One thing I've noticed about businesses in Austin is that while they'll collaborate for an activity, like a concert or a run, they don't as often collaborate about location. The real trick with all the development that has come in has been the fact that vertical mixed use buildings have empty facades for months. The credit crunch has obviously been at work, but the reality speaks of something more. Why don't businesses seek to grow together in Austin?
Instead of having independent meetings at each business about where to grow and why, Austin businesses should discuss collaboration with other businesses to fill the empty facades. There is no reason why Taco Shack, Jo's Coffee, and a bookseller shouldn't be close to each other. Nonprofits could talk to businesses for something other than fundraising, building more comraderie between the entity types. Wouldn't it be an asset for Austin if the owner of Amy's and the owner of Mmmpanadas got together and said, "Hey, why don't we go into adjoining properties with a killer deck so that we can get customers from both angles?" Property in Austin is getting more expensive, and it would probably be easier to get more revenue if the Austin businesses took a more collaborative approach. After all, two successful businesses are more likely to get a loan they co-sign for than an independent loan these days.
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I wonder if there are specific neighborhoods or shopping centers that would be interested in attracting this sort of integrated local business cluster. Do you have any specific locations in mind?
There are a number of businesses that need multiple locations and could provide more opportunities for pedestrians. For example, Jollyville Road intersects with Oak Knoll, and there is greenfield at that intersection. With apartments and a park and ride close by, that intersection would be a perfect location for an Amy's, Jo's, and Taco Shack to build a property that has one deck surrounded by three businesses. The property value for the entire location would go up, and such a deck would create an opportunity for live music, which would suit the nearby "residents" of the Extended Stay hotel. There are other locations, but that is at least one.
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