Waterloo Records Leaves Historic Sixth & Lamar Site as Demolition Approaches

A familiar vinyl shop that has been part of Austin’s music scene for nearly four decades has just vacated its historic spot on Sixth Street and Lamar Boulevard, and the building is slated for demolition.

City employee filing demolition permit with clipboard and wooden counter at Waterloo Records shattered windows with debris

Waterloo Records’ Relocation

Waterloo Records, a local icon, moved a few blocks away in 2025 and opened a new location at the end of August. The new store features a cafe, a podcast studio, a gold record room, and other attractions that aim to keep the brand alive.

Demolition Permit Filed

The property owner filed for a demolition permit this week, a step that brings the former Sixth & Lamar site closer to permanent transformation. The building at 600 N. Lamar has sat vacant since the shop moved out in the fall of 2025.

Rezoning and Development Plans

The property was sold in 2019 to Endeavor Real Estate Group. Endeavor is now pursuing a nine-story, mixed-use development that would contain 93 residential units and 18,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space.

The Austin Business Journal reported in July that Endeavor received a positive rezoning vote from the Austin Planning Commission at its July 8 meeting. The project still requires approval from the Austin City Council.

On Monday, Endeavor and civil-engineering firm Garza EMC submitted a demolition application to the city. Several city departments must review the site plan before demolition can proceed.

According to the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) portal, those reviews are scheduled to finish by January 8 or 9.

Impact on Current Tenants

The Sixth & Lamar building also houses 24 Diner and Amy’s Ice Cream. It is unclear what will happen to those businesses once the building is approved for demolition.

Key Takeaways

Waterloo Records has relocated to a new Austin location with added amenities.
The former Sixth & Lamar site is now slated for demolition after a permit was filed.
Endeavor plans a nine-story mixed-use tower with 93 units and 18,000 sq ft of retail.

The future of the historic storefront is uncertain as city reviews move toward a new mixed-use development.

Author

Gavin U. Stonebridge

I’m Gavin U. Stonebridge, a Business & Economy journalist at News of Austin. I cover the financial forces, market trends, and economic policies that influence businesses, workers, and consumers at both local and national levels. My goal is to explain complex economic topics in a clear and practical way for everyday readers.