In a follow up to my post earlier today about the decline of the bicycle courier service, it looks like the Austin bike messenger community is getting a double hit. Thanks to Jason at ATXBS for pointing out the Austin American Stateman report that Little City, long a beloved coffee house hang out for messengers and regular cyclist alike, will have to move or close its doors by January 2011. Their building has been purchased by the conservative think tank the Texas Public Policy Foundation for their new headquarters. They intend to honor Little City’s lease through January 2011 but not renew. The TPPF has brought us such gems as clean coal, vouchers, and wholesale deregulation. I thought one Texas conservative had already done enough to hurt the cycling community.
From the TPPF website:
Capital campaign will renovate historic Congress Avenue storefront into state-of-the-art permanent headquarters
I can’t wait for the animatronic Grover Norquist talking about tort reform.
The Statesman is reporting that the building was purchased for $5 million. Hmm, I wonder where these corporate shills got all that money?
on Sep 16th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Am way bummed about this!! The TPPF looks awful.
on Sep 16th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
me too, this has been my hangout since the mid 90s, and have so many great memories there. hopefully they can remain open and find a new place, while keeping the same atmosphere.