An East Austin theater and butterfly oasis is getting real estate help from the City of Austin. The Vortex, which includes the Butterfly Bar, has entered into an economic preservation agreement with the City through the Place-Based Enhancement Program (PBEP).
Although tourists — especially ones who understand the city well — have plenty of reason to stop by the theater, it is an important place for locals. The physical setting feels removed from its surroundings, the building materials are eclectic and give the Vortex a very Austin-appropriate DIY feel, and the theater programming is niche, often platforming queer voices.
The Vortex has been around for more than 38 years, according to a press release from the City, and includes a butterfly sanctuary and shares the space with Patrizi's, a popular food truck serving pasta and other Italian bites.
The PBEP will provide up to $107,803 in incentives in the form of property and sales tax reimbursements over five years. The release says the project is expected to surpass $1.12 million in total net fiscal benefits to the City during that time, and more than $1 million will be connected to tourists visiting the space.
The partnership will be leveraged to to "help restore lost operating funding, support the re-establishment of staff positions, and strengthen the organization’s long-term stability, including positioning The Vortex for potential property acquisition," it says.
Performances in March so far have included Black History Month poetry, trivia night with Geeks Who Drink, a livestream of a heady puppet show in New York City, and International Women's Day celebration, and a burlesque clown variety show. Still to come are a bluegrass jam, more burlesque, a punk drag variety show, and a joint burlesque show and cocktail class.
The City is also advancing a PBEP progam with Circle C Childhood Development Center (CDC), a neighborhood preschool that's been around since 1994 and offers need-based scholarships. The award tops out at $30,765 over five years.
“Austin’s creative and community-serving organizations are essential to the strength and character of our local economy,” said Anthony Segura, Deputy Director of Austin Economic Development, in the release. “Programs like the Place-Based Enhancement Program help ensure that legacy institutions, from performing arts venues to childcare providers, can continue serving our community while contributing to Austin’s economic strength.”
