Live Here, Play Here: The Metropolis Apartments in Austin, Texas

Written by Claire Hookstra

Photos courtesy of Club Met

Just 2.5 miles from downtown Austin lies an artistic, colorful haven of creativity and community: the Metropolis Apartments. Fostering individuality, artistry, and innovation, the Metropolis welcomes artists to practice in their rooms, use the equipped outdoor stage, and create in the common spaces. The complex stays true to the beloved “Keep Austin Weird” mentality, encouraging residents to explore the boundaries of creativity, collaborate, and keep the spirit of Austin alive. 

The Metropolis has been called home by many famous Austin acts, such as Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, Sumner Erickson, and DJ Berlin. Working closely together with HAAM (the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), the Metropolis has provided homes for musicians in Austin for decades. Currently, HAAM members receive a discount on rent, making this artistic wonderland an affordable housing option for many rising creatives in the Austin area. 

Slipfast sat down with resident musician and Entertainment Director of the Metropolis Apartments, Tiffani Theiss, for an interview on June 30th to learn more about the unique residential area and the qualities of the complex that make it truly “legendary.” 

“An artistic and friendly community,” Theiss stated when asked what Metropolis is at its core. The apartments are owned by a 501(3)(c) nonprofit, making them an option for low-income housing. “It caters to musicians of all shapes and sizes. It’s a vibrant and colorful community. Like that old ‘Keep Austin Weird’ vibe,” Theiss continued. In addition to its bright atmosphere, Metropolis is set apart from other spaces because it allows its residents to practice inside their apartments from the hours of 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. “That one fact alone puts us in a whole other bracket.” 

“ Colorful, vibrant, one of a kind.”

Being a musician herself, Theiss first moved to Metropolis in 2009 from the East Coast. After touring many residences throughout the city, most of which were “beige,” as she explained, the Metropolis was a complete standout. Before even seeing the inside of the building, she was already sold. “Palm trees and vintage cars floating in the air” and “colorful buildings… with murals all over the place” immediately convinced her and her partner to move into the artist complex. Sixteen years later, the duo still lives in the Metropolis, where Theiss now acts as the Entertainment Director for the community as of February 2025. 

Jane Leo perform at First Day of Summer Fest

In the outdoor common area lies a fully equipped stage with lights, a PA system, and even on-site resident sound technicians. While musicians swarm the residential halls, other types of creatives, art and music lovers, and those who simply enjoy the creative energy that radiates through the area live there as well. As Theiss explained, it’s a unique experience to be able to “walk outside your place in your swimsuit, go to the pool, and hear live bands ranging in any sort of genre” at any point in the day. 

Additionally, the Metropolis puts on a large variety of events throughout the year, from open jams, to gardening parties, to art showcases, and everything in between. During SXSW, “Metropalooza” offers Austinites free shows spanning several genres with food, beverages, games, and more during the week of the festival. This year, the event lasted from March 13-16, showcasing the talents of over 18 musicians. 

“It brings back all those reasons why people fell in love with Austin in the first place.”

The latest big celebration held by the Metropolis community was “First Day of Summer Fest,” where a new communal space of loungers and fire pits perfect for get-togethers was debuted. “Anytime I see my fellow neighbors enjoying themselves and having a good time, to me, that’s always a success,” Theiss told Slipfast when asked about her favorite event she’s thrown. “Any day that ends in smiles and happiness and people going, ‘This is an awesome event.’” 

The Broken View perform at First Day of Summer Fest

The Metropolis Apartments were meticulously crafted to spark creative energy, encourage artistic style, and most importantly, bring joy to Austin. They are a place where individuality is celebrated, artists thrive, and the true spirit of Austin is kept alive. It’s a community where creatives can interact, collaborate, and feed off of one another, no matter the art form. Dedicated staff, like Tiffani Theiss, make the complex shine the brightest light it can, holding events, getting sponsors, and keeping the area lively and fun.