The Unforeseen is a documentary about land development in Austin, Texas. I highly recommend this movie to anyone interested Austin history, Barton Springs, or the balance of land development vs. environmental protection.

It is a very detailed look at the forces and personalities that have shaped development in Austin for the last twenty years. The film focuses on the controversy surrounding development at Circle C Ranch and pollution in Barton Springs.

A trailer and further details can be found here: TheUnforeseenFilm.com

The movie is underscored Wendell Berry’s poem, Santa Clara Valley. It starts like this:

I walked the deserted prospect of the modern mind
where nothing lived or happened that had not been foreseen.
What had been foreseen was the coming of the Stranger with Money.
All that had been before had been destroyed: the salt marsh
of unremembered time, the remembered homestead, orchard and pasture.
A new earth had appeared in place of the old, made entirely
according to plan. New palm trees stood all in a row, new pines
all in a row, confined in cement to keep them from straying.
…

The full poem is here: Santa Clara Valley by Wendell Berry

The Unforeseen is showing for the next week at the Alamo Drafthouse – South Lamar. Click here for The Unforeseen Showtimes

Share your opinion of the film in the comments below.

I’m happy to report that Google Streetview now includes Austin. Here’s a quick screenshot of an Austin landmark:

While some folks have privacy concerns, I think that Google Streetview is a useful tool for getting a feeling for the area surrounding a property. Here’s a Streetview of the 2nd street district. Navigate with arrow keys, drag the view with your mouse:

Here’s the Streetview at 1101 Canyon Edge, my featured Listing. It is a good way to show the privacy afforded by the trees surrounding the home:

What do you think about Streetview in Austin? Share in the comments.

With so many condo projects going on in Austin it can be difficult to keep up. One project that stands out from the rest is 1400 South Congress. Designed by Dick Clark Architecture this project received an 2007 AIA Citation of Honor Award.

I like the mix of materials on the exterior, the arrangement of the windows on the North side, and especially the wood ceiling. The location is tough to beat (behind Gueros on South Congress), and the roof deck is a nice amenity with great views. I believe most of the units are complete, and a some are still available.

Check out architect sketches and more photos after the break. Give me a call if you’d like to see them in person.

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Looking for some SXSW fun but don’t have a wristband? Don’t fret. There are lots of great free shows to check out.

One of my favorite free-show venues is Auditorium Shores. It’s pretty amazing to sit on the shores of Ladybird Lake and watch a live performance with downtown Austin as a backdrop. Here’s a photo from SXSW 2006:

Last year was pretty memorable with Public Enemy & Flavor Flav celebrating his 40th Birthday. I believe in 2006 I saw Rosanne Cash, among others. They usually have a nice variety of bands.

In any case, the line up this year looks like a lot of fun, and the weather should be very nice. This year the free shows at Auditorium Shores are Thursday through Saturday (3/13-3/15), with multiple bands each night. Here is the full schedule:

Thursday, March 13 (gates at 5:00 pm)
6:00pm Grupo Fantasma
7:00pm Del The Funky Homosapien
8:00pm Spoon

Friday March 14 (gates at 5:00 pm)
6:00pm The Sadies
7:00pm Eliza Gilkyson
8:00pm The BoDeans

Saturday March 15 (gates at Noon)

1:00pm Super Pal Universe
1:45pm Rachel Trachtenburg Morning Show
3:30pm Christian Scott
4:30pm Lyrics Born
5:30pm Strong Arm Steady
6:15pm Jean Grae
7:00pm Talib Kweli
Microsoft Silverlight
8:00pm Ice Cube

For full details and venue information visit – SXSW Auditorium Shores Lineup

My advice – arrive early to avoid a long line at the gate. Find a good place to stand/sit and get comfortable. Bring cash if you want drinks, turkey leg, funnel cakes, etc. See the Auditorium Shores Venue Information for parking advice.

Have a great weekend! See you at the show.