Developer Labeling East Austin 'Tortilla Canyon' Gets City Lease

AUSTIN, TX — Austin City Council members approved a multi-year, $31 million lease agreement to relocate the downtown municipal courthouse to a developer who had labeled predominantly Hispanic East Austin as "Tortilla Canyon."

Austin-based Zydeco Development, owners of the MetCenter development in the southeastern portion of the city, quickly removed a satirical map on its website ahead of the council vote that included the tortilla reference to East Austin. An outcry ensued, followed by an apology from company officials and a commitment to have employees undergo cultural sensitivity training.

Not much was said in reference to culturally insensitive training (particularly given company officials' seemingly genuine contrition over the satirical map's use for marketing purposes), although Leslie Pool said she was too offended by the map to vote at all. Ultimately, the deal was approved in a 7-2 vote with Ora Houston and Sabino Renteria voting against. Ellen Troxclair was absent for the vote.

The lease will allow the city to move the court to new digs. The 65-year-old courthouse building near 7th Street and Interstate 35 is cramped and in disrepair, while the new site offers 96,000 square feet of space situated on 550 acres.

Related stories:

Developer Calling East Austin 'Tortilla Canyon' Apologizes

Developers Seeking City Lease Label East Austin 'Tortilla Canyon'

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