Lockhart: bbq isn’t the only thing cooking
Download 283.59 Kb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Lockhart: BBQ isn’t the only thing cooking
Lockhart: BBQ isn’t the only thing cooking January 29, 2016, 5:00am CDT Premium content from Austin Business Journal Jan Buchholz, Senior Staff Writer Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/print-edition/2016/01/29/lockhart-bbq-isn-t-the-only-thing-cooking.html#i1 
Conley Covert in front of his latest project: a turn-of-the-century building in downtown Lockhart Courtesy of Arnold Wells/Staff
Austin tenant representation broker Conley Covert of SkylesBayne Co. is bullish on Lockhart. He and a group of investors have purchased a turn-of-the-century downtown building with the potential of becoming a boutique hotel, restaurant, condo or museum property. A rooftop deck features spectacular views of the Texas countryside and the iconic Caldwell County courthouse, most recently feature on HBO’s “The Leftovers” TV show. “This town is prime for something to happen,” Covert said. “Historically it’s been kind of a cowboy town but the local law has changed so you can have liquor sales until 2 a.m., so the night life is being invigorated here.” Around the corner a new pizza restaurant has opened. A few steps beyond is a new wine bar and craft beer joint, while numerous other storefronts on the square are in the midst of restorations. Lockhart also has a long history as one of the barbecue capitals of the state with Black’s Barbecue, Smitty’s and Kreuz Market operating there for years. The town of about 13,000 people has been noted by architectural historians for its stock of Victorian homes. What makes it particularly appealing at the moment, Covert said, is convenience and price. Lockhart is only 30 miles southeast of Austin, yet it’s light years away in terms of price. New homes can be purchased for under $200,000 and city development processes are far less expensive or timely than in Austin. People are noticing the transformation. Covert has been talking with Lockhart’s economic development team and they’ve seen more activity in the past two years than all years prior. “Many towns in Texas just don’t have these kinds of bones,” Covert said. He’s thrilled to have stumbled across the building at 119 San Antonio St., which features three full floors above grade, a expansive basement and the rooftop deck. Covert discovered the property while researching listings in San Antonio and moved quickly to secure it from an Austin physician who has owned it for a couple of years. An avid musician, he’s created a performance venue on the first floor. The walls and cupboards are filled with rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia. Previously, a veterinarian owned the property, and he conducted many of the third-floor renovations, including a contemporary kitchen and two full bathrooms. Covert concedes that the property needs more tender loving care but said it could easily be a showcase for the community. Originally built in 1900 as a hardware store along with a horse and buggy business, Covert imagines the building could be turned into a boutique hotel, restaurant and rooftop bar. Private condos are also a possibility though he’d like the first floor to be retail or restaurant use. A car club has inquired about converting it into an automobile museum. Historic character is something that’s not easily replicated. Covert points out the original hardwood floors, which bear the beautiful scars of carriages that were pulled across them. Much of the cabinetwork is original and there’s a pulley elevator accessible at the back of the building and large enough to hold a car. It could also be converted into a conventional elevator. The 16-foot ceilings convey a sense of grandeur and the tin ceilings could be restored to former luster. In all, the building is about 19,200 square feet. Covert’s investment group is asking $10 per square foot — taxes, insurance and maintenance not included — to lease the space and will allow $100,000 per floor for tenant improvements. Amelia Smith of Countywide Realty in Lockhart has the listing assignment. Directory: pdf pdf -> Tesol student Introduction pdf -> Introduction to the 10 step business plan pdf -> 20th November 2013 or 4 pdf -> The petition and case system pdf -> Sal men’s 12 Step Recovery Meeting for Sexual Addiction Introduction pdf -> What is ascaa? pdf -> Equitable Employment Oppurtunities: Emerging trends Ruchi Pickles ad pdf -> Alcott Local School Council (lcs) Meeting Minutes Download 283.59 Kb. Share with your friends:
|