East Austin In East Austin opposites stand side by side–shabby next to chic, craftsman by contemporary, home next to business Sparkling new store windows reflect the weathered brick and razor wire just across the street. Angular modern homes cast shadows on pastel bungalows while those with dinner reservations vie for parking with residents. As the last bits of local color on South Congress fade to fashionable neutrals, Austinites turn to East Austin for fine art, creative cuisine, and a sense of Austin history. Recently, I was delighted to be in the neighborhood to attend the rebranding reveal of the former Cat Noir hotel, a boutique hotel which is now The…