What’s Buzzing Around Austin in October: Luxury Rentals, Architect-Designed Doghouses and More

Take Me To Church

“The very first thing that everyone’s always wowed by are the windows,” Monica Ceniceros says of The Cathedral, a new coworking and event space in East Austin. “It’s just very unique and breathtaking as soon as you walk in.” After creating atxGALS, a female-focused arts group, two years ago, Ceniceros and Whitney Avra were looking for a home for the organization. What they found was a church, originally built in the 1930s, which they worked to update with the help of Kartwheel Studio’s David Clark, bringing in chandeliers and highlighting black-and-white tile flooring. “We’re really excited to add to the creative community in Austin,” Ceniceros says. “This is a space for anyone who wants to feel inspired.” 

thecathedralatx.com

Getting Greener

The one-and-a-half-mile stretch from Lady Bird Lake to East 15th Street, known as the Waller Creek Park project, is getting a new name: Waterloo Greenway. The new identity, branded by Bruce Mau Design, emphasizes the breadth of the project, which will ultimately feature 35 acres of green space and a connected bike path and pedestrian trail along downtown. The first part of the project broke ground in 2017, with Waterloo Park expected to open in the fall of 2020. 

waterloogreenway.org

Raise the Roof

Now in its 15th year, Barkitecture brings together a wide range of architects, designers and builders to create custom doghouses for a good cause. This year, more than 20 firms will present their innovative designs to thousands of attendees on October 27 at Fair Market, with proceeds from the doghouse auction benefitting animal-rescue and -advocacy groups. This year also marks the third annual costume contest, inviting creative dog owners to let their pups strut their stuff down the red carpet. You can preview some of the doghouses at a swanky preview party on October 24.

barkitectureatx.com

Making A Splash

To create a modern oasis in the private 51 East development, Lemmo Architecture and Design summoned the rustic feel of West Texas, employing two wood-slatted geometric planes as shade structures above the poolside bathhouse. Plaster walls surrounding the pool area provide privacy, with a gated section opening to green space with landscape architecture by Asakura Robinson. 

lyonhomes.com/texas/51-east

Stay In Style

For visitors looking to have a comfortable upscale stay in Austin, Renters Club specializes in luxury property rentals. From modern family residences in Travis Heights to Bouldin bungalows and weekend retreats along Lake Austin, Renters Club offers an alternative to the standard hotel, with a more personalized short-term experience. 

renters-club.com

Opening Doors

A recipient of the 2019 Artisan Award from the Texas Society of Architects/ AIA, Jim Thomas has been working in bronze since 1968. He’s created large sculptural pieces, such as the full-size longhorns in Round Rock’s Chisholm Trail Crossing park, and smaller detailed pieces, like engraved door hinges in the Texas State Capitol.

Working on architectural projects for the past decade-plus, Thomas has found an area of expertise. “I’m the door guy,” he says. “Doors are the entry to the house, and they are the architectural art item that the family uses nearly every day.” As for the Artisan Award, he says, “It’s a great honor, and I’m really thrilled about it.” 

jimthomasbronzestudio.com