More boots are coming to South Congress

• Last year, Austin Monthly called a 100-yard stretch of South Congress the boot capital of the world.

Driving the news: Denver-based real estate developer Quannah Partners and Austin investor Fortum Ventures announced Tuesday that four retailers will occupy the space that was home to Vespaio and Chapulín restaurants.

• They include the first U.S. outposts for Calgary-based Alberta Boot Company and its sister Western wear brand Cody & Sioux, as well as what will become the U.S. flagship store for Wrangler.
• The stores are slated to open by the end of the year.

Catch up quick: There are already five boot sellers within blocks of the property, including the flagship store of Austin-based Tecovas.

• Allens Boots opened in 1977. For decades, it was eclectic in its own right as the avenue evolved, sitting amid vintage stores, an art gallery and food trucks.
• Luxury bootmaker Lucchese opened in 2024 in the space of longtime local women's clothing store Maya Star.

• Also in 2024, Kendra Scott opened Yellow Rose across from her flagship jewelry store on South Congress, which sells Western-style jewelry, cowboy hats — and handcrafted boots.

What they're saying: "We're excited to welcome four exceptional retailers to 1612 South Congress," Doug Wiley, CEO of Quannah Partners, said in a statement.

• "Each of these brands has a strong identity and an authentic story, and together they reflect the quality, craftsmanship and originality that define South Congress."