ATX-CTA: Impact 8/6/2026

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Co-founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to bring new private theatre to Hyde Park

Tim League, co-founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, is expanding movie theater offerings in Austin with a new Metro Private Cinema location. League will open the private theater in the historic Baker School in Hyde Park.

Metro Private Cinema is slated to open its doors to movie lovers in spring 2027, Tim League said.

How it works: Metro Private Cinema offers a more intimate approach to going to the movies. Viewers can choose from new releases, independent films or classics from the brand’s movie library. The theaters can hold between 4-20 people for approximately 3.5 hours.

The experience kicks off with a multi-course family-style meal before the movie begins. As dessert is served, guests can sit in the traditional movie theater recliners and enjoy the film, Tim League explained.

Learn more: The Austin location will feature 11 individual rooms. Tim League has already built one test theater at the Baker School and will invite people to be early testers likely starting in November, he said.

3908 Avenue B, Austin

Market Story

City to expand homeless outreach in South Austin ahead of new resource hub launch

Austin will fund targeted outreach around I-35 and Oltorf Street ahead of the planned opening of a new homeless resource center in the neighborhood.

The details: The city is adding $250,000 to a previous contract with Sunrise Community Church to provide services to homeless individuals and families in the Oltorf area. Sunrise runs an existing homeless navigation center in South Austin, and was recommended this year to manage the new resource hub planned off I-35.

Focusing on the I-35/Oltorf area was a strategic shift based on feedback from local leaders and the navigation center board to invest in "stabilization strategies" before that facility opens next year, an Austin Homeless Strategies & Operations spokesperson said. The church's street outreach will involve connecting unsheltered residents with "transformative supports" like housing, healthcare and shelter, the HSO spokesperson said.

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In Your Community

How Travis County residents can care for local parks

The Travis County Parks Foundation's Park Stewards Program, a volunteer development program in its first year, turns residents into ambassadors for their neighborhood park.

The gist: Over several months, participants move through learning modules on conservation and nature before completing 20 hours of service in their park and earning a patch naming them a steward of that park. The program is free and open to anyone, regardless of expertise.

Get involved: The foundation is recruiting for its fall cohort at Southeast Metropolitan and Reimers Ranch parks, with applications opening online in early August. Sessions run two hours monthly, and one-time stewardship days are open to anyone who can't commit to the full program.

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CI Business

Kick Pleat prepares for upcoming relocation along North Lamar Boulevard

Austin native apparel company, Kick Pleat, is relocating to a larger storefront along North Lamar Boulevard, according to owner Wendi Martin. Kick Pleat will cease operations at its existing location on Sept. 30 with plans to reopen at a permanent spot in December or January, she said.

The context: Kick Pleat started in Austin in 2003 and now has locations in Dallas and Houston. The company sells a range of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories from a range of designers, including WJ Martin, which was created by Kick Pleat’s owner.

What they offer: Kick Pleat offers trousers, jeans, dresses, skirts, swimwear, sunglasses and shoes. Featured designers include LABO.ART, Extreme Cashmere, RÙADH and Oliver Peoples.

Learn more: Between closing the current location and opening a new one, Martin plans to launch a pop-up store for 2-4 months. The exact location has yet to be announced.

3027 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

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General Manager

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Good Morning, Central Austin!

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