Red River Cultural District fights for its future
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Valhalla in the Red River Cultural District announced earlier this month it would close. Photo: Julia Beverly/Getty Images
The bars and nightclubs that helped Austin earn its live music reputation are disappearing from Red River Street, and district advocates warn that the closures are outpacing the city's efforts to put protections in place.
Why it matters: Red River is at the heart of Austin's live music scene, but rising rents and operating costs are putting growing pressure on venues that anchor the downtown district.
Driving the news: The Red River Cultural District, a coalition of more than 40 businesses and arts organizations, published an open letter last week calling on city officials to act, drawing nearly 2,000 signatures in its first 24 hours, according to the district's executive director Nicole Klepadlo.
What they're saying: "We've already begun hearing from city officials," Klepadlo tells Axios, but it may be too late for some of the businesses that have already announced closures.
- "But that's also why we're stressing the urgency here," Klepadlo says. "The goal is to put stronger tools in place as quickly as possible to help stabilize the district, protect the venues and businesses that remain, and make it more viable for cultural businesses to stay on Red River long-term."
Catch up quick: In the last year, at least four businesses in the district — Koriente, Feels So Good, Empire Control Room and Marlow — have shuttered, and 17-year-old metal club Valhalla announced that it will close this fall after the sale of its building. Plus, the property housing Elysium and The 13th Floor was recently listed for sale.
- District leaders are calling on city officials to create a cultural district overlay, which Klepadlo says could use zoning tools to preserve businesses and protect cultural spaces as Red River evolves.
Zoom in: Council Member Zo Qadri voiced support for finding further protections for the district, and city officials are talking daily with cultural district representatives to find solutions, his office tells Axios.
- "As part of the upcoming Downtown Density Bonus update, I have implored city staff to bring back a package of incentives, tools, and programs on top of the zoning incentives we're working on to preserve and enhance the [district]," Qadri said in a statement last week.
What's next: "There isn't a specific date where Red River suddenly reaches a point of no return, but that's part of the concern: decisions affecting the district are happening now," Klepadlo says.
- "Businesses are closing, properties are changing hands and leases are coming up for renewal while these larger policy conversations continue and a sustainable future and vision for Red River falls to the side."