AUSTIN
LOCALE Y O U R
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E N J O Y I N G
Austin’s New Skyline is Coming. Are You Ready?
T H E
C A P I T A L
C I T Y
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
LETTER FROM THE SHANNON SCHMITZ GROUP
Thank you for picking up our magazine! 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!
Shannon Schmitz Group 2
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CONTENTS SMALL SPACE DESIGN
6
PAUL CAROZZA
12
DOWNTOWN REDEFINED
18
BRAVO AUSTIN!
32
WITH THEM ALL THE WAY
39
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SMALL SPACE
RUNS THE GAMUT OF AUSTIN FITNESS
GET READY FOR A TOTALLY DIFFERENT SKYSCAPE IN ATX
AUSTIN HOSTS FOUR ENTRIES FOR BEST NEW RESTAURANT ON BRAVO!
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL NONPROFIT COMFORT CREW
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
5204 MARTIN AVENUE
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2100 GRISWOLD
T A R R Y T O W N O F F E R E D
A TWINTER$2015 1 | LOCALE , 8 0AUSTIN 0 MAGAZINE , 0 0| 50 S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
design in small spaces 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!
2. Authentic is always in.
3. All that glitters isn’t gold... not anymore.
living and amazing high rise spaces
produced items. Keep your focus on
bronze, swanky silver, retro brass, dazzling
lends the opportunity to transform a small
original pieces with history. Use your
gold and pristine pewter are all working
dwelling into a lavish abode. With fewer
grandparents’ furniture, reclaimed vintage
together this season. Add mirrors into the
pieces needed to fill smaller spaces you
finds or handmade pieces. Consider
metal mix, antiqued or otherwise, to reflect
can really splurge. Be it high-end back
using antique doors as a room divider or
light and color across rooms.
splashes, a custom-made leather sofa or
headboard. Also try using old window
original wall treatments, make all of your
frames or iron as wall decor. Bring as
pieces statements!
much of the past into your home as
Austin’s trend to smaller more sustainable
Ditch the reproductions and mass-
possible.
Blending multiple metals is in. Brilliant
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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 8
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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 lauren@revivaltx.com Photo Credit @AnaCarolinaFoto
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Paul Carozza
Runs the Gamut of Austin Fitness
BY LISA RODMAN
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PHOTO CREDIT @ANACAROLINA FOTO
“Paul was promoting running in Austin before running was cool.” – Bob Wynn, Board of Directors, The Trail Foundation A philanthropist is defined as a “person
Running was the only thing they were
Born to Run, which provides running
who seeks to promote the welfare
allowed to do together unchaperoned.
programs for children, adults and senior
of others.” Some philanthropists
Their love for each other - and a love for
citizens through the support of area
are people who give generously of
fitness - grew from there.
employers.
well-known community members
In 2002, Paul and Sheila founded the
ATX100, a program specially designed to
who raise thousands of dollars by
RunTex Foundation in Austin with a
help those who want to lose 100 pounds
connecting people and making things
mission to increase fitness across the city,
or more.
happen. Some are private individuals
state and nation via community events
who establish their own nonprofit
and group training. Today, the RunTex
In 2012, Carrozza and the RunTex
foundations or philanthropic funds.
Foundation helms many successful
Foundation brought back a much-loved
community initiatives, including the popular
Austin holiday institution: Trail of Lights,
free water stations on the Lady Bird Lake
a fantastic display of lights set up along
running trail.
Zilker Park’s running trail. (Due to lack of
their time and expertise. Others are
Paul Carrozza has done it all. Known as one of the driving forces
funding, the Trail of Lights had been cut by
behind the running community in
True to its founder’s entrepreneurial spirit,
Austin, Paul Carrozza embodies the
the RunTex Foundation quickly became
sweet spot where entrepreneurship and
an incubator, launching many fitness
Paul’s philosophy is to build programs with
philanthropy meet.
programs that have taken on a life of their
an eye toward “independency, not co-
own. Carrozza founded and developed
dependency.” Marathon Kids weaned itself
well-known programs like:
from RunTex Foundation’s seed support
Paul’s love of fitness began when he and his wife Sheila started their
the City Council in 2010).
and went on to be wildly successful. Last
courtship in high school. He was on
Marathon Kids, which partners with
year, the Trail of Lights Foundation was
the basketball team, and she was a
schools to introduce children to running
formed as a separate entity and is now
cheerleader for the rival school across
and healthy lifestyle choices through
operating independently of the RunTex
town. Paul was raised in a conservative
training and activities
Foundation. Carrozza says he will now
Church of Christ household and Sheila
turn his attention to mobility and fitness for
in an equally strict Mormon home.
seniors. WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE |
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“Paul has an unbelievable ability to get
Recognize Good’s Ethics in Business
LOCALE Austin Contributing Writer Lisa
people to move and behave in ways
& Community Award, which honors
Rodman’s 20+ year career in nonprofit
they wouldn’t by themselves.” says Peter
individuals, businesses and nonprofits who
management, corporate philanthropic
Inman, principal at Camino Real Financial
demonstrate exemplary ethical practices.
initiatives, and organizational development
Strategies
is defined by outreach and service.
Austin has become known as one of the
Having served in leadership positions with
Paul’s expertise and community
fittest cities in the nation. According to the
organizations such as the Austin Children’s
involvement have placed him at the
American College of Sports Medicine,
Museum, Breast Cancer Resource Center of
forefront of the fitness community both
Austin is the 14th healthiest city in the
Central Texas, Good Shepherd, GuideStar,
nationally and locally. He served two terms
United States. Why Austin? According to
HeartGift Foundation, Hospice Austin, the
on the President’s Council on Sports and
Paul Carrozza, “Lady Bird Lake Trail is in
Junior League, and United Way, she founded
Fitness, served as the Co-Chair for the
the middle of the city - where Austinites
Rodman & Associates with the desire to help
Governor’s Fitness Council, and is the
live, work and congregate. Fitness is
others experience the joy found in doing for
Founder and Chair of the Austin Mayor’s
the one great democratizer. It is the
others.
Council on Fitness. Paul received The
one platform where everyone can come
Austin Project’s Rostow Award, which
together on equal footing.”
honors Community Catalysts, as well as
WHAT WOULD YOU DO
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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.
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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.
SPECIAL REPORT: AUSTIN, TEXAS HOUSING MARKET
2015 Predictions
• 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
2014 was such a banner year for Austin Real
hard evidence that price increases are simply due to a supply and demand
Estate that some are asking whether Austin is
situation.”
facing another housing bubble. Mark Dotzour,
an economist and head of The Real Estate
According to Sprague, “The good news is the real estate and housing market will
Center at Texas A & M University believes that
increasingly depend on fundamentals such as job growth, rising incomes, and
rising home prices are due to organic causes,
more household formation which are all strong in Austin.”
like the steady stream of people moving to
Texas from other states. His feeling is that it’s
“The next big question is interest rates,” Says Smith. “Experts are
a simple case of supply of homes not keeping
predicting rates will stay steady through the end of 2015. And remember,
up with demand.
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
Co-Founder/Partner of the Shannon Schmitz
looking to buy or sell”
Shannon Schmitz Group
Austin Portfolio Real Estate - Powered by Keller Williams Luxury International 512-794-6700 | www.ShannonSchmitzGroup.com
7122 WOODHOLLOW #18
N O R T H W E S T H I L L S O F F E R E D
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B O U L D I N 16
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5408 AURORA DRIVE #A
B R E N T W O O D O F F E R E D
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DOWNTOWN 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.
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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.
PHOTO Credit: zappysprings.com
WINTERto 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | 19 Get ready for a sneak peek of what’s come.
S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
Seaholm Residences at 222 West Avenue
“preserving a piece of the
construction doesn’t begin
past and uniting it with
until this summer
Down the street from 5th + West, between the future,” according to Cesar Chavez and 3rd Streets lies one of the developer, Southwest
(2015), the residences
the most exciting projects in Austin yet. It
Strategies Group. The
the end of 2014. Other
has been a long journey for the Seaholm
project includes a 30
confirmed tenants will
Power Plant redevelopment project, but
story high rise with 280
include Athenahealth, Boiler
this major addition to downtown is finally
condominiums, almost
9, True Food Kitchen, Map
underway.
150,000 square feet of
My Fitness, Jackson Ruiz
were 99% sold as of
office space, close to 50,000 Salon and Optique. The The iconic 1950’s Art Deco-style Seaholm square feet of retail and Power Plant is being morphed into a restaurant space (including
residences have wonderful, open designs with floor to
mixed-use attraction that will literally
a Trader Joe’s, gasp!), event ceiling windows boasting
change the face of downtown Austin,
space and a huge terrace
protected views of the lake
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overlooking Lady Bird Lake.
- you literally can’t build
Despite the fact that
anything in between.
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Central Library at 710 W. Cesar Chavez
thinking and eco-friendly design, reading porches, and hints of the
This is not your mother’s library!
unexpected make it really exciting. This library will revolutionize
BuildingATX.com wrote, “Gone are the days of the stodgy
the way we look at libraries – what do we need from a library that
librarian shushing loud patrons. That dusty old stereotype, as
we can’t get from a smartphone? The renderings show a gathering
well as the idea of a library as a building just filled with books,
place where people can collaborate and tap into resources that are
computers, and the occasional special event, has been replaced digital, analog and HUMAN! with new concepts of what a library could and should be, and Austin will have a shining example of that in 2016.”
Just up the street from the Seaholm project, the Central Library will be part of this new booming area downtown. Construction is
The new Central Library’s size, amenities, art spaces, forward-
scheduled to be complete in Spring 2016.
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
YOUR NATIONAL LEADER IN THE 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
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
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REAL ESTATE MARKETING WINNER OF A NATIONAL MARKETING AWARD FROM THE CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING’S MILLION DOLLAR GUILD.
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
Shannon Schmitz Group
Austin Portfolio Real Estate - Powered by Keller Williams Luxury International 512-794-6700 | www.ShannonSchmitzGroup.com
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
Green Water Block 1 at San Antonio & Cesar Chavez The 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, 436unit 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. 24
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Capital Studios at 309 E. 11th Street Capital Studios will grace the northeast
The true genius of this project doesn’t
support services for thousands of working
corner of 11th Street and San Jacinto
stop there. Capital Studios utilizes entirely
families with kids, veterans, seniors, and
with a fun, geometric structure that will
green design: low VOC paints, LED lights,
individuals with disabilities. The company
really catch your eye. This project is super
energy efficient appliances and fixtures,
was founded 20 years ago by UT Austin
exciting because it’s something Austin
solar-thermal water heating and highly
grads with the belief that everyone in
hasn’t seen in awhile. The 135-unit low-
efficient HVAC systems. Capital Studios
Austin should have a nice place to live
rise building will be the first affordable
will be also be home to Foundation
that they can afford close to good jobs and
housing community built in downtown in
Communities’ signature education,
schools. Foundation Communities has
45 years.
financial stability, and healthy living
created a model that empowers residents
programs for residents, including access
to achieve educational success, financial
The community consists of efficiency-style
to dedicated case managers, college prep
stability, and healthier lifestyles. In addition
units, which will be leased to people with
classes, integrated health care, and one-
to Capital Studios, the company owns and
income lower than $26,400/year, and - this
on-one financial coaching.
operates 17 properties in Austin and North Texas. Capital Studios will welcome its
is awesome - 5% of the apartments will be set aside specifically for artists. Rent
The developer is Foundation
ranges from $339-665/month, all bills
Communities, an innovative Austin-
paid.
based company that provides first class, affordable homes and free onsite
first residents early this year.
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
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.”
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The 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 Creek Speaking of the changing skyline, the
COMING SOON
North Shore Lofts at 16 N IH35
to make an impact as the 2nd tallest
Gables Republic Park / Hotel Zaza at West 4th & Guadalupe St.
building in Austin at 50+ stories. Austin-
Z-Resorts and Gables Residential are partnering in this impressive project at
based Aspen Heights, together with
West 4th & Guadalupe across from Republic Square Park. The new 24-story
Constructive Ventures, will begin work on
tower will house 216 luxury apartments above a 160-room hotel. The building,
the striking glass tower toward the end of
which is under construction at the spot where the iconic Ginger Man pub
2015.
once stood, is designed to blend aethetically with the surrounding Warehouse
Energy Control Center project is set
District. Some architectural elements were preserved during the dismantling Austin’s Rhode:Partners is the
process and will be reused in the public spaces of the new building.
architecture firm behind this exciting project. Brett Rhode said the tower will
Texas-based Hotel Zaza has locations in Dallas and Houston and is a tres
be mostly glass, with landscaped areas
chic boutique hotel to beat all boutique hotels. Austin’s Zaza will have two
on different levels that will break down
restaurants, cocktail bar, spa, conference center and beaucoup event space.
the scale of the building and enhance its
With several new hotels opening in downtown with huge names like Westin and
visual appeal. It will contain 400 condos,
Marriott, it will be interesting to see how Zaza changes the game when it opens
120,000 square feet of office space and
in late 2016.
15,000 square feet of retail space. The residences above the hotel will have their own parking, rooftop deck and The building site on the corner of West
pool. Not much has been released about the units themselves, but presumably
and Shoal Creek formerly housed the
this will be an excellent site for corporate apartments, business travel and
Austin Energy Control Center, which has
luxury urban dwellers. Gables has six other properties around downtown.
moved to East Austin.
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
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 Street The 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 28
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
the Rainey Street area. Stay tuned for updates as they occur.
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
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“LUXURY is not defined by price, but by the quality of service you receive”
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
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
Shannon Schmitz Group
Austin Portfolio Real Estate - Powered by Keller Williams Luxury International 512-794-6700 | www.ShannonSchmitzGroup.com
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
“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.
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
BRAVO!
Austin hosts four entries for Best New Restaurant 33 written by self-described bravophile, brenda johnson WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE |
S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
Tom C and Chef Parind Vora at Restaurant Jezebel.
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) The show will depict each restaurant facing the
serve dinner to 30 VIP guests. At the end of each
same set of challenges. First, the “Pressure
round, Tom and the judges will select a winner
Test” in which 30 diners arrive without notice
who will move on to the semi-finals.
to see how the staff executes under pressure. Second, two “Undercover Diners” will be wired
The semifinal rounds will feature the restaurants
for sound and video to see what a regular service battling in two groups to open a pop-up restaurant experience is like when the restaurant does not
based around what the eateries see as the next
know it is being judged. Finally, the two paired
evolution of their current concepts. The grand
restaurant concepts meet at a neutral location to 34 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | WINTER 2015
finale pits the final two restaurants against each
S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
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 worldclass 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
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.
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
why we were the perfect choices to
the ice ball.
be wined and dined for TV. Alas, we were not selected (No hard feelings,
This is a brilliant way to serve
BRAVO Casting, we still love ya).
thoughtful, delicious craft cocktails without having to stand at the bar
This, however, did not quell our
and wait 15 minutes while your
enthusiasm one bit. We decided to
Mixologist carefully puts your
embark on our own journey (for the
72-component drink together.
sake of the magazine, of course)
Efficiency aside, the ice ball cocktail
to experience these four “Best New Restaurants.”
We took a seat at a wooden tall top
“The Stage Name”
is an experience from the first sip
WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | 35 H A Nthe N O ball N S C melts, H M I T Z Gthe R O U P. C O M to the last.SAs
flavor changes. It’s remarkable from start
NEXT STOP. PORTER ALE HOUSE.
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
“Cuidado Piso Mojado” scrumptious.
We took the short journey down Congress and over to South 1st and
- but the drink gave you a pop of flavor and energy with each sip. I’m not kidding
In addition to the upcoming
we were soon pulling up to Porter
– it packed a physical and vocal “BANG”!
BRAVO show, the restaurant has
Ale House. I love this neighborhood.
Every. Time. For the record, we’re still
been garnering a lot of media
Neil, one of the three owners told us
talking about it.
attention. Food & Wine magazine
how perfect the spot was for what
nominated Chef Mat Clouser as a
they wanted, and how hard they
The food here appeals to all of the senses.
People’s Choice Best New Chef in
fought to secure it .
The spicy edamame was accompanied by
2013 and 2014 and the restaurant
a mixture of rock salt and POP ROCKS for
has been featured numerous
Porter Ale House is an upscale
dipping. It was delicious, perfectly cooked
times in publications like DETAILS
neighborhood bar. I can see myself
and every pop-laden bite made us giggle
magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Texas
returning here for a working lunch,
like schoolgirls. Another highlight was
Monthly, Austin Monthly, Delta
to watch a game, to enjoy brunch on
the squid fingers plate. Please try it. You
Sky inflight magazine, and now
the dog-friendly patio or a meet-up
may have had calamari before, but you’ve
LOCALE Austin.
with a large group of friends.
portions of squid fried to perfection in a
Aside from happy hour, they are
They have an incredible beer menu.
delicate batter... It was texturally perfect.
open for lunch and dinner, offering
I consider myself a certified beer
creative, innovative food and drink
nerd. Jennifer ordered a Duchesse
Swift’s Attic describes its style as “not
in a lovely atmosphere. If you
du Borgogne, a hard-to-find variety
holding to any particular cooking genre or
haven’t been yet, it’s about time.
of the sudsy stuff, and we discovered
style, but rather focused on the creative,
Your taste buds will thank you for
our shared obsession with Sour Ale.
whimsical and delicious.” We agree.
it. That’s my personal guarantee.
never had it this good. Massive, meaty
Everything we tried was exceptionally 36
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
Porter Ale House also has an
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
Up Next. BARLATA TAPAS BAR
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
in Smoke” was right up my alley. Smoky
someone like me who sometimes
and delicious, this cocktail hit all the right
has to be physically restrained from
notes.
ordering everything on the menu). Barlata certainly makes it hard to choose! We asked the waiter to bring his favorite dish. He recommended the Our next stop took us down South
oxtail with red potatoes. I wasn’t sure
Lamar to Barlata Tapas Bar. Barlata’s
what to expect. Oxtail is not a very
Porter Ale House is competing in the
atmosphere manages to evoke a
forgiving meat, but Chef Olivella’s
“Battle of the Burger,” so clearly we had
traditional Spanish tapas bar and a hip,
perfectly portioned plate melted in
to try the Porter Burger. Well, it was
modern scene you might find in the
our mouths. It was tender, juicy and
already becoming a big food night, so we
pages of a trendy culinary magazine.
flavorful.
All I can say is that when triple-cream
Barlata is competing in the category
As for their liquid concoctions,
brie, pancetta, homemade kettle chips
of new restaurants managed by
Barlata did not disappoint. We tried
and roasted garlic aioli on a brioche bun
couples. Everyone knows that working
the Lucia, a delightful mix of Mezcal,
come together, the result is a perfect
with one’s partner in life can be a
Aperol, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Lime,
bite. Did I mention the kettle chips are on
challenge. The husband and wife
Honey and Paella Salt. The smoky
the burger? We think the Porter Burger’s
team Vanessa Jerez and Chef Daniel
yumminess of this cocktail was a
chances in the competition are really,
Olivella seem to have built a magical
perfect compliment to the cheese
really good.
creative synergy. Their combined
plate. (Sip, bite, sip, bite).
actually shared the slider-sized portion.
love of food and culture is palpable in the atmosphere. Regarding the style
I have a serious weakness for
and culture of Barlata, Jerez says, “In
bubbles. We finished our meal
Spain, there’s a word called ‘tapeo’.
with a glass of Rose Cava and felt
They made tapas a verb because it’s
supremely elegant - just two ladies
an action. It’s more than just eating. It’s
on the town and in the know about
a way of life.”
some of Austin’s best hot spots.
Barlata has both intimate tables in the main restaurant and common seating
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
Shrouded in mystery: RESTAURANT JEZEBEL.
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
AC T
N O W
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A
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
Restaurant Jezebel has a truly unique
Wine Pairing for $250. From
concept – and when I say “unique,” I
the website: “Your plate is a
mean I’ve never heard of anything quite
playground for exotic game and
like it. Neither has the rest of Austin, the
the freshest seafood, and even
surrounding Hill Country and visitors to
the most stalwart of classics is
our fair city, apparently, because it’s really
prepared with an unexpected
hard to get a reservation. Really hard.
sense of wit and flair for the
Like 6-8 weeks hard. No walk-ins, no bar
dramatic.”
seating and absolutely no pictures. So, shrouded in mystery, we are still waiting
Jezebel is competing in the area
for our reservation, now.
of “New Service Concepts,” against an LA hotspot called
The reason Restaurant Jezebel is small,
The Church Key. Glancing
selective and incredibly popular is that
through some press on the
they don’t have a menu.
competition, it’s an incredibly cool menu with a concept that
Chef Parind Vora is at the helm of this
involves a service staff roaming
concept, billed as “couture dining.” What
the restaurant with interesting
does that mean? Diners at Jezebel each
dishes for guests to try.
experience a unique meal. The staff
Tempting and intriguing, yes...
discusses likes and dislikes, preferences
but truly unique? It sounds like
and tastes with their guests, and Chef
Jezebel has a great chance of
Vora creates a meal based on what they
taking the win.
like. Seriously? Wine and cocktail pairings
COMFORT CREW There 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
With them all the way THE ARNETTE FAMILY
Comfort Crew delivers proven strategies to support and prepare every military child for the unique challenges they face so they WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE |
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
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 kids to make| sure 40military | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE WINTER that 2015 they know they are S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M not alone.” – Ronda Englander, Co-Founder and Executive Director
positively impact themselves,
during the reintegration phase of
their families, and our country.
the deployment cycle.
BRINGING FAMILIES BACK TOGETHER
The core messages in these kits emphasize preparation, communication, and strategies
Bringing Families Back Together to process emotions. Over is a two-part program that
90,000 military kids participate
provides strategies that support
in this program, which can be
families during all phases of the
requested by military support
deployment cycle. The program
organizations, school counselors
is designed to work on both the
and educators, as well as
deployment and reintegration
parents. Families needing
experience by giving children
these and other Comfort Crew
and families the tools to deal
resources can request them at
with this challenging situation.
no charge through the On-line
Part 1 begins with the delivery
Military Families Portal at www.
of the With You All the Way!
comfortcrew.org.
Dealing with Deployment Kit. This comprehensive set of resources guides families as
THE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY! TOUR
they prepare for a deployment, offers strategies for staying
The Comfort Crew for Military
connected while separated,
Kids and Co-Founder Trevor
and helps families plan for their
Romain are visiting and
homecoming.
delivering support to military kids and their classmates
Part 2 is delivery of the follow
in schools on and off bases
up resource, Together Again!
around the world as part of
Helping Military Families
the USO sponsored the With
Reconnect. This set of
You All the Way! Tour. The
resources focuses on the
tour is an exciting, educational
challenges families experience
presentation led by Romain,
About The Comfort Crew for Military Kids
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/ an award-winning TV personality and
Comfort Crew World tour to support
children’s book author.
military kids.This image also paints a picture of how the world COULD and
Since 2010, the With You All the Way!
SHOULD be, illustrated by two little
Tour has visited over 200,000 military kids
boys whose fathers were both deployed
in over 13 countries sharing Trevor’s vital
to Afghanistan at the time”.
yet upbeat message, and emphasizing the importance of caring for one another and
“Two little boys who were longing for
developing valuable strategies for dealing
their dads to the point of tears.
with the challenges of military life. Shortly after the presentation, The
Two little boys who comforted each
Comfort Crew for Military Kids and the
other and demonstrated the power of
USO provide military kids at each school
empathy and hope.
with a FREE kit containing six full-length episodes of Trevor’s animated PBS TV
Two little boys who came up to
series, a journal, companion materials,
me after my performance and
and a journal for parents.
courageously shared their pain.
While the presentation focuses
The picture speaks for itself because
on teaching life-long lessons and
no words can truly describe the
encouraging positive communication,
compassion and caring these
on occasion, children may feel
hurting little souls expressed as they
emotional during the presentation. This
comforted each other.”
is an opportunity for them to express themselves in a healthy manner. Tears are not always a sign of discomfort or
–Trevor Romain
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 G20 Austin TX 78746 WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE | 41 S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M 512-337-2739
Why we’re better than Trulia and Zillow 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
Shannon Schmitz Group
Austin Portfolio Real Estate - Powered by Keller Williams Luxury International 42
| 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
512-794-6700 | www.ShannonSchmitzGroup.com
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 fastpaced 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!
Shannon Schmitz Group
Austin Portfolio Real Estate - Powered by Keller Williams Luxury International 512-794-6700 | www.ShannonSchmitzGroup.com
WINTER 2015 | LOCALE AUSTIN MAGAZINE |
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S H A N N O N S C H M I T Z G R O U P. C O M
AUSTIN SHANNON SCHMITZ GROUP AT AUSTIN POR TFOLIO REAL ESTATE
WE SELL HOMES ALL OVER AUSTIN FROM THE LARGEST ESTATES TO THE TINIEST ABODES. CALL US IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT MAKING YOUR MOVE. MORGAN SMITH
SHANNON T. SCHMITZ
MORGANSMITH@KW.COM
SHANNON@SHANNONSCHMITZ.COM
CO-FOUNDER/ REALTOR速, CLHMS
(512) 466-5224
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| 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
CO-FOUNDER/ REALTOR速, CLHMS
(512) 426-9069
1611 W. FIFTH STREET, SUITE 100 | AUSTIN TEXAS 78703 WWW.SHANNONSCHMITZGROUP.COM | (512) 794-6700
This magazine is not intended to solicit to those already working with a REALTOR速