AUSTIN, Texas — A beloved Austin record store is moving locations after previous concerns about its future.
Waterloo Records, established in 1982, plans to reopen at 1105 N. Lamar Blvd. in Downtown Austin, just five blocks down the road from its current spot at 600 N. Lamar Blvd.
The business shared the update on social media, writing in part, “After 42 wonderful years of serving as Austin’s landmark record store – and 35 years at our current location – Waterloo Records is moving from our longtime home at 6th and Lamar!”
What was once a Whole Foods office will become the new Waterloo Records starting this spring. The new storefront will offer 50% more space than the current store, allowing more room for larger events and shows. Increased parking spots will also be available.
The new location also brings new management. Current Waterloo owner John Kunz will be “passing the torch” to Gold Rush Vinyl CEO and founder Caren Kelleher and Armadillo Records CEO Trey Watson.
“Waterloo is my baby – I always wanted the store to live on and have a life beyond me, and it is happening with these new partners,” Kunz said in a press release. “I am confident that the new energy and innovation from Caren and Trey, along with the entire Waterloo Records & Video crew, will fulfill the dreams I have always had.”
Both Kelleher and Watson shared their enthusiasm for taking over the business.
“John [Kunz] was one of the first people to welcome me to Austin when I moved here to start Gold Rush Vinyl and his friendship has been so important over the years,” Kelleher said. “It means so much to me that he and his wife Kathy Marcus trust me to be part of the next chapter of Waterloo.”
“Since 1982, Waterloo Records has been a large part of the fabric of that soul as a small business and as a place where people gather as a community to celebrate music,” Watson said. “I’m honored and grateful that John Kunz has entrusted our team with guiding Waterloo into the future. We have great things planned for all to experience.”
Last year, Kunz spoke with KVUE about the uncertain future of his store. Waterloo’s land was purchased by developers back in 2019, and there was a risk that the space would be turned into mid-rise structures.
“If some other landlord or property owner has the perfect spot and this is, you know, not as perfect, then I’m going with perfection,” Kunz said at the time said.
Now, Waterloo Records’ future is clearer. The store said it plans to share more details about its grand reopening and community celebration in the near future.