Freddie Fletcher, owner of Arlyn Studios, told the Tourism Commission on Oct. 8 that his recording studio — which he said he built in 1984 and which has hosted international artists — faces a rent increase that could force closure.

"Next year ... my rent quadruples," Fletcher said. He described the studio as a long-running institution that has hosted artists including Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan and others, and said the jump in rent would make it difficult to continue operating as a local creative anchor.

Why it matters: Fletcher framed the studio as part of Austin’s musical identity and tourism draw. Commissioners said the studio’s situation illustrated broader market pressures on legacy music venues and small cultural businesses and discussed how city programs and proposed bond investments might address those pressures.

What Fletcher said:

- History and role: Fletcher said he built the studio in 1984 and described it as a world‑renowned facility used by touring and recording artists and for television and film production.

- Immediate threat: He told commissioners his landlord plans to increase rent within about 11 months to an amount he described as four times his current rent, and said that scale of increase threatens the studio’s continuing operation.

- Limited prior requests for public support: Fletcher said he has not historically sought city funding and has relied on commercial work and special events revenue to sustain the studio.

Commissioner responses and follow-up:

- Several commissioners thanked Fletcher and expressed concern about the broader loss of venues and legacy businesses, describing his situation as an example of displacement that also affects tourism and the local economy.

- Commissioners asked what forms of city support had previously helped similar venues and whether the commission or city could do more to connect venue operators with available resources. Fletcher said he had not previously applied for city programs and welcomed more information on available supports.

- Vice Chair Bailey and other commissioners asked Fletcher to sketch how real estate and valuation changes in the studio’s neighborhood are driving the rent pressure; Fletcher described the property’s central location and strong development pressure nearby as primary drivers.

Ending: Commissioners said Fletcher’s testimony reinforced the scope of cultural displacement discussed in the Rally Austin presentation earlier in the meeting and urged staff to include venue preservation as a topic for future commission consideration. No formal action or funding decision resulted from the testimony.