[priller]

Yes, I think the Legacy is very washed-out looking. And the light color is far too light. In the direct sun it looks white, rather than the light sand color of the renderings.

[southsideatx04]

Legacy has turned out very nice. It will be interesting to see the economics of rentals this summer with Ashton/Legacy both being open.

Does anyone know how much the rent is going for Ashton/Legacy, its supposed to be a higher class apartment tower right?

[MichaelB]

Yes, I think the Legacy is very washed-out looking. And the light color is far too light. In the direct sun it looks white, rather than the light sand color of the renderings.

I TOTALLY agree. We were on bikes this week, stopped to look at it and had the same discussion. All the colors are too light and to similar. There is so much detail in the building that is just washed away! Too bad. Just too safe.

[JRCool]

Ya, Legacy and I aren't friends.

Usually, I show very little opposition to buildings being built, no matter how they look, or where they are. Just cause I want the skyline to grow and such, but Legacy just isn't a great addition.

And, whats worse, is when you're coming in from the south, on 35, it totally blocks the skyline, and is just, right there! In your face. Maybe that would be ok, if it was a cool looking building, but I just don't feel like it is.

[bigdogc]

Does anyone know how much the rent is going for Ashton/Legacy, its supposed to be a higher class apartment tower right?
2/2s at the legacy start at 850/month/per room.

[shanny]

hook 'em horns baby!

[paulsjv]

2/2s at the legacy start at 850/month/per room.

Wait a second. I'm a bit confused. So would that be 850x2 for a 2/2?

[Scottolini]

Yeah, $850/month for a 2/2 in a new downtown apartment tower would be insanely cheap. I pay that much in a 20+ year old apartment in South Austin.

[paulsjv]

Yeah, $850/month for a 2/2 in a new downtown apartment tower would be insanely cheap. I pay that much in a 20+ year old apartment in South Austin.

Exactly my thoughts! At that price they should be able to fill that place really quick!

[priller]

Hell, even a 1BR for $850 would be a deal.

[priller]

I TOTALLY agree. We were on bikes this week, stopped to look at it and had the same discussion. All the colors are too light and to similar. There is so much detail in the building that is just washed away! Too bad. Just too safe.

I kept looking at the building wondering when they were going finish the outside, then it finally dawned on me that they were already finished. Yuck.

[bigdogc]

yes, legacy is 1700 a month for 2/2. they are also involved in the SMART housing, so some 1/1s will be in the ~850/month area.

[southsideatx04]

yes, legacy is 1700 a month for 2/2. they are also involved in the SMART housing, so some 1/1s will be in the ~850/month area.


So Legacy wants to use SMART housing for singles?

Are there anymore rental towers or condos providing SMART housing (downtown)?

[alexjon]

Oh god, I wish there were downtown 2 bedrooms that cheap here.

[dvddvd]

yes, legacy is 1700 a month for 2/2. they are also involved in the SMART housing, so some 1/1s will be in the ~850/month area.


Does anyone really think Austin's downtown market is going to support the upcoming supply (at those prices)? Seriously, I don't think the market is easily supporting the current supply and with the new units coming online .... something is going to give. Especially, with the legacy.

DVD

[bigdogc]

legacy is a lot more affordable than other DT apartments. Monarch starts 3100 a month for a 2/2. west campus has places as expensive as legacy!

[MichaelB]

I kept looking at the building wondering when they were going finish the outside, then it finally dawned on me that they were already finished. Yuck.

I did the same thing! Just kept waiting.... then .... ding!


So has "anybody" heard any rumors if LaVista is actually gonna start up? Suppose to be this month. They were doing some site work... but no big action?

[Scottolini]

Does anyone really think Austin's downtown market is going to support the upcoming supply (at those prices)? Seriously, I don't think the market is easily supporting the current supply and with the new units coming online .... something is going to give. Especially, with the legacy.

DVD

You know, if you actually contributed something other than these type of posts, it wouldn't bother me. But, it seems like once a month you pop up, and it's always some negative comment. Nothing else. Reminds me of LookingUp.

But, maybe I'm missing something here, but who cares if they overbuilt? If they did won't these units just become more affordable? And just like in the eighties with office space, there may be a whole lot of vacancy for a few years, but eventually they will fill up. In the big picture, regardless it was a major plus for our downtown that these buildings were constructed.

[priller]

So has "anybody" heard any rumors if LaVista is actually gonna start up? Suppose to be this month. They were doing some site work... but no big action?

No, "nobody" has any more info. :shrug:

[LoneStarMike]

:previous: The city's emerging projects page (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/downloads/ep_data_1108.pdf) (from November 30, 2008) says construction is supposed to start "early next year" (meaning 2009) with a completion date of October, 2009. Take it for what it's worth, though. Maybe it will be mid-town's version of the Intel shell.

[MichaelB]

But, maybe I'm missing something here, but who cares if they overbuilt? If they did won't these units just become more affordable? And just like in the eighties with office space, there may be a whole lot of vacancy for a few years, but eventually they will fill up. In the big picture, regardless it was a major plus for our downtown that these buildings were constructed.

You beat me to it. Kinda how I look at it as well.

[MichaelB]

No, "nobody" has any more info. :shrug:

Shoot, thanks. We'll keep hoping. And thanks LSMike. They moved the old construction shacks just before new year and just cleaned up the parking lot they were in. Not sure what they means.... lots of ways to guess. Just hope it happens soon.

[JAM]

You know, if you actually contributed something other than these type of posts, it wouldn't bother me. But, it seems like once a month you pop up, and it's always some negative comment. Nothing else. Reminds me of LookingUp.

But, maybe I'm missing something here, but who cares if they overbuilt? If they did won't these units just become more affordable? And just like in the eighties with office space, there may be a whole lot of vacancy for a few years, but eventually they will fill up. In the big picture, regardless it was a major plus for our downtown that these buildings were constructed.

When I see these type of posts, I just go visit Dr. Donna :D
http://www.keen.com/CommunityServer/UserBlogPosts/askdrdonna/People-Who-Love-To-Spread-Bad-News/410340.aspx

[Raining Inside]

Of all the delayed projects and in this economy, the last thing I thought I would hear about would be the T. Stacy project getting any type of financing.

Developer gets $44 million refinancing for future downtown project
By American Statesman staff | Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 02:17 PM

Austin developer Tom Stacy has obtained $44 million in refinancing for the future development of the Congress Avenue block between Fifth and Sixth streets.

Stacy and his partner, Walton Street Capital, got the 30-month loan from CapitalSource Finance LLC.

Stacy bought the block in 2004 with ambitious plans for a multi-use highrise. He commissioned the noted Pelli Clarke Pelli architectural firm to do the design. He also plans a 1,000-car parking garage on an adjacent site.

He has put the plans on hold until the economy stabilizes.

The block includes a 26-story office tower that is now 90 percent occupied by Bank of America and other tenants. Stacy eventually plan to raze the smaller building at Congress and Fifth for redevelopment.

The Dallas office of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler arranged the loan on behalf of Stacy and Walton Street. Managing director Andy Scott and associate director Brandon Chavoya handled the refinancing transaction.

[dvddvd]

You know, if you actually contributed something other than these type of posts, it wouldn't bother me. But, it seems like once a month you pop up, and it's always some negative comment. Nothing else. Reminds me of LookingUp.

But, maybe I'm missing something here, but who cares if they overbuilt? If they did won't these units just become more affordable? And just like in the eighties with office space, there may be a whole lot of vacancy for a few years, but eventually they will fill up. In the big picture, regardless it was a major plus for our downtown that these buildings were constructed.

I don't know. Maybe you just see what you want to see. If you actually take a look at my posts (which I just finished taking a quick peek at) I'm not sure I'd come to the same conclusion as you. (that it's always some negative comment and that all of my posts are of the same style.... non contributing)

IMHO - If this is the conclusion you draw from my postings .... I'd say that you may be the one that's "negative". Hey, but if that's the way you feel and think about them ... so be it.

Who cares if its overbuilt? For some people, it's not a good thing that units become more affordable. I happen to be one of them.

Anyway ...

DVD

[shanny]

if the plans are on hold, why did he take out the money? anyone have an guesses? neither of the two buildings could go up for only 44 million.

[austin242]

Hopefully the money is to pay for an architectual competition :yes:

[austlar1]

if the plans are on hold, why did he take out the money? anyone have an guesses? neither of the two buildings could go up for only 44 million.

My guess is this is some kind of refinancing of an existing loan all dressed up as a sign of progress. It is really probably about finding a way to hang on to the properties in a very difficult period. The fact that he found money at this point in time is pretty impressive.

[Spaceman]

Hopefully the money is to pay for an architectual competition :yes:
The money will be rerouted to pay outstanding debts...This guy has a huge set of "stones." He's not building anything..

[hookem]

Yeah, the only definitions I know of for "refinancing" all involve restructuring existing debt... maybe taking a little more out, extending the timeframe, changing the rate, payment etc. The short 30 month term is probably at very high interest rate, too. Maybe pulling out some extra cash for property taxes?

[Jdawgboy]

I wouldn't dismiss T. Stacy so easily. Remember he was one of the main people who helped get the Frost Bank Tower built which we all love an adore. He means business when it comes to Austin. He really has invested alot in this city. It will take time but at least he has gotten financing for whatever reason unlike many others.

[Scottolini]

I don't know. Maybe you just see what you want to see. If you actually take a look at my posts (which I just finished taking a quick peek at) I'm not sure I'd come to the same conclusion as you. (that it's always some negative comment and that all of my posts are of the same style.... non contributing)
DVD

So, I just went and read every post you've done. You're correct, sir. I apologize.

I should've replaced "always" with "the vast majority of the time". I regret the error.:tup:

[Saddle Man]

/\/\/\/\ Hahahahaha!

[Downtown_Austin]

No, "nobody" has any more info. :shrug:
three levels of underground garage and the first floor with ceiling are complete. That's where they stalled and I believe are they are now courting investors

[priller]

Hey guys, I just got back from San Francisco today and posted a bunch of pictures of the trip in the "My Cities" section.

Here's a link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=4021174#post4021174


And here a few teaser photos:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3193254880_fc915de0d8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3192406125_5b466d1376_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3193256748_baf95fda0d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3193257552_45f9aaf8ce_o.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

Those are really nice. San Francisco is so photogenic.

[Goothrey]

1951 aerial view of the then-Jefferson Chemical Plant. It is now the site of the Crestview Station. This is a view looking west. You can see the Airport-Lamar intersection as well as Justin Lane to the left of it. The larger building on the left side of the background is Brentwood Elementary(my alma mater) I believe.

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2006/ASPL/Box_35/upl-meta-pth-19452/web-nd-51-178b-01.jpg&q=

http://texashistory.unt.edu/permalink/meta-pth-19452:1

[tgbAustinite]

if you're bored i posted some pix from on top of ut tower:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=163540

[tgbAustinite]

1951 aerial view of the then-Jefferson Chemical Plant. It is now the site of the Crestview Station. This is a view looking west. You can see the Airport-Lamar intersection as well as Justin Lane to the left of it. The larger building on the left side of the background is Brentwood Elementary(my alma mater) I believe.

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2006/ASPL/Box_35/upl-meta-pth-19452/web-nd-51-178b-01.jpg&q=

http://texashistory.unt.edu/permalink/meta-pth-19452:1


wow, it used to be so empty...

[priller]

From here: http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/files/new_zilker_park_residences_pictures.html

The project as designed will include three separate 5-story condo buildings and a fourth building dedicated to the boutique Hotel Zilker , restaurant, and bar. The project, which was reportedly 40% sold as of September, is slated to begin construction in March.


http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/files/page1_blog_entry279-Zilker_park_residences_austin_rendering_one.jpg

http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/files/page1_blog_entry279-Zilker_Park_Austin.jpg

http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/files/Hotel_Zilker_Austin_rendering.jpg

[Scottolini]

wow, it used to be so empty...

Well, in the early 1950s this was the far northern edge of town. The city's population was only about 150,000 at that time. And there were no suburbs to speak of. Some of our suburbs of today like Round Rock were nothing more than tiny farming/ranching communities.

[Scottolini]

Downtown Austin looking west in 1963

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2007/ASPL/box_03/upl-meta-pth-33344/web-ND-63-A-144-01.jpg&q=

1959

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2007/ASPL/box_03/upl-meta-pth-33370/web-ND-59-A-141-02.jpg&q=

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2007/ASPL/box_03/upl-meta-pth-33368/web-ND-59-A-141-04.jpg&q=


Auditorium Shores, Butler Park, Long Center

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2007/ASPL/box_03/upl-meta-pth-33365/web-ND-59-A-141-07.jpg&q=

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2007/ASPL/box_03/upl-meta-pth-33366/web-ND-59-a-141-06.jpg&q=

[rhoby13]

What baseball stadium was that?

[Jdawgboy]

Wasn't that were the old minor league baseball team the Austin Sentators played?

[priller]

Boy, they've been taking a long time on the last 2 floors at the Austonian. If I remember correctly, floor 31 -- which they're on now -- is the mechanical floor, so I imagine it's a bit different from the rest and is requiring extra work. And I've noticed the last 2 nights they've been working late into the night up there. Still, I'm ready for them to get back to their 1 floor a week pace.

[LoneStarMike]

Just one photo of downtown taken shortly after takeoff from ABIA Saturday, January 10. The rest were too blurry/hazy.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/Austinaerial001.jpg

I had hoped to get some better photos on the flight back today, but wouldn't you know it - we landed from the south rather than the north like you usually do when coming from Dallas, so I was on the wrong side of the plane. :(

[Dan Denson]

Just one photo of downtown taken shortly after takeoff from ABIA Saturday, January 10. The rest were too blurry/hazy.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/Austinaerial001.jpg

I had hoped to get some better photos on the flight back today, but wouldn't you know it - we landed from the south rather than the north like you usually do when coming from Dallas, so I was on the wrong side of the plane. :(

Very nice! I recognize most of the "peaks" in west and northwest Austin, but there's a peak at the upper left, quite distant, that I've never noticed before.

[JAM]

Boy, they've been taking a long time on the last 2 floors at the Austonian. If I remember correctly, floor 31 -- which they're on now -- is the mechanical floor, so I imagine it's a bit different from the rest and is requiring extra work. And I've noticed the last 2 nights they've been working late into the night up there. Still, I'm ready for them to get back to their 1 floor a week pace.

Have seen a big spot light shining in my window from over that way the last week or so, guess that explains it. Four Seasons was doing a lot of welding for about a month or so around Christmas holidays - haven't noticed it for a few weeks, but they were working around the clock for a while over there too.

[jordan]

1951 aerial view of the then-Jefferson Chemical Plant. It is now the site of the Crestview Station. This is a view looking west. You can see the Airport-Lamar intersection as well as Justin Lane to the left of it. The larger building on the left side of the background is Brentwood Elementary(my alma mater) I believe.

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2006/ASPL/Box_35/upl-meta-pth-19452/web-nd-51-178b-01.jpg&q=

http://texashistory.unt.edu/permalink/meta-pth-19452:1

I think the dirt road on the bottom right of the picture, that is St Johns AVE. Thefar East end of St. Johns was a subdivision, for African Americans created by the City of Austin in the 1930's.

[rhoby13]

I had hoped to get some better photos on the flight back today, but wouldn't you know it - we landed from the south rather than the north like you usually do when coming from Dallas, so I was on the wrong side of the plane.

You should have checked the weather this morning and noticed the north wind! haha j/j

[LoneStarMike]

A few artsy-nighttime-downtown photos from Saturday night.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/MonarchGarage.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline001.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline008.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline002.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline004.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline003.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline005.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline009.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline007.jpg

[tgbAustinite]

loving the nighttime pix lonestarmike, thanks for posting!

[KevinFromTexas]

Did someone get a tripod for Christmas? :) Great pics, thanks for posting them. It's good to see they came to their senses and fixed the lights on the fountains.

[priller]

Did someone get a tripod for Christmas? :)

Ha ha! I have one but I'm usually to lazy to drag it out. Yes, Mike, those are good photos. I especially liked the 2nd one, where you can still see the clouds.

[austintilIdie]

I'll throw recent pix into the fray...
Saturday...
Was beautiful day to take the dog on a walk. Hike and Bike trail was packed.
Priller, it seems like yesterday just seconds later when the train was crossing the bridge, you were near Spring and Gables.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3210158690_2ca944dea5_b.jpg


From the Observation Hill in Butler Park...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3210126598_456b7895e1_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3210121294_566da15dbf_b.jpg

[LoneStarMike]

Did someone get a tripod for Christmas? :)

Yeah - Christmas 2007. And then every time I took my (then-new) tripod down to the fountains at Butler Park in June/early July, the lights were off so I stopped carrying it around. I read on the city's website that they were turned off in June 2008 for repairs that were supposed to take a month. Not sure how long it actually took.

Anyway, here's a few more photos from late Sunday afternoon around sunset.


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/BremondBlock001.jpg
One of the homes on the Bremond Block

The other five photos were taken from the J. P. Morgan garage (before the security guard came around)

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/JPMorgan001.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/JPMorgan002.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/JPMorgan003.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/JPMorgan004.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/360nite.jpg

Nice shots, austintilIdie. I agree about the weather. I went to a birthday party in Clarksville Saturday afternoon. First party I've ever been to where they had a whole roasted pig. Head, hooves, everything. A couple had flown in from Philadelphia to attend and they said (for them) that visiting Austin was like going to the tropics. :)

Since I had to walk from the party back to Lamar to catch the bus, I was planning on taking those night photos. I thought for sure I would have needed a jacket after dark, so I took one. I ended up carrying it (until I ran into my neighbor at Whole Foods.) She asked if I wanted a ride home. I said no, but can you take my jacket home with you and I'll get it later?

Now if we could just get some rain.

[paulsjv]

Great shots! I'm totally impressed. I really need to take a day and go walking around downtown and take photos too.

I was at Butler park on Sunday. Man does it need some rain bad. The pond there is way down and the grass everywhere is so brown. I heard on the news last night they aren't expecting a break in the drought until late this year. :(

[LoneStarMike]

A few more from January 20. from South Lamar Blvd. I was in an artsy mood again. :)


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/SLamar001.jpg
UT Tower, Dobie Tower, Spring, Wells Fargo & Monarch from third floor balcony at Spaces 2525 behind Walgreens and Maria's Taco Express


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/MagnoliaSite02.jpg
Skyline view from the site of the cancelled Magnolia Condominiums on South Lamar near Genie Car Wash.


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/MagnoliaSite03.jpg
Damn wires


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LamarSquare04.jpg
Skyline from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/Monarch4.jpg
Monarch from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LamarSquare01.jpg
One Congress Plaza, Hilton Convention Center Hotel, San Jacinto Tower and Four Seasons Residences from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LamarSquare02.jpg
Spring & Monarch from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LamarSquare03.jpg
San Jacinto Tower & Four Seasons Residences from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LamarSquare05.jpg
Skyline from Lamar Square (if I had rose-colored glasses)


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/LamarSquare04.jpg
Skyline from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/LamarSquare03.jpg
Spring & Monarch from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/LamarSquare01.jpg
Frost Tower from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline012.jpg
Skyline from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/LamarSquare02.jpg
Spring & Monarch from Lamar Square


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyline013.jpg
Skyline from Lamar Square

[KevinFromTexas]

Cool pics.

[Goothrey]

If anybody wants a good location for a picture, you should try the intersection of West 5th and Lamar looking southbound at twilight. So many things you can capture: a sun setting sky, the spring, railroad crossing, the monarch(with lights on), gables construction, whole foods, construction in front of goodwill apts, traffic, and thousands of birds in trees and on telephone wires.

[LoneStarMike]

It was so nice Friday afternoon and evening, so I just had to get out.


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/CongressAve03.jpg
Congress Avenue

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/PerryBrooks001.jpg
Closer view of the Perry Brooks Building renovations


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/GeneralLandOffice01.jpg
General Land Office


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/CongressAve06.jpg
Congress Avenue


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LavacaView01.jpg
From a garage on Lavaca Street


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/LavacaView06.jpg
From a garage on Lavaca Street


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/Nite4SeasinsRes002.jpg
Four Seasons Residences


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/Nite4SeasinsRes001.jpg
Four Seasons Residences


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteLegacy001.jpg
Legacy from Convention Center Parking Garage


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyscrapers003.jpg
300 West Sixth & Chase Bank Tower


Last five are the Austonian

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/CongressAve05.jpg
from the Capitol


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteAustonian001.jpg
From Third Street


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteAustonian002.jpg
From Convention Center Parking Garage


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteAustonian003.jpg
From Convention Center Parking Garage


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%20Night/NiteSkyscrapers002.jpg
From Convention Center Parking Garage

[Jdawgboy]

wow those are great pictures, I really like the last one and how dense it looks. Just think a few years ago there was nothing in that direction. If anybody would like to post up before and after photos of the Second Street corridor that would be really interesting to see the difference.

[KevinFromTexas]

^Ha, there wouldn't been any reason to take a picture of it. And as a consequence, I don't have any pics of it. Seriously, before all that started, it was never on my list of places to see in downtown. It's amazing what a few million square feet of space can do. :cool:

[priller]

Excellent photos, as always, Mike. That was a good shot of the Four Seasons with P. F. Chang's in the front. It's a hard building to photograph, in my opinion. But now at 24 or so floors, it's finally starting to come out of the shadow of the San Jacinto building.

[priller]

^Ha, there wouldn't been any reason to take a picture of it.

Man, isn't that the truth!

I think this is the earliest photo I have from that vantage point. Almost exactly one year ago.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2221640445_73e8d8bbef_o.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

It's a hard building to photograph, in my opinion.

I've noticed the same thing. Legacy is the same way, though there are some good views of it from the south. The real hard one to get is the Milago Condos next to it. It's nearly impossible.

I think this is the earliest photo I have from that vantage point. Almost exactly one year ago.

I think the first time I got down there and explored a bit was right after City Hall opened. I remember I went in the Spring of 2004 to take pics of the building, and it started to rain so I waited it out under one of the CSC Buildings. That was really the first time I spent any real time down there. But before that, I'm not sure we ever even drove down there.

And something odd happened Friday and Saturday when a few fire scares happened in Downtown and one highrise in South Austin.

On Friday:
Vacant building catches fire on Guadalupe
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2009/01/23/firefighters_have_put_a_blaze.html

On Friday:
False fire alarm briefly closes Congress Avenue
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2009/01/23/false_fire_alarm_causes_brief.html

On Saturday:
Garbage can fire causes evacuation of South Austin hotel
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2009/01/24/garbage_can_fire_causes_evacua.html

[Dan Denson]

1951 aerial view of the then-Jefferson Chemical Plant. It is now the site of the Crestview Station. This is a view looking west. You can see the Airport-Lamar intersection as well as Justin Lane to the left of it. The larger building on the left side of the background is Brentwood Elementary(my alma mater) I believe.

http://texashistory.unt.edu/widgets/highlight2.php?path=/data/SUM2006/ASPL/Box_35/upl-meta-pth-19452/web-nd-51-178b-01.jpg&q=

http://texashistory.unt.edu/permalink/meta-pth-19452:1

Did you all notice that you can see the old quarry where present-day Far West Blvd is located? Also, I see the beginnings of Crestview below and east the escarpment (east of the vacant land where the present day Allandale is located). This is a good perspective on the hills of West Austin behind the flat Shoal Creek watershed, which apparently was farm or ranchland many years ago.

[southsideatx04]

Question,

On Oltorf in-between I-35 and Congress next to Mc D's there were some old apartment buildings there; I think it was razed in Dec 08 or Jan 09. Does anyone know if there is a planned development going in or are they just trying to sell the land?

[arbeiter]

But don't the hills actually sit below the ridge of Far West Blvd. (or whatever you wanna call that - Northwest Hills before the drop?) and Jollyville Plateau? It's a weird geographical feature that makes the parts of NW and North Central Austin directly to the east look quite flat and, well I won't say ugly, but Austin looks as flat as Dallas in parts over there.

[PartyLine]

To me the terrain around Austin is kinda like Tulsa Ok

[Mopacs]

To me the terrain around Austin is kinda like Tulsa Ok

Totally agreed... particularly the areas along and near the Arkansas River valley (Sand Springs, etc.). Just came back from Tulsa last week, so got to see the similarities for myself.

As for the old Far West quarry in Austin, I believe the land rises further beyond, as you approach areas around Cat Mountain. (the 'walls' of the quary are still visible along the north side of Far West).

But generally you are correct.... from the 183 and 620 corridors in NW Austin, it is relatively flat, sitting a top a plateau that is just as high in elevation as the 'peaks' to the south and west. Of course once you get to the edge of the plateau and escarpment, the drop off is quite dramatic (particularly to the NW, along 620, 2222 and bullock hollow road).

[Mopacs]

Totally agreed... particularly the areas along and near the Arkansas River valley (Sand Springs, etc.). Just came back from Tulsa last week, so got to see the similarities for myself.

....one noticable difference, however. Austin's hilly terrain looks considerably greener this time of year. I'm guessing the Tulsa area does not have the concentration of evergreens (albeit short/stumpy Cedars/Junipers here), and even Oak trees, that dot our hills. Though in the spring and summer, Tulsa definitely lives up to the "Green Country" tag attached to the NE Oklahoma region.

[KevinFromTexas]

^Besides the typical evergreens and Live Oaks, we also have Madrones. These are a hardwood oak like tree that are also evergreen. The hills in West Austin and beyond have them too. As a matter of fact, Austin's tv and radio towers in West Austin are located on a street called 'Trail of the Madrones'. Supposedly they're only found in West Texas, New Mexico and Mexico, but I have noticed some in West Austin.

You can read up on them here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Madrone

[PartyLine]

Yeah my parents live in Davenport Ranch by the Austin Country club right by the Antenna farm you can see them from their upstairs guest rooms.

[MichaelB]

Hey! Not in Austin right now. But triple confirmed rumor from my building (Board elections at Cambridge Tower tonight) is that LaVista started up today. There were trucks delivering materials, their management told our management it was up and running and another one of our residents is involved in the deal and said they were "full steam". Oh, laud, I hope so....finally. Just still hope they revived the facade! It is even more dated now!

[Mopacs]

^Ha, there wouldn't been any reason to take a picture of it. And as a consequence, I don't have any pics of it. Seriously, before all that started, it was never on my list of places to see in downtown. It's amazing what a few million square feet of space can do. :cool:


Here are a few photos I took from atop the garage in January 2006. Kevin... I think you were there too, with Tom in Chicago?

http://images39.fotki.com/v1227/photos/5/54967/5155780/DSCN8541-vi.jpg

From the Hampton Inn...

http://images47.fotki.com/v1399/photos/5/54967/5155780/DSCN8564-vi.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

^Yep.

[Wheelingman04]

Those photos show how urban Austin has become.

[Dan Denson]

But don't the hills actually sit below the ridge of Far West Blvd. (or whatever you wanna call that - Northwest Hills before the drop?) and Jollyville Plateau? It's a weird geographical feature that makes the parts of NW and North Central Austin directly to the east look quite flat and, well I won't say ugly, but Austin looks as flat as Dallas in parts over there.

You make an interesting point regarding much of the Austin area. A lot of visitors expect all of Austin to be hilly, but there's a large expanse that's a completely different land form, and I believe it's the same land form upon which most of Dallas sits (level to rolling grasslands). At the same time, a large number of people have no idea that the southwest suburbs of Dallas are in a "hill country" setting, complete with cedars and oaks. I know people that have lived in north Dallas all their lives and they don't know about the topography of southwest Dallas. Interesting.

[LoneStarMike]

A few photos from January 28 from the old Whole Foods Garage.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage04.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage02.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage06.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage01.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage07.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage05.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage03.jpg


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage08.jpg

[Mdlx]

Great photos. Thanks!

[Mopacs]

Yes, fantastic shots! The Austonian is really starting to take its place in the skyline. Spring is quite imposing from that perspective too.

[KevinFromTexas]

Beautiful pictures there, Mike. Very nice! I really like that last one too. It almost has a California look to it.

[Paul in S.A TX]

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/LoneStarMike/Austin%202009/WholeFoodsGarage04.jpg


wow! I havent been in the Austin threads in awhile!

[LoneStarMike]

Very nice! I really like that last one too. It almost has a California look to it.

Thanks. That last shot may have "looked" like California, but it "felt" like Antarctica. :)

[KevinFromTexas]

^Speaking of cold...

Tomorrow is the 60th anniversary of the coldest day ever in Austin. On January 31st, 1949, it got down to -2F at Camp Mabry and -5F at Bergstrom Air Force Base.

[Spaceman]

I had a -4 during Christmas of 1989...It was on my backyard thermostat in NW Austin...Trees were popping like firecrackers as their sap froze...All of my neighbors had pipe damage.

[KevinFromTexas]

Were you guys near a creek or something or low lying area? We got down to around 3F or 4F here then (South Austin).

[Mopacs]

Here are some drive-by's taken yesterday from I-35

http://images26.fotki.com/v939/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7811-vi.jpg

http://images23.fotki.com/v877/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7812-vi.jpg

http://images23.fotki.com/v866/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7804-vi.jpg

http://images28.fotki.com/v988/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7802-vi.jpg

http://images47.fotki.com/v1397/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7801-vi.jpg

http://images42.fotki.com/v1447/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7800-vi.jpg

http://images49.fotki.com/v1456/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7809-vi.jpg

http://images24.fotki.com/v802/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7822-vi.jpg

http://images42.fotki.com/v1377/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7832-vi.jpg

http://images27.fotki.com/v972/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7843-vi.jpg

http://images47.fotki.com/v1397/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7846-vi.jpg

http://images29.fotki.com/v1036/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7847-vi.jpg

Embassy Suites hotel and conference center now open in San Marcos

http://images20.fotki.com/v355/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_7997-vi.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

I'm really loving the deep blue facade of The Austonian. I also like the windows on the upper and lower portions of Legacy on the Lake. I like the overall structure of it, though I wish it had something more of a crown. It kind of has an old art-deco feel to it. My only real beef with it is the color, though it's always visible on the skyline, which is kind of cool. From here in South Austin it stands out away from the rest of the pack.

[Mdlx]

It will be nice to see some glass on the Four Seasons. It should look really nice. They are already on the 25th floor so hopefully they start that soon.

I love the way the Austonian is looking!

Thanks for the pics Mopacs.

[bluedogok]

....one noticable difference, however. Austin's hilly terrain looks considerably greener this time of year. I'm guessing the Tulsa area does not have the concentration of evergreens (albeit short/stumpy Cedars/Junipers here), and even Oak trees, that dot our hills. Though in the spring and summer, Tulsa definitely lives up to the "Green Country" tag attached to the NE Oklahoma region.
There is a different type of oak that is predominant in that area of Oklahoma, it is full of Blackjack Oak trees pretty much from I-35 east throughout the state to Arkansas. It is the dormant season for them so it would be less green than the ones around here that stay green all year round.

I could do without the cedars around here though, this is the first year the cedar has bothered me since moving here from OKC six years ago.

[priller]

It will be nice to see some glass on the Four Seasons. It should look really nice. They are already on the 25th floor so hopefully they start that soon.

They actually have put a few windows up. I'll try to get a photo tomorrow.

I didn't get a chance to take photos this weekend. Wedding anniversary today. Had to pay attention to the wife. I'll be back to "normal" next weekend. ;)

No, seriously, since it was so nice outside today we took a very long walk with the dog to UT. I wanted to go to the LBJ library and see the replica of an Olmec colossal head that UT got a few months back.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3246695362_b198f70beb_o.jpg

The Olmecs are the older "mother culture" to the more familiar ancient Mexican cultures that came later (Mayans, Aztecs, etc). These heads were carved out of solid rock about 600-700 BCE, with no metal tools at all. Really fascinating! I really need to get down to Mexico City and see these in person someday.

On the way back we happened to be walking by Brackenridge Hospital when the StarFlight helicopter took off. The photo makes it look like it's not moving, though.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/3245869403_f835293a45_o.jpg

[shanny]

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/06/04/30/image_8330046.jpg

Ralph Barrera /AMERICAN-STATESMAN

[MichaelB]

I'm really loving the deep blue facade of The Austonian. I also like the windows on the upper and lower portions of Legacy on the Lake. I like the overall structure of it, though I wish it had something more of a crown. It kind of has an old art-deco feel to it. My only real beef with it is the color, though it's always visible on the skyline, which is kind of cool. From here in South Austin it stands out away from the rest of the pack.

I agree about legacy. It's missing something. I think it is color. They were too conservative on the contrast of the paint. It did nothing to really point out the architectural detail.

It is interesting that it reads as Art Deco to you. I see what you are says. Interestingly enough, it is all based on Frank Lloyd Wright window designs. You see it up close more, in the windows designs, etc. But the whole building echos the same feeling. That is why I wish the shading in the color pointed it out more.

[Jdawgboy]

Its missing its green roof line that it had in its renderings, whats up with that???

[MichaelB]

Its missing its green roof line that it had in its renderings, whats up with that???

INteresting observation. It does look like they eliminated an overhang at the top. More detail that was part of the original "Frank Lloyd Wright" style. The deep overhangs on the roof lines of the "prairie style" house.

[JRCool]

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v653/115/104/25408659/n25408659_35019793_467.jpg

[DougRockstead]

I spend my time on the road quite a bit and don't get to work in Downtown Austin anymore. Out of curiosity what floors are the following projects currently working on and how far are the from topping out?

Austonian
Spring
Four Seasons
the "W"

And.. how long is it gonna take for them to finally finish the Ahston?

[priller]

Austonian - 32
Spring -- Just about ready to top out
Four Seasons -- Around 24 or 25
W -- Just starting on street level