New Gateway To Showcase North Austin Retail Corridor

AUSTIN, TEXAS — City officials on Friday heralded the debut of a new gateway in North Austin designed to showcase the diversity of restaurants and retailers in the region.

Representing more than 65 businesses of which ownership represents a rich racial and ethnic diversity, The North Lamar International District Merchants Association revealed details on the new gateway. The feature to be installed at the intersection of Lamar Boulevard and Braker Lane will serve as both connection point and epicenter for the district's numerous businesses and the surrounding community, officials said.

To reflect the diversity of the sector, the installation will feature flags representing the corridor's myriad languages, countries and visitors, officials added.

In developing the gateway, the merchants association has been working closely with the city's Economic Development Department, Souly Austin Program, as a collaborative partner for the last two years, officials noted.

"As a close-knit community, the district weaves new and old world traditions, creating history of its own and celebrating the cultural diversity of its residents and merchants," officials explained in a press advisory. "The district is home to international markets and specialty stores, schools, diverse culinary offerings, banks, beauty salons, travel agencies, insurance and tax services, and florists. Many of these businesses provide goods not normally found in Texas stores, making the International District a destination for day-to-day needs and special occasions."

To promote the commercial district's brand, business leaders plan several other installations made possible by generating creative partnerships with property and business owners, the city's Economic Development and Transportation Departments, CapMetro, and the Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. These area activations include way-finding signage that share the assets of the district and district identity as well as light post banners, officials added. "These activations focus on the district as a place for international heritage and a community of culture in Austin," officials said.

Nicole Klepadlo, Redevelopment Project Manager with the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department explained the initiative's aim: “District activations like these provide transparency to the many food, retail, service, experience and cultural assets that passionate entrepreneurs in Austin have to offer. In return for the businesses, these creative projects paired with a strong shared district identity and partnerships pave the way for increased patrons and revenues."

To bring the activations alive in the North Lamar International District, the Greater Austin Asian Chamber, in partnership with the NLIDMA and others, will host the Asian Eats Night Market on the evenings of March 22 and 23, 2019, at St. Vincent de Paul’s at 901 W. Braker Lane.
The Night Market will feature 32 vendors including businesses from the district like Rice Bowl Café and Peace Bakery, live dancing, and other cultural attractions and traditions.

Organizers hope the planned activities will yield big dividends to the district: “After being associated with another Merchant's Association in Austin, as a merchant I recognize the value and importance of organizing and coming together as a group to both market and promote our business district,” Paul Kleypas, North Lamar International District Merchant Association Board Member, said. “I am looking forward to our inaugural event, the Asian Eats Night Market and the activations. Great things are on the horizon for our District.”

The North Lamar International District Merchants Association and Souly Austin collaboration has provided partnerships, translation services, and strategic outreach to ensure all businesses in the District were informed about the creation of the merchants association and invited to share their ideas for a better North Lamar International District, officials said.

For more information about the City of Austin Economic Development Department Souly Austin Program visit www.Austintexas.gov/soulyatx.com.