For years, Austin\u2019s Red River Cultural District has thrived with gritty, music-centric bars, crowded streets and an electric nightlife. The area marks a historically significant part of the city as a vibrant live music and entertainment hub. Today, that identity is being threatened.<\/p>\n
The district\u2019s board of directors released a letter<\/a> Tuesday urging the city to save Red River. In the letter, the board cited the closing of bars and venues, including Empire Control Room & Garage, Marlow, Koriente and Feels So Good. Valhalla also announced<\/a> its upcoming closure, and the building housing Elysium and the 13th Floor was recently listed for sale<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cOne closure is a headline. Two is a cause for concern,\u201d the board said in the letter. \u201cThis many, this close together, is a dire warning!\u201d<\/p>\n The letter asks the city of Austin and other stakeholders to enforce zoning rules designed to protect live music spaces in the area, outlined in Austin City Council resolutions<\/a>. The board also called for cultural-preservation measures.<\/p>\n The directors point toward other major cities like San Francisco and Seattle as places with successful cultural-preservation policies. Both cities use antideplacement strategies and development incentives to support local businesses and performing arts venues.<\/p>\n \u201cGrowth does not have to come at the expense of culture,\u201d the letter said. \u201cOther cities have built policy around that principle. Austin can too.\u201d<\/p>\n