1. James White, owner and founder of famous Austin dancehall Broken Spoke, died Jan. 24 at 81 years old. “Austin, Texas and country music is better because of him. He’s up in Honky Tonk Heaven,” the business wrote in a social media post. White opened the Broken Spoke in 1964, and musicians from George Strait to Ray Benson paid tribute on social media after his death. The dancehall will remain open under the leadership of White’s wife, Annetta. 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-442-6189. www.brokenspokeaustintx.net
2. HipStirs Lounge opened in November at 3403 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. The craft cocktail bar also offers food from partner brands Phantasma Kitchen and Lechuza Tacos. Craft cocktail and mocktail kits are available on HipStirs’ website, as are bookings for virtual mixology classes. 512-621-4321. www.hipstirs.com
3. Synthetic Turf World opened a new location Feb. 1 at 4211 Todd Lane, Ste. B, Austin. The business will continue offering turf installation around the Austin area, and its new location will allow customers to review the products in person, according to office manager Meaghan Callahan. 512-299-2330. www.synturfworld.com
4. Zilker Point, a new, seven-story office building, is set for development at 218 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. The 195,000-square-foot project will feature 16,000 square feet of ground floor retail space, five levels of below-ground parking, a public plaza and a community art gallery. According to the project’s developer, Joe Llamas of General Commercial Properties, Zilker Point “is designed for a post-COVID world, with HVAC systems found in hospitals, abundant outdoor spaces and biophilic architecture.” Construction is tentatively set to begin this summer and will last two years. www.zilkerpoint.com
