Community gets first look at new entertainment district in Mueller

A new entertainment district is taking shape in Austin.

The Aldrich Street district in Mueller will be home to restaurants, retailers, apartments and offices.
Thursday, the community celebrated the new entertainment hub with a grand opening block party.
               
Restaurants, which have already opened, handed out samples all evening, including mocha martinis and ice cream toppings.

There was also plenty of live entertainment like music, a dance floor and several activities for people of all ages.

The Aldrich Street community is just getting started. The district is also slated for a new hotel, office buildings, and condos.

Developers said it was time for a new entertainment hub in the City of Austin.
               
“We have great entertainment districts, but we have not a lot on the east side. So, it's a great new edition to the east side of Austin. We also have a ton of local business. We actually have 100 percent local business for the Aldrich Street district, so we're really happy to bring a good mix of restaurants, stores and fitness and movies and all that kind of fun stuff,” said Jessica Reynolds with Catellus, the company which planned and developed the entertainment district.

During Thursday’s block party many got their first look at the Mueller district.

Eventually, developers hope it will become a place where people can live, work, eat, shop and play without ever leaving the neighborhood.