Austin, TX
Texas & Louisiana Owner of the Year: Big Time Challenges Push Texas Capital City
If any dictionary needed a contemporary example of a boomtown, Austin would surely fit the bill.
Fueled by a low cost of living as well as a thriving, diverse economy that in recent years has seem major technology companies complement the existing strength of state government and the University of Texas, Austin has seen its population grow by nearly 25% during the past decade. Last year, Austin passed rival technology hub San Jose, Calif., to become the 10th largest U.S. city, with a population of just under 975,000.
Austin’s growth extends to its metropolitan suburbs. The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos Metropolitan Statistical Area remains the 26th most populous metro area in the country with the seventh-largest numeric increase in population between 2022 and 2023. The Milken Institute says Austin–Round Rock tops its list of the best performing large U.S. cities for 2024. There’s another, equally important index of economic vitality, says interim city manager Jesús Garza. “We know we must invest in quality infrastructure if we are to continue to be able to accommodate that growth and improve our resiliency,” he says, adding the city has a number of generational or transformational projects underway equating to nearly $20 billion worth of future capital expenditures.”
Three major programs evidence how Austin is responding to this rapid growth. Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS), with the highest percentage increase of airline tickets for sale between 2019 and 2022, recorded 22 million passengers last year. To meet the demand, Austin announced in 2021 its multiyear Airport Expansion and Development Program, which incorporated post-pandemic considerations into AUS’s 2040 master plan. The program includes more than 60 near- and long-term facility and infrastructure improvements.
The first major element got underway in late 2022 and is expected to complete this year, with a $241.5-million upgrade to the outbound baggage system, led by prime contractor Whiting-Turner. The new system’s 1.5 miles of conveyor will process 4,000 bags per hour and increase system reliability.
September 2023 saw the groundbreaking of a $164-million West Gate Expansion, which will add nearly 85,000 sq ft over three levels of apron, concourse and mezzanine. Hensel Phelps is general contractor for the three-year project, which will feature a third-level outdoor public patio with a view of Austin’s skyline. It is slated to open in 2026.
Two other key components of Journey With AUS got a funding boost in February, with a $39-million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. More than half of the funding will be applied toward a 13,000-sq-ft infill expansion of the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Currently in design, the estimated $120-million project includes an elevated slab in the terminal atrium to provide space for security screening, baggage check and passenger processing. Terminal building systems will also be upgraded as part of the project.
“We know we must invest in quality infrastructure if we are to continue to be able to accommodate that growth…”
—Jesus Garza, Interim City Manager, City of Austin
On the airfield side, AUS is nearing completion of a $70-million airplane fuel facility to accommodate expected demand increases over the next 10 years. Austin’s other major municipal mobility effort is the Project Connect transit expansion. Endorsed by Austin voters in November 2020, the original $5.8-billion, 20-mile plan of multiple light rail and bus rapid transit lines twice has been scaled back in the face of rising costs. The latest iteration, approved by the Austin City Council last year following an extensive public engagement process, limits the program to a $7.1-billion initial phase that will include a 9.8-mile, 15-station light rail line. Ultimately, the line will handle an estimated 28,500 passengers daily.
The approval enables Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), an independent corporation formed by the city and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to implement the Project Connect program and begin the permitting process and issue the first $150 million in bonds to be paid backed by revenue from the 2020 voter-approved property tax increase. The agency also has applied for Federal Transit Administration New Starts funding with an eye toward getting construction underway by 2027 and launching service six years later.
That schedule is contingent on the outcome of legislative and legal obstacles that have been thrown in Project Connect’s path almost from the outset. Along with several legislative attempts to halt ATP’s bonding authority, state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) in May 2023 issued a legal opinion questioning the financing strategy. A lawsuit filed the following November claims that the changes to Project Connect are significant enough to require another pubic vote. A trial is scheduled for late May.
Along with attracting more residents and businesses, Austin has also become a high-profile competitor for large meetings, trade shows and other events, including the annual multifaceted SXSW conference and festival.
Eager to enhance its competitive edge while also preserving the vibrancy of its eclectic downtown area, the city is embarking on a $1.6-billion redevelopment and expansion of the existing Austin Convention Center. Funded by Convention Center and hotel occupancy tax revenue, the vertical expansion aims to double the facility’s existing 376,000 sq ft of rentable space within the same footprint while also enhancing neighborhood connections by measures such as reopening street grids.
The JE Dunn/Turner joint venture of J.E. Dunn Construction Group and Turner Construction Co. is serving as construction manager at-risk for the project, which will be designed by the A/E team of Seattle-based LMN Architects and Austin’s Page Southerland Page. According to the Austin Convention Center Dept., plans for the single-phase construction effort call for closure, demolition and construction activities to begin in 2025, with the new, larger facility opening in late 2028.
Garza says the city’s Capital Delivery Services department is efficiently carrying out more than 500 active infrastructure projects worth about $7 billion.
Still Austin’s new Tanager Cigar Blend is one of the year’s most interesting whiskeys. |
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
I drank a lot of whiskey this year, from American single malts and bourbons to Scotch, Irish, Japanese and others. With so many bottles currently on shelves and more being released each week, it’s become increasingly difficult to put out products that are genuinely new and innovative. Unique barrel finishes can get the job done, but the practice is so commonplace these days that it takes something truly special to move the needle. But making whiskey using an old technique traditionally enlisted for cognac? Now we’re talking.
Still Austin Whiskey Co., a grain-to-glass distillery in Austin, Texas, makes a solid lineup of bourbons and ryes. Led by Master Blender Nancy Fraley and Head Distiller John Screpel, the distillery released Tanager Cigar Blend Whiskey on December 6. It’s available onsite at the Austin distillery and in select markets across the country.
Tanager Cigar Blend Whiskey begins with bourbons made from red, white and blue corn, plus a selection of rye and malted barley, which were all blended together and aged for about five years. That’s step one.
The second step called for a six-year-old high-rye bourbon that was blended with Texas water, cut down to a very low 25% ABV (50 proof), and aged in barrels for a minimum of one year. This method is known as petites eaux (“small waters” in French) and has been used in cognac and Armagnac production for centuries. According to the company, this process creates a rich and complex flavor profile, with more caramelized wood sugars and overall depth. To complete the whiskey, a portion of the petites eaux was incorporated into the base whiskey, and the final product was bottled at 53% ABV, or 106 proof.
The petites eaux method is a unique choice for whiskey, considering that whiskey is typically aged at full strength and then either bottled at full strength or cut with water right before bottling to reduce the proof and achieve the desired alcohol level.
Tanager Cigar Blend’s box depicts a painting by Texas artist Marc Burckhardt. |
Still Austin Whiskey Co.
Tanager Cigar Blend Whiskey is also just unique for its name. Most cigar blends are characterized by deep barrel finishes, often via a fortified wine like sherry or port, or a spirit like rum or cognac. But Still Austin achieved this deep, complex flavor profile from its Texas-grown ingredients and petites eaux aging method.
Diving in, the whiskey is deep and dark on the nose, and I got lots of dried red and black fruits, berries, sweet tobacco, vanilla, cloves and ginger. The palate is intense, in a good way. I found more dark fruits and tobacco, plus a pleasant note of candied or honey-drizzled oranges, caramelized sugar and baking spices. You don’t have to drink this alongside a cigar, but it will certainly stand up to a stogie if you enjoy one.
Tanager Cigar Blend is Still Austin’s most luxurious and expensive whiskey to date, clocking in at $150. But the combination of unique production method, solid results and good-looking packaging makes it worth the splurge if you’re into American whiskeys or want to try a good example of Texas whiskey. It’s also here if you just need to buy someone a belated holiday gift.
MORE FROM FORBES
Still deciding where to ring in the new year? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a list of some of the most exciting events in Austin and Houston, ranging from lively parties and concerts to family-friendly and sober celebrations.
Austin Events
Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife, and this year’s lineup has something for everyone.
Austin’s New Year
The city’s official celebration will light up Auditorium Shores starting at 7 p.m., culminating in a midnight fireworks display. Highlights include a performance by Third Eye Blind, food trucks, drink vendors, and other live acts. For more details, visit the city of Austin’s website.
The Capital Countdown at The Belmont
Ring in the New Year at The Belmont with three unique zones: a stylish indoor space, a heated courtyard, and a VIP rooftop deck. Dance to live DJs, including a Silent Disco with three different genres. On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701. Tickets range from $65 to $1000.
Bob Schneider’s Great Big Spectacular New Year’s Eve Party
Catch Bob Schneider at The Paramount Theatre for his annual NYE concert, joined by Austin’s William Harries Graham. Doors open at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $35. Check the Paramount Theatre’s website for availability.
New Year’s Eve at Hotel Viata
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Hotel Viata with up to 20% off your stay, plus a bottle of bubbly delivered to your room for a midnight toast. Enjoy live music at Laurel Restaurant & Bar from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy, West Lake Hills, TX 78746. Prices vary.
Blue Year’s Eve
When Where What Austin is hosting its second “Blue Year’s Eve” at La Zona Rosa. The party, running from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., features an open bar, DJs, free tattoos, and even a virtual blue square drop at midnight. Tickets are $110.
Cheer Up Charlies Dance Party
Celebrate with DJs, drag performances, and complimentary drinks at Cheer Up Charlies from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are $17.
For more events you can visit KXAN.
Houston Events
From family-friendly activities to lavish dinners, Houston has its own array of celebrations.
Light up the Lake at Margaritaville
Enjoy live music, fireworks, and dancing at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Montgomery starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.95.
Hyatt Centric’s Groovy NYE Party
Celebrate 1960s London-style with an open bar, dinner, and live music at the Hyatt Centric in The Woodlands. Tickets are $225. Visit the website for more information.
Mixers and Elixirs at HMNS
Dance into 2025 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science with live music, DJs, and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets range from $50–$120. Visit the website for more information.
Highnoon Countdown at The Woodlands Children’s Museum: Create hats and time capsules with multiple time slots available. Tickets are $10 for adults and $20 for kids. Visit the website for more information.
For more events you can visit Community Impact Newspaper.
CEDAR PARK, Texas – A teenager is facing a felony charge after allegedly poisoning and killing a classmate’s show goat, according to multiple reports.
CBS Austin first reported that security footage captured Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, administering a toxic pesticide to a goat using a drench gun at the school’s barn facility in Cedar Park on Oct. 23.
The goat, Willie, later died after experiencing symptoms including convulsions and respiratory distress, TMZ reported.
Vanlandingham confessed to police that she poisoned the goat because she believed the animal’s owner’s daughter was “a cheater,” according to CBS Austin.
Vanlandingham allegedly confessed this was her second attempt to poison the animal, TMZ shared.
A caprine pathologist confirmed the cause of death as organophosphate intoxication from phosmet, a pesticide commonly used for external parasite control in livestock.
A show goat can be worth thousands of dollars. For example, the winning show goat at the 2024 San Antonio Live Stock and Rodeo was worth over $75,000.
Investigators learned that Vanlandingham’s search history on her phone included questions about lethal doses of bleach for animals and methods of poisoning pets, according to several reports. She then allegedly searched “How to clear search history.”
Vanlandingham was arrested on Nov. 22 and charged with cruelty to livestock animals, a state jail felony, CBS Austin reported. She was released on the same day on a $5,000 bond.
Copyright 2024 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
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