[KevinFromTexas]

^ That's wild. Legacy on Town Lake should be visible from that view. You can see its crane above the San Jacinto Center. And Four Seasons Residences should be visible above 300 West Sixth. And I would say the top of Altavida's crane is just about where the building will be once it's topped out. The roof may be just a tad bit lower than the crane is now. Frost Bank Tower still owns that view though. :cool:

[Raining Inside]

This is the first I've heard of a highrise (10 floors anyway) at the Triangle.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/04/21/story4.html?b=1208704001621637

Land at Triangle up for grabs
GLO seeks developer to build out tracts near blossoming Central Austin mixed-use project
Austin Business Journal - by A.J. Mistretta Staff Writer

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About 75 percent of the commercial space in the Triangle is spoken for and some say the new land is ripe for more retail or a hotel.
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Related News

* Austin retailers find that it's hip to be in Triangle [Austin]
* Heavyweight goes the distance in retail deals [Austin]
* Simmons Vedder pegged for second Mueller multifamily project [Austin]
* Week in review [South Florida]
* Tarragon sells Las Olas site for $15M [South Florida]

The Texas General Land Office is offering up for lease two remaining parcels within the 33-acre Triangle tract, a move that will likely lead to more retail and residential units and possibly other uses at the Central Austin development.

The GLO, which handles the assets of the state's Permanent School Fund, plans to lease a 1.7-acre parcel on the western side of the tract facing North Lamar Boulevard and a 3.7-acre piece on the southeastern edge of the site facing West 45th Street. The PSF has begun soliciting long-term lease offers on the two parcels but will maintain ownership of the property. Any building or improvements made will be owned by the state once the leases are up.

In recent months, The Triangle has become a major focal point of the North Lamar/Guadalupe Street corridor. Cencor Urban is delivering approximately 125,000 square feet of retail space in multiple phases, which should be complete this summer. Simmons Vedder & Co. built and later sold off a total of 450 apartment units in multiple phases and that company plans to start later this year on a 10-story condo building. Cencor is also building 79 rental units that should be finished soon. About 75 percent of the retail is already leased to mostly local tenants like RunTex and Galaxy Café, and more than 90 percent of the completed residential units are occupied.

John Burnham, development partner with Simmons Vedder, says his company has been eagerly anticipating the two new tracts coming available.

In particular, Burnham says Simmons Vedder is eyeing the 3.7-acre site that would likely allow for about 250 apartment units and roughly 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail if a vertical mixed use zoning change is approved. He says the earliest his company could begin construction would be spring 2009.

Burnham says Cencor is likely to be interested in the other parcel for retail purposes since it lies directly across from another of that company's components of the project. "The retail is really starting to take off now that [Cencor's] pieces are complete," says Burnham. "It's a lot of residential units, but it's the right place for development because it's a centrally located site. I think we're seeing a lot demand to live in a place like The Triangle."

But with a competitive bid process, there's no guarantee that any particular developer will get the OK to turn dirt. In fact, the tracts could go to a number of uses, real estate watchers say, including a possible hotel.

It's unclear exactly how much space might be allowable on the 1.7-acre site.

Developer Tom Terkel with Cencor says his company has "strong interest in any opportunities that come up around The Triangle," but declined to elaborate on any specific plans Cencor is exploring for the two tracts.

The Permanent School Fund acquired the 33-acre tract from the Texas Department of Mental Retardation in February 2004. The acquisition came with the two existing long-term leases for the roughly 23 acres that encompass the developed portions of The Triangle. Each of those leases, which began in 2001, is for a 50-year term with the option of additional 25-year extensions.

Six acres from the original 33 was sold to the city in 2004 for park space and drainage, says city official Fred Evins.

[KevinFromTexas]

There had been a plan originally several years ago to include a 10-story apartment building in the project. I think it would have been about 150 feet tall.

Here are three renderings that were produced of The Triangle with the building. The article mentions Simmons Vedder is the developer. This makes sense, I seem to remember it was Simmons Vedder that put out these renderings. I think Mopacs was the one that found these originally.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20pics/AustinTheTrianglerendering3.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20pics/AustinTheTrianglerendering2.jpg

The buildings to the right are state office buildings. The one on the farthest right is 121 feet tall.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20pics/TheTrianglerendering.jpg

[Mopacs]

Yeah those were screen caps from a fly-over animation they had on their site. The apartments along Guadalupe are more or less the same as was constructed. The retail configuration along Lamar is quite different now. However, the high-rise you see looks to be in the same spot (on the south end of the Triangle Park). It really is a nice development, especially the recently-completed retail phase. I'll have to post some recent pics.

[ATXboom]

Friday, April 18, 2008
Los Angeles company takes $40M stake in Seaholm
CIM Group to foot large part of project's $117M price tag
Austin Business Journal - by A.J. Mistretta Staff Writer



Since its launch in 1994, CIM Group Inc. has invested in urban renewal projects from downtown San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Last summer, the Los Angeles company planted its flag in Austin by purchasing the 16-acre Penn Field development on South Congress Avenue. Now CIM is making an even bigger local investment -- this time in one of the highest profile developments in the city's recent history.

CIM has entered as an equity partner in the $117 million Seaholm Power Plant project, contributing about $40 million to the redevelopment that will bring a mix of residential, office, retail and other uses to the site.

The Austin City Council approved Seaholm's master development agreement earlier this month, pushing the complex public-private initiative that's been in the works for years far closer to reality.

[paulsjv]

My wife and I walked to Whole Foods yesterday and noticed they were putting in a lot of landscaping around the Monarch. There's also a "water feature" they built between the Monarch and its parking garage that actually looks pretty cool.

I know exactly what you are talking about. It's going to be very cool water feature for sure! Also, I saw from work (whole foods) that they filled their pool and have sever water fountains lining one side of it. It looks pretty cool. :)

Here are some shots taken this past Friday (4/18). The weather was just fantastic that evening...

That was you at the top of the hill taking pictures! Awesome! My g/f and I were at the hill enjoying the evening as well. If only I knew it was you I would have said hi! :)

[Mopacs]

That was you at the top of the hill taking pictures! Awesome! My g/f and I were at the hill enjoying the evening as well. If only I knew it was you I would have said hi! :)

That's funny... I think I remember seeing you guys in passing. Was this at the dead-end across from the R.H. Apartments? Its kind of hard to miss a forumer... I mean how many run down steep hills taking skyline pics? :haha: My GF was out of town, so I was all over the place this weekend :)

[MichaelB]

Droped into 360 office today on a walk to see when the new Novare property will breakground. Woman at the desk (who has gotten to know my face, ooops) said 3 months. I asked if designs were published yet. She said no... and oddly enough said they do not even know the name of the building! Hum? So is "Ovation" a place holder? Anyway, said they would not start selling until the construction had begun.

[Jdawgboy]

wow 3 months now. :( eehh well plenty of other towers to see rise in the meantime.

[paulsjv]

That's funny... I think I remember seeing you guys in passing. Was this at the dead-end across from the R.H. Apartments? Its kind of hard to miss a forumer... I mean how many run down steep hills taking skyline pics? :haha: My GF was out of town, so I was all over the place this weekend :)

We were actually on the hill. We didn't make it to the top of the hill but about 3/4ths the way up and popped a squat and sat there for about 45 minutes enjoying the evening. :)

[KevinFromTexas]

I always wonder about bumping into forumers. Mopacs and I actually bumped into each other once at the first lighting of the Frost Bank Tower back in 2004. I had gone with my brother and his wife to see it at Auditorium Shores. That was funny.

I always wonder if it's a forumer when I see someone taking pics in downtown. Also the other day I was on Congress at about 10 pm I guess. Downtown was still packed to the gills with people. So I set there on my bike taking pics up and down the street just soaking up the city. Anyway, this one guy was interested in knowing what kind of camera I had, either slr or digital. I told him I was an architecture geek and was taking pictures of the city and skyscrapers. He mentioned there definitely is a lot of change to see and said it's almost like documenting the city as it looks today.

I also overhear a lot of skyscraper and city talk on the observation hill at Butler Park (formerly Town Lake Park).

[shanny]

:previous: i think about that too. there should be some sort of sign we give or word we shout to see if the other person is a forumer. :jester:

[Mopacs]

:previous: i think about that too. there should be some sort of sign we give or word we shout to see if the other person is a forumer. :jester:

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3134949/2/istockphoto_3134949_hello_my_name_is.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

:previous: i think about that too. there should be some sort of sign we give or word we shout to see if the other person is a forumer. :jester:

Haha, I was thinking the same thing the other day. Maybe have a SSP sign we flash up in the air. Somehow angle your fingers upwards like Frost's crown. :D I was over at the Long Center the other night and someone yelled out my name. I looked, to see who it was, but I didn't recognize anyone. I think they may have been calling someone else.

http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3134949/2/istockphoto_3134949_hello_my_name_is.jpg

Haha. Too funny. This reminds me of that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine came up with the idea of having everyone in New York wear a name tag. lol

[MichaelB]

Haha, I was thinking the same thing the other day. Maybe have a SSP sign we flash up in the air. Somehow angle your fingers upwards like Frost's crown. :D I was over at the Long Center the other night and someone yelled out my name. I looked, to see who it was, but I didn't recognize anyone. I think they may have been calling someone else.



Haha. Too funny. This reminds me of that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine came up with the idea of having everyone in New York wear a name tag. lol

I was thinking more of like... a Shriner hat.... 'cept in the shape of the Frost Building :haha: Some plastic, LED's a few batteries and we are there! ( I'm scared!)

[ATXboom]

Monday, April 21, 2008 - 4:36 PM CDT
CWS reaches deal to build lakefront condos
Austin Business Journal



Those opposed to CWS Capital Partners LLC's plan to build condos close to Lady Bird Lake have reached an agreement with the developer.

The groups Save Town Lake and South River City Citizens have agreed to new plans by CWS to build three residential towers at 222 and 300 East Riverside at least 200 feet from the lakeshore and at a height of no more than 96 feet high. Under the agreement buildings 150 feet to 200 feet from the lake can be no higher than 35 feet. The buildings would conform to setbacks outlined in the Waterfront Overlay Ordinance.

CWS' original plan called for a variance to the ordinance to build as close as 80 feet from the lakeshore. CWS had proposed building an extension of the hike and bike trail in exchange for the variance.

In the new plan, reached late last week, CWS has agreed to extend the hike and bike trail and dedicate 1.5 acres of park land.

CWS's original plans were fought against strenuously by Save Town Lake, which filed a lawsuit to protest the projects. The Austin City Council rejected CWS' plans, which were appealed. CWS has rescinded that appeal. Tom Cooke, chairman of Save Town Lake, says the lawsuit remains active .

"We're looking at permanent solutions. This was never just about CWS," Cooke says.

"The revised plan illustrates responsible development along the shores of Lady Bird Lake. It is consistent with the mission statement of Save Town Lake, which is to protect and preserve Austin's most precious resource: Town Lake [now called Lady Bird Lake] and the Town Lake Corridor," says Cooke.

"The revised plan achieves the objective of successful and responsible development while respecting and implementing the spirit and intent of the original Waterfront Overlay Ordinance," says Greg Miller, a vice president at CWS. "CWS appreciates and thanks Save Town Lake, South River City Citizens, the Town Lake Trail Foundation and all of the individuals that took part in the discussions for the last two years. Their input resulted in a project that will include additional park land, extend the trail system, and will set a responsible standard for future development along the lake."

Richard Suttle, an attorney for CWS, says the new plan will be filed with the city soon. It's likely to take four to six months for the plan to receive final approval. A groundbreaking is expected sometime next year.

[shanny]

now that altavida is getting up there...frost is going to start disappearing from certain southern vantage points :(

[austin242]

I wonder if frost will even be an icon in the future.:shrug:

[MichaelB]

I wonder if frost will even be an icon in the future.:shrug:

Sure.... until something more distinctive is built. But even then I think it will continue ot be a very recognizable symbol of our skyline. IMHO, tall does not an icon make. It has to be a distictive recognizable shape.

[ATXboom]

Friday, April 18, 2008
Los Angeles company takes $40M stake in Seaholm CIM Group to foot large part of project's $117M price tag
Austin Business Journal - by A.J. Mistretta Staff Writer
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A conceptual drawing of the redevelopment of Seaholm. The project should be complete in 2011.
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Since its launch in 1994, CIM Group Inc. has invested in urban renewal projects from downtown San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Last summer, the Los Angeles company planted its flag in Austin by purchasing the 16-acre Penn Field development on South Congress Avenue. Now CIM is making an even bigger local investment -- this time in one of the highest profile developments in the city's recent history.

CIM has entered as an equity partner in the $117 million Seaholm Power Plant project, contributing about $40 million to the redevelopment that will bring a mix of residential, office, retail and other uses to the site.

The Austin City Council approved Seaholm's master development agreement earlier this month, pushing the complex public-private initiative that's been in the works for years far closer to reality.

CIM has properties in 12 U.S. markets and Mexico. With $4.5 billion in available equity ready to invest, the company targets growing urban areas, often submarkets of cities such as Washington and Los Angeles that are in transition and viewed as emerging growth nodes. Jeff Rosen, CIM principal, says the company is interested in Austin because of the city's long-term demographic projections.

"It's a fabulous city and it has a lot of great things moving in the right direction," he says.

Moving forward
Three years ago, commercial developer Southwest Strategies Group Inc., multifamily builder Centro Partners and lodging company La Corsha Hospitality Group won the right to field Seaholm.

Plans involve bringing the decommissioned power plant back to life as office, retail and event space and building additional mixed-use components on the surrounding site. A new 22-story tower will include 162 hotel rooms and 60 condo units. About 200,000 square feet of office space and roughly 50,000 square feet of retail will be part of the redevelopment, along with 1.5 acres for public plazas.

As a public-private initiative, the city and the developers will share the costs of redeveloping Seaholm. Roughly $98 million of the anticipated price tag will come from the development group, with the city of Austin contributing $18.6 million for infrastructure, utilities and other components.

With the development agreement in hand, the project now moves into the design phase, which could take 8 to 10 months, followed by a public bid on construction, says John Rosato, principal at Southwest Strategies Group. A groundbreaking could happen in about a year with completion sometime in 2011.

"I think [CIM's] interest and expertise has always been in inner-city, mixed-use redevelopment," says Rosato. "That's something that a lot of people talk about but in terms of large, mixed-use projects, there's only a handful of groups around the country who've done them."

As commercial projects in other cities have dried up, Rosato says Austin continues to be at the top of many real estate groups' lists of places to invest in, particularly in and around downtown.

Rosato estimates the numerous projects in the southwestern part of downtown will represent more than $1 billion in development. That's clear evidence, he says, of local and out-of-town developers' interest in and commitment to downtown Austin.



amistretta@bizjournals.com | (512) 494-2519

[austin242]

hopefully the next t stacy project will be as rememberable as the last considering it will be the tallest building in austin.

[priller]

They have definitely started drilling piers on the Gables property next to Seaholm, right by Lamar. There are about 3 of those small drilling machines out there now. I assume they're not for the road work (although I could be mistaken about that).

[JAM]

They have definitely started drilling piers on the Gables property next to Seaholm, right by Lamar. There are about 3 of those small drilling machines out there now. I assume they're not for the road work (although I could be mistaken about that).

They had something similar over at the W a year ago. I think I recall someone mentioning the W was getting core samples.

Could they be installing street lights?

[nixcity]

^Or is it work on the pedestrian bridge?

[JAM]

^Or is it work on the pedestrian bridge?

I think Gables may be funding the pedestrian bridge. If that is the case, I would bet that will go in as the apartments go in (or after), but not before.

EDIT : Thought I had heard or read that about who was financing the bridge, but can't seem to find it anywhere. This link has a pdf that says construction starts in 2008. Maybe it is the bridge!

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/publicworks/pflugerbridge_public.htm

[MichaelB]

Re: Gables... I thought is was work begining on the apts. There are rebar frames (for pillars?) on the site as well. So does not seem it is just for samples.

[KevinFromTexas]

I'm looking forward to that bridge extension. Great spot for photos and it will really help to tie in that area with the rest of the city. That southwest corner of downtown is kind of isolated by the area surrounding it.

[Saddle Man]

There are some neato ROMA maps hanging in the windows of the Scarborough Building at 6th and Congress. They show different color coded districts of downtown.

[ATXboom]

^ This map.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/downloads/DAP_Potential_form_and_character.pdf

[Saddle Man]

That one, and a few other ones.

[Raining Inside]

21c was item #82 on the city council agenda last night. Does any one know how that went? Or if was it postponed yet again at the request of the developers?

[KevinFromTexas]

The Statesman has the list of actions here, but it doesn't mention 21C. Maybe someone has a better link directly to the city's website?
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/04/25/0425council.html

[GoldenBoot]

21c was item #82 on the city council agenda last night. Does any one know how that went? Or if was it postponed yet again at the request of the developers?

The item was automatically placed on the agenda due to the postponement a few weeks ago. The developers sent a letter to the City (which accompanied the listing on the agenda - see back up docs) which stated they would like the item removed indefinitely; since it pertains to zoning changes for their former site at 3rd & Brazos/San Jacinto.

In the letter, the developer also asserts they will be submitting a new plan within the coming weeks for their new site.

[shanny]

you can chat live with brewster mccracken about the light rail project right now at statesman.com

[M1EK]

Everybody should weigh on on Hyde Park's attempt to cut off bike/ped access to a new development abutting their neighborhood (http://austinzoning.typepad.com/austincontrarian/2008/04/this-is-pretty.html). Every little bit helps. (Also follow to austinist).

[greenbelt]

The item was automatically placed on the agenda due to the postponement a few weeks ago. The developers sent a letter to the City (which accompanied the listing on the agenda - see back up docs) which stated they would like the item removed indefinitely; since it pertains to zoning changes for their former site at 3rd & Brazos/San Jacinto.

In the letter, the developer also asserts they will be submitting a new plan within the coming weeks for their new site.

:previous: Wow is 3rd & Brazos/San Jacinto (Whitley Printing) site off the table? I thought that's the reason the printer left the building, plus it's a good location. Sorry if I misunderstood...

[MichaelB]

:previous: Wow is 3rd & Brazos/San Jacinto (Whitley Printing) site off the table? I thought that's the reason the printer left the building, plus it's a good location. Sorry if I misunderstood...

Well... there are a couple of things to answer there GB.

The Whitley company left the site because when the family decided to give up the business, the son sold the business and the company separately!

So the folks who bought the business had to move it no matter who bought the property. (and the cost of the property was no longer justified for the folks who bought the business)

Part two... the 21c folks still own the property and are looking for a hotel chain to develope that site with.....

does that answer it all?

[Saddle Man]

Everybody should weigh on on Hyde Park's attempt to cut off bike/ped access to a new development abutting their neighborhood (http://austinzoning.typepad.com/austincontrarian/2008/04/this-is-pretty.html). Every little bit helps. (Also follow to austinist).

In-fucking-sanity!

[KevinFromTexas]

^ Here's my response:

No pedestrians or bicyclists allowed? I thought Hyde Park was an Austin neighborhood. Where is the Williamson County line again?

Really though, they can't be serious.

[greenbelt]

Thanks MichaelB. ^

Is the museum tower still planned for 21c then? Hope so. It's such an interesting project.

[austin242]

I think if this neighborhood doesn't want to work with austin then they should go screw them selves and move somewhere else.

[KevinFromTexas]

They are screwing themselves. :haha:

[MichaelB]

Thanks MichaelB. ^

Is the museum tower still planned for 21c then? Hope so. It's such an interesting project.

The new location at Red River and Caesar Chavez will have all the components the original site was to have.... hotel, condo, museum, restaurant.... and may be adding office as well.

The move put them closer to the lake and their response for condos went way up, due to the location. Plus now the hotel component will be directly accross the street from the convention center.

[shanny]

theyre adding the glass to the middle part of the spire

[greenbelt]

The new location at Red River and Caesar Chavez will have all the components the original site was to have.... hotel, condo, museum, restaurant.... and may be adding office as well.

The move put them closer to the lake and their response for condos went way up, due to the location. Plus now the hotel component will be directly accross the street from the convention center.

Thanks MB! Wonder what the new towers will look like and if new heights will be considered? :D

[MichaelB]

Thanks MB! Wonder what the new towers will look like and if new heights will be considered? :D

Yeah, can't wait to see! Hopefully soon!

[greenbelt]

View taken from the Capitol Tower last week. The 360's in the distance there and you can see
the Austonian cranes just around the Frost. Looking forward to seeing the Austonian change every view in the city.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f386/streetwise2/IMG00447.jpg

[Jdawgboy]

They are screwing themselves. :haha:

I also posted on there. I posted some harsh remarks as well. Im fed up with NIMBY's and NA's that are too pushy and have to have it their way or no way at all.

[KevinFromTexas]

Thanks for posting that picture greenbelt. Do you work in the Capitol Tower? That's a unique view. I'd love to get up there myself and take pictures. Was that from the roof, or the top floor? Looks like it was very near the top, just about level with the roof of the Omni.

[ATXboom]

Bargain hunting urbanites changing the fabric of East Austin
Midrise condos tower over 60- to 80-year-old houses where many original families still live.
By Marjon Rostami

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Sunday, April 27, 2008

Two bars sit on opposite corners at East Sixth and Pedernales streets.

In one, hipsters drink cocktails and bob their heads to the folky strains of Feist.

At the other, a more than 30-year-old neighborhood pub, regulars drink Bud Light, listen to loud Tejano artists Gary Hobbs and the Hometown Boys and ash their cigarettes in empty soda cans.

The Peacock and Kellee's Place are in the center of a whirlwind of change on the east side.

Midrise condos, with office and retail space and residential units priced as high as $300,000, tower over 60- to 80-year-old houses where many families of the original owners still live.

The new development is raising property values, even of the older homes.

According to the county appraisal district, property values for an average-priced house in the area, now about $120,000, have increased more than 100 percent from 2000 to 2007.

And though some residents see such gentrification as a good thing, the clash of cultures — professional upper-middle-income white singles and couples moving into a historically working-class Hispanic neighborhood — has others regretting the interest in their part of the city.

"It ain't the same no more," said Albert Casarez, whose family has lived in East Austin for decades. "There are not as many Hispanics as there used to be. Back then, when this neighborhood was developed, it used to be a so-called bad neighborhood. But now (that) those people have opened their eyes and they see that it's convenient to downtown, people move in here."

Casarez, who co-owns three wood-sided houses on East Fifth Street, said he fears gentrification will price him out of the neighborhood. His father built the homes for his children in the 1950s, and when he died, Casarez and his brother took over ownership.

In 2000, the home in which Casarez lives was worth just under $36,000, and taxes on the home were $840, according to the Travis Central Appraisal District. Today, the house is valued at about $130,000, and Casarez paid more than $1,800 in property taxes last year, almost a 115 percent increase.

"I work for the county," Casarez said. "I can't afford my taxes anymore. That's scary."

At least six mixed-use condo developments have been built on East Sixth in the past three years. Nearly all of the completed residential units are sold out.

Andrew Shaw, a salesman for East Austin condo developer Constructive Ventures Inc., said most of his company's buyers are young white professionals who recognize that they can afford more in a home east of Interstate 35 and can't afford similar amenities west of the highway.

Scott Miller, a 27-year-old real-estate business owner, moved to the TwentyOne24 building on East Sixth Street from a downtown condo five months ago. Miller said his new home has more than double the square footage for about the same price.

Miller said the dilemma facing longtime East Austin residents is just a part of life.

"I believe that no matter where you live, you have to work hard to stay in your home," he said. "Owning a home doesn't mean you get to stay where you are forever. Things change."

But longtime residents such as Caitriona Lyons, an East Austin resident of 22 years, have long-standing attachments to the old neighborhood and have mixed feelings about the changes.

Lyons enjoys the atmosphere of a new coffee shop on the bottom floor of an East Sixth Street condo, where she sipped white wine with friends, but said she hates to see original residents of the area being forced to leave.

"Two of our neighbors have recently sold their houses and moved out," Lyons said. "I watched their children grow up, and it's just really sad."

The changing culture of the area is especially troubling, Casarez said.

For more than 50 years, his front lawn has had a year-round holiday display, regardless of the current season. Orange Halloween lights hung intertwined from his gate with green and red Christmas lights.

But after a complaint from Casarez's new neighbors prompted the City of Austin to issue the family a warning to clean up what it termed "junk" from areas visible from the street, Casarez and his wife took down their lights and most decorations.

The two said they feel as though the East Austin they know is losing a war of attrition.

"We can fight them, but we're not going to win. They're the winners. They know that," Casarez said.

His wife, Rosa Casarez, points to the Pedernales Lofts across the street.

"Two years ago, they built that thing," she said. "That's when things started going downhill for us. And they keep building them. There's no stopping them."

While new construction continues, longtime neighbors and families will continue to congregate at Kellee's Place, at least for as long as it stands.

"I know I'm going to have to leave," bar owner Joe Perez said. "It's just a matter of how soon."

mrostami@statesman.com; 445-3851

[ATXboom]

Eastside Development: A community dialogue
BY KATHERINE GREGOR





This photo by John Langmore is on display through April 27, as part of the Mexican American Cultural Center’s exhibit “Fault Line: A Portrait of East Austin.”On Saturday, April 26, Central East Austin neighborhood residents, East End property owners, and all interested citizens are invited to a second consensus-building meeting concerning proposed developments in the East End. The meeting – organized by the Austin Revitalization Authority, in partnership with the city of Austin – will address changes to the East 11th and 12th streets Urban Renew­al Plan. The ARA has taken a good deal of heat in the community for its weak execution of the plan to date, as well as for other problems – thus the need for dialogue.

The purpose of the Urban Renewal Plan is to encourage positive new development that has "a thriving mix of uses." As a guide to development on East 11th and 12th, it describes, block by block, the details of desired height, density, and parking. The April 26 session will be the second in a series of three; the final session will be on Saturday, May 17. The outcome is expected to change the city's Neigh­borhood Conservation Combining District, which provides incentives for development.

Call 469-1705 or visit www.austinrev.org for meeting materials, summaries, and more information. Both sessions start with refreshments and a social at 9am. Meetings run 9:30am-noon, at Street-Jones Building, Room 400-A, 1000 E. 11th.

[greenbelt]

Thanks for posting that picture greenbelt. Do you work in the Capitol Tower? That's a unique view. I'd love to get up there myself and take pictures. Was that from the roof, or the top floor? Looks like it was very near the top, just about level with the roof of the Omni.

I was up visiting a friend Kevin. It was taking on floor 19 which is being gutted. No one was up there, so I was able to walk around and snapped that shot. That building people often forget, but it has some excellent views. The capitol view your about at dome level and it's right there! More later.

[MichaelB]

Looks like La Vista on Lavaca has stopped work. There has been a few workers on the site for the past couple of weeks... but no one at all there today. I asked the sales office what was up..... they played dumb. Anyone know anything?

[bigdogc]

no idea, but i can tell you the prices didnt add up on that one. I think condos were on MLS for 700k, trying to compete with the W! It would be sad to see a failed project during construction, though I can see why.

[MichaelB]

no idea, but i can tell you the prices didnt add up on that one. I think condos were on MLS for 700k, trying to compete with the W! It would be sad to see a failed project during construction, though I can see why.

the sales office is still open, but tight lipped. BTW, some of the 2/2's are on the maket for 1.2 mil. 2 have sold.

[KevinFromTexas]

A few shots of 360 Condominiums from South Austin. The first two were taken along South First Street, between Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive. The 3rd and 4th ones were taken along Emerald Forrest Drive between Stassney Lane and William Cannon Drive. These were taken on 4/14.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Castle%20and%20Sabine%20views/P1180006EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Castle%20and%20Sabine%20views/P1180009EDIT.jpg

This view is about a 2 or 3 minute bike ride from my house. Several other buildings show up there too.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Castle%20and%20Sabine%20views/P1180019EDIT.jpg

I'm thinking Spring may not be visible here though. I could see the crane for The Monarch and it was pretty far to the left. I'm thinking Spring would be behind those taller trees. I hope I'm wrong.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Castle%20and%20Sabine%20views/P1180017EDIT.jpg

[Schertz1]

Austin from 35N


http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/schertz1/049.jpg

[priller]

Large panorama taken from the Hilton pool:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2453622471_d13a0b847a_o.jpg

[Kropotkin]

LaVista on Lavaca is still dead as of this morning at 11am. Not a worker in sight on site.

[MichaelB]

LaVista on Lavaca is still dead as of this morning at 11am. Not a worker in sight on site.

Damn, just when I was getting to know the crane operator too personally! His view is my bedroom! I think I have seen a flash go off a few times. Note to self: get curtains!

On a good note. I have a 9-10 story weather vein outside my window! (That's finding the pony in a pile of horse sh*t!)

[KevinFromTexas]

^ In that pano, I can see The Austonian poking up!

[Strayone]

Speaking of the Capitol Tower, are the plans still in place to add the crown/wing to the rooftop?

[KevinFromTexas]

There was a snippet from a small article that said they are still planning it. They said they're trying to figure out the engineering aspect of it. Having to do with safety with wind concerns. I hope they do it. I think it would lessen the bulkiness of the building since it would make the top seem more legit than it is now. I dislike how it just stops abruptly.

[ATXboom]

REAL ESTATE
Renderings of 1st East Ave office on link...

Hotel Andaz breaking ground this summer!


Texas Monthly to move offices to East Avenue site
By Shonda Novak

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Texas Monthly magazine will be the marquee tenant in the first office building set to rise at East Avenue, a $750 million project that will turn the former Concordia University campus into a village with residences, offices, shops and a hotel.

Texas Monthly will occupy the top floor of the eight-story office building, which is expected to start construction in May. The magazine's 88 Austin employees are to move into the building when it is completed in the summer of 2009. More tenant announcements are expected in June or July.

Texas Monthly has been downtown in the Austin Centre, which also houses the Omni hotel, since 1989.

"Texas Monthly exemplifies the kind of tenant that's a perfect fit for East Avenue," said Andy Sarwal, lead developer with East Avenue, just north of downtown at Interstate 35 and 32nd Street.

East Avenue, which is across from St. David's Medical Center and three blocks from the University of Texas, will be one of the city's largest and densest developments outside of downtown, with 2.75 million square feet in all — equivalent to five Frost Bank towers downtown.

Texas Monthly, Sarwal said, "was essentially lured out of downtown because East Avenue offers urban core benefits with less hassle. There's the lifestyle benefits, like retail shops, restaurants and residential living within a short walking distance, plus easy access and a much better parking situation. There's a better parking ratio, and the garages are designed for employees to be able to park on the same floor that they work, making for much faster and safer access to their offices."

With a paid circulation of 300,000, nine National Magazine Awards and a readership of more than 2.1 million a month, the magazine "is an incredible homegrown success that reflects the unique Austin aspects of East Avenue," Sarwal said.

The magazine's lease is set to expire in Austin Centre. Michael Levy, Texas Monthly's founder and publisher, had appointed a committee to choose a new headquarters for the 35-year-old magazine.

Sarwal said Texas Monthly's management "had an interest in designing a space that was more conducive to the technology and space demands of today's media companies, while remaining in the city's core with pedestrian-friendly access to restaurants and retail shopping."

Jay Lamy and Liz Tucker of the Staubach Co. represented Texas Monthly in its search. The finalists included Austin Centre, which Levy said has been "a superb home for the magazine for 19 years."

The East Avenue building will have 176,000 square feet of office space, part of a total of 600,000 square feet planned in two buildings, including one with medical offices.

Bart Matheney and Chad Barrett of Aquila Commercial handle the marketing and leasing of the office space for East Avenue and negotiated Texas Monthly's lease for the developer.

Another office tenant will be West Lake Hills-based Treaty Oak Bank, which plans to open a 4,000-square-foot branch in the first office building.

East Avenue will also have a 17-story Andaz hotel, an upscale Global Hyatt Corp.-affiliated hotel that will have 210 rooms in addition to condominiums.

Plans also call for 1,450 residential units, including a 315-unit apartment complex to be built by AMLI Residential, and 325,000 square feet of retail space, including 30,000 square feet on the ground floor of the first office building.

Sarwal expects construction to start on the hotel and AMLI's apartments before the end of the summer.

Lehman Brothers funded the site-acquisition loan for the developer, East Avenue Investment Group LP; the East Avenue Investment Group owns all the equity in the project.

Concordia, a private Lutheran university, is moving from its approximately 23-acre site to the former Schlumberger Ltd. business campus off RM 620 in far Northwest Austin.

The college held ceremonies for the last class to graduate from its existing campus on Saturday at Riverbend Centre.

snovak@statesman.com; 445-3856

[KevinFromTexas]

I moved the Waller Creek post to the Waller Creek Tunnel thread.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=126196&page=4&highlight=Waller+Creek

[shanny]

so april has come and gone...and they still havent lit 360 :(

[deerhoof]

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/downloads/emerging_poster_apr08.pdf

The city updated their emerging projects "poster."

[texboy]

31 floors for the Marriott? Doesn't sound very good....A La the Hilton or SA Grand Hyatt....yeesh!

[KevinFromTexas]

Actually, the latest height we had heard was 34 floors. And that was before they eliminated the 15-story tower in the project. Now I'd say the building could be as tall as 40 floors.

[texboy]

Well if the trend continues with how hoteliers and developers spend their money....its gonna be short n' cheap.

[ATXboom]

Cheap yes... short - probably not at 1000 rooms with that footprint. Its mathamatical... you can't spread it out - has to go up.

[MichaelB]

There was a snippet from a small article that said they are still planning it. They said they're trying to figure out the engineering aspect of it. Having to do with safety with wind concerns. I hope they do it. I think it would lessen the bulkiness of the building since it would make the top seem more legit than it is now. I dislike how it just stops abruptly.

Me too! .... and I agree with you Kevin.

I saw what they were thinking as a piece of abstract art that will make the building look like it had always been intended to be a podium. Hope it happens.

[Myomi]

Hey, did you guys see that on the Emerging Projects poster, it says that the garage for Hotel Van Zandt is under construction. At first I thought maybe this was shared parking with the Shore but I see that the Shore already has parking. Does anyone have any info about this?

[priller]

Yeah, Myomi, I noticed that, too. I'll have to go check it out.

[KevinFromTexas]

Cheap yes... short - probably not at 1000 rooms with that footprint. Its mathamatical... you can't spread it out - has to go up.

It is possible that it could be short though. I mean they'll have the entire block to play with for their project. The reason I think it will be taller is that it had first been proposed as three towers. A 26, 15, and 11-story building. Then a 31-story tower with the 11-story building being eliminated. Then it was mentioned it would be 34 floors and have the 15-story building remain. Then the last update was they eliminated the 15-story building. So I would imagine it could be up to 40 floors. It doesn't have to of course. Really though, I'm less concerned about height and more wanting a better design. I cringe at the idea of a tall building with a bland, poor design. I'd rather it be shorter, about average for what is downtown now, and have a good design. Also, gotta have street level retail. The area along Congress near the river really needs a retail boost. It offers nothing to pedestrians as it is now.

[shanny]

they lit 360!

http://pic15.picturetrail.com/VOL630/3951350/18290928/315608112.jpg

[RUBENZ]

^ Does this mean it's finished?

[shanny]

no.......the spires not even done

but still....its time for the banana dance!

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[LoneStarMike]

:previous: I happened to be taking a walk behind the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center near Ben White/South Lamar and noticed 360 tonight, too. I tried to take some photos - most didn't turn out at all, but here's 2

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/360lit1.jpg



http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/360Lit.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

Here are a few screen shots from the 360 webcam as the lights came on.

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/8096/360may2008constructiontp0.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7923/360may2008construction2tk6.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2783/360may2008construction3sx0.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/6073/360condominiumsmay2008cug7.jpg

Zoomed in.
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9415/360condominiumsmay2008cln4.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

Here are a few views of 360 from my neighborhood from about an hour ago. Not the best night for taking pictures of the skyline. It's very humid out.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Forum%20Meet%20April%202008/P1180776EDIT.jpg

One American Center and Frost Bank Tower showing up, along with a sliver of South Austin Hospital. You can also see the crane for Altavida. So the building should be visible here then.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Forum%20Meet%20April%202008/P1180781EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Forum%20Meet%20April%202008/P1180781EDIT2.jpg

[Mopacs]

Cool! I was wondering how the lighting appeared from the south. Looks like there are still a few gaps below the spire. Can't wait to see it up close, and from a distance on a clear night.

[Jdawgboy]

Isn't the front part of the tower facing south also supposed to be lit up to the spire?

[ATXboom]

Friday, May 2, 2008 - 2:52 PM CDT
BartonPlace breaks ground, has already received $45M in sales contracts
Austin Business Journal

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held today for the 270-unit BartonPlace condo project on Barton Springs Road.

Constructive Ventures, the Austin-based group behind such developments as The Pedernales, 2124 and Saltillo Lofts, is developing BartonPlace in conjunction with local restaurateur Rick Engel. The project is going up near Engel's Austin Java restaurant on Barton Springs.

Construction on the project designed by Dallas-based Boka Powell is expected to take 18 to 22 months.

Perry Lorenz, one of the partners of Constructive Ventures, says the company has already collected $45 million in non-refundable earnest money contracts for units in the development.

"Our robust pre-construction sales show clearly that the condominium market in Austin remains very strong," says Lorenz. "The bottom line is that this is a great location in a solid market, and our team has the proven ability to deliver a unique, high-quality product here. BartonPlace will be a distinctively cool new Austin address."

Lorenz said the development team also altered their initial plans to comply with Austin's Town Lake Overlay and Neighborhood Compatibility Standard. "We worked hard for a very long time to make sure that we earned the support of the nearby neighborhoods and businesses - that we were building a community here that would be viewed as a positive addition to the area," says Lorenz. "It took almost two years to create a project that everyone could support, but we did it, and we're very proud of it."

[AustinGuy]

The 360 is looking great, and you can see it from so many spots around Austin. Has anyone moved in there yet?

[LoneStarMike]

Three quick photos from Friday, May 2:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/NightSkyline1.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/NightSkyline3.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/NightSkyline2.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

A few more shots. This time I went over to Garrison Park which is on Manchaca Road near Stassney Lane next to Crockett High School. If you go to the back of the park there's a parking lot. There's a gravel trail that borders the neighborhood that leads down a hill, and wraps around the softball fields. From the trail, you can see about the top 50 feet of the Frost Bank Tower and about the top 100 feet of 360.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Forum%20Meet%20April%202008/P1180807EDIT.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Forum%20Meet%20April%202008/P1180804EDIT.jpg

Cropped version of the one above. If you look, you can see see the light glaring off the needle part of the spire. I'm really hoping they also light the needle part. It would be really dumb to have only half the spire lit.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/KevinFromTexas/Austin%20Forum%20Meet%20April%202008/P1180804EDIT2.jpg

[sakyle04]

the 360 has made a much more dramatic difference than i anticipated.

i drove through austin on my way to Ikea form san antonio the other day and almost caused a 47-car pile-up when i saw that beauty. i don't know what it is (the shape, the glass?) that made it so striking, but it blew me away.

[Raining Inside]

the 360 has made a much more dramatic difference than i anticipated.

i drove through austin on my way to Ikea form san antonio the other day and almost caused a 47-car pile-up when i saw that beauty. i don't know what it is (the shape, the glass?) that made it so striking, but it blew me away.

Maybe that's why there are so many accidents and traffic tie ups on I35.:D

[Blakesalot!]

According to the Statesman, they are finally going to start construction on Block 21 on Monday!

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/05/03/0503block21.html

[priller]

That's an awesome photo, Mike!

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/NightSkyline1.jpg

[JAM]

:previous: Ahhh, that is nice. Shots like that make me want to trade in my compact digital for something nice!

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/th_IMG_0614.jpg (http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0614.jpg)

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/th_IMG_0611.jpg (http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0611.jpg)

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/th_IMG_0618.jpg (http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0618.jpg)

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/th_IMG_0795.jpg (http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0795.jpg)

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/th_IMG_0874.jpg (http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0874.jpg)

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/th_IMG_0888.jpg (http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0888.jpg)

[priller]

A few photos from earlier in the week. We walked the dog around dusk. Since Altavida is right next to 100 Congress, it's been kind of stealthily growing in the other building's shadow. But it's finally starting be more noticeable, I think:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2461135411_b1266d8a21_o.jpg


The sky showed some cool pink clouds for a few minutes as the sun went down. Made the 360 building look very unusual:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2461135663_d8eb7288b3_o.jpg


I was talking to a friend last night who has a friend that lives in the Plaza. A small south-facing unit. He said the he's very upset that the new buildings will be blocking his view of the river, especially the Gables apt building, which will be close by. I said, you know, cool buildings make a nice view, too.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/2461969100_49f9f8510e_o.jpg


Notice that 360 is reflected in the Frost tower:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2298/2461136345_6be4e5b59a_o.jpg

[Raining Inside]

I think in two years the signature shot of Austin might not be looking toward the CBD with Frost, the Austonian, the Capitol, etc. in view. It could very well be this shot looking down Lady Bird Lake at Dusk. Imagine it panned out slightly with with the Legacy, Four Seasons, Altavida, W and Spring all topped out and lit up.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n119/TEXASJAM/360/IMG_0874.jpg

[LoneStarMike]

That's an awesome photo, Mike!

Thanks, guys.

Priller, I like your one of 360 and I agree that 360 will kind of be like Frost in that if a sunset is particularly vivid or colorful, a lot of that light and color will be reflected off 360's glass like it does with Frost and also One Congress Plaza.

Notice that even in your photo of the Plaza, the glass on some floors is a different color than on some of the other floors due the the reflection of the lights/clouds.

And Jam, I love that view from (The Milago?) Especially at sunset. Very impressive.

I was mostly at Lou Neff Point last night. That's fast becoming one of my favorite places to take a stroll just because it's easy for me to get there taking public transportation. I just get off at Lamar & Barton Springs - walk up restaurant row and take the trail down to the point. It's not really that long of a walk and there's plenty of space to set up your tripods. Plus it's a good place to people watch and you see lots of canoes and the excursion boats.

Here's some others I took from there last night and one from Butler Park.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline1.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline2.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline3.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline4.jpg


(I didn't notice the guy in the canoe waving until I looked at the photo later.)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline7.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline5.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LouNeffPointSkyline6.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/Skyline2.jpg

[pato79]

The 360 is looking great, and you can see it from so many spots around Austin. Has anyone moved in there yet?

Latest newsletter says first closings scheduled for may 27th. Also mentions four retail occupants: Blu Cafe, Royal Blue Grocery, Mulberry, and Lora Reynolds Gallery.

[JAM]

:previous: OMG LSM Those are FFantastick Fotos. "FFF". Can we just refer to them as triple F's for now on? What are you shooting with and what are the settings if you can reveal? My untrained I says Platinum?

[LoneStarMike]

What are you shooting with and what are the settings if you can reveal?

Thanks, JAM. The camera is just a Nikon D40. As far as settings go :shrug:

As embarrassing as it may be to admit, I know nothing about which settings to use under which conditions. I just put the camera on the tripod, set it to "no flash" and push the button. That camera came with something called Picture Project that lets you sharpen, adjust the brightness, straighten the horizon and - my favorite feature - color booster. So I can take a crooked, somewhat blurry, washed out photo - and fix it - or at least make it look like "I" want it to look.

[LoneStarMike]

Latest newsletter says first closings scheduled for may 27th. Also mentions four retail occupants: Blu Cafe, Royal Blue Grocery, Mulberry, and Lora Reynolds Gallery.

Is the Royal Blue Grocery at 360 in addition to the one at 3rd & Lavaca, or is that one moving to this new location?

[TXAlex]

I'm going on a walk through this week on the 9th floor of the 360.