[hookem]

What was it like being on those balconies that high up? I have been in places that high with balconies that are recessed..... but not ones that stick out from the building.....

Great shots.... cool views.....
I wonder too. Are those the highest residential balconies in TX? I'd say that's the highest hot tub too, but I'm sure some of the office buildings in H-Town or Dallas probably might have one on the top executive floors.

[neptune54243]

The penthouses each have several balconies. Since they are two story units, the first floor balconies are the normal protruding kind like everyone else's. The second floor balcony (at least on the south west unit) is one giant recessed balcony surrounding the master bedroom - this is where you see the hot tub.

A lot of people say they feel swaying on the higher floors, but I did not. I have been in some very tall buildings (Empire State etc.) and have felt this before, but not at 360.

For the most part I was fine, but after I took this shot I started to get a little nervous haha:
http://www.leaseaustin.net/360/target9.html

If you go up to the 43rd floor, I recommend calling the elevator to go back down from that floor. We got into the second floor of the penthouses (44th floor), and then found a way to get out on top of the building where residents should never be. We then took the stairs down a few floors (not keeping count) and tried to call the elevator from around floor 40. It didn't come for that floor or 35, or 30 so we ended up hiking down the whole thing.

Despite this, it was still completely worth it. How often do you have a chance to stand in the best units in the tallest building in town?

Here is the full set of pics I took (I cut down the pics in the previous post):
http://www.leaseaustin.net/360extended/

[MichaelB]

T

For the most part I was fine, but after I took this shot I started to get a little nervous haha:
http://www.leaseaustin.net/360/target9.html

[/url]

I just realized I can see your shadow on the side of the building leaning over taken the picture!

[AustinGuy]

The penthouses each have several balconies. Since they are two story units, the first floor balconies are the normal protruding kind like everyone else's. The second floor balcony (at least on the south west unit) is one giant recessed balcony surrounding the master bedroom - this is where you see the hot tub.

I think the important question here is this: who owns the penthouse with the hot tub and how can we get him/her to invite the skyscraperpage forum over for a party?

[LoneStarMike]

My cousin is visiting from Dallas, so I decided to book seats on the public tour of the Lone Star Riverboat. See photos below taken by me back in April.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LoneStarRiverboat3.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LoneStarRiverboat1.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/April%202008/LoneStarRiverboat2.jpg

Although we did take the cruise today, it was on one of the smaller flat-bottomed boats that they use for the nightly bat tours, rather than the two-level paddle wheeler. The paddle wheeler is permanently out of commission according to what we heard from the captain on our cruise today.

Apparently, there was an electrical fire in the engine about a week ago underneath the Lamar Blvd. Bridge 20 minutes into a charter cruise for a little girl's birthday party. Interestingly enough, one of the passengers on board was a former Austin Fire Department chief.

They managed to get the boat turned around, passed underneath the railroad trestle, and put the boat ashore just east of the railroad trestle along Auditorium shores. Bystanders along the shore (including one of the local news anchors who was out jogging) helped the passengers ashore.

Unfortunately, the boat hit some rocks as it was approaching the shore and really can't be fixed well enough to safely transport passengers. Our captain today said that they would have to raise the boat out of the water and cut the upper deck off to be able to send the boat elsewhere for repairs and it just wasn't worth it.

There was no mention of this incident in the paper or on the news because a couple of hours later, the Governor's Mansion caught fire.

The good news, though is that the owner was already planning to sell the boat to someone else because there is a new boat on order that is supposed to arrive July 15. It will be much bigger than the old one - about the same size as that big Capital Cruise Boat and will be enclosed (and heated and air conditioned.)

Even better is the fact that they will still continue the weekend 3:00 PM public tours and they are seriously considering bringing back the public sunset tours and a "moonlight cruise" on certain nights from 10:30 PM - midnight. (The old riverboat used to do these cruises many years ago, but it's now mostly charter.) The moonlight cruises should be great with the new lights on our skyline.

Also (and I didn't know this) all the money earned by the Capital Cruise boat goes back into the Hyatt, but 15% of the proceeds from the Lone Star Riverboat tours and the monthly $1250 dock rental goes back into the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

Still, I'm going to miss the old riverboat. Maybe one of our future forum meets should be on one of these cruises. They're a great way to photograph the skyline.

[Raining Inside]

The boat fire did make the news. I don't remember which channel, but one of the local stations had video of the boat in flames "racing" back to shore.

[KevinFromTexas]

Still, I'm going to miss the old riverboat. Maybe one of our future forum meets should be on one of these cruises. They're a great way to photograph the skyline.

I would really like to do that. Maybe we can arrange a time to do it? Anyone else interested? It would have to be on the weekend though. How much does it cost to take the tour? And where all does it go? I can't do it on the 21st though. My sister's baby shower is then. :)

[LoneStarMike]

:previous: Right now, the only times they offer the public tours are on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 PM. It's $9.00 and normally lasts about an hour and a half. It starts near the Hyatt and goes a little ways past Deep Eddy Pool, then turns around and comes back. We should wait until after the "new" double decker boat gets here which is supposedly July 15th. Otherwise, you'd be on one of the two smaller one-level boats - the Little Star or the Southern Star.

The other public tours in the evenings are the bat watching tours and those just go from the Hyatt to just east of the Congress Ave. Bridge, where they sit and wait for the bats to come out.

Here's the website for more info.

http://www.lonestarriverboat.com

[Gallup]

Sad times in rapid succession for Austin. First these fires scorch much history. Then, we trade the honorable Betty Dunkerley for the NIMBY Laura Morrison. This city has just been set back 15 years, at least the Place 4 seat. Let us all prepare for three years of hearing how every developer downtown needs to contribute millions here and millions there and then do this and then that. All the while suburban developers will be hard off to get a slap on the wrist. Of course scaring DT developers isn't the answer, but try telling that to LM. Let’s all make sure to watch out for the lies and cronyisms and make sure to report them all here for us all to see. Though I was never hands over fists for Cid Galindo, I knew he wouldn’t screw over what the previous councils have worked so hard to achieve. God bless Austin and please help us weather the wrath of Morrison…

[paulsjv]

So are there term limits on her council seat? Please god say yes. :D

[Jdawgboy]

First about the new boat. Is it going to be a Steam boat or just another regular boat? I really think Austin should have real authintic steamboats on the river through downtown. I always liked that boat because it seemed more like a real steam boat then the newer ones they have now. I think it would be great for tourism to have those kind of boats.

Now on to the city council. Laura Morrison can cause problems for the city council no doubt about that, but she is still just one person. Lets not forget Randi Shade is more pro-developement for the urban core than what Jennifer Kim was, and as much as I am upset about Lee Leffingwell's decision to say no to Villa Muse, he has continued to support downtown development. Overall our city council is pro responsible growth in the urban core, especially downtown. She really wont be able to say too much at least at the beginning about the Green Water Treatment site, because hopefully the city will decide this Thursday before she is even sworn in to office wich is a week after that. I think with an organized group of people (namely us) :yes: maybe get a group together to go down to city hall when certain issues of interest come up to support them and have a voice to somewhat counter-act Laura Morrison and her NIMBY supporters.

What I am more concerned about is next year when two more city council places are up for grabs. We really dont want this to be a trend to see people who are anti-responsible growth get into office. There needs to be more public awareness about responsible growth and what it means. It dosn't mean putting up highrises willy nilly and tearing down neighborhoods. It means to grow properly within the urban core, working with neighborhoods, Building buildings that may be taller, but take up less of a footprint, are enviromentally concious, and are placed in apropriate area's. Tackling transportation issues by creating more walkable distances between homes, stores and offices. Parks, and green areas. People don't think about those things when they hear pro-growth or Pro-Responsible growth as I like to call it and as I believe what will be the new key-word for inner-city development. Hopefully that will change.

[M1EK]

Morrison can do a LOT of damage -- remember when Beverly Griffith had her policy of never voting against a neighborhood petition, even though such an event already requires a supermajority (5 votes)?

IE, normally it would take 5 out of 7; she made it 5 out of 6.

[bluedogok]

So are there term limits on her council seat? Please god say yes. :D
It's called the next election for the Place 4 seat........

[427MM]

That would have to be the best post I have ever read of yours Jdawg. Keep it up!

It’s unfortunate that Cid didn’t pull off the upset. He is a good guy and anyone with Sinclair Black in their corner is going to be great for sustainable-growth. I’ve been hearing a lot of negativity about Laura Morrison around town. Some call her the “Queen of the NIMBY’s” while others feel that her duplicity will surely cause her to stumble over the course of the next three years. I’m appalled at how she won by running a total smear campaign with little to no vision. Comparing the two websites is startling. Cid Galindo’s contains facts, with clear ideas and visions while the others is nothing more than Cid this, and Cid that, followed by Cid bla, bla, bla… It reminds me of a kid in my wife’s class who throws something at another kid then raises his hand saying that somebody threw something at him (he is a little fibber). It’s frightening that Austinites have elected her.

[427MM]

In all honesty guys, after looking over everything we have written about Laura Morrison, it would appear as if we claim to already know how she will behave/vote. Maybe she will be a Sandra Day O’Connor and vote with her heart. Stranger things have happened.

[Saddle Man]

That's true, but someone's past is a good indication of their future. Leopards can't change their spots.

[Kevinb]

Some views of the 17th floor Capitol View Terrace at the 360:

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/2723/capitolviewkr8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/2723/capitolviewkr8.8a83c125bb.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=299&i=capitolviewkr8.jpg)

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/2595/terracehr0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4901/terrace2yn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4901/terrace2yn3.1f2f50fab1.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=138&i=terrace2yn3.jpg)

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/4058/terrace3pr1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Jdawgboy]

That would have to be the best post I have ever read of yours Jdawg. Keep it up!

Thanks Im flattered :notacrook:.

[priller]

Interesting photos, kevinb. So what are those things around the edge, with the slanted roofs?

[KevinFromTexas]

I was wondering that myself.

[hookem]

Aren't those just the decorative arches that terminate the "white lines" that go up the building? There are more of those on the roof. They aren't present on the 10th floor pool deck, but I think they are on the 17th floor setback.

It is odd looking at the "open" back of them, I'd expected they would go to the floor.

Thanks for the pics! Now if only someone with a condo facing Spring or Altavida/Austonian would put up a web cam!

[priller]

I drove by the new traffic light at San Antonio and Cesar Chavez today. I was surprised to see the pedestrian signal has a countdown timer! Hopefully a sign of things to come.

[dvddvd]

Interesting photos, kevinb. So what are those things around the edge, with the slanted roofs?

i'm quite suprised at the terrace's configuration. does anyone know if the design was finalized before reservations were taken? it could have been soooooo much more. if i were to have plunked down all that extra cash for a 17th floor unit .... i'd be pissed!

dvd

[alexjon]

I drove by the new traffic light at San Antonio and Cesar Chavez today. I was surprised to see the pedestrian signal has a countdown timer! Hopefully a sign of things to come.

Signs can do that now?

[Kevinb]

i'm quite suprised at the terrace's configuration. does anyone know if the design was finalized before reservations were taken? it could have been soooooo much more. if i were to have plunked down all that extra cash for a 17th floor unit .... i'd be pissed!

dvd

Yeah they are the tops of the architectural "lines" that go up the building.

The terrace is still in progress. I think there may be plants around the unfinished portion of those slanted parts. In the photo looking towards the building you can see two beds with iffigation systems that hadn't been planted in yet.

My friend is interested in seeing some changes out there too. the usable space is somewhat limited...

[KevinFromTexas]

Yes, I caught the news this morning and they said the city has purchased several of them. They said they wanted to do it before but they were too expensive. They recently came down in price, so they were able to get them. San Antonio has had them for years around the Rivercenter Mall. The news said the ones in Austin will mostly be centered around Cesar Chavez & 2nd Street.

[OfCourse]

Timed crosswalk signs? Neat. I like those.

[Saddle Man]

Spring has glass on the lowest floors now.

[dvddvd]

Timed crosswalk signs? Neat. I like those.


i just returned from bangkok thailand. they have timing signs attached to the traffic signals there. the added information was nice to have. pedestrians know what's up and so do the drivers.

if you've never been to thailand. i highly recommend it. what a place! check out the asia links on this site and check out the photos of bangkok.

dvd

[sakyle04]

Yes, I caught the news this morning and they said the city has purchased several of them. They said they wanted to do it before but they were too expensive. They recently came down in price, so they were able to get them. San Antonio has had them for years around the Rivercenter Mall. The news said the ones in Austin will mostly be centered around Cesar Chavez & 2nd Street.

San Antonio has indeed had them for years in those high congestion places (convention area/tourist crossings)...

They are great, but it is funny to watch drivers start revving their engines as the number counts down for pedestrians. 3....2....1....peel out to go 25 mph.
:haha:

[southsideatx04]

Yes, I caught the news this morning and they said the city has purchased several of them. They said they wanted to do it before but they were too expensive. They recently came down in price, so they were able to get them. San Antonio has had them for years around the Rivercenter Mall. The news said the ones in Austin will mostly be centered around Cesar Chavez & 2nd Street.

San Marcos is starting to get them. There is a few of them in and around the campus-downtown area, they been there for about a year now.

[dvddvd]

i just returned from bangkok thailand. they have timing signs attached to the traffic signals there. the added information was nice to have. pedestrians know what's up and so do the drivers.

if you've never been to thailand. i highly recommend it. what a place! check out the asia links on this site and check out the photos of bangkok.

dvd

i should have said that bangkok has timed traffic signals for drivers. i think a city gets more for their dollar with this set-up.

dvd

[alexjon]

San Antonio has indeed had them for years in those high congestion places (convention area/tourist crossings)...

They are great, but it is funny to watch drivers start revving their engines as the number counts down for pedestrians. 3....2....1....peel out to go 25 mph.
:haha:

In Seattle, it usually tells right-hand turners how fast to go when coming through a pedestrian crossing. It's funny to see them slow down as the number of people decreases when they really should have waited in the first place.

[AustinGuy]

My friend is interested in seeing some changes out there too. the usable space is somewhat limited...

Is the 360 moving in people on the 17th (terrace) floor yet?

I agree the terrace amenities should be nicer for the premium they were charging. That could be such a cool space out there.

[Kevinb]

Is the 360 moving in people on the 17th (terrace) floor yet?

I agree the terrace amenities should be nicer for the premium they were charging. That could be such a cool space out there.


No, just doing first walks. I believe move-ins are happening on the 13th floor currently.

I checked out the Monarch yesterday too. The 360 is several notches "nicer". The higher ceilings make a big difference. Finish out trends more towards a luxury building than the Monarch's apartmentesqe feel.

[ATXboom]

http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/index.html

Star Riverside Begins Construction
June 15, 2008 22:19 Filed in: Development Watch
Star Riverside, a four building condo complex on Riverside Drive just east of I-35, has officially commenced construction on the first 2 buildings. In this first phase, two 6-story lake front buildings will contain 64 large mostly 3/3 units ranging from 1,500 to more than 2,500 square feet with prices starting at $600k. The first two buildings are expected to be completed by Summer, 2009. A second phase will add 9 and 12-story towers with units as small as 600SF and starting around $350K.



Star Riversideis being developed by Constellation Property Group on the 4 acre former site of the Wellesley Inn & Suites just East of I-35. Constellation, an Australian firm which has developed some very cool modern projects (examples), has targeted a small number of cities in the U.S. for new projects. Austin is one of their targets, and Star Riverside is the first new project to break ground.

The first phase of the project features a relatively small number (64) of large units (1,500 - 2,500) in two buildings that sit as close as the rules allow to the lake. With prices starting at $600K, or about $400 / SF, the projects are mid-priced for downtown condo units. While the architecture is interesting and the projects looks to be modern, tasteful, and well-conceived, it remain to be seen whether this price point will succeed East of I-35 and South of the lake. Pluses include direct access to the hike and bike trails, a private dock (non-motorized water craft only on Lady Bird lake) and a planned swimming pool for residents.

In addition, Star Riverside is one of the first projects to transform the shores of Riverside drive on the south side of Ladybird lake. Constellation, and four other developers, are planning to build more than 2,000 luxury condo and apartment units near the shores of Ladybird lake. With close access to downtown, the South Congress entertainment district, the lake, and the hike and bike trails, the location is highly desirable yet less expensive (theoretically) than the city core. As part of thee projects, the Hike and Bike trail is likely to be expanded to fill long missing gaps between Congress Avenue and I-35 and with Star Riverside, the trail will be extended East of I-35.

Star Riverside was scaled back from 364 units to 201 units after the City planning commission denied the developers request for an impervious cover variance. Constellation had attempted to get a variance by building green roofs that were fully landscaped. The planning commission, however, has been very strict when it comes to variances for new buildings on the shores of Lady Bird lake.

The full and updated Star Riverside Profile can be found here. And below, here are additional images and renderings of the Star Riverside project:









Tags: new projects, news

[GoldenBoot]

http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/index.html

Star Riverside Begins Construction
June 15, 2008 22:19 Filed in: Development Watch
Star Riverside, a four building condo complex on Riverside Drive just east of I-35, has officially commenced construction on the first 2 buildings. In this first phase, two 6-story lake front buildings will contain 64 large mostly 3/3 units ranging from 1,500 to more than 2,500 square feet with prices starting at $600k. The first two buildings are expected to be completed by Summer, 2009. A second phase will add 9 and 12-story towers with units as small as 600SF and starting around $350K.



Star Riversideis being developed by Constellation Property Group on the 4 acre former site of the Wellesley Inn & Suites just East of I-35. Constellation, an Australian firm which has developed some very cool modern projects (examples), has targeted a small number of cities in the U.S. for new projects. Austin is one of their targets, and Star Riverside is the first new project to break ground.

The first phase of the project features a relatively small number (64) of large units (1,500 - 2,500) in two buildings that sit as close as the rules allow to the lake. With prices starting at $600K, or about $400 / SF, the projects are mid-priced for downtown condo units. While the architecture is interesting and the projects looks to be modern, tasteful, and well-conceived, it remain to be seen whether this price point will succeed East of I-35 and South of the lake. Pluses include direct access to the hike and bike trails, a private dock (non-motorized water craft only on Lady Bird lake) and a planned swimming pool for residents.

In addition, Star Riverside is one of the first projects to transform the shores of Riverside drive on the south side of Ladybird lake. Constellation, and four other developers, are planning to build more than 2,000 luxury condo and apartment units near the shores of Ladybird lake. With close access to downtown, the South Congress entertainment district, the lake, and the hike and bike trails, the location is highly desirable yet less expensive (theoretically) than the city core. As part of thee projects, the Hike and Bike trail is likely to be expanded to fill long missing gaps between Congress Avenue and I-35 and with Star Riverside, the trail will be extended East of I-35.

Star Riverside was scaled back from 364 units to 201 units after the City planning commission denied the developers request for an impervious cover variance. Constellation had attempted to get a variance by building green roofs that were fully landscaped. The planning commission, however, has been very strict when it comes to variances for new buildings on the shores of Lady Bird lake.

The full and updated Star Riverside Profile can be found here. And below, here are additional images and renderings of the Star Riverside project:









Tags: new projects, news


Dude, please stop posting so-called "information" from AustinTowers! The site is still riddled with errors and I have been apart of the Constellation project from the get-go. There were never plans for green roofs and the original plan called for 250 residential units in 4 buildings (18, 6, 4, and 4-stories); not 364!!!

Furthermore, the variance they were seeking was for exceeding the impervious cover limitation. In short, the city does not currently count ground-level landscaping above below-grade parking. The project also had a compatibility standard issue - being within 540' of a SFR.

[JAM]

:previous: GB - Agreed. I've been saying this for some time. Austin Towers is a nice site, but it is not official news. A causual browser of this site may interpret it otherwise. Therefore it should be noted that the aforementioned site is simply a blogger. If that info is prefaced with the post, then there would be a clear understanding, but simply posting what is already available on the site is somewhat redundant. If someone cares, they can go over to the site. However, it is nice to see new info, but IMHO, it should be prefaced as mentioned. Simply posting it makes it appear as real news, which it is clearly not. The fact that he does not get all of his facts straight (quite often) reduces his credibility. Now if he was not a self-proclaimed expert, then that would be better, but that is not the case.

[KevinFromTexas]

I tried asking him where he'd gotten his heights for the buildings, and he couldn't give me a straight answer. Some of the heights that were listed looked like estimates. That's not what a media outlet is supposed to do. They aren't supposed to estimate or speculate, they're supposed to gather data, compile it and report it.

It can be hard though. Unless you're with the media (mainstream media), then it can be hard to be taken seriously, and makes it difficult to try and request information. Because then they either just don't respect your organization, or they trust you as an individual enough to hand over certain info.

[MichaelB]

So Jeff Jack is up to it again. He has rallied the troops to oppose Zach Scott 's new building because a portion of it exceeds the 60' limit in the area. The part of the building in question is the "Fly House" which would be between 75 and 80'. (It is the area of the backstage where scenery can be "flown" up.) All was going smooth and the Planning Commission had unanimously approved a code amendment and it was to be approved tonight. But up pops Jeffie...... and I hear there is, of course, misleading info on the neighborhood message boards. Go figure. (havn;t had a chance to look). So there was a short notice call for folks to speak at city council tonight to get the council to go ahead and approve the amendment....so it will be interesting to see what happens. I would have gone... but I am in SOCAL. So if you get a chance, please express support to the council for the code amendment for ZACH.

Thanks,

MB

By the way... the Jeffies are claiming that this will set a precedent in the area for height. Um..... seems more like would want to support a growth in the arts in this case that would benefit not only all of Austin, but their neighborhood. I would love to be able to walk to a major Regional Theatre..... guess not so for him/them. Makes me continue to question the real motivation behind this man..... is this really neighborhood protection ?

[M1EK]

MB, I'd encourage you to post on those neighborhood boards. It otherwise becomes far too easy for the bad people to claim unanimity. (And most of the time, I get supportive messages from people who thought they were the only ones out there; of course, I can rarely convince them to join me in the target zone).

[Gallup]

I heard that when Jeff’s younger brother was about to pass him in height that he petitioned the Heaven’s pleading that his brother not be allowed to be taller than him. When his brother suddenly stopped growing due to being mowed over in a freak reindeer accident, Jeff thought himself a higher power and knew that it was his place to save the world from tall things. :slob:

[Gallup]

MB, I'd encourage you to post on those neighborhood boards. It otherwise becomes far too easy for the bad people to claim unanimity. (And most of the time, I get supportive messages from people who thought they were the only ones out there; of course, I can rarely convince them to join me in the target zone).

Please post links, you know I'd love to say hi to those guys:notacrook:

[MichaelB]

MB, I'd encourage you to post on those neighborhood boards. It otherwise becomes far too easy for the bad people to claim unanimity. (And most of the time, I get supportive messages from people who thought they were the only ones out there; of course, I can rarely convince them to join me in the target zone).

thanks, I will.......

[priller]

I didn't know who Jeff Jack was, so I started googling to find out more info. I ran across an article from 2005 where he was complaining about the proposed Spring building. His main complaint?

Jeff Jack, past president of the Zilker Neighborhood Association south of downtown, said the project could set a precedent for “intrusive buildings along the edge of a residential neighborhood.”

Still going on about setting precedents. The guy's a broken record.

The other notable quote from the article:

Plans call for 220 condominiums priced from about $200,000 to $400,000

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[alexjon]

So Jeff Jack is up to it again. He has rallied the troops to oppose Zach Scott 's new building because a portion of it exceeds the 60' limit in the area. The part of the building in question is the "Fly House" which would be between 75 and 80'. (It is the area of the backstage where scenery can be "flown" up.) All was going smooth and the Planning Commission had unanimously approved a code amendment and it was to be approved tonight. But up pops Jeffie...... and I hear there is, of course, misleading info on the neighborhood message boards. Go figure. (havn;t had a chance to look). So there was a short notice call for folks to speak at city council tonight to get the council to go ahead and approve the amendment....so it will be interesting to see what happens. I would have gone... but I am in SOCAL. So if you get a chance, please express support to the council for the code amendment for ZACH.

Thanks,

MB

By the way... the Jeffies are claiming that this will set a precedent in the area for height. Um..... seems more like would want to support a growth in the arts in this case that would benefit not only all of Austin, but their neighborhood. I would love to be able to walk to a major Regional Theatre..... guess not so for him/them. Makes me continue to question the real motivation behind this man..... is this really neighborhood protection ?

This blends so many conversations we've had about Austin here and makes me shrug at the diminishing prospect of getting anything taller than the Austonian built

[Raining Inside]

I know we have a few NIMBYS here. I would love for them to explain to me what they have against tall things. The common thread of all projects that the NIMBYS most strongly protest against is that they have tall structures. Help me understand what is so evil about all things tall?

[KevinFromTexas]

So Jeff Jack is up to it again. He has rallied the troops to oppose Zach Scott 's new building because a portion of it exceeds the 60' limit in the area. The part of the building in question is the "Fly House" which would be between 75 and 80'. (It is the area of the backstage where scenery can be "flown" up.) All was going smooth and the Planning Commission had unanimously approved a code amendment and it was to be approved tonight. But up pops Jeffie...... and I hear there is, of course, misleading info on the neighborhood message boards. Go figure. (havn;t had a chance to look). So there was a short notice call for folks to speak at city council tonight to get the council to go ahead and approve the amendment....so it will be interesting to see what happens. I would have gone... but I am in SOCAL. So if you get a chance, please express support to the council for the code amendment for ZACH.

Thanks,

MB

By the way... the Jeffies are claiming that this will set a precedent in the area for height. Um..... seems more like would want to support a growth in the arts in this case that would benefit not only all of Austin, but their neighborhood. I would love to be able to walk to a major Regional Theatre..... guess not so for him/them. Makes me continue to question the real motivation behind this man..... is this really neighborhood protection ?

Are there any renderings of it? I'm assuming it's going to be near their current site.

Tonight: Public hearing on zoning change for Zach Scott Theatre
http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/seeingthings/entries/2008/06/18/public_hearing_on_zoning_chang.html

[DTAustin]

Jeff Jack, past president of the Zilker Neighborhood Association south of downtown, said the project could set a precedent for “intrusive buildings along the edge of a residential neighborhood.”

That sounds like a quote out of Laura Morrison's play book. Unfortunately, Jeff now has a friend on the city council.

[Saddle Man]

I was driving down South Congress, and AltaVida looks to be at the exact same height as 100 Congress.

And the Legacy's garage is weird. I've never seen a garage being built like this. The eastern most section of the garage is built from the ground up, but it's only about 1/5 of the total garage. I thought garages where built like buildings, from the bottom up...not sideways. Oh well. It's pretty neato.

[Jdawgboy]

Jeff Jack, past president of the Zilker Neighborhood Association south of downtown, said the project could set a precedent for “intrusive buildings along the edge of a residential neighborhood.”

That sounds like a quote out of Laura Morrison's play book. Unfortunately, Jeff now has a friend on the city council.

I am serious when I say lets get some organization against these people. Lets try to get some of us together to discuss what we can do to counter act like attending city council meetings and such. Lets also try to go right to the people making these accusations and asking them straight up, why they are against height? How they can justify being enviromentally friendly if they want short squat buildings that take up so much land.. Ect. Hit me up if your interested in trying to start some sort of organization to counter act NIMBY's...

[paulsjv]

I am serious when I say lets get some organization against these people. Lets try to get some of us together to discuss what we can do to counter act like attending city council meetings and such. Lets also try to go right to the people making these accusations and asking them straight up, why they are against height? How they can justify being enviromentally friendly if they want short squat buildings that take up so much land.. Ect. Hit me up if your interested in trying to start some sort of organization to counter act NIMBY's...
Not saying this isn't a bad idea but shouldn't we have done that to get the vote out and get these people out of office?

[priller]

How much weight did the Chronicle's endorsement carry? Before getting interested in condos and downtown and urban issues, I was only moderately interested in city council doings. But I did read the Chronicle to see who they endorsed, since they provide much more coverage of local issue than the Statesman. I wonder how many other Austinites thought along those lines?

Even though their endorsement was half-hearted, I'm thinking it still probably carried a lot of weight.

[MichaelB]

Are there any renderings of it? I'm assuming it's going to be near their current site.

Tonight: Public hearing on zoning change for Zach Scott Theatre
http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/seeingthings/entries/2008/06/18/public_hearing_on_zoning_chang.html

THe renderings aren't published yet. I will let you know as soon as I do. It sits on the open property at the corner of Lamar and riverside where the crapy sign is. It is set up against the existing buildings. It is a rather clean "mid-century" design that has a glass front that opens up to the river...

[MichaelB]

Re: Zach Scott: The city Council passed the code amendment for Zach Scott last night. There was a rather large show of support for the theatre from patrons. The council passed the amendment unanimously to allow for the 20' variance on the height limitation just south of the river. ( I hear there were some good will negotiations.... but the council was going to vote in favor of the amendment anyway.)

There is hope!

[JAM]

I was driving down South Congress, and AltaVida looks to be at the exact same height as 100 Congress.

And the Legacy's garage is weird. I've never seen a garage being built like this. The eastern most section of the garage is built from the ground up, but it's only about 1/5 of the total garage. I thought garages where built like buildings, from the bottom up...not sideways. Oh well. It's pretty neato.

Yeah - It looks like a pretty efficient process. They didn't have to get jacks out and support the floors from what I can tell. It appears they just grab the pre-fabbed concrete slab and crane it into place.

[AustinTex]

After watching the national news last night, I'm going to take a guestimate that Austin could not be in a better place regarding all the new highrises going in.

The gas crunch is getting people to re-evaluate the idea of commuting into the city and reconsidering living downtown as a means of moving more toward a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle and living more central.

I'm really liking this story. This very well could encourage T.Stacy to go through with the plans - maybe even sooner - if there is this massive surge to move towards the center of the city. I was talking with a friend who basically runs most of Keller Williams here in Austin. He said most of the people buying condos downtown are already from Austin and live here. They're looking to live in a more central, convenient, and less car-driven atmosphere. It's people from out of town who are looking to buy homes outside of downtown. Interesting.

All this leads to an environment that is encouraging people to really consider high rise living. Maybe, this is just the start. So, I agree with all posters who said higher is better than blocks and blocks of shorter average-sized buildings.

[M1EK]

The high-rises we have on tap aren't enough even to place as many people as came here to the region on an average year. In order to make a dent in existing patterns, we'd need many times more high-rise and especially mid-rise development.

Don't expect any. The city council votes on duplexes and VMU last night show which way the wind is blowing, and it's clearly in Morrison's direction.

[KevinFromTexas]

Bah, I had typed out a post, and the forum hung and I lost it.

Anyway, what I was going to say is. I would like to see other things done also other than increased density to promote pedestrian and bicycle commuting.

The city's sidewalks really need to be better maintained. Make repairs to cracked or uneven sidewalks. Change certain construction designs on things like manhole covers which are raised above the sidewalk. I was walking home one night from my brother's place (drunk, but still) and tripped over a manhole cover. It was raised 3 inches above the sidewalk and was in the middle of it. I nearly broke my angle. Also tend to safety issues with manhole covers. There was one near my house that was missing a cover for almost 2 weeks. It was a storm drain near a sidewalk in a darkly lit area. I'd come through there at night on my bike worried about taking a dive in it. Mow the grass and trim trees along sidewalks. Keep them cleared of any obstructions. Seriously, some of the sidewalks in South Austin are like trying to hike through a jungle.

And I would like to see an initiative by the city to not only encourage placing bike racks outside businesses citywide, but to require it. I'd like to see it be required to have bike racks outside commercial buildings. Most businesses are doing a good job of this, but still there are some that don't have any, like older ones, especially your small convenient stores. And there's many times when there's nothing there to lock up to. Make this a requirement citywide to have bike racks outside of businesses. Even downtown could use more bike racks besides the busier newer neighborhoods. Eventually it will have to happen with all these new residents moving into downtown. And I'd like to see it done anyway to encourage people to ride their bikes more.

[jowens]

So Jeff Jack is up to it again. He has rallied the troops to oppose Zach Scott 's new building because a portion of it exceeds the 60' limit in the area. The part of the building in question is the "Fly House" which would be between 75 and 80'. (It is the area of the backstage where scenery can be "flown" up.) All was going smooth and the Planning Commission had unanimously approved a code amendment and it was to be approved tonight. But up pops Jeffie...... and I hear there is, of course, misleading info on the neighborhood message boards. Go figure. (havn;t had a chance to look). So there was a short notice call for folks to speak at city council tonight to get the council to go ahead and approve the amendment....so it will be interesting to see what happens. I would have gone... but I am in SOCAL. So if you get a chance, please express support to the council for the code amendment for ZACH.

Thanks,

MB

By the way... the Jeffies are claiming that this will set a precedent in the area for height. Um..... seems more like would want to support a growth in the arts in this case that would benefit not only all of Austin, but their neighborhood. I would love to be able to walk to a major Regional Theatre..... guess not so for him/them. Makes me continue to question the real motivation behind this man..... is this really neighborhood protection ?

Has Jeff Jack ever stepped into any theater with a proscenium and flyhouse??!!

The size of the proscenium dictates this height of the flyhouse. Flyhouse heights are not determine by architecture aesthetics; its determined by logistics needed to operate a counter wieght fly system for theatrical scenery, lighting, rigging, etc, within the given size of the proscenium space. :maddown:

[AustinGuy]

.
The gas crunch is getting people to re-evaluate the idea of commuting into the city and reconsidering living downtown as a means of moving more toward a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle and living more central.


This makes logical sense to me, but the current condo buyers aren't backing this idea up. According to the study of buyers in some of the new condo projects published by the statesman, 70% of them work somewhere other than downtown:

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/04/02/0402condos.html

From my own anecdotal evidence, a lot of the higher paying jobs in Austin (therefore the people who can afford the condos) are outside of the downtown area. We need more jobs & offices downtown. Glad to see Google is moving in there.

[Jdawgboy]

Not saying this isn't a bad idea but shouldn't we have done that to get the vote out and get these people out of office?

Getting something like what I am proposing may take a little time. There would not have been time to get together with a group and discuss what our goals are, what we need to do to promote our organization, get some information written out to be passed out, possibly even getting ahold of city council members to talk about these issues. I would like to get something going but would like to see who can help out.

[AustinTex]

Regardless of where the current condo buyers are working, the trend is in motion to move downtown. So, that study has nothing to do with my point. The gas crunch is a real issue NOW though it has been building over time. So, NOW is the time people are re-evaluating living habits and locations.

So what if the current buyers don't work downtown? Anyone can look at the developments going in and see that they obviously hold more people than the offices / businesses do workers. I mean, it's visually obvious. Add to that the fact that a lot of people who do work downtown are not going to be moving there.

Hence, why I said this is good news for Austin. The city isn't in a cycle where development isn't happening and people are just now waking up to the idea of living in downtown. No. It's been under development and it is under development. So, the idea of living downtown to save gas and money is only going to bolster the trend.........which is why I said this will push T.Stacy's projects to completion. Downtown WILL NEED more work space. See my logic? that's what I was getting at. (oh, and a grocery store, like HEB)

You may have also misread what I wrote. I said 90% of the condos being purchased are from people who already live in Austin. Only 10% are from out of town. In other words, my point was, the trend to move downtown just got a big booster shot in the arm because of the gas issue. That's good for the developments like Four Seasons and W, etc etc, who have a long ways to go before finishing up.

[AustinTex]

I just read that study you posted regarding who is buying what downtown. I have to laugh. Those numbers do not jive at all with what my guys are telling me.

I have to say, I'm sick of studies. They skew so much info to where just about any claim can be made. Now this study says only 2/3 of condo buyers are from Austin. That's fine, it's a moot point. I'm not gonna go nuts over this. I do find it interesting that no one's numbers say what the next person's numbers say.

For example, did you hear about the traffic study just released? It says Amarillo, Waco, and San Antonio have worse traffic than Austin. Ok, who on here believes that crap?

[M1EK]

Getting something like what I am proposing may take a little time. There would not have been time to get together with a group and discuss what our goals are, what we need to do to promote our organization, get some information written out to be passed out, possibly even getting ahold of city council members to talk about these issues. I would like to get something going but would like to see who can help out.

I tried. austin_urbanists group here (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/austin_urbanists/) - but next to nobody would ever comment about endorsements after a while. If you're not on already, sign up; if you are, contribute - position statements can be circulated by anybody, not just me.

[priller]

Well, count us as one family who moved because we work downtown (or near it). With the gas prices it's looking like a smarter move all the time!

The main concern I have about the current condos under construction is that they are all high end (Spring is not as pricey as the others, but still more than 360). I mean, *really* high end. Average unit price at W so far is over 1 million!! I understand some will go to out-of-towners and investors, but still sometimes I wonder if there really is that much demand for such pricey units.

OTOH, I can definitely see Ovation getting built. It will basically be 360 v.2, with similar units at similar prices. Seeing how fast 360 sold and how many still on the waiting list there, that project seems like a no-brainer.

[KevinFromTexas]

Has Jeff Jack ever stepped into any theater with a proscenium and flyhouse??!!

The size of the proscenium dictates this height of the flyhouse. Flyhouse heights are not determine by architecture aesthetics; its determined by logistics needed to operate a counter wieght fly system for theatrical scenery, lighting, rigging, etc, within the given size of the proscenium space. :maddown:

My brother did the lighting and sound setup in theatre class in high school (Crockett High). They'd go out on the catwalk above the stage and it's a good 40 feet or so up there. And that building has no architectural character or sense of style.

[MichaelB]

Has Jeff Jack ever stepped into any theater with a proscenium and flyhouse??!!

The size of the proscenium dictates this height of the flyhouse. Flyhouse heights are not determine by architecture aesthetics; its determined by logistics needed to operate a counter wieght fly system for theatrical scenery, lighting, rigging, etc, within the given size of the proscenium space. :maddown:

Yup, it's just math..... in the long run, that had all been explained to the city... so the council was well informed. (Actually, originally there was some design elements on the top of the flyhouse that were removed for this very reason.... to make sure it was not too tall) And, no, I doubt he knew any of that. I think the NA's were just looking to make sure there was language in the amendment that made sure it was a lone exception..... and then somehow they wanted to have a voice in parking...... which is really strange to me because there is not a neighborhood street close enough to Zach where anyone has EVER parked. In the long run I can't help to think it is just an ego driven "LOOK AT ME" move on his part. Needs some way to feel important/have power. Every issue had already been carefully considered and planned to be as user/area friendly and considerate as possible.

Now, Jeffie, get your ass over there and donate a chunk of change to the theatre to get the thing built if you are sooooo supportive and think it is sooo important to the community (as stated at council meeting).

[427MM]

Getting something like what I am proposing may take a little time. There would not have been time to get together with a group and discuss what our goals are, what we need to do to promote our organization, get some information written out to be passed out, possibly even getting ahold of city council members to talk about these issues. I would like to get something going but would like to see who can help out.

I may have the cure for your disease. Take a look at City Green

www.citygreenaustin.org

[JAM]

I just read that study you posted regarding who is buying what downtown. I have to laugh. Those numbers do not jive at all with what my guys are telling me.

I have to say, I'm sick of studies. They skew so much info to where just about any claim can be made. Now this study says only 2/3 of condo buyers are from Austin. That's fine, it's a moot point. I'm not gonna go nuts over this. I do find it interesting that no one's numbers say what the next person's numbers say.

For example, did you hear about the traffic study just released? It says Amarillo, Waco, and San Antonio have worse traffic than Austin. Ok, who on here believes that crap?

"Heimsath also found that 14 percent of buyers already live downtown; 13 percent come from elsewhere in Texas, mostly Houston and Dallas; 19 percent come from elsewhere."

Let's see, 14+13+19 = 46%, hmm, if you are not already living downtown (14) are not from somewhere else in Texas (13), you must be from elsewhere. Wouldn't that be 100-14-13 = 73%. Kids these days, they can't even add.....

[bluedogok]

And I would like to see an initiative by the city to not only encourage placing bike racks outside businesses citywide, but to require it. I'd like to see it be required to have bike racks outside commercial buildings. Most businesses are doing a good job of this, but still there are some that don't have any, like older ones, especially your small convenient stores. And there's many times when there's nothing there to lock up to. Make this a requirement citywide to have bike racks outside of businesses. Even downtown could use more bike racks besides the busier newer neighborhoods. Eventually it will have to happen with all these new residents moving into downtown. And I'd like to see it done anyway to encourage people to ride their bikes more.
They are required by the CoA Land Development Codes on all new commercial projects, we have had to include them on the warehouse projects over in the Southpark Commerce Center. I don't think there is a code requirement for existing buildings.

From my own anecdotal evidence, a lot of the higher paying jobs in Austin (therefore the people who can afford the condos) are outside of the downtown area. We need more jobs & offices downtown. Glad to see Google is moving in there.
I do think that more employers need to consider downtown, reverse commuting will not be attractive to the majority of potential buyers and does nothing to fix traffic issues or cost of commuting. There needs to be more development of commercial along with residential development downtown. I know that Apple is doing a big project in North Austin that could have just as easily been done downtown.

The fixation on the high-end of the market is just very short sighted but I know that it had been easier to get the financing for that kind of project before the credit markets tightened as they made the proformas look real good. There needs to be some "real world" priced units planned and built, right downtown living looks like it is becoming a bit like living in a high end area, just in high rises.

[dvddvd]

"Heimsath also found that 14 percent of buyers already live downtown; 13 percent come from elsewhere in Texas, mostly Houston and Dallas; 19 percent come from elsewhere."

Let's see, 14+13+19 = 46%, hmm, if you are not already living downtown (14) are not from somewhere else in Texas (13), you must be from elsewhere. Wouldn't that be 100-14-13 = 73%. Kids these days, they can't even add.....


the math might be correct, but the validity of the heimsath numbers is highly questionable. the report was laughable. i still can't believe someone got paid for that piece of junk.

it was nothing more than a giant "always be closing" sales pitch to current downtown condo reservation holders and prospective reservation holders.

a lot of dust will have to settle before we actually know what the heck is going on in regards to the new downtown projects. (this includes the shore and 360) (and i'm a little tired of hearing about the 360 waiting list ... as if that list, which began 2 years ago in a completely different environment, means something!!!!)

if heimsath really wanted to know the "market" ... there are plenty of currently occupied downtown condo complexes that he could have surveyed ... but he didn't do that. you have to ask yourself why?

dvd

[Gallup]

i'm a little tired of hearing about the 360 waiting list ... as if that list, which began 2 years ago in a completely different environment, means something!!!!


dvd

Dude, what's with the rant??? Anyway, the 360 waiting list (backup contracts) did not start until this year. There was no list before the building sold out in December of last year. It is a HUGE deal. Esp. for me, i'm on the freaking list. Come on drop out's. Let's go attrition rate! Oh yea!!! :banana:

[dvddvd]

Dude, what's with the rant??? Anyway, the 360 waiting list (backup contracts) did not start until this year. There was no list before the building sold out in December of last year. It is a HUGE deal. Esp. for me, i'm on the freaking list. Come on drop out's. Let's go attrition rate! Oh yea!!! :banana:

let me get this straight. you are saying there is a waiting list which represents 140 (according to heimsath) backup contracts, created in '08? with money at stake??? if there is not, i'm just saying that you can't draw any conclusion from it ... which is what Heimsath is essentially doing.

sorry for any rant you got from my post.

good luck to you

[AustinGuy]

I've already seen two people attempt to sell/transfer their 360 units pre-close on Craig's List. Not sure if they were aware of the waiting-list or not. Also, not sure they were aware of the part of the contract they signed that said they couldn't sell their unit until six months after the first closing or some such.

[priller]

Downtown from near the VMI Castle.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2601623187_d524654076_o.jpg


Notice that 100 Congress is almost hidden by Altavida now, from this angle. A closer look:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/2601655637_bfdc903e31_o.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

I'd say Altavida has just now rose above 100 Congress. I rode downtown today (hot as hell) and got a good look from along South Congress. It looks to be maybe 10 feet taller than 100 Congress.

[LoneStarMike]

Nice shots, priller. I especially like the one in color.

BTW, it's the TMI Castle, not VMI. TMI stands for Texas Military Institute.

I rode downtown today (hot as hell)

Man, you ain't kiddin'. This weather reminds me of a Vera Carp (?) line in Greater Tuna.

"This heat is un-Christian!" :)

[KevinFromTexas]

I still did ok in the heat though. It only took me about 40 minutes to ride downtown.

[shanny]

memo to the Austonian crew: get to the tower already! :whip:

[shanny]

Page 200!......

:cheers:

[427MM]

http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=207&GT1=45002&page=5

I really dig the first line of this write-up on Dallas. It's sometimes good to have a reputation. Austin Rocks!

[427MM]

Austin has lost one of it’s most dynamic citizens: Robert Barnstone has been found dead at the age of 61.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/06/24//0624barnstone.html


This is more than just a story in the Statesman for me. In the last five years I have called on Robert to come speak about downtown Austin, and the benefits that go along with living downtown, many times. Never one time did he turn me down. He spoke to Professor Adams Into to Urban Studies class and was so much fun that they ended up bringing him back year after year after I left. He would do anything to do with the UT- Urban Development Society, all we had to do was ask. When CNU-XVI was here I led a tour through the city and asked Robert in the eleventh hour to please give a presentation for Spring to us. He cancelled a planned trip he was going on and gave us his Saturday. He would find something to laugh about in every situation and will be sorely missed. His death is a loss for all of Austin.

[DTAustin]

let me get this straight. you are saying there is a waiting list which represents 140 (according to heimsath) backup contracts, created in '08? with money at stake??? if there is not, i'm just saying that you can't draw any conclusion from it ... which is what Heimsath is essentially doing.

sorry for any rant you got from my post.

good luck to you

The waiting list is really a list of potential buyers for Ovation, and a lot of the people on the list said they would buy at 360 if a condo opened up. During our closing last week, I asked the 360 rep how many people backed out. She said a few have backed out, but those condos were under contract on the same day. I'm sure a few people won't close, but most of the buyers will close.

I also asked if Novare expected the building to sell as rapidly as it did. She said they usually see these numbers on the first project in a new region. I'm not sure what that means about their second project. I suspect it will do really well here.

As with everything in real estate, it's all about location, location, and location. 360 is in a great spot.

[KevinFromTexas]

Austin has lost one of it’s most dynamic citizens: Robert Barnstone has been found dead at the age of 61.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/06/24//0624barnstone.html


This is more than just a story in the Statesman for me. In the last five years I have called on Robert to come speak about downtown Austin, and the benefits that go along with living downtown, many times. Never one time did he turn me down. He spoke to Professor Adams Into to Urban Studies class and was so much fun that they ended up bringing him back year after year after I left. He would do anything to do with the UT- Urban Development Society, all we had to do was ask. When CNU-XVI was here I led a tour through the city and asked Robert in the eleventh hour to please give a presentation for Spring to us. He cancelled a planned trip he was going on and gave us his Saturday. He would find something to laugh about in every situation and will be sorely missed. His death is a loss for all of Austin.

I can't believe that. Great loss. I never met him, but I did exchange emails with him several times about Spring and downtown.

What a shock.

[priller]

Austin has lost one of it’s most dynamic citizens: Robert Barnstone has been found dead at the age of 61.

That's a great loss. It sounds like he was a real visionary.

[Saddle Man]

There's a water main break at the W site. Cool picture at the Austinist.

http://austinist.com/2008/06/23/the_w_is_for_water_main_break.php#comments

[austin242]

He seems to have had a great vision and logic thats just what our city needs he will be missed :(

[Saddle Man]

Northcross Wal-Mart gets smaller, and Allandale opts out of almost all VMU.

http://austinist.com/2008/06/24/allandale_suburban_4eva.php#comments

[austin242]

I just don't get this neighborhood they don't like good development but they will let crappy old gun stores be built and other stuff :koko:

[hookem]

Congrats, Allandale, in your quest towards becoming the Pflugerville of Central Austin!

[cosmoguy]

Wow...so the neighbors have successfully replaced a Walmart....with a Walmart. Good job, dumbasses.

[priller]

Wow...so the neighbors have successfully replaced a Walmart....with a Walmart. Good job, dumbasses.

And more surface parking!

[KevinFromTexas]

And no possibility of seeing downtown from the parking garage. :(

[Saddle Man]

I knew it would happen sooner or later, people are moving in to 360 and leaving their crappy patio furniture on their balconies. Very very ugly. It would have been less noticeable on recessed balconies and/or a non-glass building. Oh well, there's nothing I can do except buy a unit, become president of the condo association, curry favor with members to get their votes, and then get a ban on anything being left on the balconies when it's not being used.

[DTAustin]

I knew it would happen sooner or later, people are moving in to 360 and leaving their crappy patio furniture on their balconies. Very very ugly. It would have been less noticeable on recessed balconies and/or a non-glass building. Oh well, there's nothing I can do except buy a unit, become president of the condo association, curry favor with members to get their votes, and then get a ban on anything being left on the balconies when it's not being used.

360 has very restrictive rules for the balconies. Only wrought iron, teak, and one other high material that slipped my mind is allowed. No bikes, no trash, no storage, no seat cushions for more than 4 hours a day, and on and on. I even think they don't allow plants. I think once the management is settled in, the rules will be enforced.

I just saw the HOA board meeting agenda. It looks like they are going to be anal, at least initially. One item was approval for new floors, one for new cabinets, and get this - one to penetrate the drywall more than 1/4 of an inch. I saw that rule in the docs, but I'm not sure what it applies to. How are you going to hang pictures without penetrating the drywall?

I don't mind the strict rules. I lived in a condo that didn't enforce anything, and it basically ended up looking like crap.

[Saddle Man]

Thanks DTAustin. I'm glad that there will be a rule then. I think I'm still going to have a problem with people having stuff on the balconies for any amount of time that will mar the building's look. Oh well. Thanks again.

[427MM]

I’m looking forward to seeing stuff on the balconies, all the way up. These human artifacts show that the building is inhabited even when there is nobody to be seen.

[427MM]

Ah, 360
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2290/86521833mm6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Sebastian on his new porch
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5352/65596404vw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

21Rio
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/2268/11763915iz8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks Robert!
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9836/66554769za7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

MJ's
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/2245/29962395ri1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

West Campus
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2895/92949276zg4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

W
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/447/51032938lm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This area is looking amazing!
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5514/32680399jm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Legacy
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9714/91xb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6628/92xl7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Seaholm district. Anybody know when Gables plans on breaking?
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/8475/93io1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I reeaally can't wait to see the eleventh floor start to rise
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8682/94mt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Smokin'
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/2307/95tt9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The sun always finds a way to shine on SRV
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5646/97gd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/3527/98rc9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Our new DT lake
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/527/99hv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And finally, the AMLI II retail along 2nd. This is going to be incredible!
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/8688/991kr1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Mopacs]

Great shots Greg! Love the 360 views! Man does that building tower over everything else.

Did you take your lakeside shots today? I was in the area around the same time of day (approx 7:30):

Altavida

http://images38.fotki.com/v1219/photos/5/54967/5804014/DSC_5990-vi.jpg

http://images39.fotki.com/v1234/photos/5/54967/5804014/DSC_6004-vi.jpg

http://images30.fotki.com/v481/photos/5/54967/5804014/DSC_6028-vi.jpg

http://images39.fotki.com/v1232/photos/5/54967/5804014/DSC_5823-vi.jpg

http://images39.fotki.com/v1226/photos/5/54967/5804014/DSC_5921-vi.jpg

And a Spring update, for good measure

http://images32.fotki.com/v1109/photos/5/54967/5804014/DSC_5703-vi.jpg

Have several more on the way, tomorrow or Thursday.