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Article: ACT OF CONGRESS; ONCE DOWN AND OUT, AUSTIN'S SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE IS NOW A STYLISH SHOPPING DESTINATION.
- Article from:
- WWD
- Article date:
- January 7, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Conde Nast Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Nearly five years ago, one of the most popular reasons to frequent Austin's South Congress Avenue was also one of the least savory. The 10-block expanse one mile south of the city's Capitol building was once infamous for prostitution, drugs and crime, with a few pioneering antique and curio shops near the southern end.
Now, due to city-sponsored cleanup efforts and small businesses opening at an almost monthly rate, the strip could almost power itself on buzz alone. Eclectic homegrown boutiques mingle with cafes, Tex-Mex restaurants, salons, celeb-attracting hotels and a landmark rockabilly nightclub. Merchants boast a collaborative community that bands together ...