Austin's Historic STATE Theater - downtown Austin

 Photo: Bob Kenney

source: http://www.austintheatre.org/

State Theatre - History

"The State Theatre is a historical cornerstone to Austin's downtown arts district, so ensuring its soundness and longevity are key to the future fabric of our city. We want the community to understand the history of the State Theatre and to continue to enjoy its unique Austin setting for many, many more years." - Former Mayor Will Wynn

This vintage movie house—built in 1935 by Interstate Circuit Inc.—stands next door to the Paramount Theatre and within sight of the State Capitol building. It was built on the site of the old Avenue Hotel, which stood until after the turn of the century. The State Theatre was the first theatre in Austin built specifically to show motion pictures and opened on Christmas Day of 1935 with The Bride Comes Home, featuring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray. Downtown movie houses were popular during the era; the theatre screened films along with many others like The Paramount, The Queen—which stood on the west side of Congress Avenue—and The Ritz, now an Alamo Drafthouse location on 6th Street. The State flourished under the helm of Louis Noovy, a general manager for Interstate's four Austin movie houses, which included the Paramount, Queen and Capitol theatres. Designed by W. Scott Dunn in the Art Deco style that was popular when it was built, the State lobby retains much of the charm of its past due to a major facelift in 1981 that returned it to its original Art Deco splendor. Vacant beginning in 1986, the City of Austin bought the structure and leased it to Live Oak Theatre. Live Oak, a local, producing theatre company, spurred the most notable renovations to the facility. Austin architect Sinclair Black and Live Oak’s director Don Toner embarked on a $3.5 million rehabilitation in 1998, transforming the interior into an inviting, open 320-seat space with backstage work areas, dressing rooms, a rehearsal hall, and a new lobby. Six months later, the company finalized its purchase of the State Theatre, moved into the building and continued its tradition of presenting quality work and supporting the growth of new plays. Embracing the spirit of its new permanent home, the company changed its name to The State Theatre Company. In 2000, the company merged with its next-door neighbor, The Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts, to form the Austin Theatre Alliance (ATA). An endeavor that began with two distinct operational and business models has combined the best of both to become one of Austin's most uniquely productive performing arts resources - a thriving organization that both presents and produces a broad range of drama, comedy, music, dance and spoken-word events of the highest caliber, in downtown Austin's most commanding venues. In June of 2006, the State Theatre, having just celebrated its 70th anniversary and in the middle of a successful run of the play Bunk Bed Brothers, suffered the effects of a city water main break that resulted in the flooding of the State’s stage and basement, ruining hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and forcing the cancellation of part of the theatre’s 2006-07 season. Some productions were moved to other venues—the State’s remount of the award-winning American Fiesta was moved to the University of Texas’ McCullough Theatre and Judith Ivey’s Women on Fire was performed at the Paramount. After approximately $300,000 worth of repairs were completed, the Austin Theatre Alliance was proud to celebrate the grand re-opening of the State Theatre on March 1st, 2011 with a private performance by Austin favorite, Bob Schneider. The venue is now available for both rental and additional presented performances.

If you ever get a chance to see a performance here do it! great theater renovation, Great performances!

Robert Kenney. Realtor

®

Reilly Realtors

13500 Galleria Circle, Suite U-115

Austin, TX 78738

Top Austin Agent Joins Reilly Realtors

 

Posted by Michael Reilly on Monday, February 10th, 2014 at 8:20am.

Reilly Realtors agent Robert Kenney http://www.austinhomelistings.com/agents/robert-kenney/
We at Reilly Realtors would like to welcome Robert Kenney to our team of expert agents. Bob comes to Reilly Realtors with 12 years of experience as a Realtor and over $5 million in sales in 2013. He has consistently established himself as one of Austin’s top producers thanks to his diverse portfolio of not only real estate experience, but marketing, website development and management as well. Prior to his success in real estate, Bob was the principal in a textile commodity business, where he gained experience working with national as well as international clients from regions such as Europe, South America, Africa and Australia. Bob not only brings his in-depth knowledge of the real estate market with him to Reilly Realtors, but over five years of corporate relocation experience, as well. Having made a successful transfer to Austin himself 16 years ago, Bob knows what clients are looking for when they make the move to the Texas capital. Bob’s expertise isn’t just limited to relocation, but extends to all aspects of real estate and knowledge of the Austin area.

We're also excited to announce that Bob has been nominated for the Austin Business Journal’s 2014 Residential Real Estate Awards! These awards honor the top 50 residential real estate agents as well as master-planned communities and builders for custom, production and green homes. Bob was nominated as one of the top licensed agents in the Austin area with no licensed assistants. Nominees will be honored with a lunch and awards presentation at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Austin on Thursday, March 6th. This is not the first time Bob has been honored as a top agent in the Austin area. He was also a finalist for the Platinum Top 50 Realtors Awards Program in 2011, 2012 and 2013, which recognizes achievements in sales, civic leadership and education. When he's not working hard for his clients, Bob enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, which often involves coaching youth sports teams. He is also very active in the Austin community with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, a charity that provides food and other goods to the Austin homeless.

Bob’s addition to the Reilly Realtors team makes us more confident than ever that we have all the experience and tools to help our clients reach their real estate goals. We now have over 40 top-producing agents that specialize in all areas of Austin real estate and focus on providing the best service to their clients. Bringing in top agents like Bob Kenney is just one of the exciting plans unfolding for Reilly Realtors in 2014. After bringing in about $120,000,000 in residential sales in 2013, we are focused on continuing to develop the best products and services to help our agents better serve their clients in 2014. You can look forward to many exciting changes to our easy-to-use search tools as well as other aspects of our popular website. If you’re interested in working with Robert Kenney or any of our other top agents, please contact us today.

Salt Lick BBQ - Drift wood/Austin Texas - If you come to Austin you really should plan time to have a meal here..

 

 

Source: http://www.saltlickbbq.com/pages/FAQ.html

 

 

Photos: Bob Kenney, Realtor

 

®

 

Just after the Civil War in 1867, the Roberts family loaded their possessions onto a wagon and set out from Biloxi, Mississippi, eventually settling in Driftwood, Texas. On the trip, they barbequed meat by searing it and then slow-cooking it over coals on a pit made with rocks. An earthen berm was created to block the wind and hold in the smoke. Those original family recipes from the Southeast are the basis for what we do now.

Over the years, the recipes were “Texafied” taking on the local flavors of the land – like chili, cumin and cayenne. In 1967, one hundred years after the Roberts family settled in Driftwood, Thurman Roberts cleared an area on the family’s land and built a barbeque pit. The limestone used to make the pit was quarried from the land. (That pit is still in use today.) He would start cooking on Thursday night, sleep on a cot next to the pit, and sell the meat until it was all gone.

From those small beginnings, we now seat over 800 people and on an average Saturday we feed around 2000 people.

 

 

 

 



 I have lived in Austin for 14 years. This is hands down one of the best places to go with family and friends. The addition of a wine tasting room that show cases Texas wines just adds to the uniqueness of the experience as you drive through the beautiful Hill country.

This area is halfway between Austin and Wimberley and the food is fantastic.  Cash only policy so bring your $$$ (They do have ATM's)

 It is OK to BYOB here. If you go with a group make sure you have designated driver! Sundays you can get their amazing baby back ribs one order is easily split for 2.  everything else is served family style so really brings together your group.. There is usually live music to help spend the time waiting for a table.

 These photos are from the grounds and entrance to the salt Lick. when I 1st started going there you had to know where to turn into the dirt parking lot of you would go right by. Lots of changes over the years to the facilities. The food remains an amazing experience and treat that can be enjoyed as many times as you make the trip!

If you are looking for real estate in the area there are several convenient areas to choose from. From Equestrian estates to vineyards to amazing communities. Do not hesitate to call me for a tour of the area.. and maybe a bite of BBQ you will not soon forget!



Fun facts about Austin Texas.

 

 

On your first visit to down town Austin you might have to walk around this statue on Austin's Congress avenue. Unless you know the story you are left to wonder: what's up?

Here is a brief version of the story courtesy of: Humanities Texashttp://www.humanitiestexas.org/programs/tx-originals/list/angelina-eberly

 

Angelina Eberly

July 2, 1798– 

August 15, 1860

On Austin’s Congress Avenue stands a striking bronze sculpture of a woman firing a Howitzer cannon. That woman is Angelina Eberly, the heroine of the little-known, but distinctly Texan, Archive War of 1842.

Eberly was born in Tennessee in 1798 and came to Texas as a young woman. By 1839 she was widowed and running a boarding house in Austin. That year, the Texas Congress moved the Republic’s capital from Houston to Austin.

President Sam Houston, however, wanted to keep the capital in the city that bore his name. So when an invading army from Mexico reached San Antonio in 1842, ole Sam took advantage of the alarm to secretly order that government archives be transferred from Austin back to Houston, effectively moving the seat of government.

But as the boxes of land titles and other documents were being stealthily loaded onto wagons, Eberly spotted the activity. She made her way to an armed cannon to defend the city. She fired it, alerting the citizens of Austin. The archive conspirators bolted, but were caught less than twenty miles outside of town, and the vital documents were reclaimed.

The archives remained in Austin, and Austin remained the capital of the Republic—and subsequently of the state, when Texas joined the United States three years later. Eberly died in Indianola in 1860. Her gravesite is lost, but her likeness still stands guard over the streets of Austin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your visit. There are a lot of facts about Austin and the surrounding hill country that amazes even the "Local" population.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need to find a home in the Austin area!

Regards
Bob Kenney, Realtor

Mobil/Text:  512-922-4922

I have several inquiries about where the cities of Rollingwood and Westlake Hills are in relation to down town Austin. Just Minutes!!

The City of Westlake Hills, http://www.westlakehills.org/ was founded and incorporated as a village on September 9, 1953.

The city today is comprised of 2,560 acres (four square miles) with approximately 40 miles of public streets.

source: http://www.westlakechamber.com/pages/Home/


ROLLINGWOOD, TEXAS. http://www.cityofrollingwood.com/  Rollingwood is near Loop 1 south of Austin in southwestern Travis County. It was founded and developed by George B. Hatley in 1955 and by May 1963 the community incorporated as a municipality with a mayor-council form of government.

Source: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hjr12

Both of these towns are unique in the Metro area because they are incorporated municipalities and have their own form of government and law enforcement. They share some services such as public schools participating in the Eanes ISD and cooperate with emergency services and Zip Code.

The physical boundary separating these towns from Austin downtown and it's urban neighborhoods is Lady Bird Lake (formerly town lake). Adjacent to the multi functional Zilker Park, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park  and the Zikler botanical gardens, http://www.zilkergarden.org/ . These towns are highly sought after locations for their ease convenience of commutes, community involvement, access to recreation areas and LOCATION.

when I 1st moved to Austin I ended up in "Austin City Limits" but it was across from Rollingwood, http://www.cityofrollingwood.com/ on 2244 (Bee cave Road) It was an amazing place to begin in this great city. 10 min to downtown, 20 min to airport, schools, shopping, parks all w/in minutes.

Today there is a lot of renovation and newer homes being built after tearing down older smaller homes in  the communities that sprang up in this area in the 1970's/1980's. The demand for new homeowners and the lack of large land left for residential development means that real estate prices in this area have seen a significant appreciation over the last 10 years.

If you are thinking about moving to Austin and would like more information about this area or any area of Central Texas please contact me and I will be glad to assist. I have experience in listing and representing buyers in this area for over 12 Years.

look forward to hearing from you.

Bob Kenney,
Realtor
® 
Mobile/Text : 512-922-4922

Did you know Austin is home of the Circuit Of The Americas (COTA) the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the U.S.?

 

Content Courtesy of : COTA   http://circuitoftheamericas.com/

 

Circuit Of The Americas is a multi-purpose facility that will host the most prestigious racing events in the world, including the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. It is the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the U.S. Built around a state-of-the-art 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans and an elevation change of 133 feet, the facility is designed for any and all classes of racing – from motor power, to human power.

 

Circuit of The Americas is ideally situated on a 1000-acre site in southeast Austin, approximately two miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, with scenic views of downtown.

 

Far more than a racetrack, Circuit of The Americas is a world-class performance, education and business center that will feature:

• Racing-focused amenities including a private Motorsports Driving Club and a Karting Track
• Public spaces for private events, seminars and conventions
• Visitor attractions that include an expansive live entertainment space, retail center and museum
• A center with research facilities and robust services and amenities to power a broad range of business, technology and education allies
• 40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Conference/Media Center
• 5,500 sq. ft. medical center, offering paramedic services and EMS & medical student training
• Area for law enforcement vehicle training
• Fire and rescue training areas
• Driving academies
• Educational programs

 

An amazing facility and one of Austin's true 7 wonders!

 

Photos: courtesy of Bob Kenney - Inaugural F1 race 2012 

 

What is the favorite whine of Austinites? "I want to go to the winery!"

Hers is some fun and perhaps surprising facts about Texas wine production.

Information courtesy of: Texas wine and Grape growers association.
Link: http://www.txwines.org/facts.asp



TEXAS WINE INDUSTRY FACTS

Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests circa 1662. As European settlers followed the development of mission outposts, they brought more grapevine cuttings, further developing the industry through the 1800s.

Today Texas has approximately 4,400 acres of producing vineyard farmland. The U.S. Department of Treasury through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau officially designates American Viticulture (Grape Growing) Areas, or AVAs. Texas has eight AVAs although many vineyards exist outside the specified AVAs. For a wine to mention an AVA on the label, 75% of the volume of wine must come from grapes grown in that designated region.

Texas has eight recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVA).

Texas High Plains: Located west of Lubbock in the Panhandle at an elevation of 3000-4000 feet, the climate of this appellation is very dry. While the AVA encompasses over 8 million acres, there were approximately 3500 acres dedicated to grape growing in 2005.

Escondido Valley: This appellation established in 1992 covers 50 square miles in Pecos County in far West Texas, located near Fort Stockton

Texas Hill Country: Located west of Austin and San Antonio, this appellation, like Texas, is large. It is the second largest AVA in the USA, containing more than 9 million acres. Two smaller appellations, listed below, have been designated within the Texas Hill Country due to the unique microclimates they embody. Many wineries are located in this scenic area.

Bell Mountain (within Texas Hill Country): Designated in 1986, it is the first established AVA in Texas, covering five square acres about 15 miles north of Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg (within Texas Hill Country): This viticultural area covers about 110 acres with approximately 60 under vine.

Mesilla Valley: Located at the far western tip of the Texas border north and west of El Paso, this area is hot and dry with a long growing season and approximately 40 acres of cultivated grapes.

Texas Davis Mountains: With about 50 acres planted with vines, this west Texas appellation is cool and wet at an elevation ranging from 4,500 to 8,300 feet.

Texoma: Located in north-central Texas, this area contains approximately 3,650 square miles along the Texas-Oklahoma line.

Texas Wine and Wine grape Industry Profile

• America’s No. 5 grape and wine producer
• Contributes more than $1.83 Billion of Economic Value to the State of Texas
• 420 growers covering 4,400 acres
• 100% for wine
• 273 Wineries (G permit issued by TABC as of January 18, 2013)

Texas Hill Country vineyard's 

 

For more information or questions about real estate and moving to Austin please feel free to contact me.

 

Regards,

 

Bob Kenney, Realtor

®

 

Mobile/Text: 512-922-4922