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The Drag location of hipster clothing chain Urban Outfitters will take over the block between 24th and 25th streets on The Drag, as reported by The Chronicle. The expansion includes two new restaurants and one bar. The company bought out the leases of five neighboring businesses, including the Archer Hookah Lounge and Mellow Mushroom.
Changes to the Austin buildings are expected to be completed by the end of September. This project will be similar to the New York concept, Space Ninety 8. The Brooklyn space serves as a store and event venue. It's also home to the East Coast outpost of Los Angeles chef Ilan Hall's The Gorbals.
The new development isn’t to everyone’s liking, especially not for local businesses. Rebecca Melancon, executive director of the Austin Independent Business Alliance, told The Chronicle:
"[T]his expansion is particularly troubling [...] since Urban Outfitters has had a sizable store for some time on the Drag, they are moving forward not just with market confidence but market experience. Ultimately if customers refuse to shop there for what they’ve done, the space will return to local shops."
Eater has reached out for more information. Watch this space for updates.
June 18, 12 p.m.: The name of the new concept will be Space 24, as confirmed by a rep. Set to open in the fall, the idea behind project is to create a "community-focused gathering place." The expansion is adding 15,000 square feet to the existing store on the block for retail space (with a portion dedicated to local shops), an outdoor courtyard, and restaurants.
