challenging situation. Part 1 begins with the delivery of the With You All the Way! Dealing with Deployment Kit. This comprehensive set of resources guides families as they prepare for a deployment, offers strategies for staying connected while separated, and helps families plan for their homecoming.

Part 2 is delivery of the follow up resource, Together Again! Helping Military Families Reconnect. This set of resources focuses on the challenges families experience

during the reintegration phase of the deployment cycle.

The core messages in these kits emphasize preparation, communication, and strategies to process emotions. Over 90,000 military kids participate in this program, which can be requested by military support organizations, school counselors and educators, as well as parents. Families needing these and other Comfort Crew resources can request them at no charge through the On-line Military Families Portal at www.comfortcrew.org.

THE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY! TOUR

The Comfort Crew for Military Kids and Co-Founder Trevor Romain are visiting and delivering support to military kids and their classmates in schools on and off bases around the world as part of the USO sponsored the With You All the Way! Tour. The tour is an exciting, educational presentation led by Romain,


sadness; oftentimes, they are a sign of relief or empathy for others.

“There is one powerful image, which, in essence, sums up the true spirit of my journey over the last 12 months. Especially during our continuing USO/Comfort Crew World tour to support military kids.This image also paints a picture of how the world COULD and SHOULD be, illustrated by two little boys whose fathers were both deployed to Afghanistan at the time”.

“Two little boys who were longing for their dads to the point of tears.

Two little boys who comforted each other and demonstrated the power of empathy and hope.

Two little boys who came up to me after my performance and courageously shared their pain.

The picture speaks for itself because no words can truly describe the compassion and caring these hurting little souls expressed as they comforted each other.”

–Trevor Romain

an award-winning TV personality and children’s book author.

Since 2010, the With You All the Way! Tour has visited over 200,000 military kids in over 13 countries sharing Trevor’s vital yet upbeat message, and emphasizing the importance of caring for one another and developing valuable strategies for dealing with the challenges of military life. Shortly after the presentation, The Comfort Crew for Military Kids and the USO provide military kids at each school with a FREE kit containing six full-length episodes of Trevor’s animated PBS TV series, a journal, companion materials, and a journal for parents.

While the presentation focuses on teaching life-long lessons and encouraging positive communication, on occasion, children may feel emotional during the presentation. This is an opportunity for them to express themselves in a healthy manner. Tears are not always a sign of discomfort or

About The Comfort Crew for

Military Kids

The Comfort Crew for Military Kids is a 501(c)3 organization that supports military kids ages 6 and up through programs designed to strengthen their social and emotional resilience. Founded in 2007, The Comfort Crew delivers proven strategies to prepare every military child for the unique challenges they face so they positively impact themselves, their families, and our country.

The Comfort Crew works directly with military children all over the world, and provides them with a wide variety of comfort kits and educational resources that are customized to meet their specific needs and let them know – we are With You All the Way! To learn more about The Comfort Crew for Military Kids or make a donation, please visit www.comfortcrew.org.

The Comfort Crew for Military Kids 1114 Lost Creek Blvd.,Suite G20Austin TX 78746512-337-2739


Trulia, Zillow and other online real estate sites can be useful tools in the

beginning stages of your home search, especially if you’re really not

sure what you’re looking for. But these sites can also be dangerous.

Some things just can’t be automated. There is a reason we don’t have

self-driving cars – human beings are needed to make judgement

calls and react in the moment to a changing environment. You need

human beings to expect the unexpected. More than just humans, you

need experts to get you the most accurate, up-to-date information,

and to understand your human needs as you are looking for a home.

Here are the ways the experts at The Shannon Schmitz Group are

better than Trulia and Zillow.

1. Real Time

When you’re working with us, you get information as soon as it happens – not based on a computer algorithm. We can keep you updated about homes coming available before they hit the market. We have real connections, we’re not just based on MLS searching.

2. We’re Local

We live and work in Austin, and we will give you a real perspective on what it’s like to live in a specific neighborhood. We can give

Why we’re better than

Trulia and Zillow




you accurate information about Austin neighborhoods, schools and communities. We know about the local job market and the economy and can give you information based on our experience as business owners and home owners in Austin – not generated by a marketing company.

3. We’re Human

It’s hard to convey a feeling, a desire or a need to a computer. Your internet search doesn’t pick up on nuance. We listen to you and ask informed questions to gain a clear picture of what you’re looking for in a home. We also aren’t relying on one set of data that automatically populates in a digital list – our information is based on multiple local and national resources as well as our relationships with social and business leaders. Your internet search is never going to get into a car and drive the neighborhood for you to get live information.

4. We’re Accurate

Information on these search sites can be old and outdated. In this fast-paced market, you need to move quickly to get the best deal on the property you want. You can’t waste time chasing down up-to-date information. We have access to the most current information about properties in Austin. We can give you the information you need, when you need it.

If you or anyone you know is looking to make any kind of real estate

transaction, please give us a call. Partners Shannon T. Schmitz and Morgan

Smith have more than 30 combined years of experience in real estate. in

this fast-paced, growing market, you need to be sure you hire a tenured

professional to watch out for your best interest. Shannon and Morgan

have a reputation for guiding and advising their clients to make the best

possible deals on the ideal home. Give them a call today to see what they

can do for you!




AUST

IN

SHANNON SCHMITZ GROUPAT AUS T I N POR T FOL IO R EA L E S TAT E

WE SELL HOMES ALL OVER AUSTIN

FROM THE LARGEST ESTATES

TO THE TINIEST ABODES.

CALL US IF YOU ARE THINKING

ABOUT MAKING YOUR MOVE.

1611 W. FIFTH STREET, SUITE 100 | AUSTIN TEXAS 78703WWW.SHANNONSCHMITZGROUP.COM | (512) 794-6700

This magazine is not intended to solicit to those already working with a REALTOR®

MORGAN SMITHCO-FOUNDER/ REALTOR®, CLHMS

[email protected]

(512) 466-5224

SHANNON T. SCHMITZCO-FOUNDER/ REALTOR®, [email protected]

(512) 426-9069

locale austin - winter edition 2015

Documents

n n o n s c h

c o m5204

c o mletter

i t z g r o u p

r r y t o w

c i t yaustins new skyline

s new tv

edition of locale austin