(Credit: Center for Social Innovation)
If you’ve talked to anyone about east Austin, then the name “Springdale General” has probably popped up more than once. This 15-building complex is home to some of Austin’s well-loved creatives and nonprofits.
One of my favorite things about Springdale General is the variety of businesses and organizations that call it home. From creative studios to fun service-based businesses to educational opportunities, it holds a bit of everything. Keep reading to learn about some of the businesses you might want to visit next time you’re near 1023 Springdale Road.
To Quench Your Thirst
1/ Caffe Medici
One of the first storefronts you’ll see when entering Springfield General is Caffe Medici. Coffee lovers will be familiar with this local coffee chain, which has five other locations across Austin.
The Springdale General location is the roasting shop for the company. It’s beautiful, with a pair of large double doors and comfortable couches. Try some of Caffe Medici Roasting’s La Famiglia blend of espresso or the Clarksville blend used for daily house coffee.
Building 1A – Website
2/ Zhi Tea
Zhi Tea started back in 2006, when founder Jeffrey Lorien started the business of his dreams: handcrafting and selling “jaw dropping” tea blends.
The shop sells a variety of tea types, from black and green to oolong and pu-erh. To ensure transparency, Zhi Tea only uses certified teas in its blends. Another cool thing about this company? It’s a huge supporter of local nonprofits and has given back to businesses such as Urban Roots and Sustainable Food Center.
Building 7A – Website
For Fun Paper-based Shopping
3/ Iona Handcrafted Books
Iona Handcrafted Books started over 20 years ago, inspired by founder Mychal Mitchell’s need for a journal during an international trip when hers was stolen in Rome. After being introduced to a local bookbinding shop where she learned all about the process, she created her own journal about a year later. Little did she know that would be the start of a glorious new business.
Today, Iona Handcrafted Books offers both journals and photo albums, all with gorgeous leather binding and archival paper. You can find journals in three variations, made with water color paper, hemp paper, or bamboo paper.
Building 1G – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Words Live Happily Ever After at Iona Handcrafted Books
4/ The Paper + Craft Pantry
Founded in 2015, The Paper + Craft Pantry is Austin’s first and only locally-owned retail paper shop, and full service workshop studio. You’ll find a variety of greeting cards, paper goods, and stationery from over 85 independent stationery designers.
But that’s not all! The Paper + Craft Pantry hosts workshops and events, to include loom weaving lessons, painting workshops, book clubs, vintage mini markets, and more.
Building 6B – Website
Service-based Organizations
5/ Center for Social Innovation
Center for Social Innovation was launched in early 2018 by Notley, a local nonprofit and venture capital organization. This hub was designed to provide long-term commercial affordability and “serve as a permanent home for Austin’s social innovation ecosystem.” In other words, it’s responsible for bringing a rainbow of wonderful businesses and organizations together in one place.
Within the center’s building, you’ll find space for coworking, meetings, and events. Arguably the most important thing about Center for Social Innovation, though, is the community it’s developing in Austin.
Building 1J – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Center for Social Innovation Propels Nonprofits With Intentional Ecosystem
6/ Latinitas
Springdale General is also home to the marvelous Latinitas, the first digital magazine made by and for young Latinas. It was founded in 2002 and has only grown since then.
The organization’s mission is to empower girls to innovate through media and technology. This is done by providing programming throughout Central Texas, including after-school empowerment programs, summer camps, and community workshops.
Building9E – Website
➡️ Keep reading: Latinitas Empowers Austin’s Young Latinas With Media and Technology Skills
For Educational Opportunities
7/ Austin Center for Design
Austin Center for Design offers educational programs so students can discover autonomy through design, and grow entrepreneurial freedom in the industry. It has a humanitarian focus, helping students tackle real-world problems.
Tuition is $18,000 for a one-year course, which includes interacting with design experts and growing connections within the community.
Building 2C – Website
8/ Sky Candy
I was recently introduced to Sky Candy and immediately drawn into what they’re doing in Austin. As the website states, “Circus is for everybody.”
Sky Candy is a premier circus training center, offering a variety of classes for students of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. Learn how to work with different apparatuses in the Intro to Aerials classes, like silks and hammocks.
While the intro classes are for adults only, they do have a youth program for children from kindergarten age to 12. First class is $30!
Building 8A – Website
Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of all the amazing businesses and organizations you can find at Springdale General. AIDS Services of Austin, Austin Parks Foundation, and Texas Book Festival all have offices here.
Check out the complex website to learn more about who makes up this community.
1023 Springdale Road – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
What’s your favorite place to visit at Springdale General?