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An architecturally significant, but long-abandoned Austin neighborhood bank could see new life as a vibrant multi-use building featuring a cafe, a blues museum — and even a bank branch.
The proposed $37.5 million transformation of the old Laramie State Bank, 5200 W. Chicago Ave., is one of the first three projects announced this week under the city’s Invest South/West program.
It’s still early — and we certainly reserve permission to criticize Invest South/West if it starts to go sideways — but for now, we’re glad to see the city making a serious attempt at revitalizing historically disinvested South and West side commercial areas.