“As a musician and as a Texan, I’m looking forward to supporting the reopening of an Austin institution. Not only will we be able to see a venue close to my heart come back to the forefront, but we’ll also be supporting local music businesses that have suffered the worst throughout the pandemic. This is the Austin we came for. This is the Austin we want to continue.”
-Willie Nelson
In 1977, what would become an Austin institution popped up on 200 Academy Drive. Willie Nelson had envisioned a venue that brought together all walks of life through music. And the Austin Opera House did just that. Performances from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Muddy Waters, Tom Waits, and more helped establish 200 Academy a hotbed of the hippie-soul-cowboy crowd that has long defined Austin's music scene.
Now, we wish to revive the creative spirit at the core of our city's foundation. The Austin we know today would be nothing without its history, and the Opera House is at the center of that history. Amongst the phases and stages that our beloved Austin has undergone, there is no better time to reintroduce the community to the institution that helped create it. In supporting this mission, we will also be able to preserve the legendary Arlyn Studios - Austin's premier recording facility which has lived on the same Academy Drive lot since 1984.
In consideration of local homes and businesses, we fully plan not only to comply with sound and traffic ordinances but to improve them. This is a win for our Travis Heights neighborhood. This is a win for our entire city.
We need your help: Join us in contacting the City Council to help champion the old Austin, and bring it back to the forefront with a venue that made us the "Live Music Capital Of The World.”
The Austin Chronicle
Proposed Development Would Revive Austin Opera House but Faces Neighbor Opposition.
Austin Business Journal
Historic Austin Opera House could be revived in proposed mixed-use project off South Congress.
Austin Business Journal
Redevelopment plans for historic Austin Opera House progress, though neighborhood concerns remain.
Community Impact Newspaper
Planning commission OK's initial redevelopment plan for Austin Opera House revival.
Community Impact Newspaper
South River City's historic Austin Opera House property targeted for housing development, music venue revival.
KVUE : ABC
Austin Opera House could be revived as part of proposed mixed-use development.
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