 |
|
Envisioning Austins Market District |
| |
|
09/01/2003 |
| |
Original Article in the Austin City Lofts Newsletter - Fall 2003
Written by: Bradley F. Schlosser, President of Schlosser Development
To understand the concept behind Austins Market District, you first have to understand what a market is and appreciate what it does. Traditionally, the "market" has been a destination where people congregate to exchange ideas, purchase goods and further their respective communities. It is a center of activity full of people energy. Consequently, the market is a place where everyone wants to be.
When I first purchased the land near downtown at Sixth and Lamar Boulevard, the vision was to create an urban center of activity for all of Austin. I wanted people to regard the Market District (as we would soon call it) as they regard parts of New York City, San Francisco and London. I saw people living and working in the Market District. I saw people walking up and down the street to shop, meet friends or grab something to eat. I saw the Market District as the place that everyone wanted to be. Now, Im seeing my vision become a reality.
Soon, Whole Foods Market will open its Landmark Store - the largest in the world. This special place, the keystone of the Market District, will offer the greatest selection of foods in the United States. As part of their project, Whole Foods is also planning amazing public spaces outfitted with locally produced art and cultural elements. As soon as Whole Foods Market moves into its new space, we will start to redevelop the old Whole Foods space. This space will soon become Sixth & Lamar, a pedestrian-oriented center offering Austins best and hippest shopping (including the nationally acclaimed Book People), great entertainment opportunities as well as a number of enticing restaurants.
After Sixth & Lamar opens, we will begin working on Shoal Creek Walk (the land across the creek from Austin City Lofts). Again, we will focus on creating another special piece of the Market District. The plan for this area is to add more shopping and restaurants.
The Market District is well on its way to becoming an urban beacon that will attract all of Austin to live, shop, work and play. I am excited to be a part of this project and hope you will have as much fun enjoying the Market District as we did helping create it. |
|
|
|
|
|
