[Hill Country]

By reading other newspaper articles (mainly from Illinois and Ohio) Columbus seems to be the far and away front runner. Austin is not even mentioned in a lot of articles.

[priller]

I'll try to take some pics this weekend. If the rain lets up.

[wwmiv]

By reading other newspaper articles (mainly from Illinois and Ohio) Columbus seems to be the far and away front runner. Austin is not even mentioned in a lot of articles.

Regional favoritism?

[Jdawgboy]

I was out and about today and love this weather. Nice to see this years La Nina is turning out to be quite different from last years. La Nina's are on average for us drier and warmer but not always. We still have to wait and see what happens later this winter but so far so good things are quite different. Several of the towers in downtown are up in the clouds. I was on SoCo earlier and wanted to take a pic of Downtown but didn't want to risk standing in the middle of Congress with all the traffic. I did however get one pic on my phone of the VMU project on South 1st just north of 290/71, I will try to post it later once I get it off my phone and onto the computer.

[CBDnerd]

I noticed while I was out last night that they have fenced off the lot at the corner of 5th and San Jacinto. Anybody know what they may be planning to do? Oh it may be new fencing there used to be fencing around it but it looks like its just been fixed.
Isn't that Tom Stacy's Hotel/Condo? 2011 Downtown Austin Emerging Projects poster #21-22

[TXAlex]

I doing think it's the fictional T-Stacy as that is on Congress. But part of Machete was filmed there.

[Hill Country]

That spot might be where the parking garage portion of his development was/is planned. That is the only part of the T. Stacy fairy tale that stands a chance.

[Austinite101]

Exclusive: Austin back on for 2012?

12/7/11

Pitpass understands that the United States Grand Prix, scheduled to be held at the Circuit of the Americas, could be back on the 2012 calendar.

Highly reliable sources inform Pitpass that ahead of the new deadline granted by Bernie Ecclestone last week, and which runs out on Today (Wednesday), the relevant funding has been transferred to the Formula One World Championship Company.

Although nothing has been confirmed, Pitpass understands that an announcement will be made on Wednesday.

Late last month, Bobby Epstein, founding partner of Circuit of The Americas, said that despite the ongoing problems he and his partners were willing to pay the sanctioning fee for the 2012 event with immediate effect, despite the fact that he regarded the new contract offered by Ecclestone as containing "unrealistic and unfeasible demands".




http://www.pitpass.com/45393-Exclusive-Austin-back-on-for-2012

[JoninATX]

Samsung says Austin manufacturing expansion running at full speed

ByKirk Ladendorf
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Published: 7:32 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2011

Samsung Austin Semiconductor said Monday that its expanded chip manufacturing complex in Northeast Austin is now running at full steam.

The $3.6 billion project, begun in 2010, set a company record by moving from preliminary production to full production in just five months. The new production line, called S2, makes low-power "system-on-a-chip" products for mobile devices. It is one of two production lines in the company's massive complex; the older production line, built in 2007, makes flash memory chips.

Samsung now has 2,400 workers in Austin, its highest level ever. Most of those workers are in the manufacturing complex, but the company is also expanding its engineering chip design center in Northwest Austin.

The Austin operation is a subsidiary of South Korea-based Samsung Electronics Co., the world's second largest maker of semiconductors.

The company's steady push toward volume production went quickly this year, officials said, because of extensive worker training that dealt with every aspect of installing new production equipment and rapidly bringing that equipment into production.

The new line now starts production on 40,000 silicon wafers every month.


http://www.statesman.com/business/samsung-says-austin-manufacturing-expansion-running-at-full-2014350.html

[JoninATX]

Planned downtown hotel's upgrade to luxury brand may be coup for convention market, experts say

ByShonda Novak
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Published: 9:22 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011

In a major change for its project and a coup for Austin's convention market, the developer of a 1,003-room convention hotel set to rise on Congress Avenue says the hotel will be a JW Marriott a luxury brand that is a significant upgrade from the Marriott Marquis previously planned.

The change will give the 30-story hotel a higher profile and added cachet, industry experts say, and potentially catapult the city into an elevated tier for attracting convention business.

The developer, Indiana-based White Lodging Services Corp., was scheduled to announce the change today. It plans to break ground in June on the $300 million hotel, which will be on Congress between Second and Third streets. Richard Suttle Jr., White Lodging's Austin attorney, said a site plan will be submitted to the city today.

The hotel is slated to open in January 2015. The Austin City Council approved waiving $4.3 million in development fees for White Lodging to build the hotel.

"We believe this project will make a very positive statement for the city in the eyes of national meeting planners and, in turn, will induce more incremental group and convention business to downtown Austin," said Deno Yiankes , White Lodging's president and CEO of investments and development. "This will be anything but another 'cookie cutter' hotel."


http://www.statesman.com/business/real-estate/planned-downtown-hotels-upgrade-to-luxury-brand-may-2017065.html

[MichaelB]

Planned downtown hotel's upgrade to luxury brand may be coup for convention market, experts say



http://www.statesman.com/business/real-estate/planned-downtown-hotels-upgrade-to-luxury-brand-may-2017065.html

That's fun! Thier Indianapollis JW is really nice! The design looked like a major investment for White. They are useually not known for their detail on buildings.... so it makes more sense that it is a JW.

EDIT... now that I actually read the article... kinda looks like what they are saying.

[BevoLJ]

They have almost tripled the price tag on that hotel from what they said they were going to spend building it this past summer.

Initially they said it was a $115 million hotel, and the Manchester one was announced as an $300 million hotel. That this one is now a $300 million hotel as well, and they are showing they want to invest so much more in to their hotel (and Austin) I find as great news. Especially after the whole mess with F1 being on and off and on.... so on and so on. =)

[JoninATX]

Yeah I'm glad Marriott decided to go with more of an luxury title hotel this should help to attract alot of people to that area, also the T. Stacy planned parking garage was on E. 5th & Brazos. Not sure what they have plan for E. 5th & San Jacinto.

[JoninATX]

Longhorn luxury student center. 3 stories. No renderings

http://austincityhomesearch.com/4-new-apartments-coming-to-west-campus-circle-west-grand-marc-2401-longview-2400-nueces/

[Spaceman]

Yeah I'm glad Marriott decided to go with more of an luxury title hotel this should help to attract alot of people to that area, also the T. Stacy planned parking garage was on E. 5th & Brazos. Not sure what they have plan for E. 5th & San Jacinto.

Wasn't there a gentleman's agreement to never mention Tom Stacy's name on the forum..

[Hill Country]

Wasn't there a gentleman's agreement to never mention Tom Stacy's name on the forum..

It takes at least two gentlemen to reach such an agreement.

[Spaceman]

It was me, myself , and I. That makes three

[JoninATX]

They installed the crane base for 3rd and Brazos, its now only a matter of time when they erect the crane.

[Jdawgboy]

Yea, I noticed that the base was in place last weekend and thought the crane would be up by now.

[JoninATX]

They are still renovating The Perry Brooks Building right now they are installing glass on the 2 levels above the parking garage.

[JoninATX]

Austin trustees expected to OK arts center designs tonight

http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/01234/pac2_1234707c.jpg

ByFarzad Mashhood
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Published: 6:40 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011

The curtain is rising on the design for the Austin school district's performing arts center, a multimillion-dollar facility that will be built in the new Mueller neighborhood in East Austin.

Tonight the school board is expected to approve designs that call for a 1,200-seat auditorium, a 225-seat black box theater, offices for the district's fine arts department and a parking garage with 400 spaces.

The facility could also include a smaller space for rehearsals, with movable audience seating for smaller performances.

All this is meant to give the district a space for music and theater performances, local and statewide performance competitions, and larger events such as assemblies and commencements that currently require the district to rent space.

"We're excited because this space is really going to be used 98 percent of the time by AISD students," the district's fine arts director, Greg Goodman, said Sunday.


http://www.statesman.com/news/local/austin-trustees-expected-to-ok-arts-center-designs-2026208.html

[MichaelB]

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/morning_call/2011/12/postal-service-closes-downtown-austin.html

Downtown post office sold. Who saw this one coming?

[Jdawgboy]

Im surprised that nobody has posted this sooner but the Austin City Council has passed the Downtown Austin Plan.

[priller]

A few construction pics of Hyatt Place and old Whitley printing site, conveniently situated next to each other. BTW, is there a name for the building on the Whitley site? Or should we continue to call it Whitley?

Taken from the city parking garage, Whitley site. Smaller Hyatt site with the crane barely visible from this angle.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6503276721_acb9179da2_b.jpg


Hyatt Place:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6503276641_80f3ba9f2c_b.jpg


Looking down 3rd St:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6503276541_5005f9c9b5_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6503276397_528ac031df_b.jpg

[ahealy]

Rode my bike through there tonight. Everything is looking great! :banana::D

[MichaelB]

yep... Post Office sold to Novarre/Andrew Urban ( developers of 360.... according to the Statesman).

Let the Speculations Begin!

[MichaelB]

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/theticker/entries/2011/12/13/downtown_post_office_to_be_sol.html


article on Post office sale.

[JoninATX]

This is great news, plus a red crane is being installed at 2400 Nuecus.

[JoninATX]

Construction set to begin on second phase of Gables Park Plaza

http://www.statesman.com/multimedia/dynamic/01239/lo_res-Park_Plaza__1239761c.jpg

ByShonda Novak
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Published: 8:26 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011

Gables Residential says it plans to start construction Monday on the 18-story second phase of its Park Plaza apartment project downtown, with 222 units to be built just east of its eight-story, 290-apartment complex near North Lamar Boulevard and West Cesar Chavez Street.

The second phase of the project will also have 14,000 square feet of retail space, said Jennifer Wiebrand, development director with Gables in Austin. A projected cost was not available Thursday for the project, which is just west of the former Seaholm Power Plant. The project is expected to be completed by late 2013, Wiebrand said.

The new Gables phase comes amid a flurry of development in the Austin apartment market, which is the hottest part of the area's real estate sector.

Demand for apartments is healthy, experts say, but few new units are being added to the market, although 10,000 to 12,000 are in the planning pipeline.

Austin-area rents rose to an all-time high this year, and local real estate expert Charles Heimsath predicts that the Austin area will end 2011 with a 97 percent occupancy rate.

Wiebrand said the company has told residents in the existing complex not to be surprised if they see activity on the site Monday, when Gables plans a "soft start" on the second phase.


http://www.statesman.com/business/construction-set-to-begin-on-second-phase-of-2035043.html

[JoninATX]

Portfolios pour in from around the world for a shot at designing the new Waller Creek urban park

By Karen Brooks

12.20.11 | 06:00 pm

Dozens of design and engineering teams from Barcelona to Coppenhagen to Austin are vying for a chance to turn the blighted Waller Creek into the next world-renowned urban space, creek advocates told CultureMap on Tuesday.

Some 30 portolios poured into conservancy offices by the end of the last week, as teams from across the world are hoping to be chosen to help redesign and revitalize the creek.

Next month, the list gets pared down to 8 or 10. In April, the finalists will be chosen. The conservancy hopes to have a concept to show the public within a year.

Applicants have come from not only major cities across the U.S., but from all over the world, including Lisbon, Ankara, Madrid, Barcelona, Mexico City, Montreal, Copenhagen, Oslo, Bejing.

"We are so excited," said Stephanie Lee McDonald, executive director of the Waller Creek Conservancy, which seeks to preserve and redesign the creek for public use. "We think there is going to be an international smackdown!"

A massive project is underway to turn the creek, which runs through downtown Austin, into a unique community space. The conservancy has been soliciting ideas inspired by the likes of the Manhattan High Line urban park.


http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/12-20-11-17-34-portfolios-pour-in-for-a-shot-at-designing-the-new-waller-creek/

[migol24]

Portfolios pour in from around the world for a shot at designing the new Waller Creek urban park



http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/12-20-11-17-34-portfolios-pour-in-for-a-shot-at-designing-the-new-waller-creek/

the link is not working for me. :(

[ROCrot]

the link is not working for me. :(

The forum software truncates the URL, but it does work if you click on it, versus just using copy-and-paste.

[migol24]

The forum software truncates the URL, but it does work if you click on it, versus just using copy-and-paste.

i think it might've been my sister's poor wifi. thanks though!

[MichaelB]

Portfolios pour in from around the world for a shot at designing the new Waller Creek urban park



http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/12-20-11-17-34-portfolios-pour-in-for-a-shot-at-designing-the-new-waller-creek/

Very excited by the possibilities of this. I must say I hope it is someone from outside Austin that designs this. I know that will not bode well with some. And I mean no disrespect to Larry Speck or any number of qualified people. I just think we could use a fresh perspective. When I went to the attached link, I saw the photos of the High line in NYC and I thought it was a proposal... which I immediately thought.... "that looks like the High Line"! LOL! Well, it was. Funny thing was when I first saw the High line I thought it belonged in Austin more than NYC. Then I realized that is what made it perfect for NYC. It had a contrast to the landscape.... but it still felt like home for me.... be that NYC or Austin. Which is what I would like for Waller.... something that takes the familar and elevates it. Breaks out of what we have come to know as our venacular architecture/aesthetic here and freshen it up. Have some objectivity. That is indeed possible from folks here in town, but I am not seeing it happen. If it happens in the proposals, great, I would prefer a local, but I want to be surpised and stimulated, like the High Line , not just feel warm and fuzzy.

[migol24]

Very excited by the possibilities of this. I must say I hope it is someone from outside Austin that designs this. I know that will not bode well with some. And I mean no disrespect to Larry Speck or any number of qualified people. I just think we could use a fresh perspective. When I went to the attached link, I saw the photos of the High line in NYC and I thought it was a proposal... which I immediately thought.... "that looks like the High Line"! LOL! Well, it was. Funny thing was when I first saw the High line I thought it belonged in Austin more than NYC. Then I realized that is what made it perfect for NYC. It had a contrast to the landscape.... but it still felt like home for me.... be that NYC or Austin. Which is what I would like for Waller.... something that takes the familar and elevates it. Breaks out of what we have come to know as our venacular architecture/aesthetic here and freshen it up. Have some objectivity. That is indeed possible from folks here in town, but I am not seeing it happen. If it happens in the proposals, great, I would prefer a local, but I want to be surpised and stimulated, like the High Line , not just feel warm and fuzzy.

I agree 100% with you. I find it a tad boring if they stick to some local architect. Having a different perspective will not only add something aesthetically unique but it might also inspire some new way of using urban space that you would probably only see in other parts like Europe.

[ahealy]

Very excited by the possibilities of this. I must say I hope it is someone from outside Austin that designs this. I know that will not bode well with some. And I mean no disrespect to Larry Speck or any number of qualified people. I just think we could use a fresh perspective. When I went to the attached link, I saw the photos of the High line in NYC and I thought it was a proposal... which I immediately thought.... "that looks like the High Line"! LOL! Well, it was. Funny thing was when I first saw the High line I thought it belonged in Austin more than NYC. Then I realized that is what made it perfect for NYC. It had a contrast to the landscape.... but it still felt like home for me.... be that NYC or Austin. Which is what I would like for Waller.... something that takes the familar and elevates it. Breaks out of what we have come to know as our venacular architecture/aesthetic here and freshen it up. Have some objectivity. That is indeed possible from folks here in town, but I am not seeing it happen. If it happens in the proposals, great, I would prefer a local, but I want to be surpised and stimulated, like the High Line , not just feel warm and fuzzy.
I agree 1,000,000,000%

[BevoLJ]

I would have to disagree. Two proposals being equal, I hope they go with the Austin firm.

This project is huge. This will be seen and enjoyed my loads and loads of people for a very long time. This is the kind of project that can take a local firm to the next level. This will be looked at by people all over the world. Regardless of how well known or of past success the firm is there is not a firm in the world that wouldn't love to add this in their portfolio. It will get them jobs all over the world, as well as hire new top talent. Having successful local firms like that, drawing top talent and jobs, is good for the city. Not to mention keeping the money in town.

But like I said, only with two proposals being equal. Then support local. If one is clearly better then by all means, of course go with the best.

[Jdawgboy]

As someone who was born and raised here I will have to say I would like somebody from outside of Austin to do this project. I want Austin to be international and cosmopolitan. No offense to the local firms here but I would not call them cosmopolitan or international. I do not believe the local firms will present a bold and different approach to Waller Creek than another firms from outside of Austin and even outside of the U.S. While I do want something truly Austin, sometimes its better to look outside the box rather than within to bring out what is best about the city. Local firms can bring too much of the same thing, of what Austin already has, they don't take chances and they don't go bold, at least not that I have seen yet. I am really hoping a European company is chosen but to be honest the Bejing firm might have the boldest proposal of them all.

[migol24]

the Bejing firm might have the boldest proposal of them all.
Where are those proposals? Can I see them somewhere on a website?

[Jdawgboy]

Where are those proposals? Can I see them somewhere on a website?

None of the proposals are out to the public just yet I said that I believe the Bejing company may have the boldest proposal because in China they seem to do everything big and bold.

[CBDnerd]

7Rio Re-imagined as Rental Project
December 26, 2011 12:04 Filed in: News
According to the Downtown Austin Blog, 7Rio may be back on the drawing board. The previously proposed 32-story condo project on 7th and Rio Grande -- on the site of Ranch 616 -- is now supposedly being redrawn as a 24-story rental tower adjacent to Ranch 616.

With the rapid rise in rental rates, developers are racing to bring new projects to market. New towers are already under development on the Whitley printing site and Lamar near second street. In the current market environment, rental units are being absorbed at a much quicker rate than comparable condo units. For this reason, rental projects are easier to fund and manage to profitability.

We will post additional details as they emerge.

http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/files/7Rio_reimagined_as_rental_project.php#unique-entry-id-584

[MichaelB]

I would have to disagree. Two proposals being equal, I hope they go with the Austin firm.

This project is huge. This will be seen and enjoyed my loads and loads of people for a very long time. This is the kind of project that can take a local firm to the next level. This will be looked at by people all over the world. Regardless of how well known or of past success the firm is there is not a firm in the world that wouldn't love to add this in their portfolio. It will get them jobs all over the world, as well as hire new top talent. Having successful local firms like that, drawing top talent and jobs, is good for the city. Not to mention keeping the money in town.

But like I said, only with two proposals being equal. Then support local. If one is clearly better then by all means, of course go with the best.

Hey ya, We are in agreement. I tried to carefully say: " If it happens in the proposals, great, I would prefer a local,". And I would.

[Jdawgboy]

7Rio Re-imagined as Rental Project
December 26, 2011 12:04 Filed in: News
According to the Downtown Austin Blog, 7Rio may be back on the drawing board. The previously proposed 32-story condo project on 7th and Rio Grande -- on the site of Ranch 616 -- is now supposedly being redrawn as a 24-story rental tower adjacent to Ranch 616.

With the rapid rise in rental rates, developers are racing to bring new projects to market. New towers are already under development on the Whitley printing site and Lamar near second street. In the current market environment, rental units are being absorbed at a much quicker rate than comparable condo units. For this reason, rental projects are easier to fund and manage to profitability.

We will post additional details as they emerge.

http://www.austintowers.net/Austin_Downtown/files/7Rio_reimagined_as_rental_project.php#unique-entry-id-584


Im kinda irritated that they are scaling back this project. I heard that they were a few weeks ago. You can be assured it will not be a nice slender point tower. Ironically enough even though part of the lot is within the capital view corridor the site can have a tower of up to 560 feet in height which also upsets me that once again a site that can hold a tall tower is being taken up by a shorter building.

[BevoLJ]

Hey ya, We are in agreement. I tried to carefully say: " If it happens in the proposals, great, I would prefer a local,". And I would.Right on. :tup:

I do think we have people in Austin that are every bit as good as anywhere else and more than capable of putting forth equally competitive proposals. Like Speck, who did Discovery Green in Houston. Discovery has done wonders for that horrible part of Downtown Houston that has always been just a bunch of parking lots. They have lots of massive new hotels, and another 1000+ room hotel that was recently announced for it, and the convention center saw an immediate boost of 20% when Discovery opened. I would love to see that same level of development that is happening around Discovery, happen around Waller.

However with Discovery he pretty much just brought Austin to Houston, and it worked. I'm not saying that is what he should do here, and I think he knows that. Austin already has tons of 'Discovery Greens' around downtown, so that is not what is needed, or really wanted. But with other things like Second Street here in Austin I think he has shown he can be very cosmopolitan in an Austin way with lots of bike racks and such. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't Sabine going to be shut off from cars and turned into a pedestrian/bike road as part of this project?

And not just him but there are others too in Austin, and also San Antonio, that I think are very capable at the 'cosmopolitan or international' that many are looking for. Hopefully they will get a fair shot at it. I know several locals put in bids. This would be a huge opportunity for them. =)

[Jdawgboy]

I say Austin needs a shot of European influence. They have some of the best urban spaces anywhere on Earth and I would like to see a fusion of Austin and European design mixed in this project. Thats why I am interested in the European firms more. Im not putting down our local firms but as somebody who I know that works for the city watershed department put it. It may be more of what the Keep Austin Weird people want which IMO means more of the same old thing Austin already has.

I want to see a green space meandering through an urban landscape with glass towers on the edges and shops, restaurants, Hot nightlife spots and lounges. A total fusion of nature and city. It has to be Austin, but at the same time has to be different than what we have now as well as different than what other cities have. If the local firms can pull something off bold and different then I am fine with that but I have a feeling that it may not be what we think.

[Hill Country]

I say Austin needs a shot of European influence. They have some of the best urban spaces anywhere on Earth and I would like to see a fusion of Austin and European design mixed in this project. Thats why I am interested in the European firms more. Im not putting down our local firms but as somebody who I know that works for the city watershed department put it. It may be more of what the Keep Austin Weird people want which IMO means more of the same old thing Austin already has.

I want to see a green space meandering through an urban landscape with glass towers on the edges and shops, restaurants, Hot nightlife spots and lounges. A total fusion of nature and city. It has to be Austin, but at the same time has to be different than what we have now as well as different than what other cities have. If the local firms can pull something off bold and different then I am fine with that but I have a feeling that it may not be what we think.

I would prefer an American designer with expertise in those suburban "lifestyle" centers. Maybe a big box anchor on each end of the creek, plenty of parking, a Chili's somewhere in the grand scheme and absolutely no bus stops.

[migol24]

I say Austin needs a shot of European influence. They have some of the best urban spaces anywhere on Earth and I would like to see a fusion of Austin and European design mixed in this project. Thats why I am interested in the European firms more. Im not putting down our local firms but as somebody who I know that works for the city watershed department put it. It may be more of what the Keep Austin Weird people want which IMO means more of the same old thing Austin already has.

I want to see a green space meandering through an urban landscape with glass towers on the edges and shops, restaurants, Hot nightlife spots and lounges. A total fusion of nature and city. It has to be Austin, but at the same time has to be different than what we have now as well as different than what other cities have. If the local firms can pull something off bold and different then I am fine with that but I have a feeling that it may not be what we think.Call me silly, but I'd also like for it to be a space that becomes popular in movie cameos, post card appearances, something that defines Austin, something that when you mention Austin you mention this. If a local has something better than someone from outside, great! But I hope locals aren't simply given first priority just because they are locals. I want something very very very nice!

[BevoLJ]

I would prefer an American designer with expertise in those suburban "lifestyle" centers. Maybe a big box anchor on each end of the creek, plenty of parking, a Chili's somewhere in the grand scheme and absolutely no bus stops.I know you are joking, but you did make me think of one thing... that side of Downtown could use a grocery. :D

Though the Whole Foods downtown is by far the most amazing grocery in the history of groceries and it would take some big cojones to want to compete with it. Maybe a Fiesta or something like that?

Not to be included in the creek design of course, but hopefully something like that could be included in one of the developments that, again hopefully, pop up from a successful creek project?

[Hill Country]

There is a Fiesta grocery store "near" there. It's on IH-35 opposite the general vicinity of the failed East Avenue development and Handycock Center.

[BevoLJ]

^^
Ya, but I was thinking more for for those on the east side of downtown, and in East Austin near there 6th where there has been lots going on. Like more pedestrian or bike friendly. Although now that I think about it, whenever I go to Fiesta the people I see shopping there seem to buy enormous quantities at once. So maybe it might not be the best option for a downtown grocery.

Whole Foods is good for walking or biking in, maybe a Central Market to compete with it? I recently bought a scooter since Austin now has free parking for scooters and it gets over 100 mpg and saves a lot on gas (but really because it is crazy cute, and fun as hell! lol). I can zoom over to Whole Foods on my scooter and pick up some food for dinner no problem, but there is no way I could carry all the food that I see many buy at the Fiestas. Fiesta is no doubt better as a more auto-centric store, and that one you mentioned is likely perfect for its customers.

It would just be nice to get some sort of Grocery somewhere near Red River along this creek, rather than have to go to Lamar.

[TXAlex]

Whoever decided that new years fireworks in Austin were supposed to be at 10pm needs to be fired (insert a more interesting word here).

[Jdawgboy]

Whoever decided that new years fireworks in Austin were supposed to be at 10pm needs to be fired (insert a more interesting word here).

I agree this is the second year they they have done this when before they did it at midnight. But on the one hand it does get you back in Downtown to party. Still overall I liked it better at midnight.

[TXAlex]

I agree this is the second year they they have done this when before they did it at midnight. But on the one hand it does get you back in Downtown to party. Still overall I liked it better at midnight.

It's a very anticlimactic end of year and beginning of a new one. Basically it takes the celebration out of the celebration.

As midnight strikes even the remnant smoke had passed.

[ahealy]

It's a very anticlimactic end of year and beginning of a new one. Basically it takes the celebration out of the celebration.

As midnight strikes even the remnant smoke had passed.
Yeah, it's really stupid. But hey, that's what happens when the city decides to make anything "family friendly"...Can't wait to see dirty 6th after they alter that for families. It'll have the pulse of a zombie.

[migol24]

Yeah, it's really stupid. But hey, that's what happens when the city decides to make anything "family friendly"...Can't wait to see dirty 6th after they alter that for families. It'll have the pulse of a zombie.

I don't think they're trying to make 6th more family friendly as opposed to making it more vibrant during the day. I'd like for 6th to look cleaner too, but that doesn't mean that the night life and vibrancy at night is going to get taken out.

I personally would just like for downtown area to be completely lit up with people throughout the entire day and even moreso at night. I don't know how it would be done and I know a lot of people don't seem to agree with the idea but I doubt its gonna be as doom and gloomy as people are making it out to be for Austin's nightlife.

The mission district here in San Francisco is always vibrant from night to day so I think its very possible for something like that to happen in downtown Austin.

[ahealy]

I don't think they're trying to make 6th more family friendly as opposed to making it more vibrant during the day. I'd like for 6th to look cleaner too, but that doesn't mean that the night life and vibrancy at night is going to get taken out.

I personally would just like for downtown area to be completely lit up with people throughout the entire day and even moreso at night. I don't know how it would be done and I know a lot of people don't seem to agree with the idea but I doubt its gonna be as doom and gloomy as people are making it out to be for Austin's nightlife.

The mission district here in San Francisco is always vibrant from night to day so I think its very possible for something like that to happen in downtown Austin.

It is possible of course, but whenever "cleaning it up" comes into a sentence, it suggests more control and a strong hint of toning things down. It ruins the very essence of what makes 6th fun. If I wanted to go down a clean and tidy street, I'll walk down 2nd.
I do think if they do it right, it could be great mix...

[BevoLJ]

My fear is to much of that, and the rents just get to high to allow the clubs to stay open. Pushing everything off to other streets. Or worse out to Riverside like Emo's.

What to me makes Austin such a great destination is how rare it is to find the number of places on one street. In such a concentrated area. Where when meeting with friends you don't need to catch a cab to meet up with others at another place, but just walk a block or two.

I'm still very upset Emo's is no longer DT. =(

[migol24]

I do think if they do it right, it could be great mix...well, let's just hope for the best. austin developers haven't entirely disappointed as of late.

[kingkirbythe....]

In 6th Street's case, "cleaning it up" should also mean power washing the street and sidewalks. It's dirty even for a street and sidewalks. Just once a week would make all the difference.

[Hill Country]

All the vomit, urine and B.O. does at times scent the air around there.

[TXAlex]

It's no where near as rancid as Bourbon Street. But actual cleaning couldn't hurt.

[ahealy]

I'm just saying: we're lucky to have a crazy street like 6th. The dirty aspect is its trademark. If you change it (by cleaning it up) you screw it up.
Why does it have to be pretty? I certainly don't lick the asphalt whenever I go there. Trash is an issue, and I'm certainly not enthusiastic about that. I do believe it could be better if it had a few more daytime businesses to help make it 24/7....

[kingkirbythe....]

http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingkirbythegreatoftexas/6624851329/in/photostream/lightbox/


Actual vomit on 6th Street. POWER WASH!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingkirbythegreatoftexas/6624851329/in/photostream/lightbox/

[ahealy]

http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingkirbythegreatoftexas/6624851329/in/photostream/lightbox/


Actual vomit on 6th Street. POWER WASH!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kingkirbythegreatoftexas/6624851329/in/photostream/lightbox/

haha:slob:

[LoneStarMike]

Does anyone remember AustinSkyscrapers? He used to post here a couple of years ago and was like 9 or 10 years old. He goes by TheAustinMan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:TheAustinMan) over at Wikipedia. and is now 11.

Anyway, about a year ago I had uploaded a ton of my photos over at Wikimedia Commons for anyone who wanted to use them in Wikipedia articles.

He actually used a lot of them when he compiled the List of tallest buildings in Austin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Austin) over at Wikipedia. That list is a featured list (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Austin)

List of tallest buildings in Austin is a featured list, which means it has been identified as one of the best lists produced by the Wikipedia community.

I thought that was pretty good for a kid in elementary school. :worship:

[priller]

Guys, the city washes 6th Street ALL THE TIME! They have the power washer and the big tank truck out there in the mornings almost constantly. And they do a great job cleaning up the trash after the weekends and after big events. It's dirty because it handles an incredible amount of people. Drunk people. Not really sure what else they could do.

[Jdawgboy]

I also think the stone material the sidewalk is made out of does not do well at repelling grime. I believe they are going to replace it when they redo the sidewalks that will be able to hold up better.

[priller]

I also think the stone material the sidewalk is made out of does not do well at repelling grime. I believe they are going to replace it when they redo the sidewalks that will be able to hold up better.

I agree, the sidewalk stone is very porous. They clean it and it looks clean for a few days, but after the weekend it's back to its usual grimy look.

[ahealy]

I agree, the sidewalk stone is very porous. They clean it and it looks clean for a few days, but after the weekend it's back to its usual grimy look.
and that's the thing....I really like that grimy look (sometimes). It's a nice change from the "great streets" look. It really has an old city feeling to it, which I happen to appreciate as a DT dweller.

[JAM]

Guys, the city washes 6th Street ALL THE TIME! They have the power washer and the big tank truck out there in the mornings almost constantly. And they do a great job cleaning up the trash after the weekends and after big events. It's dirty because it handles an incredible amount of people. Drunk people. Not really sure what else they could do.

All things considered, they DO, do a pretty good job of cleaning up. But a lot gets missed and goes down the sewers and ends up in the creeks and Lady Bird Lake. And guess what is in these bodies of water, HINT: its NOT plastic bags. These guys sit around and talk about saving the environment by banning plastic bags, I wonder if they ever calculated how much plastic beer cups they have to clean up or how much water, fuel and energy they have to use to clean up the streets of downtown. If they really wanted to do something great for the environment they would ban SUV's. But that would take real nads!

[ahealy]

If they really wanted to do something great for the environment they would ban SUV's. But that would take real nads!

yes! :cheers:

[Spaceman]

Yikes!!!!!! I have two SUVS and two Mercedes....Four guzzlers. Now I feel guilty. NOT!!

[Hill Country]

Yikes!!!!!! I have two SUVS and two Mercedes....Four guzzlers. Now I feel guilty. NOT!!

I just bought a 2012 vehicle that gets 15 MPG and proud of it. I can go from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. I hope everyone keeps driving those Prius's so there will be more gas for me. I also won't shop anywhere that doesn't give me a plastic bag to put my stuff in.

[ahealy]

I just bought a 2012 vehicle that gets 15 MPG and proud of it. I can go from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds. I hope everyone keeps driving those Prius's so there will be more gas for me. I also won't shop anywhere that doesn't give me a plastic bag to put my stuff in.
Dude, you are so superior!!! But, I bleed oil.

[Spaceman]

I do support the plastic bag ban and I donate to many environmental and animal groups...I just like cars..

[ahealy]

I do support the plastic bag ban and I donate to many environmental and animal groups...I just like cars..

They're doing a Nissan Leaf demo at 4th & colorado. I want one.

[Jdawgboy]

Love the comment about Austin being the trendiest part in Texas :banana:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/london-austin-and-chicago-to-be-travel-hotspots-in-2012-the-orbitz-insider-index-reveals-2012-01-05

[TXAlex]

They're doing a Nissan Leaf demo at 4th & colorado. I want one.

I've been renting the Leaf from enterprise for the last 2 months. I made it to Georgetown and back in one charge. But it took 10 hours to get full charge back.

Great vehicle. Much better fuel economy than my blown 4.2l v8. Practically free vs. almost $100/tank.

[ahealy]

I've been renting the Leaf from enterprise for the last 2 months. I made it to Georgetown and back in one charge. But it took 10 hours to get full charge back.

Great vehicle. Much better fuel economy than my blown 4.2l v8. Practically free vs. almost $100/tank.

Niiiiice. I really wanna test drive one. I would probably get one eventually.

[ahealy]

ps...anyone know what's going into old Yaring's spot on Congress? Looks like they had some minor construction going on when I passed by today
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb250/austintexs/yar.jpg

[JAM]

I do support the plastic bag ban and I donate to many environmental and animal groups...I just like cars..

When I find out where you live Spaceman, I'm gonna cover both of those god forsaken SUV's in plastic bags :) Meanwhile, do me a favor and keep'm out of the left lane.

[TXAlex]

Niiiiice. I really wanna test drive one. I would probably get one eventually.

It's almost less expensive to rent the leaf + charge it than it is to keep my truck in gas.

[Jdawgboy]

Crane is up at the Whitely Site.

[ahealy]

Crane is up at the Whitely Site.

I saw. Soon that area will have about 4 up.

[Spaceman]

When I find out where you live Spaceman, I'm gonna cover both of those god forsaken SUV's in plastic bags :) Meanwhile, do me a favor and keep'm out of the left lane.

I own the left lane...I had my E550 up to 135( it will do 160 MPH) on Loop 130last week...My neighborhood is gated so I'd have to give you the code to get in so you could cover my beloved SUV's..

[ahealy]

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb250/austintexs/crane-1.jpg
crane time

[ahealy]

New Rainey Street Apartment Tower Proposed: The Austin Skyhouse

http://downtownaustinblog.org/2012/01/10/new-rainey-street-apartment-tower-proposed-the-austin-skyhouse/#more-13718

[BevoLJ]

I want to see it! I want to see it! lol

That is no surprise at all. I think everyone was expecting something really good like that to happen at that spot any day now. Yet, it is oh so very exciting! I can't wait to see what they have planned.

Also, so this is two 300 unit rental projects that will be going up at the same time downtown? This and the one on 3rd? That is just awesome! Anyone know just how many units in total are in the works with the other projects all put together?

How many are in the Gables II one? Is that a 300 unit one too? I think I remember it is going to be like twice as tall as the one that is already there right?

[deerhoof]

New Rainey Street Apartment Tower Proposed: The Austin Skyhouse

http://downtownaustinblog.org/2012/01/10/new-rainey-street-apartment-tower-proposed-the-austin-skyhouse/#more-13718

SkyHouse Austin - Project Site:
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/120105/Plan%20Sets/SkyHouse%20-%20AULCC%20Backup.pdf

Based on this, can we guess how tall this building may be?

This appears to be a related project in Atlanta at 23 stories and 320 units:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/12/21/skyhouse-midtown-to-break-ground.html
http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2011/10/21/novare-gets-tax-abatement-for-sky-house.php

[Downtown_Austin]

SkyHouse Austin - Project Site:
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/120105/Plan%20Sets/SkyHouse%20-%20AULCC%20Backup.pdf

Based on this, can we guess how tall this building may be?

This appears to be a related project in Atlanta at 23 stories and 320 units:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/12/21/skyhouse-midtown-to-break-ground.html
http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2011/10/21/novare-gets-tax-abatement-for-sky-house.php

Nice find, Deerhoof! The rendering in that curbed article matches up nicely to the site configuration on Rainey Street (shown in your FTP link).

[BevoLJ]

SkyHouse Austin - Project Site:
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/120105/Plan%20Sets/SkyHouse%20-%20AULCC%20Backup.pdf

Based on this, can we guess how tall this building may be?

This appears to be a related project in Atlanta at 23 stories and 320 units:
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/12/21/skyhouse-midtown-to-break-ground.html
http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2011/10/21/novare-gets-tax-abatement-for-sky-house.phpOh, thank you.

Like DAB said that matches up very nicely. The ftp site plan says something like 15,000 sq feet of retail + 320 apt units. The other one is also 320 units laid out much the same.

[Downtown_Austin]

Oh, thank you.

Like DAB said that matches up very nicely. The ftp site plan says something like 15,000 sq feet of retail + 320 apt units. The other one is also 320 units laid out much the same.

Confirmed to be 23 stories.

The most impressive aspect of this project, IMO, is the amount of retail frontage on Rainey Street. We're overdue for some non-bar commercial amenities in the 'hood.

[deerhoof]

Nice find, Deerhoof! The rendering in that curbed article matches up nicely to the site configuration on Rainey Street (shown in your FTP link).

Also, the curbed article has this link with a site plan for the Atlanta project along with many more pictures of the building:
http://midtownatlanta.org/Files/MidtownAtlanta/2011/SkyHouse-1084WestPeachtreeStreetDRCPres5-09-2011.pdf

[MichaelB]

Sorry I have to say it: Man they need new architects. LCD ( lowest common denominator) building block design. Sigh. I like clean and modern..... but it is a thin line to cheap and boring. This isn;t about $ it's about aesthetic. Let demand rule, eh. I would just think that if the business model is to profit multiple times from the same format/design, that there could be more investment in the design. I truly hope that we do not see more of this same feel in the other building that this group has/had planned for downtown.

[JAM]

Sorry I have to say it: Man they need new architects. LCD ( lowest common denominator) building block design. Sigh.

Well, to be fair, its probably not the architects - they probably have their hands tied due to budgets. I'm sure they would love to do more, but when the almighty dollar calls, you do what it says. In this environment, putting hard earned money to work feels risky.

Same goes for retail on Rainey St. Everyone says there should be retail on Rainey, but I don't see anyone putting the dough out there to do it. The one that tried is gone. It sucks losing money!

[wwmiv]

Sorry I have to say it: Man they need new architects. LCD ( lowest common denominator) building block design. Sigh. I like clean and modern..... but it is a thin line to cheap and boring. This isn;t about $ it's about aesthetic. Let demand rule, eh. I would just think that if the business model is to profit multiple times from the same format/design, that there could be more investment in the design. I truly hope that we do not see more of this same feel in the other building that this group has/had planned for downtown.

We haven't even seen the design of the building. We've only seen a similar project in Atlanta, which looks very much like the Four Seasons Residences here. If it looks similar to either it will be a smashing success in terms of aesthetic simply because it will match the Four Seasons Residences and, frankly, compare well to both the Milago and the Legacy.

[Jdawgboy]

I think we can assume the design will be similar to Atlanta's version but I think it will come out looking nice. As long as we continue with the glass facade then ill be happy. I would like different glass colors though most of our glass buildings are mostly blue looking. Spring kinda has a little greenish tint but not a whole lot. Have it brighter green or maybe a lavender shade would be nice.

[migol24]

I think we can assume the design will be similar to Atlanta's version but I think it will come out looking nice. As long as we continue with the glass facade then ill be happy. I would like different glass colors though most of our glass buildings are mostly blue looking. Spring kinda has a little greenish tint but not a whole lot. Have it brighter green or maybe a lavender shade would be nice.

i personally wish we had more buildings like the Shore in this area. am i the only one that thinks the shore is one of the coolest looking buildings ever? i don't care if we have glass or not but that building is one of my favorite buildings to look at in downtown. i like the color schemes. it almost looks like a toy building. and if they kept that going on rainey street it would make it look like a downtown all onto its own.

[JAM]

i personally wish we had more buildings like the Shore in this area. am i the only one that thinks the shore is one of the coolest looking buildings ever? i don't care if we have glass or not but that building is one of my favorite buildings to look at in downtown. i like the color schemes. it almost looks like a toy building. and if they kept that going on rainey street it would make it look like a downtown all onto its own.

I do wish for more residential high-rises in the Rainey St area. Need more people who own and reside in the area with some skin in the game. When the Shore first opened, someone on this board said that the Shore looked like a hospital, a la General Hospital. I've never quite been able to get that association out of my mind. I actually prefer the Windsor, it has some subtle architecture that plays mind tricks, but I do like the Shore too!

P.S. seems like we should start a separate thread for our newest building reported the other day.

[MichaelB]

Well, to be fair, its probably not the architects - they probably have their hands tied due to budgets. I'm sure they would love to do more, but when the almighty dollar calls, you do what it says. In this environment, putting hard earned money to work feels risky.

Same goes for retail on Rainey St. Everyone says there should be retail on Rainey, but I don't see anyone putting the dough out there to do it. The one that tried is gone. It sucks losing money!

Good point. ( as always) It may not be the Architects. I just think that even when you have a tight buget, some people know how to make good design trump $ and some don't , you know? Thier building seem to be stuck in a bland era already. I'm just a quality over quanity type. (.... and the retail area looks especially uninviting.)