AUSTIN, Texas -- Even on one of the hottest days of the year, you'll find Austin's community paint park bustling with artists and admirers alike.
"The saying of 'Keep Austin Weird,' I think you meet all these awesome, talented people," said graffiti artist Johnny Mambo.
HOPE Outdoor Gallery exudes everything there is to love about the city, but it was never intended to last.
"A six month experiement has turned into a six, going on seven year project," said property owner Victor Ayad.
After starting off as a temporary project for the HOPE campaign, the park quickly took on a life of its own.
Located on a prime piece of real estate, the property that houses the park is valued at more than $5 million.
"There's been a lot of opportunity costs, but the gratification of creating this certainly made up for it," Ayad said.
As the park continues to surge in popularity, the time has come for this beloved graffiti park to find a new home.
"Now we've got compatibility issues above and beyond the economics of sponsoring it, specifically high traffic," said Ayad.
One of the misconceptions about HOPE Outdoor Gallery is that it's a City of Austin entity, but in reality, the space is paid for and managed by Ayad and his partners, as well as the HOPE campaign.
Despite the park's popularity, it doesn't generate any revenue, and it comes at a hefty pricetag to operate every year.
"Annual cost is over $100,000," Ayad said. "We've spent over $1 million to sponsor it since it started six and a half years ago."
Though money isn't the driving factor in relocating, it's become a matter of when, not if, it moves.
"I don't see the volume of people lessening," said Ayad. "We've anticipated this and working on finding another destination for a couple of years now."
It will be another nine months to a year before the park changes spots, so those who have yet to check out this unique spot are encouraged to come see what it's about.
"Experience it, and then you'll realize why it's really cool," said Kal Ramachandran, one of the park's many visitors.
There has not been a designated location named for the new park.
A decision is expected to be made in the next few months.
Ayad says once that happens, they will resume discussions with developers to build high-end condominiums on the park's current space.
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