The Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Austin is shutting up shop on Wedneday, June 27th. I’m very, very sad about this. The first time I went to SXSW and stepped into the Alamo to watch a film I couldn’t sit still I was so excited. Beer, food, root beer floats and a movie! It was all too good to be true. Plus their pre-movie films were hilarious. They aren’t going away altogether, merely moving locations, but there’s something about that original location that seems to inspire great affection in people. It just feels right. Matt Dentler has more news on this.

I would really love it if there could be something like the Alamo in Brooklyn - ideally in Williamsburg so I could cycle over without breaking a sweat - but I would imagine the current real estate/culture wars would make this very difficult. Galapagos is moving to DUMBO for gawd’s sake. You know you’re in trouble when an innovative arts space can’t afford to exist in your supposedly arty neighborhood.
Would anybody like to give me a few million so I could bring the Alamo to Williamsburg? Surely it’s better than more horrible glass condos with dreadful ads like this. “Radically Chic, Chicly Radical” has got to be one of the most godawful slogans ever invented in the name of real estate. Although “A sculpture for living” is a close second! What kind of people does this appeal to?
Ooh, this is a bugbear of mine - I could go on about the culture/commerce dilemma for hours. But I won’t. Goodbye lovely Alamo! The new one better be nice. Or the puppy gets it.

I’m serious about the millions by the way. I even have a building in mind. But I only have $22.43 to spare this month so I need some investors. I’m very trustworthy. Ask my mother.

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