AUSTIN Update Thread [Archive] - Page 57

Mopacs

Jul 16, 2009, 4:25 PM

you are correct austin's second downtown is the whole area not just the mall part

Agreed... the Simon portion is essentially an initial anchor for the ultimate development. It will help to jump-start the truly mixed-use growth of the entire tract. Ultimately areas east of Burnet Road will take on more urban/mixed-use characteristics (and possibly the Gateway district west of Mopac, which is largely UT's land).

You know, this time of year I would actually prefer an indoor version of the current Domain. 103 degree temps are far from comfortable (even with the tree cover).

Speaking of Novarre, I think it is almost certain that the 28-story 12 Domain highrise is dead and gone. It would have been located a block or two to the east of the current Domain.

MichaelB

Jul 16, 2009, 4:41 PM

You know, this time of year I would actually prefer an indoor version of the current Domain. 103 degree temps are far from comfortable (even with the tree cover).

They really did not do a great job of providing covered walkways for either heat or RAIN relief! It will encourage people to get into thier cars just to go to a different area of the complex.

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 16, 2009, 4:56 PM

Keep the bottom of your house (outside) watered. High heat these days will crack it.

Mopacs

Jul 16, 2009, 5:04 PM

They really did not do a great job of providing covered walkways for either heat or RAIN relief! It will encourage people to get into thier cars just to go to a different area of the complex.

Man, you're not kidding!! Maybe Simon can look into installing a huge, retractable glass dome. Pump in blasts of AC and we're in business! :)

paulsjv

Jul 16, 2009, 5:40 PM

Back to Novare for a moment, if they are in the debt that they are in, I don't think we will see Ovation or the Post Office bock be constructed any time soon.:(

Well you never know since Austin is the only place they seem to be making money. It might be in their best interests to continue developing here th be able to pay off some of their debt! Guess we'll see. :)

shanny

Jul 16, 2009, 5:52 PM

i noticed about an hour ago that the crane for the four seasons is halfway down

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 16, 2009, 6:36 PM

I was thinking Four Seasons was going to get the crane soon.

Mopacs

Jul 16, 2009, 6:59 PM

i noticed about an hour ago that the crane for the four seasons is halfway down

You're right... I noticed it was no longer visible yesterday Though from my vantage points the lowered crane was not apparent.

paulsjv

Jul 16, 2009, 7:30 PM

Saw this on Twitter. Any truth behind this?

Stimulus $$$ at work in downtown #Austin | New $107 M courthouse - 211,000 sq ft open in 34 months

MichaelB

Jul 16, 2009, 7:33 PM

Saw this on Twitter. Any truth behind this?

I have "heard" (sorry no reference) that it will indeed break ground within the year.

M1EK

Jul 16, 2009, 7:41 PM

Scottolini

Jul 16, 2009, 7:48 PM

ARRA Funding Stimulates Austin Federal Courthouse Project

05/13/2009
By Rob Patterson (enr_web_editors@mcgraw-hill.com)

Construction of a new, $107-million United States District Courthouse building on a long-dormant block in rapidly redeveloping downtown Austin will soon get under way thanks to federal stimulus funds.

The U.S. General Services Administration expects to award White a notice to proceed by July 31, with groundbreaking likely to begin in August. The project’s completion date is set for 34 months later.
http://enr.construction.com/business_management/finance/2009/0513-ARRAFunding.asp

Scottolini

Jul 16, 2009, 7:51 PM

AUSTIN
New U.S. courthouse for Austin gets funding, Doggett says

Downtown project has been on hold for years.

By Patrick George (pgeorge@statesman.com)
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
The White House has approved using $116 million in federal stimulus money to pay for a long-delayed federal courthouse for downtown Austin, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett said Tuesday.
Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were approved Tuesday for the courthouse, said Wyeth Ruthven, a spokesman for the Austin Democrat. Ruthven said the funds will cover the entire cost of constructing the courthouse.
"This is a shovel-ready project, and that's why the money was approved," Ruthven said.
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/04/01/0401courthouse.html

MichaelB

Jul 16, 2009, 7:56 PM

To be accurate, the North Burnet/Gateway area is really zoned for medium-density; or high-density on tracts kind of far apart - the blocks aren't a good tight urban grid, so it'll never be like the Real Downtown; might approach Buckhead in Atlanta at some point though.

Buckhead sounds right to me. The way even the Domain area is laid out, most suburbanites will be getting in there car just to go to Dillards to Nordstroms, forget Dillards to Whole Foods!. They need an inter-development "TRAM" (oh, what a dated word) or something.

Scottolini

Jul 16, 2009, 8:01 PM

But they have the Leander-Downtown commuter rail. Plus they'll have the Georgetown-San Antonio commuter rail. What else could they possibly need?;)

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 16, 2009, 8:09 PM

Does anybody know about the Ovation and the other building? I have heard it was starting this year.

()_T

Jul 16, 2009, 8:53 PM

Looks like they are staring up again at Republic Square!

http://austinparks.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/the-berm-is-disappearing-at-republic/

Probably building another condo...;)

I made a post a while back in the Austin Complication thread but i'll post it here as well.

In response to Austin´s metropolitan population and employment growth, Gables Residential purchased a .75 acre site fronting on Republic Park Square and is moving forward with a development of mixed-use urban residential tower with street level retail. The 16 story tower consists of 222 apartments, 14,650 sf of retail and an elevated pool and club facility overlooking Republic Park from the 6th level rooftop.

The architectural expression reaches out to the cultural heritage of its warehouse neighborhood, a series of brick-clad buildings that now house a vibrant retail life. Formally speaking, the architectural composition is fragmented into four (4) building blocks that break down the scale of the large tower. A two story retail base is punctuated with glass storefront and retail canopies and expands the Great Streets program along Fourth Street and Guadalupe Street to encourage sidewalk cafes and an active pedestrian scene.

The progressive design features a large, overscale brise de soleil fronting on Republic Park. This prominent architectural feature provides shade to the pool and clubhouse levels and architectural interest from the park. The materials palette for the design include aluminum glass, brick, and bluestone accents at the retail street level and a combination of brick and stone accents for the residential tower. Views from the tower and the balconies provided at every apartment unit will extend to the Capitol on the north and Town Lake on the south, and of course Republic Park to the west.

STRIVING FOR LEED CERTIFICATION

Renderings:

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj893.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj894-1.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj895.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj891.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj890.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj892.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj896.jpg

Architect - Ziegler Cooper - LIVE - Republic Park (http://www.zieglercooper.com/projects.asp?indid=41&projid=102)

paulsjv

Jul 16, 2009, 9:00 PM

I made a post a while back in the Austin Complication thread but i'll post it here as well.

Isn't that project on hold or not happening now?

priller

Jul 16, 2009, 9:20 PM

Does anybody know about the Ovation and the other building? I have heard it was starting this year.

That's a Novare project, and since the company is apparently on its deathbed, that project is not looking too good right now.

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 16, 2009, 10:09 PM

It is at a minimal that Ovation and Block 52 will go up.

bluedogok

Jul 17, 2009, 2:45 AM

It is a good "what it is". Really. So, didn't want to really dis the place. It was just goofy when, in the marketing it was pitched as "Austin's Second Downtown" (please add echo effects when you read that)
Just seems like it could have been done a little better...but that may also bit a bit of the critical professional coming out in me :D

Agreed... the Simon portion is essentially an initial anchor for the ultimate development. It will help to jump-start the truly mixed-use growth of the entire tract. Ultimately areas east of Burnet Road will take on more urban/mixed-use characteristics (and possibly the Gateway district west of Mopac, which is largely UT's land).

You know, this time of year I would actually prefer an indoor version of the current Domain. 103 degree temps are far from comfortable (even with the tree cover).

Speaking of Novarre, I think it is almost certain that the 28-story 12 Domain highrise is dead and gone. It would have been located a block or two to the east of the current Domain.

They really did not do a great job of providing covered walkways for either heat or RAIN relief! It will encourage people to get into thier cars just to go to a different area of the complex.
Yep, some more cover on the sidewalks would be welcome, the ones now are sparse and the ones there are too high to be effective. It is already pretty warm when walk down to Starbuck's in the morning. I would just prefer more of a mix of tenants instead of the high line stuff...of course I would rather be downtown, that would cut my commute down quite a bit.

KevinFromTexas

Jul 17, 2009, 7:20 AM

I made a post a while back in the Austin Complication thread but i'll post it here as well.

Renderings:

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj893.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj894-1.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj895.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj891.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj890.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj892.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/YahTrickYah57/proj896.jpg

Architect - Ziegler Cooper - LIVE - Republic Park (http://www.zieglercooper.com/projects.asp?indid=41&projid=102)

Thanks for posting that. This project won't actually sit at the site that Scottolini was talking about. It'll be across the street from it. I'm really hoping this one happens. It's a beautiful project.

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 17, 2009, 4:33 PM

:previous: That place looks great!

Spaceman

Jul 17, 2009, 7:32 PM

Please don't end a sentence with a preposition

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 17, 2009, 9:19 PM

Did already.

KevinFromTexas

Jul 18, 2009, 6:49 AM

Some random shots from over the last month.

6/20.

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7374/p1300022edit.jpg

http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/103/p1300023edit.jpg

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/9927/p1300024edit.jpg

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8200/p1300026edit.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8031/p1300027edit.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/4089/p1300028edit.jpg

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7592/p1300041edit.jpg

6/24.

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2647/p1300086edit.jpg

7/16.

From behind the Specs Liquor & Best Buy at Texas 71 & Mopac in SW Austin.
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2238/p1300693edit.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3835/p1300694edit.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5757/p1300699edit.jpg

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/4816/p1300706edit.jpg

Mopacs

Jul 18, 2009, 3:30 PM

Great shots Kevin! Thanks for sharing.

Mopacs

Jul 18, 2009, 4:07 PM

Here are some shots from the westside of Austin, taken Wednesday (7/16):

http://images51.fotki.com/v1550/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130464-vi.jpg

Jester Estates Blvd...

http://images50.fotki.com/v1528/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130464l-vi.jpg

The following are from Shepherd Mountain

http://images51.fotki.com/v1546/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130380-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1541/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130481-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1550/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130408-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1548/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130420-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1527/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130396l-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1550/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130428-vi.jpg

This was taken from the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse (a few blocks south of 620 and Comanche Trail)

http://images51.fotki.com/v1545/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130511-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1529/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130496-vi.jpg

This is a little farther out, in the Steiner Ranch area. Austonian is the only downtown building visible. The large houses on the ridge are in Davenport Ranch, above Loop 360.

http://images51.fotki.com/v1545/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130520-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1544/photos/5/54967/5155780/P11305201-vi.jpg

MichaelB

Jul 18, 2009, 7:04 PM

WOW! Mopacs! Those first three shots are just amazing!

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 18, 2009, 8:24 PM

Amazing indeed everyone.

Mopacs

Jul 18, 2009, 9:12 PM

Thanks Michael! That is a product of my 'scenic detour' commute home. Plenty of motivation to go this way lately. The 360/2222 area is really gorgeous... I just love Austonian's impact from these vantage points. We've desperately needed a thin, sleek tower on our skyline... a significant departure from the 'stubbies' of the past.

Scottolini

Jul 18, 2009, 10:01 PM

Here's a view of downtown from an angle we don't see in photos, at least on this site, very often.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn22/tpcj007/southendzone001-6.jpg
http://www.shaggybevo.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28355&start=800

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 18, 2009, 10:21 PM

What is that lowrise/midrise under construction in the background right of the Wells Fargo Tower?

Scottolini

Jul 18, 2009, 10:32 PM

I think Fondren, formerly known as La Vista on Lavaca. I believe it's about 140', which would classify it as a high-rise building.

Mopacs

Jul 18, 2009, 10:42 PM

Very cool! There are actually some great views of downtown from certain areas of campus. I've been meaning to head down there for some time.

That's correct... it's the Fondren condo/office building at Lavaca and 18th.

TXAlex

Jul 20, 2009, 3:39 AM

Just a little panorama a threw together yesterday. I cannot wait for the W to fill in. Sorry I couldn't get monarch or spring from this vantage point.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3737155387_5a1f39e911_o.jpg

Scottolini

Jul 20, 2009, 3:49 AM

That photo is breathtakingly beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

bigdogc

Jul 20, 2009, 8:02 AM

best photo i have seen on SSP, ever!

Mopacs

Jul 20, 2009, 1:15 PM

Amazing shot. Thanks for sharing!

TXAlex

Jul 20, 2009, 1:49 PM

Thanks yall, too bad Tstacy isn't going up. It would fill in this photo nicesly.

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 20, 2009, 2:13 PM

You're correct TXALex. T.Stacy would have fit in nicely. Correct the best photo on SPP ever.

What thing do you use for those kind of pictures?

ATXboom

Jul 20, 2009, 4:32 PM

anyone recall the last word on the Westin project on 3rd? If my memory serves correct they are still talking about breaking ground before end of year. Is this still the case?

MichaelB

Jul 20, 2009, 6:46 PM

anyone recall the last word on the Westin project on 3rd? If my memory serves correct they are still talking about breaking ground before end of year. Is this still the case?

I was just trying to find info on that today and could not. I tried to go on the Hixon properties site to see if it was listed as a current project, but you have to log in and I didn;t find a way around that. So... yeah, if anybody has inside info.........

TXAlex

Jul 20, 2009, 9:16 PM

You're correct TXALex. T.Stacy would have fit in nicely. Correct the best photo on SPP ever.

What thing do you use for those kind of pictures?

Thanks! Best ever...I've seem son pretty impressive stuff on this site. I do quite a bit of architectural photography for custom home builders right now. I have picked up some Architects resently and should be photographing some really neat modern homes and commerical spaces soon.

I'm really just building up my porfolio right now. This is a pretty high resolution image at 16000x3000 pixels. I may release this one.

This particular print will be around 1.4'x7.5' once I have it printed. The framing is going to be interesting.

KevinFromTexas

Jul 21, 2009, 5:54 AM

Wonderful photo there, TXAlex.

arbeiter

Jul 21, 2009, 5:33 PM

This is kind of the Garfunkel compared to Alex's photo, but here's one from last night that I am pleased with:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3742704263_9656a4ef13_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rutlo/3742704263/)

KevinFromTexas

Jul 22, 2009, 2:47 AM

I like that. Oddly enough, the sign and the car lights are the best part.

We should all get together sometime for a nighttime forum meet. Summer sucks!

the Genral

Jul 22, 2009, 4:46 AM

Arbeiter, you just gave me my new background pic. I really like that photo, sign and all. I always liked the approach to the city from the south, round the bend and wow!Thanks.

TXAlex

Jul 22, 2009, 5:37 AM

I love night shots; great photo!

bigdogc

Jul 22, 2009, 4:47 PM

Police investigating suicide at 360 condos
By Juana Summers | Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 11:07 AM
Austin police are investigating a death today at the 360 Condominiums downtown as a suicide.

Police received a call at 9:43 a.m. reporting an attempted suicide.

A witness said that an individual fell or jumped from the roof of the building and landed on a 17th-floor terrace.

Austin Police Department spokesman Corporal Scott Perry did not release the name of the victim but confirmed that the victim is male. Police did not know an approximate age.

Get the latest crime reports in your neighborhood with the Statesman's Crime Tracker.
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2009/07/22/police_investigating_death_at.html

chancla

Jul 22, 2009, 5:22 PM

Yeesh. Gruesome.

Scottolini

Jul 22, 2009, 6:25 PM

Scottolini

Jul 22, 2009, 7:26 PM

Kevin, I was wondering why Austonian is not showing up under "All Buildings" over at Emporis. Do you know why?
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/li/?id=101341&bt=2&ht=2&sro=0

the Genral

Jul 22, 2009, 9:51 PM

I'm sorry for the family, but this fellow must have been a real low life if he intentionally committed suicide this way. Have some decency, and don't make a scene. If life's that bad, and you want to end it all, you should do it privately. Now some people are going to be scarred witnessing such an event, and some poor soul is going to have to clean up the mess.:yuck:

Add selfish and reckless if this is ruled a suicide. RIP and condolences to the family and friends. I'm a former firefighter, seen quite a few DRT's, and I hate to admit it because we may seem insensitive, but I totally agree with you. I have no pity on the DRT, they're gone, but there's people who now have to deal with this, including the residents of 360, and other highrise residents. Can it happen again? I hope not. This sucks.

Hill Country

Jul 22, 2009, 10:17 PM

Kevin, I was wondering why Austonian is not showing up under "All Buildings" over at Emporis. Do you know why?
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/li/?id=101341&bt=2&ht=2&sro=0
Only buildings that are completed or topped out show up. So it won't be long before it shows up.

KevinFromTexas

Jul 23, 2009, 2:05 AM

^Correct.

arbeiter

Jul 23, 2009, 3:56 AM

Arbeiter, you just gave me my new background pic. I really like that photo, sign and all. I always liked the approach to the city from the south, round the bend and wow!Thanks.

Did you click on the picture to get to the flickr photo (which has the original and therefore larger picture)? If you have a bigger than 1024 screen you may wanna try that.

And thanks! I like that approach to town too. It's better than the opposite northern approach (the double deck and the topography only make it momentarily dramatic as you descend from the top of the deck towards 15th)

Spaceman

Jul 23, 2009, 7:10 PM

Add selfish and reckless if this is ruled a suicide. RIP and condolences to the family and friends. I'm a former firefighter, seen quite a few DRT's, and I hate to admit it because we may seem insensitive, but I totally agree with you. I have no pity on the DRT, they're gone, but there's people who now have to deal with this, including the residents of 360, and other highrise residents. Can it happen again? I hope not. This sucks.

this was not on any of the local stations or in the Statesman....did this really happen?

Hill Country

Jul 23, 2009, 7:14 PM

this was not on any of the local stations or in the Statesman....did this really happen?

It was in the Statesman (online), KXAN and News 8.

Scottolini

Jul 23, 2009, 8:35 PM

The link posted is from the AAS website.

hookem

Jul 23, 2009, 9:56 PM

this was not on any of the local stations or in the Statesman....did this really happen?

Media usually doesn't report suicides, it is believed the attention encourages more of them. I think the only reason a few outlets had a small story is because it is related to the building.

Hill Country

Jul 23, 2009, 11:25 PM

Media usually doesn't report suicides, it is believed the attention encourages more of them. I think the only reason a few outlets had a small story is because it is related to the building.

You're right bout the media not covering suicides. In the past year there have been two jumping suicides from local freeway flyovers. There was a really bizarre one from the SH45/I35 interchange in Round Rock, and another from the Ben White/I35 (I believe) interchange.

Mopacs

Jul 24, 2009, 3:05 AM

Quick shot taken this afternoon. Austonian looks ginormous from this vantage point:

http://images51.fotki.com/v1549/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130601-vi.jpg

Mopacs

Jul 24, 2009, 3:18 AM

...same view in March 2009 (on a much clearer day)

http://images45.fotki.com/v1200/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1100180-vi.jpg

KevinFromTexas

Jul 24, 2009, 4:22 AM

It's funny how those midrises at Ben White and I-35 contribute to the downtown skyline sometimes. They also pop up pretty significantly from I-35 headed south. They sort of stretch the skyline farther east. Of course they're about 3 or 4 miles south of downtown, but still.

the Genral

Jul 24, 2009, 4:55 AM

Did you click on the picture to get to the flickr photo (which has the original and therefore larger picture)? If you have a bigger than 1024 screen you may wanna try that.

And thanks! I like that approach to town too. It's better than the opposite northern approach (the double deck and the topography only make it momentarily dramatic as you descend from the top of the deck towards 15th)

I did as you suggested, thanks. I didn't know I could do that, I'm still learning how to use these things...com-pu-ters. BTW, my wife, who could care less about most things I like, actually thought the photo was pretty cool. She never said that before.

Scottolini

Jul 24, 2009, 6:11 AM

Media usually doesn't report suicides, it is believed the attention encourages more of them. I think the only reason a few outlets had a small story is because it is related to the building.

The article said Austin's suicide rate is above the national average. Per capita, it is way higher than the homicide rate. In other words, for every murder, there's a lot of suicides you never hear about. There is a lot of crime and bad sh#t that goes down all the time that the media doesn't report.

KevinFromTexas

Jul 24, 2009, 1:41 PM

I keep track of Austin's murders though, being the statistical geek that I am (complete with a chart and map of where and when they're happening). We're way behind the other big cities when it comes to the number of murders. Just about every other major city in Texas has at least 10 times the number of murders we do. This year has been particularly good with fewer murders so far this year than last. What's stranger still is our murder rate over the last decade has been lower than it was 20 years ago. Pretty significant when you think about how much Austin has grown in that time frame.

hookem

Jul 24, 2009, 3:29 PM

The article said Austin's suicide rate is above the national average. Per 100,000 residents, it is way higher than the homicide rate. In other words, for every murder, there's a lot of suicides you never hear about. There is a lot of crime and bad sh#t that goes down all the time that the media doesn't report.

I haven't looked it up, but I figured Austin had a high suicide rate. Over the years, 2 coworkers/acquaintances have done that. Also my best friend in high school attempted it, but did not succeed.

The benches along the Town Lake trail were mostly dedicated to suicide victims, but I believe they had to stop because there were so many requests.. the UT tower was also closed down due to jumpers.

Basically, any town with a lot of white people and a high standard of living has a high suicide rate. Weird, but true. It's typically not your day-to-day survival issues that seem to drive suicide; it's relationship issues, depression, and emptiness.

Scottolini

Jul 24, 2009, 8:35 PM

If by "White", you mean non-Hispanic White, then less than half of Austin is "White". I'm not so sure I'm following your logic.

nixcity

Jul 24, 2009, 8:50 PM

Yea, Austin is way ahead of the curve in terms of diversity, well at least towards the Hispanic population. I've always wondered why crime is so low comparitavely here. Is there a strong connection between organized crime and police departments that help keep the crimes non violent? Thoughts...

Scottolini

Jul 24, 2009, 9:01 PM

Austin when compared to the U.S. average has a lower percentage of Whites and African-Americans, and a higher percentage of Hispanics and Asians. The city also a higher than average foreign-born population.
http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=&geo_id=16000US4805000&_geoContext=01000US|04000US48|16000US4805000&_street=&_county=austin%2C+tx&_cityTown=austin%2C+tx&_state=&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=160&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=null&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null®=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= (http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=&geo_id=16000US4805000&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US48%7C16000US4805000&_street=&_county=austin%2C+tx&_cityTown=austin%2C+tx&_state=&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=160&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=null&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null%C2%AE=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry=)

And again, the crime rate is not particularly low in Austin. The murder rate is exceptionally low however. I'm not sure of the reason.

Scottolini

Jul 24, 2009, 9:20 PM

hookem

Jul 24, 2009, 11:32 PM

If by "White", you mean non-Hispanic White, then less than half of Austin is "White". I'm not so sure I'm following your logic.

I wasn't really commenting on Austin's diversity or anything, but I guess I did mean white non-hispanic. When you think of high suicide rates, you think of places like Sweden... or, in Texas, Plano. Suicide is mostly a male thing (at least the successful cases), and mostly a white thing -- 73% of suicides are white males. http://psychcentral.com/library/suicide_facts.htm

Blakesalot!

Jul 24, 2009, 11:50 PM

And, now back to skyscrapers.

Did y'all hear that bogus rumor last week that W had stopped construction? I'm pretty sure the rumor started when they moved the crane for the tower portion. A lot of people thought they were removing the crane altogether.

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 25, 2009, 12:06 AM

Where did you find out? That rumor seems impossible.

Dan Denson

Jul 25, 2009, 2:58 AM

Here are some actual numbers.

The data is from the FBI for 2003. It is slightly dated, but it proves my point. Austin's violent crime rate in 2003 was 23% lower than the national average. Certainly lower, but it's not as if violent crime is a rare event in this city. The murder rate was amazingly low though, at 48% lower than the national average. Austin's property crime was 40% higher than the national average.

In 2003 there were 3,153 violent crimes, and 42,270 property crimes in the city of Austin. To break that down a little bit, there were 226 forcible rapes, 1,251 robberies, 1,649 aggravated assaults, 7,240 burglaries, 32,259 larceny or thefts, 2,771 car thefts, and 140 arsons in 2003 in the city limits of Austin. Sure there are places a lot worse, but these numbers show the types of things occurring daily in our city that you don't ever hear about. Don't be naive, people.
http://www.cityrating.com/citycrime.asp?city=Austin&state=TX

Property crime seem ridiculous in this city. I work out at a gym near the Arboretum, and car break-ins in the parking lot have been quite a problem (although I understand that the police broke up a ring). For a while, there was glass all over the parking lot from broken car windows. And where I work near I-35 and Parmer, there were close to a dozen car break-ins in one day a while back. But you hardly ever hear about it in the media.

Blakesalot!

Jul 25, 2009, 4:24 AM

Where did you find out? That rumor seems impossible.

I heard this from a couple of different friends. I'm not sure if they had heard it from different people or if one of them had told the other.

But, let me be perfectly clear here. It's not really true. I was just wondering how widespread the rumor was. From the looks of the construction site this week, it appears to be full steam ahead.

hookem

Jul 25, 2009, 5:58 AM

I heard this from a couple of different friends. I'm not sure if they had heard it from different people or if one of them had told the other.

But, let me be perfectly clear here. It's not really true. I was just wondering how widespread the rumor was. From the looks of the construction site this week, it appears to be full steam ahead.

The question is how widespread is it now :hell:

I think there should be a rule in the TOS of this site about posting rumors.. if you can't source it, then it's subject to deletion by the moderators.

AustinSkyscrapers

Jul 25, 2009, 4:34 PM

I can't seem to find any sources of the rumor.
Nothing found in the Block 51 homepage other than some old news from months ago.

Scottolini

Jul 25, 2009, 6:37 PM

Of course it's not true. The local media would be all over a story involving a major downtown highrise stopping construction.

It seems like almost every highrise in Austin built over the last few years has had rumors saying it would never get completed. I think it's wishful thinking on the part of those that for whatever misguided reasoning hate to see new skyscrapers built in downtown Austin.

Scottolini

Jul 25, 2009, 6:39 PM

And, now back to skyscrapers.

I wasn't aware you were a moderator. Congratulations, and thank you for your enlightened guidance.:tup:

MichaelB

Jul 25, 2009, 7:30 PM

priller

Jul 25, 2009, 7:42 PM

Yeah, I heard a rumor from a woman about 6 months ago who said she got the news directly from the Austonian construction foreman that they were going to stop at the 30th floor. She was very certain about it. I didn't argue with her, just said, "We'll see..."

Scottolini

Jul 25, 2009, 8:30 PM

I heard that they did indeed stop construction on the 30th floor of the Austonian. Everything above the 30th floor is a holographic projection. The city and developers decided it would be bad for their respective images if it was publicized that construction had been halted, so they came up with this solution. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I just feel you deserve to know the truth. By the way, I received this news from a high ranking official with the city of Austin.

Scottolini

Jul 25, 2009, 8:31 PM

Just kidding! Okay, I know I fooled you guys! I'm such a prankster.;)

Mopacs

Jul 25, 2009, 10:13 PM

These shots were taken yesterday afternoon from the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar shopping center. Just an amazing skyline we have now.

http://images112.fotki.com/v1533/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130671-vi.jpg

http://images52.fotki.com/v1552/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130680-vi.jpg

http://images112.fotki.com/v599/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130679-vi.jpg

http://images112.fotki.com/v599/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130682-vi.jpg

http://images112.fotki.com/v599/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130676-vi.jpg

This is farther down Lamar, between Oltorf and Manchaca.

http://images52.fotki.com/v1553/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130694-vi.jpg

Blakesalot!

Jul 25, 2009, 10:25 PM

I wasn't aware you were a moderator. Congratulations, and thank you for your enlightened guidance.:tup:

I suppose I was being a little bit of a jackass. Sorry about that.

Saddle Man

Jul 25, 2009, 10:33 PM

Scottolini

Jul 25, 2009, 11:00 PM

...

KevinFromTexas

Jul 26, 2009, 5:53 PM

They're raising the crane today for The Austonian. They've already put in one piece. Sweet views from the east side. I really need to get over there and take some pics.

Also, has anyone checked out the view from South Lamar as it turns near Bluebonnet? The Austonian, Ashton and 100 Congress all three line up in that view and create a sort of stair shaped formation. When there's a silhouette of the buildings, it looks like one huge building with huge setbacks. Seriously, it's hardly recognizable as anything in Austin.

Mopacs

Jul 27, 2009, 12:25 AM

Here are some skyline shots from E Riverside and Ben White in SE Austin

http://images52.fotki.com/v1551/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130783-vi.jpg

http://images52.fotki.com/v1554/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130815-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1544/photos/5/54967/5155780/P1130822-vi.jpg

78705

Jul 29, 2009, 3:18 AM

Hi Everyone --

I just received an email about a Waller Creek Bike Tour this weekend. I guess it is supposed to promote awareness about the Waller Creek master planning activity that is going on. You can find more info about the tour here: http://austinist.com/2009/07/28/waller_creek_bike_tour.php

Unfortunately, I'll be out of town and unable to attend :sly: If anyone goes, please let us know if you learn anything interesting!

- Josh

AustinGuy

Jul 29, 2009, 5:06 AM

It seems like almost every highrise in Austin built over the last few years has had rumors saying it would never get completed. I think it's wishful thinking on the part of those that for whatever misguided reasoning hate to see new skyscrapers built in downtown Austin.

Well, I think people still feel jaded about the Intel building stopping when just a shell and leaving it up to rust for years before being dealt with. If anything, these condos seem much more speculative than the Intel project did at the time, so maybe people just feel a bit gun shy.

Scottolini

Jul 29, 2009, 6:05 AM

They feel gun shy so they make up rumors?

Why would one minor building from several years ago that halted construction make people gun shy anyway? There have been dozens upon dozens of buildings that size or larger built in the Austin market since that time. It's not as if buildings halting construction, only to sit for years with no progress is something even remotely common in this city.

I might also add that all apartment buildings are built speculatively, whether as a downtown tower, or as a two story suburban complex. The condo towers, which only amount to several hundred new housing units required non-refundable deposits on a substantial percentage of the units before construction could begin.

Why no rumors, or people being gun shy about all the tens of thousands of speculative apartments and houses built that sprawl in every direction?

brandon

Jul 29, 2009, 1:17 PM

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2009/07/27/story8.html?b=1248667200^1866295

General contractor moving HQ downtown to be more available

Burt-Watts Industries Inc. is moving its headquarters into a downtown Austin building and adding new employees to position itself for growth.

For the Austin-based commercial general contractor, the move represents a chance to be closer to its clients, many of whom are downtown, and a chance to grow into more space, said Shane Watts, vice president and co-founder of the company.

Burt-Watts bought the building at 1300 Guadalupe St. as part of a partnership with two undisclosed companies, and it is leading a renovation on the entire building. The new construction will increase the building’s size from 36,000 square feet to 55,000 square feet, said Tommy Burt, president and co-founder of Burt-Watts.

Burt said the company has been preparing for the move for a year and a half, and will likely be able to occupy the building by September.

Burt and Watts declined to say how much buying the building cost the partnership. The Travis Central Appraisal District valued the building at $5.4 million.

“We see our move downtown as a way to position ourselves as an accessible resource to clients, architects, developers and brokers,” said Burt. “More than just a new office space, we envision a space where clients can comfortably access the team and make key decisions about their projects.”

Burt-Watts — which will lease space from the three-company partnership that bought the building, including itself — plans to take about 8,500 square feet in the four-floor building, an increase from its current 6,200-square-foot space. The new office will also include space to provide a resource center for designers and clients, Burt said.

Watts said the company, which has 23 employees, will also hire about five more people. Those employees, which will include project managers, field staff, superintendents and administrative staff, will replace existing employees who are moving into higher positions, Burt said.

Sloan Spaeth and Chris Perry, principals of Austin-based Aquila Commercial LLC, represented Burt-Watts in its quest for new space.

Burt said the previous owner had planned to turn the multitenant office building into high-rise condos, but ultimately decided the market wouldn’t support that plan, and sold the building to the partnership instead.

Other tenants so far include Noack Little Architecture and Interiors and North America Life Insurance Co. Noack Little is also working on the building’s reconstruction.

Kenneth Simonson, chief economist with The Associated General Contractors of America, said contracting firms that have been nimble enough to diversify their work either geographically or by owner category have found better chances to thrive.

That was the case for Burt-Watts, which changed its focus just before the recession. Part of the diversification has included health care, a sector generally considered more robust than most commercial real estate.

“The reason we’re diversified is that our relationships have carried us that way,” Burt said. “We typically always start with a relationship first, then a project comes.”

Austin Business Journal

Atomic Glee

Jul 29, 2009, 3:09 PM

Why no rumors, or people being gun shy about all the tens of thousands of speculative apartments and houses built that sprawl in every direction?

I start to think that it's because people living in a downtown isn't "normal" to most people, so they like to think it'll fail. Change = scary, and all that. Endless seas of particle board garden apartments and houses with more garage spaces than windows *is* "normal" to the modern mind, so nobody seems to think twice.

Jdawgboy

Jul 29, 2009, 5:16 PM

Well at least 1300 Guadalupe st. is near the capital. It said the previous owner was going to build highrise condo's so I was freaking out that it was a prime location for a tall tower. I doubt it would have been more than 8 to 10 stories high in the location its in so Im not worried about it.

MichaelB

Jul 29, 2009, 7:05 PM

MichaelB

Jul 29, 2009, 7:09 PM

I start to think that it's because people living in a downtown isn't "normal" to most people, so they like to think it'll fail. Change = scary, and all that. Endless seas of particle board garden apartments and houses with more garage spaces than windows *is* "normal" to the modern mind, so nobody seems to think twice.

I do think that is an interesting insight. I also think there is just a basic pessimistic outlook that some just can't escape. Plus....people just love rumors and how often are rumors/gossip about folks succeeding!>>!>>/????

There use to be a guy on here that would swear that every single project that has been built in the last 5 years would NEVER happen. Anyone remember his (online) name?