The Allandale Reporter

Dancer's Shape - Coming Soon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2010 
Media Contact:
Kevin Smothers, Pulse                                                                         
512.466.4041
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FORMER RADIO CITY ROCKETTE KICKS IT UP A NOTCH AT THE BARRE WITH AN INTENSE BODY SCULPTING TECHNIQUE AS DANCERS SHAPE PREMIERES ON BURNET ROAD 

Austin, TX–Bursting onto the local fitness scene with a studio concept featuring blended methods unique to Austin, Dancers Shape has announced its grand opening on October 25th. Located in the recently completed mixed-use project at 5350 Burnet Road, Dancers Shape will offer a variety of classes utilizing time-tested practices, with elements from the “best of the best,” to introduce a new style of fitness to Central Texas. Founded by former Radio City Rockette and UT Alum Jennifer McCamish, the studio will offer McCamish’s signature Dancers Shape class, in addition to classes that include non-traditional Pilates, yoga and dance-inspired stretching techniques designed to strengthen, tone and sculpt the body. 

State of the Re:Union - NPR Story on Wal-Mart Fight

Tom Linehan

I picked up a post to the Crestview listserve about a story NPR recently did on Austin that is now live on the NPR web site. The story is about the neighborhoods' fight against the colossal Wal-Mart that was originally planned for Northcross. NPR's State of the Re:Union is a series "to explore how a particular American city or town creates community, the ways people transcend challenging circumstances and the vital cultural narratives that give an area its uniqueness." Including Austin in the series seems like a natural given the city's growth and interest in preserving its uniqueness - keeping Austin Weird. Here is a link to the story they did on Austin. Segment B is the one that pertains to the community fight against the Wal-Mart at Northcross. It is told from the RG4N perspective. Allandale's involvement is not mentioned. I drove by the store yesterday and talked to an employee walking into the store who said store opening is scheduled for October 27.

Angela's Brew & Ballyhoo Open at 5350 Burnet

 Finally, finally, the doors are open and the sign is up!  Our press release is attached and we hope this will be of interest to your readers. We're looking forward to meeting our neighbors and serving the Allandale community! 

Thank you and have a fun day!

Angela Therwhanger, Owner

5350 Burnet Rd, Ste 8
Austin, Texas 78756
512-773-7800

www.angelasbrew.com
angelasbrew@gmail.com

Trees Going in at Wal-Mart

What you have here are pictures of a tree being lowered into its hole, the front of Wal-Mart with 3 trees to the left that are in their holes but not planted and the one to the right which is planted, and then the tree that has just arrived and is still wrapped. 

 

Kay Newell

Wal-Mart Rising

There was a small article in the business section of the Austin American-Statesman this past week on construction of the Wal-Mart at Northcross along with a photo of the building under construction. Click here to read "Northcross Walmart taking shape."

Update on Twin Oaks Biergarten

There were approximately a dozen neighbors that showed up at the Putt Putt place to meet with the Bucys (father and son) and go over their plans for the facility. Here is a description of the planned Biergarten John handed out to the group along with a layout of the place.

"Twin Oaks Biergarten, LLC located at 6700 Burnet Road in the heart of Austin is an all outdoor family friendly facility with mini golf, a play scape, 2 sand volleyball courts  for league play plus food drinks and fun! Twin Oaks will be a great place to watch the game, hang out with friends and co-workers after a long day of work or host a party!"

Here are some of my notes from the meeting:

• there will be a small restaurant that serves beer and wine
• will include two volleyball courts, biergarten, playscape, miniature golf, and bounce house
• plan to fence off the the entire back of the property that will include a gate
• hours of operation will be 11:00 to midnight on weekdays, 10:00 to midnight on Saturdays, and 10:00 to not sure yet on Sundays
• volleyball league play will end at 10:00 p.m.
• will adhere to the city's sound decibel level restrictions
• live music (singer-songwriter-type music) planned for Saturday evenings ending at 10:00
• no change to existing parking lot
• plans are to open up in June
• will have security system in place after hours
• the two large trees on the property will remain

Some of the neighbor comments/concerns:

• noise at previous Putt Putt facility was loud at times
• would like the fence to run the length of the property line along the parking lot
• "would you consider additional sound barriers beyond the planned 8' fence?"
• "why are you staying open so late?"
• one person recommended having the play area closer to the seating area similar to Amy's and to Central Market where parents can keep a closer watch on their children. The current configuration does not make it truly family-friendly for families with small children.

Biergarten in Allandale?

Here's the information on what is going on at 6700 Burnet. It will be another venue where we can have families and a place to have parties..

Dear Donna Beth McCormick and the Allandale Neighborhood Association,

My name is John Bucy and I am the President and founder of the Twin Oaks Biergarten, LLC. Twin Oaks is a family business that I am starting with my Father. I was born and raised in Austin Texas and my father attended Law School at the University of Texas back in 1978 and has been in Austin ever since. When I was a kid we were regular visitors to the Putt Putt facility on Burnett Road and have missed hanging out there since it shut down multiple years ago. We are looking forward to  reviving the facility and serving the community with family friendly fun activities!

Twin Oaks Biergarten located at 6700 Burnet Road in the heart of Austin is an all outdoor family friendly facility with mini golf, a play scape, 2 sand volleyball courts for league play plus food drinks and  fun! Twin Oaks will offer only beer and wine. Twin Oaks will be a great  place to watch the game or host a party!

We are looking forward to being in the community and we hope to be a great place for all of the Allendale residents to hang out and bring their families,

Thank you,
John Bucy
President
Twin Oaks Biergarten, LLC.
214-914-9664 (Company phone number coming soon)
twinoaksaustin@gmail.com

Wal-Mart Rendering

Here is a summary of the presentation given by Walmart representatives (Trey Salinas and Joe Grasso) to the ANA Executive Committee at last Thursday's meeting along with the rendering of the planned store. This summary is from the draft minutes of the meeting:

Latest site plan renderings were presented, and will be posted on the ANA website when available.  The Walmart is still a Supercenter in that it will sell both merchandise and groceries (about 37%); however, the total size is now approximately 98,000 square feet and there will be no garden center or parking garage.  The store will be closed between 1-5 am except on specified “holidays”; Walmart reserves the right to change their hours of operation to 24-hours in the event that a competitor (within 2 mile radius) does so.  Initial construction is underway with planned opening end of October 2010.  A total of 16 transplant trees (14- to 16-inch trees) have been purchased for the site (this is in addition to smaller tree plantings) (numerous existing mature trees were removed at the site).  Truck traffic is expected to be approximately five 18-wheeler Walmart trucks per day in addition to other smaller supply trucks.  Truck routes are from IH 35 to US Hwy 183 to Burnet Road to shopping center entrance south of Anderson Lane; exit will be by way of St. Louis Blvd to Anderson Lane to MoPac.  Various questions were asked and answered.

FOR RENT, 5350 BURNET

by Tom Linehan

A view of downtown from Burnet Road? That's what Amy Bankowski, Community Manager of the new 5350 Burnet Apartment development tells me you will have leasing one of their fourth floor units. You can see the UT tower and downtown Austin. Who would have thought? The road known for used car lots and used clothing stores is going upscale. Is Allandale ready to be “the Real Austin”, as referred to in the 5350 Burnet apartment brochure? It likens Burnet Road to South Congress and says it's filled with “funky shops and restaurants.” 

Apothecary Cafe and Wine Bar: The Place to go for what Ails You

by Tom Linehan

I was initially drawn to this relatively new cafe in the neighborhood from comments posted to the Allandale Listserve. One post said it has “great atmosphere, great wine, great food, great music, and friendly staff!” Another said, “It is just a neat little place and I would like to see it make it.”

Apothecary Cafe and Wine Bar offers a select choice of loose leaf teas, coffee and espresso that is roasted locally by Owl Tree Roasting, wines, and a variety of paninis, soups, and salads in a space that reminds me of a small European cafe. The locally owned restaurant at 4800 Burnet Rd in Rosedale Village next to Breath and Body Yoga, opened in October 2009. It is jointly owned by Chris Albert (see above photo) and Niraj Medhiratta, two friends who met in college and who independently dreamed of opening a restaurant. It is apparent when you enter Apothecary that the two partners put a lot of thought into to creating the right ambiance. Chris describes it as having a real cozy feel with Morrocan, Asian, Indian, and European influences.