Austin's historic burger joint, Dirty Martin's Place, is no longer on the chopping block due to alterations in the city's light rail project plans, announced by the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP). The transit authority has shifted gears to keep the nearly century-old eatery and other beloved local businesses out of the path of development, according to information obtained by the Austin Business Journal. The decision was made following a flurry of concerns from the community and a legal challenge that called the rail project's route into question.
Rerouting tactics, designed to minimize the impact on the Drag's commercial strip near the University of Texas, will see bus and bike routes moved to neighboring streets. Lindsay Wood, ATP's executive vice president of engineering and construction, said in a statement that the changes "reduces real estate costs for the program and allows us to build the things we want to build rather than taking things away." With the inclusion of Dirty Martin's, businesses such as Phoenician Resto Cafe, Flamingos Vintage Pound, Sip Pho, and The Ballroom at Spiderhouse have also been spared from the threat of demolition.
Despite the initial designs of the nearly $5 billion light rail project, part of the larger $7.1 billion Project Connect initiative, ATP is adjusting its sights. Mark Nimer, the owner of Dirty Martin's, expressed a mix of optimism and caution concerning the update. Nimer told KXAN, "I am cautiously thrilled," insisting on seeing "something in writing, or the final design" before fully embracing the news.
While Dirty Martin's and other establishments were previously in the line of fire, these iconic businesses can rest easy for now, as the pivot to preserve the local landmarks has been confirmed by ATP officials. They plan to direct the light rail project down a path that is harmonious with the area's existing structures, celebrating the unique character of the neighborhood, Wood told the Austin Business Journal. The final draft of the modified plan through the city, taking into account community feedback, is expected to drop this fall, with further adjustments still on the table.
