Street patios coming to Congress Avenue

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin's first "street patio" has been installed nine months after the idea was approved by Austin City Council. The street patio has been installed in front of Royal Blue Grocery at 609 Congress Ave.

Street patios are an urban design tool where street parking spaces are converted into caf seating space. These kinds of spaces are popping up in many cities across the country as a way to make a parking place a destination for people.

Were thrilled that Royal Blue has successfully built and installed Austins first street patio, and we look forward to watching its performance and effect on Congress Avenue," City Council member Chris Riley said.

The city plans to monitor the pilot for about a year before they decide to form a permanent program with the street patios. A permanent program would allow other businesses to create these street patios in other qualified parking spaces around the city.

Rosa Buhrman, who works nearby, said she is excited about new patio .

I'm always looking for a nice spot to sit outside and it's just so nice, she said.

George Scarianoowner, the owner of Royal Blue Grocery says this is just the innovative help Congress Avenue needs.

We have tenant that do not agree with every part if this process and we have politely agreed to disagree but hopefully the traffic that will be driven up congress will end up being a benefit for everyone.

The street patios will be built on unoccupied parking spots and will allow businesses to expand and serve hundreds of people daily rather than occupying a few parked cars a day.

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Street patios coming to Congress Avenue