[Buck]

Construction is underway on this luxury Midtown condo tower.

Post pictures and news here.

[Buck]

http://www.midtownalliance.org/Images/Aqua.jpg

[Jularc]

Nice. It looks more like an office building than a condo tower for some reason. Seems like Atlanta is hot right now. :)

[mayhem]

It's going to look lovely next to Plaza Midtown. Definitely a good piece of infill for Midtown.

[austin356]

What $ will these units start at??

[Sketching]

What $ will these units start at??

According to this article (http://www.globest.com/retail/news/southeast/16710-1.html)from Globe St on Sept.25,2005...
"units range from $250,000 to $1 million-plus."

[ATLmangum]

Any updates on Aqua???

[Newnan_Eric]

I was intown last weekend. Took these two shots then.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/e_thomasus/Atlanta%2004-22-06/100_4041.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/e_thomasus/Atlanta%2004-22-06/100_4042.jpg

Looks like they are wrapping up the Auger Cast Piles and will be starting concrete foundation work soon. You'll probably see some vertical construction by the end of May. This is a good time of the year to be doing this type of work. The dry Spring and Summer months allow you to get out of the gound more quickly.

[ATLmangum]

Thnaks, Eric

[Lecom]

Nowhere near Chi-town Aqua, but still nice.

[smArTaLlone]

^^^seems every city is getting a building called Aqua.

Personally I don't quite know what to make of Aqua. Its hard for me to get a sense of what it will look like in real life based on that rendering.

One thing I dont like about it is that its practically the same height as all the buildings around it. I'm not hung up on height just wishing for some variation for skyline purposes.

[Jasonhouse]

Nice, but it doesn't look very aquatic to me.

[SteveD]

^^^seems every city is getting a building called Aqua.

Personally I don't quite know what to make of Aqua. Its hard for me to get a sense of what it will look like in real life based on that rendering.

One thing I dont like about it is that its practically the same height as all the buildings around it. I'm not hung up on height just wishing for some variation for skyline purposes.

I know what you mean, but I sort of am hung up on height. That's just the way I am. I understand the need for infill, and I recognize that we have a few taller ones going up (Mansion, 12CP), but, this is a skyscraper site after all, and that's what I love. 1180 satisfied my craving for new height a bit, but it's hard for me to get excited about 15, 20, 25 story towers. Not bashing Aqua...I like the way it looks.

[ATLBlaxican]

I know what you mean, but I sort of am hung up on height. That's just the way I am. I understand the need for infill, and I recognize that we have a few taller ones going up (Mansion, 12CP), but, this is a skyscraper site after all, and that's what I love. 1180 satisfied my craving for new height a bit, but it's hard for me to get excited about 15, 20, 25 story towers. Not bashing Aqua...I like the way it looks.
:haha:

That, I can totally agree with!! But i must say that I do like the building although it does look like an office building.

[mayhem]

Aqua should be substantially taller than Plaza Midtown. The glass curtain's curve at the top looks like it will add a few extra feet.

[CHAPINM1]

Does anyone know the exact height? I'm assuming it will be at least 300 feet.

[scania]

It's going to look lovely next to Plaza Midtown. Definitely a good piece of infill for Midtown.
I think the rendering is accurate, considering its only 4 stories higher.

[Stratosphere 2020]

^^^seems every city is getting a building called Aqua.

Personally I don't quite know what to make of Aqua. Its hard for me to get a sense of what it will look like in real life based on that rendering.

One thing I dont like about it is that its practically the same height as all the buildings around it. I'm not hung up on height just wishing for some variation for skyline purposes.


Look at it this way, many mid-rises in Atlanta today will be replaced by tall skyscrapers in the future. :yes:

[smArTaLlone]

The business briefly mentions that half of the 84 units are under contract.

[ATLskyline]

Whats going on at Aqua, has anyone been by the site lately? looks like above ground parking in the rendering, so I would guess they didn't dig to deep.

[foxmccleod]

Whats going on at Aqua, has anyone been by the site lately? looks like above ground parking in the rendering, so I would guess they didn't dig to deep.

There are columns on 10th street that go up one story, but that was all that I could see as far as construction above grade.

[ATLskyline]

is there a tower crane erected on the site?

[foxmtbr]

Nice!

[jason21atl]

is there a tower crane erected on the site?

Yes, it was erected over the weekend.

[mayhem]

There are collumns on the front of the building but it seems as if they're still working on the underground part of the parking.

[scania]

Whats going on at Aqua, has anyone been by the site lately? looks like above ground parking in the rendering, so I would guess they didn't dig to deep.
Absolutely right, they didn't dig deep at all. They have already poured some of foundation down. I expect to see a big diiference by October.

[ATLskyline]

I guess you would have a good view from Plaza midtown.:)

[mayhem]

http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua_june17th.jpg

Aqua as of June 17th from a unit I looked at in Plaza Midtown's North Tower.

[john3eblover]

thanks!

[scania]

I guess you would have a good view from Plaza midtown.:)
I wish I could get my camera to work so I could download. I'm taking it to Wolf Camera today, but what I'm really excited about is watching Triology go up. I would be able to watch that from my living and second bedroom.:banana:

[ATLBlaxican]

Wow, that's a small site! So I guess it's gonna take up the entire site??

[ATLskyline]

How much ground floor retail is Aqua Midtown supposed to have?

[ATLskyline]

A different rendering I found of Aqua

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3205/aqua7hc.jpg

[ATLBlaxican]

It looks more to scale in this rendering. I like, though I still think it looks like an office building. Oh yeah (TOL?:rolleyes: ), does anyone know anything about licensing for buildings. I know that there is an Aqua in Chicago being built that have nothing to do with each other, however if you take Hilton for instance, people can't just use the name on any development. I know Hilton is a brand, but I guess what I'm trying to say, is if I make Aqua a brand name, would they have to change their name??

[SteveD]

ATLBlaxican, that's a good question, and I'm sure that someone will post a definitive answer, but my guess is that while it's probably possible to "register" or "trademark" a building name, few probably do. I know for example that there are shopping centers and malls all across the country that share the same name, and, when you think about it, you can even have businesses with the same name in different states, so, I think there's not an issue with two buildings is different states having the same name.

[whiplash3825]

You can trademark or register pretty much anything, but with a building it'd have to be a reasonably unique identifier, such as "Mansion on Peachtree", instead of something already in general public usage like "Aqua".

[mexibone]

^^ i really like that rendering! does anyone have any recent construction pics?

[ATLmangum]

^^ i really like that rendering! does anyone have any recent construction pics?


http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua_june17th.jpg

As of June 17th, posted by Mayhem

[mayhem]

June 17th probably. I'll snap a pic if I get a chance.

[ATLmangum]

June 17th probably. I'll snap a pic if I get a chance.


opps, my bad. For some reason I originally had June but then edited it to July, don't really know why.

[ATLmangum]

^^ i really like that rendering! does anyone have any recent construction pics?


Here are some updated pics from emporis:

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/pc/?id=253260&aid=19&sro=1&yr=2006&mt=7

[mayhem]

http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua_july20th.jpg

Today, July 20th.

[mayhem]

What a difference between the 9th and 15th floor perspectives at Plaza Midtown.

[GThomas]

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6024/morepictures076eu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[john3eblover]

you are the man for driving around getting these pictures! just be careful ;-)

[whiplash3825]

Their website http://www.aquamidtowm.com has a cool computer generated flyaround and walkthrough which gives a much better idea than the rendering. Click on Virtual Tours.

[whiplash3825]

oops... that's http://www.aquamidtown.com

[martarider]

Hmm, looks like I'm not the only Plaza Midtown resident that's about to have their view blocked (not that I'm complaining, Ms. Norwood...)

Anyway, since there hasn't been an update in awhile, here's one from earlier tonight:

http://www.pbase.com/image/66823197.jpg

[john3eblover]

cool shot! thanks!

[CHAPINM1]

That was a great shot, I didn't know where this project was exactly located but including the Midtown skyline really helped point that out... Thanks for doing that. ;)

[perss2000]

Martarider, that shot is almost hypnotic it is so good.... great shot!

[scania]

Hmm, looks like I'm not the only Plaza Midtown resident that's about to have their view blocked (not that I'm complaining, Ms. Norwood...)

Anyway, since there hasn't been an update in awhile, here's one from earlier tonight:

http://www.pbase.com/image/66823197.jpg

This a GREAT shot!!!! If you go up a few more floors, you can see 1180 and all of Buckhead. I've said this before, but that the north tower of Plaza Midtown has incredible views of Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead. I have a great view here in the east tower and I'm also high enough to where Aqua will only enhance my view.

[Atlriser]

Scania: you mention you are high enough where Aqua will enhance your view. What's your take on the proposal by Norwood. I know it's another thread and maybe we should move a discussion to that thread, but I'm assuming you probably paid slightly more to be on your floor than someone else paid for the same unit on lower floors. You care to provide thoughts/comments/neighbor's thoughts on Aqua blocking views....

[Mayfd24]

^^ Great angle Martarider... Keep the updates comin!!!

[mayhem]

Scania: you mention you are high enough where Aqua will enhance your view. What's your take on the proposal by Norwood. I know it's another thread and maybe we should move a discussion to that thread, but I'm assuming you probably paid slightly more to be on your floor than someone else paid for the same unit on lower floors. You care to provide thoughts/comments/neighbor's thoughts on Aqua blocking views....

I believe he's in the East tower. You have a view of south Midtown and Downtown from most units in that tower. I also live in the east tower and some of my Downtown view's will be taken by the Palomar, but I feel the same. It will only enhance my view.

[scania]

Scania: you mention you are high enough where Aqua will enhance your view. What's your take on the proposal by Norwood. I know it's another thread and maybe we should move a discussion to that thread, but I'm assuming you probably paid slightly more to be on your floor than someone else paid for the same unit on lower floors. You care to provide thoughts/comments/neighbor's thoughts on Aqua blocking views....
Norwood: If you want an unobstructed view, then they should build a couple of highrises in Vinings, Perimiter Mall area, etc. Let the main street (Peachtree St./Rd.) and its surroundings be as dense as possible, which in my opinion aids in a major city's urban feel.

[supastar]

Now that ^^^ is the kind of view one should expect in the city. Very nice shot. :)

[atlantaguy]

Norwood: If you want an unobstructed view, then they should build a couple of highrises in Vinings, Perimiter Mall area, etc. Let the main street (Peachtree St./Rd.) and its surroundings be as dense as possible, which in my opinion aids in a major city's urban feel.


Well, you are getting your wish - they are building highrises in Vinings, and about 4-6 new highrises (all residential) are on the way to the Perimeter.

[scguy]

Plus ones in Gwinnett county. The views there wont be as great as they are in closer in areas like Vinings and PC but Stone Mountain will be in good range.

[radley_paul]

Just a quick interjection, though I don't know if it is appropriate in this thread.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/zach3641/The%20ATL/101_1934.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/zach3641/The%20ATL/101_1932.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/zach3641/The%20ATL/101_1916.jpg

This is the view you would get from atop a highrise around the Perimeter area.

[atlantaguy]

Great shots, Radley! I'm guessing those are from the top of The Manhattan?

[scania]

:previous: Those shots are awesome!

[radley_paul]

Thank you and yes, those are from the top of the Manhattan. I believe that I was around 28 floors up. I got a few more shots, but they were quite blurry. Those were the 3 that turned out the best.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/zach3641/The%20ATL/stitchedfile.jpg

I also made this pano, though it isn't the greatest. The building makes for a rather nice vantage point.

[mayhem]

Aqua updates as of September 19th:
http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua1_sept19th.jpg
http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua2_sept19th.jpg
http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua3_sept19th.jpg
http://www.shadowlawrecordings.com/development/aqua4_sept19th.jpg

[scania]

Scania: you mention you are high enough where Aqua will enhance your view. What's your take on the proposal by Norwood. I know it's another thread and maybe we should move a discussion to that thread, but I'm assuming you probably paid slightly more to be on your floor than someone else paid for the same unit on lower floors. You care to provide thoughts/comments/neighbor's thoughts on Aqua blocking views....

This is an example of how and why I think Aqua will enhance my view. When Aqua is finish, my view will be surrounded by highrises, giving me a TOTALLY DENSE feeling. This is one thing that aids to a big city atmosphere.
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3731/pict0002ur7.jpg

[427MM]

Wow, that is great!

[shanthemanatl]

This is an example of how and why I think Aqua will enhance my view. When Aqua is finish, my view will be surrounded by highrises, giving me a TOTALLY DENSE feeling. This is one thing that aids to a big city atmosphere.
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/3731/pict0002ur7.jpg

Somebody's been to IKEA!!!!

[scania]

Somebody's been to IKEA!!!!

Lol. My bedroom is actually from West Elm in Atlantic Station. My living room, which is pretty cool is from Space. Space is on Peachtree in Midtown. Checkout both stores, they are really cool.

[Stratosphere 2020]

Woh great view.. Like the glass view to the floor.

[shanthemanatl]

Lol. My bedroom is actually from West Elm in Atlantic Station. My living room, which is pretty cool is from Space. Space is on Peachtree in Midtown. Checkout both stores, they are really cool.

Awesome....I've been to those places.

I just thought that vase with the curly bamboo was IKEA for sure!

[scania]

Awesome....I've been to those places.

I just thought that vase with the curly bamboo was IKEA for sure!

Yeah, I picked that up from some eclectic store in Chicago about 5 years ago.

[jfsatlbldr]

November 24, 2006 update;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/jfsatlbldr/Aqua%20Midtown/11-24-06B069.jpg

[galaca]

How much higher does it have to go?

[RobMidtowner]

I think the crane is at it's maximum height so I think the crane is about where the roof will be.

[gttx]

Well, it's currently at level 13, and it will have 24 when completed. So...I'd say it's got another 11 floors to go. Imagine one-and-a-half of the residential portion already built being added to the top. I'd say just under the height of the crane would be a good bet. This thing has risen really fast - every time I walk by it seems like another floor has been added.

Great shot, Joe.

[GThomas]

Picture from the south side... Construction up to 16th floor now I believe.

http://img315.imageshack.us/img315/4125/aquayw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[smArTaLlone]

Nice shot

[ATLskyline]

a pic from last thursday courtesy of john3eblover

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/nakedyak/aquaconstruction.jpg

[smArTaLlone]

Aqua is looking nice. Someone needs to do a pic from the other side.

[john3eblover]

Aqua is looking nice. Someone needs to do a pic from the other side.

it was completely in full shadow when i was there, sorry. it would not have looked good. some other time

[RobMidtowner]

Aqua is looking nice. Someone needs to do a pic from the other side.

Yeah the other side looks great, I drive by it everyday. They're using a dark, smokey colored glass and you can already see the window edge on each floor going diagonally up the building (like in the rendering), very stylish. :tup:

EDIT: Hmm, I think the parking garage is going to be a lot bigger than it looks in this rendering.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3205/aqua7hc.jpg[/QUOTE]

[Atlriser]

This is one building that's very hard to really discern what the final look is going to be. As RobMidtowner pointed out and you can see from the rendering, they are using two different glass colors and it does look really good as far as I can conceive. There’s just so much still left to the imagination that I can’t grasp the final product yet. I agree the parking structure is much larger looking than in the rendering. I’m hoping the covering/glass will soften its street level blow from how it looks now. The building is honestly one of the most complex I’ve seen rise in Midtown in years from the look of the skeleton. Still, this is a very classy looking building so far. I’m really thinking this would be a good place to live if condo life was your desire.

[scania]

Aqua is looking nice. Someone needs to do a pic from the other side.

I'll take some tomorrow if the weather permits.

[MarketsWork]

I'll take some tomorrow if the weather permits.

The forecast is for clear weather, so you have no excuse! Thanks in advance...

[smArTaLlone]

One thing about the parking deck, I'm pretty sure it'll have some sort of "windows" which do not appear in that rendering.

[RobMidtowner]

One thing about the parking deck, I'm pretty sure it'll have some sort of "windows" which do not appear in the rendering.

Are you sure about that? Because on the South and West sides they've basically closed it up already with concrete cinder blocks. Unless they cover those up with glass, I think it will be just a concrete wall. Hopefully they'll do something to make it look better like painting at least.

[smArTaLlone]

Are you sure about that? Because on the South and West sides they've basically closed it up already with concrete cinder blocks. Unless they cover those up with glass, I think it will be just a concrete wall. Hopefully they'll do something to make it look better like painting at least.

Well I'm basing that on the rendering on the website as well as the fly-over video.

[RobMidtowner]

Well I'm basing that on the rendering on the website as well as the fly-over video.

Oh, I see what you're saying, hopefully they will include these in the final design instead of a concrete wall.

[RobMidtowner]

Northwest view
http://www.aquamidtown.com/aqu_images/const_20070102-NW.jpg

West view
http://www.aquamidtown.com/aqu_images/const_20070102-W.jpg

South view
http://www.aquamidtown.com/aqu_images/const_20070102-S.jpg

East view
http://www.aquamidtown.com/aqu_images/const_20070102-E.jpg

Looks like they're on the 18th floor.

[smArTaLlone]

Oh, I see what you're saying, hopefully they will include these in the final design instead of a concrete wall.

Also the deck faces other buildings on its south and West(eventually) so the blank wall isn't as bad.

I didn't know the site had construction pics. cool.

[scania]

The forecast is for clear weather, so you have no excuse! Thanks in advance...
Here's a pic from the other side.
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7633/tmp8462fa9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[MarketsWork]

Scania, you are a man of your word. You didn't go out and rent a helicopter like RobMidtowner did, but you brought us a great view of the emerging facade. Thanks!

[MarketsWork]

Looks like they're on the 18th floor.

Nice find, RobMidtowner! These views show how much 10th Street is building up. It will be interesting to see how long it takes before the real estate market dictates a higher use for the empty lot north of Aqua than the two antennas now occupying that site.

To me, one of the most exciting things to come is the continued development of major east-west corridors intersecting the Peachtrees. 5th Street is a good model for how to traverse the Connector with a broad avenue, fitting seamlessly with foot-friendly sidewalks and storefronts. 10th Street and 14th Street have even greater potential to spread highrise developments to both sides of the Peachtree spine. I would add streetcars on those streets to feed the intersecting MARTA North Line stations.

[GThomas]

That west facing huge wall is just screaming to be tagged with graffiti...
or to be built flush against (:-D) another building.

[RobMidtowner]

Nice find, RobMidtowner! These views show how much 10th Street is building up. It will be interesting to see how long it takes before the real estate market dictates a higher use for the empty lot north of Aqua than the two antennas now occupying that site.

To me, one of the most exciting things to come is the continued development of major east-west corridors intersecting the Peachtrees. 5th Street is a good model for how to traverse the Connector with a broad avenue, fitting seamlessly with foot-friendly sidewalks and storefronts. 10th Street and 14th Street have even greater potential to spread highrise developments to both sides of the Peachtree spine. I would add streetcars on those streets to feed the intersecting MARTA North Line stations.

Yeah, I keep hoping someone will see the potential of the antenna site. That particular lot is much higher in elevation than the surrounding land and could make a relatively short building look considerably taller. Or make a tall building look gigantic! :D

[smArTaLlone]

Here's a pic from the other side.
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7633/tmp8462fa9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice :tup:
Thanks !

[RobMidtowner]

Hmm, on second glance the parking deck does look somewhat inline with the rendering.

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3205/aqua7hc.jpg
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7633/tmp8462fa9.jpg

[Atlriser]

Yeah, The large metal strip you see running in line with the windows about 10' down from the glass is in line with the rendering of the glass coming down over the lip of the parking deck. The rendering has different shadings for the parking podium. I wonder if this was just artistic rendering or if the podium will have some metalic/paint scheme to it. The rendering almost looks like it's panels of some sort covering the podium so some sort of metal would be nice IMO, but it looks almost like an EFIS treatment is being applied higher up the building that is the same color as the podium in the rendering.

[RobMidtowner]

The virtual tour also shows windows on the parking garage:
http://www.aquamidtown.com/

[ATLmangum]

How much taller is Aqua going to be compared to Plaza Midtown?