landmark commission

The neighborhoods with the most character are often historic and central. For this reason, it was probably inevitable that the Historic Rainey Street neighborhood in the heart of downtown would become a very cool district of restaurant and bars.

First came Lustre Pearl and Clive.

Then, the G' Raj Mahal Cafe. Now, three more houses are entering the process to become restaurants or bars.

Since the entire district is registered as a National Historic District, all such requests must pass through Austin's Landmark Commission.

Although Marriott has announced that it will delay the construction of its mammoth hotel on Congress, it has already demolished the storefronts that used to house Las Manitas and the Tesoros Trading Company.

 This block will now sit largely vacant until Marriott feels the economy has recovered enough to proceed with construction.