Creative Space Revolution In Austin, a city celebrated for its vibrant music, buzzing nightlife, and culinary wonders, the fine arts community is carving out its own spotlight, thanks to Good Dad Studios. This innovative collective is tackling two major challenges faced by Central Texas artists: the scarcity of studio space and the soaring cost of living. Spearheaded by seasoned art professionals and a visionary architecture firm, Good Dad Studios is setting a new standard for artist workspaces in Southeast Austin. The Foundation of Affordability At the heart of Good Dad Studios is a commitment to affordability. Nestled in a 43,000-square-foot building owned by Calvin Chen of Bercy Chen Studio, this initiative is breathing new life into what was once an office space, transforming it into a sanctuary for artists. By owning the building, Chen is in a unique position to offer lower rent prices, eliminating many overhead costs typically associated with running studio spaces. This approach not only makes the dream of a dedicated workspace more attainable for artists but also strengthens the fabric of Austin's creative community. A Home for Creativity The exterior of Good Dad Studios is as vibrant as the creativity it houses, adorned with murals by renowned artists like Zuzu Perkal and BLVD. Inside, the variety of spaces—from a retrofitted 1960s bank vault earmarked for a year-long residency to a giant shipping container workshop—caters to the diverse needs of the creative community. The complex doesn't just offer studio space; it's a hub for art exhibitions, panel discussions, and community-driven initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for artists to grow and connect. Supporting Artists Beyond Space Understanding the financial hurdles artists often face, Good Dad Studios goes beyond providing affordable workspaces. The collective has set up programs allowing artists to trade part of their rent for contributions to art education or help with on-site maintenance. This holistic approach underscores a deep commitment to nurturing the local arts scene, enabling artists to dedicate themselves fully to their craft without the burden of a day job. The vision is clear: to create an ecosystem where Austin's artists can flourish, driven by passion and community support.

Austin's Tech Evolution: Beyond SoftwareWhile software might reign supreme in Austin's tech landscape, robotics and advanced manufacturing are rapidly gaining ground. This shift is fueled by major players like Tesla and Samsung, along with a wave of startups venturing into AI-driven robots, underwater drones, and more. As these sectors expand, Austin's economy is witnessing an exciting diversification, setting the stage for a new era of technological innovation. A Collaborative Leap Forward: Introducing HICAMIn the heart of East Austin, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape. The Hayes Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing (HICAM) is poised to become a cornerstone for the city's tech community. Offering affordable access to high-tech tools, coworking spaces for robotics startups, accelerator programs, and educational opportunities, HICAM aims to be the launching pad for future tech luminaries. Located near the buzz of Tesla's EV factory, this $20 million, 50,000-square-foot facility is not just a space but a beacon for innovation and collaboration. The Visionaries Behind HICAMThe brains behind HICAM include a mix of entrepreneurs, artists, and tech enthusiasts. Spearheaded by venture capitalist Marc Spier and led by Marcus Metzger, HICAM is a tribute to innovation and creativity. Metzger, known for his artistic flair and leadership in New York's tech scene, brings a unique vision to the center, including a mesmerizing spiral sculpture symbolizing the fusion of technology and manufacturing. What to Expect from HICAMSet for a grand reveal in late March, HICAM aims to open its doors to tenants by fall. The center is not just about space; it's about building a community. Through partnerships with organizations like Capital Factory, HICAM is on a mission to attract the brightest minds in manufacturing and robotics. The goal is to foster growth, provide resources at sub-market rates, and eventually help startups graduate to their own spaces, contributing to Austin's booming tech ecosystem. A Commitment to Workforce DevelopmentHICAM isn't just looking towards the future of tech; it's also deeply invested in the future of its community. With a focus on creating 150 jobs in its first three years and developing educational programs, HICAM aims to open doors for East Austin's youth, showing them that careers in advanced manufacturing are within reach. This initiative reflects a broader ambition to make Austin a leading hub for industrial and manufacturing innovation in the coming decade.

Teeing Off in the Heart of Texas Austin, get ready to up your mini-golf game in a big way. Holey Moley Golf Club, the Australian-born competitive mini-golf sensation, is making its grand entrance into the Lone Star State. Late March marks the calendar for the opening of its second U.S. location right here in our vibrant city. A New Spin on Mini-Golf Set to take its place at 807 E. 4th St. downtown, Holey Moley is not just any mini-golf course. It's a sprawling 27-hole wonder that can host up to 500 guests, offering a "multi-sensory labyrinth" of golfing fun. Each hole draws inspiration from pop culture milestones, making every swing a trip down memory lane. More Than Just Putt-Putt But the fun doesn't stop at mini-golf. Holey Moley is decking out its space with a bar, live music outdoors, dining under the stars, eye-catching graffiti by local artists, and even a private karaoke room for up to 15 crooners. The on-site "Caddyshack" ups the ante with scrumptious eats and photogenic cocktails, perfect for those Instagram moments. Plus, the venue is open for private bookings, making it the go-to spot for unforgettable events. Why Austin? Why Not! According to Funlab USA CEO Blaise Witnish, Austin's dynamic vibe makes it the perfect home for Holey Moley. The city's mix of annual events, a buzzing college scene, and a thriving business community, not to mention its populace that loves a good time, aligns seamlessly with the brand's ethos. Austin's debut is just the beginning, with plans to expand Holey Moley's unique blend of entertainment across the U.S. throughout 2024, including upcoming locations in Houston and San Francisco.

Revamping Shopping in Central Texas IKEA is gearing up to bring a fresh and enhanced shopping adventure to Central Texas, stirring excitement among both furniture lovers and fans of the brand's iconic Swedish meatballs. On January 17, the global furniture titan unveiled plans to open four new Plan & Order and pick-up points across the U.S., with one slated for the Austin area. If all goes according to plan, locals could be enjoying this new IKEA experience as early as 2024. Strategically Situated for Convenience The upcoming IKEA store is setting its sights on a prime location at 3306 Esperanza Crossing, right in the heart of the Domain. This strategic choice places IKEA in a bustling shopping and lifestyle district, making it more accessible for urban dwellers and those looking for a streamlined shopping experience. Innovative Shopping Concept Unlike the vast warehouse-style layout we've come to expect, the new IKEA spot in the Domain will be a cozy 5,010 square feet. The focus here shifts towards a more personalized service, where specialists will be on hand to assist shoppers in crafting their ideal home setup, from planning stages to order and delivery. This boutique approach is a departure from the typical IKEA model, emphasizing convenience and tailored assistance. The Domain's Ongoing Transformation The Domain itself is in the midst of a transformative phase, with a multi-phase, multimillion-dollar renovation set to continue through 2025. This renovation has already attracted a host of luxury fashion retailers, elevating the shopping experience. Not far behind, Domain Northside continues to expand its retail repertoire, recently welcoming new stores like a SKIMS "work shop" and North Face, adding to the area's allure. A New Era for IKEA in Austin This new venture represents a significant shift for IKEA, especially when compared to its sprawling 306,000-square-foot location in Round Rock. The move to a smaller, more service-focused format at the Domain signals IKEA's adaptation to changing consumer preferences, emphasizing convenience, accessibility, and a personalized shopping journey. In essence, IKEA's new presence in the Domain is not just about bringing another store to North Austin—it's about reimagining the IKEA shopping experience to better serve the community. As the Domain continues to evolve into a premier destination for shopping and lifestyle, IKEA's innovative approach promises to add another exciting layer to this dynamic area.