[KevinFromTexas]

Having a tripod is key. :yes:

[austex]

The photos are fantastic. I especially like the ones from the park. They show the building in context with the city. Well done.

[Aiphanes]

The photos are fantastic. I especially like the one from the park. Well done.


Austin is looking tight!!

[priller]

Excellent, Kevin! It was funny to see the ladders still in there.

[priller]

Drove by the W today on the way to work. There were assorted construction guys and trucks and 2 backhoe type of tractors there. I'll check again at lunch time, but it looks like they'll start digging today.

I'll try to get up in the AMLI II parking garage to take a few photos. Hopefully I won't get run off.

[JGFrisco]

If that's the case, Kevin can move it to the "construction" list instead of "site prep" list.

[KevinFromTexas]

If that's the case, Kevin can move it to the "construction" list instead of "site prep" list.

Ok, I moved it to under construction. I updated a few other things. Has anyone been by the BartonPlace Condos site to see if they've actually started work? And is La Vista on Lavaca still halting construction?

By the way JGFrisco, check out the pics I took of 360 on Saturday night. I know you were asking about seeing some pictures of it lit up. Check page 150 of this thread at the bottom.

[shanny]

i went downtown to watch the bats sunday night...everything has changed so much in recent months.

[priller]

Okay, nothing terribly exciting to see, but they are actually working on the lot at the W.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2471905306_2f4ee3fa6e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2471905694_4bf37f02a2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2471082941_78122aa57f_o.jpg

[brianpm14]

Drove Vista on Lavaca yesterday around 5pm, the two concrete forms on the southwest corner were set with black ribbons/bows around them, sort of like someone died? That building is going so slow, is that deliberate?

My office is on the second floor just north of Block 21, so will have a noisy view for awhile, till they get up on the stories. Monday they set the silt fence, today they are removing the asphalt and rails, basically all the crappy overburden. Would think that pedestrian walkways and management trailers would be next.

[hismasterplan]

I'm excited about this project. Is that a headless bird in the sky in the last photo?

[JGFrisco]

Kevin...I saw those photos...they look great!

Two questions...the top of the spire did not appear to be lit - I assume there will some light there? And there are two "holes" in the lights running up the south face of the building. Do we think those will stay?

[KevinFromTexas]

My office is on the second floor just north of Block 21, so will have a noisy view for awhile, till they get up on the stories. Monday they set the silt fence, today they are removing the asphalt and rails, basically all the crappy overburden. Would think that pedestrian walkways and management trailers would be next.

I love work, I can sit and watch it for hours" - Redd Fox

Your sig line is perfect for the above quote! :D

[CHAPINM1]

i went downtown to watch the bats sunday night...everything has changed so much in recent months.

In the next number of months expect the rate of change to be even faster! I'm very impressed by what I've been witnessing on this thread. Kevin, you took some fantastic pictures of the newely lit 360! Between the additions within the recient years, Frost Bank and 360 alone add a tremendous amount to the skyline, not only in density, but with lighting at night as well! As time goes on, Austin's skyline will definetly be one of those that will be one of those that people will definetly look foward to seeing at night as well as day. I love Hoston's skyline and even though it is the largest in Texas, it does not have a lighting scheme at night that even Austin has to this point IMO.

[zx14]

The w might be stopped as the investigations of a extinct flying dinasour is spotted. Great shot Priller you captured it.

[CHAPINM1]

When all the current projects under construction will be complete including this one, won't that make this the 3rd tallest in Austin?

[KevinFromTexas]

No, at this point the W would be the 4th tallest.

Here's how the list would look once these three are finished with the Frost Bank Tower in the mix.

The Austonian - 683 feet - 56 floors
360 Condominiums - 563 feet - 44 floors
Frost Bank Tower - 515 feet - 33 floors
W Hotel Austin & Residences - 478 feet - 37 floors

However, the W Hotel & Residences will have a higher roof than 360 Condominiums' roof (6 feet taller). And if you don't include Frost Bank Tower's crown as the roof (technically the mechanical penthouse is the "roof" at 442 feet), then the W would have the 2nd highest roof in the city, with The Austonian having the highest of course.

[priller]

The w might be stopped as the investigations of a extinct flying dinasour is spotted. Great shot Priller you captured it.

Here's the bird at 100%:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2472962806_5595629766_o.jpg

Looks like it's got a bug or something in it's beak, on the right. Tail feathers and wing tips are obvious.

But yeah, it did look strange in the photo.

[hismasterplan]

Here's the bird at 100%:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3004/2472962806_5595629766_o.jpg

Looks like it's got a bug or something in it's beak, on the right. Tail feathers and wing tips are obvious.

But yeah, it did look strange in the photo.

Okay. We need another thread for this. This is crazy.

[Saddle Man]

Here's an article about Green.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/05/07/0507green.html

[MichaelB]

Drove Vista on Lavaca yesterday around 5pm, the two concrete forms on the southwest corner were set with black ribbons/bows around them, sort of like someone died? That building is going so slow, is that deliberate?



RE: LaVista. I live in Cambridge... and as I have joked on here, my view is now a 10 story weather vein! We can't find out what is going on. All the folks are very tight lipped. The sales office is open. We have tried to talk to crew when someone is around..... they won't say anything. Funny you should ask about the ribbons..... someone was indeed killed on the site last year. We have actually wondered if the stopage somehow was related.... just don't know. We still have hopes that they will cont. becasue the crane is still up. Will let you know if we find out anything.

[shanny]

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/02/97/24/image_7024972.jpg

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/00/92/24/image_7024920.jpg

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/01/98/24/image_7024981.jpg

[hismasterplan]

Here's an article about Green.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/05/07/0507green.html

There goes the 360 resident's view of the hill country.

[CHAPINM1]

No, at this point the W would be the 4th tallest.

Here's how the list would look once these three are finished with the Frost Bank Tower in the mix.

The Austonian - 683 feet - 56 floors
360 Condominiums - 563 feet - 44 floors
Frost Bank Tower - 515 feet - 33 floors
W Hotel Austin & Residences - 478 feet - 37 floors

However, the W Hotel & Residences will have a higher roof than 360 Condominiums' roof (6 feet taller). And if you don't include Frost Bank Tower's crown as the roof (technically the mechanical penthouse is the "roof" at 442 feet), then the W would have the 2nd highest roof in the city, with The Austonian having the highest of course.

I was forgetting all about 360, anyway I'm glad it's there. :D I guess I was right in the middle though seeing as that it will be the 4th tallest in the city, yet will be the 2nd tallest roof height.

[KevinFromTexas]

Are you kidding me??!! The two tallest ones look to be about 600 feet. Several others above 400 feet tall. Some of those look like Sim City buildings.

[CHAPINM1]

For some reason I was, I guess I was thinking about Frost Bank seeing as how that broke the 423 foot peak which stood for 20 years AND the Astonian. I remember when 360 broke ground in the summer of 2006, I was pretty excited about that, and it's finally done with just a few nitches here and there, but I'd say it's done overall.

Anyway, I'm also very anxious to hear what's next for the T. Stacy & Associates Hotel & Condo Tower. At 830 feet, once that project gets built, Austin's tallest building will surpass the tallest here in Minneapolis/St. Paul by 38 feet... Not to mention, Austin's tallest will also be less than 100 feet shorter than the tallest building in Dallas and less than 200 feet shorter than the tallest building in Houston.

[KevinFromTexas]

For some reason I was, I guess I was thinking about Frost Bank seeing as how that broke the 423 foot peak which stood for 20 years AND the Astonian. I remember when 360 broke ground in the summer of 2006, I was pretty excited about that, and it's finally done with just a few nitches here and there, but I'd say it's done overall.

Anyway, I'm also very anxious to hear what's next for the T. Stacy & Associates Hotel & Condo Tower. At 830 feet, once that project gets built, Austin's tallest building will surpass the tallest here in Minneapolis/St. Paul by 38 feet... Not to mention, Austin's tallest will also be less than 100 feet shorter than the tallest building in Dallas and less than 200 feet shorter than the tallest building in Houston.

That post above wasn't directed at you. I was just drooling over the new proposal at the Green Plant. :slob: But yep, Austin is well on its way to being #3 in Texas in the skyline department. Quite amazing. 10 years ago we didn't even register on the meter.

[Mopacs]

Here's an article about Green.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/05/07/0507green.html


Wow! Hope this comes to fruition

Notice the 2-story HEB at 2nd and San Antonio (Stratus' proposal):
http://www.statesman.com/ap/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=107130

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/07/24/25/image_7025247.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1193/photos/5/54967/2949615/Green1-vi.jpg

http://images33.fotki.com/v1188/photos/5/54967/2949615/Green3-vi.jpg

http://images35.fotki.com/v1163/photos/5/54967/2949615/Green4-vi.jpg

http://images35.fotki.com/v1163/photos/5/54967/2949615/Green5-vi.jpg

[Saddle Man]

[QUOTE=Mopacs;3535632]Wow! Hope this comes to fruition

Notice the 2-story HEB at 2nd and San Antonio (Stratus' proposal):
http://www.statesman.com/ap/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=107130

http://images34.fotki.com/v1193/photos/5/54967/2949615/Green1-vi.jpg


What's that white building where the Hobby Building is supposed to be?

[GoldenBoot]

I like visions proposed by Trammel Crow (#1) and Stratus Properties (#2) the best! However, knowing this city, we'll end up with something very bland, like Simmons Vedder's proposal (my least favorite).

My second least favorite is Forest City/Novare's proposal. Even though I like the height of the 41-story tower on the Austin Energy site, I'm not so sure about the architectural aesthetics as well as what seems to be a 10-story "wall" they are proposing along Cesar Chavez.

Architecturally, I believe the Trammel Crow proposal seems to be the most progressive and makes more of a statement than the rest. Then again, Stratus’ proposal leaves a whole lot to the imagination due to the lack of renderings of the sites from the air.

[jgouger]

Wow! I really like that proposal by Stratus! Having a two story HEB in downtown would be huge! That alone may be enough of a catalyst to drive people that were having doubts about living downtown to go ahead and move downtown. Yes, Whole Paycheck is very nice, but for the people that are out of that league a HEB would be a lot better for the masses. One thing that may be another major driving factor for their proposal is that if it also includes a movie theater and either a Golds Gym or 24 Hour Fitness. There is a project under construction in Miami called Met 3 which incorporates a Whole Paycheck, 24 Hour Fitness, movie theater, shopping mall and an 860' condo tower too! A proposal with these elements would be huge for downtown!

[Nightfeed]

Wow! I really like that proposal by Stratus! Having a two story HEB in downtown would be huge! That alone may be enough of a catalyst to drive people that were having doubts about living downtown to go ahead and move downtown. Yes, Whole Paycheck is very nice, but for the people that are out of that league a HEB would be a lot better for the masses. One thing that may be another major driving factor for their proposal is that if it also includes a movie theater and either a Golds Gym or 24 Hour Fitness. There is a project under construction in Miami called Met 3 which incorporates a Whole Paycheck, 24 Hour Fitness, movie theater, shopping mall and an 860' condo tower too! A proposal with these elements would be huge for downtown!

I completely agree! A nice, clean, modern HEB downtown would be fantastic.

[austin242]

Go stratus most retail, by far #1:banana: , next would be #2 tramell cro:) , after that #3forest city:cool: , next #4 cattelus:yes: , and last and the least likable #5 simmons vedder :yuck: and did anyone else notice what looks to be a bunch of solar panels on the tramell crows project it looks like they are going for a platinum or gold L.E.E.D. design.

[austin242]

go to http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/seaholm/green.htm to see stats press on the pdf.

[Saddle Man]

[/QUOTE] did anyone else notice what looks to be a bunch of solar panels on the tramell crows project it looks like they are going for a platinum or gold L.E.E.D. design.[/QUOTE]

That's why I like it the best. Lots of buildings, variety in design, tons of solar, and finally some GREEN ROOFS! Austin should require green roofs on all new buildings, get already built ones retrofitted. Developers should always put them in even if they're not required.

[Aiphanes]

Yes they do need a movie theatre, mall and a HEB Plus somewhere in Downtown Austin.

[KevinFromTexas]

[QUOTE=Mopacs;3535632]Wow! Hope this comes to fruition

Notice the 2-story HEB at 2nd and San Antonio (Stratus' proposal):
http://www.statesman.com/ap/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=107130

http://images34.fotki.com/v1193/photos/5/54967/2949615/Green1-vi.jpg


What's that white building where the Hobby Building is supposed to be?

There are two mock models shown there. The one farther to the right is the W Austin Hotel & Residences. The one to the left that appears to be where the Hobby Building is is actually the Museum Tower (Cesar Pelli tower). That building would be just across the street from AMLI on 2nd to the north.

I believe they included those two projects in the rendering because they were trying to show that the Green and Seaholm sites aren't really that far out from the existing or planned projects. Thanks to Laura Morrison :rolleyes: there's probably some grumbling going on about this

Thanks for taking those renderings and placing them on your photos, Mopacs. Helps everyone understand where this is in downtown. Very cool.

I'm loving this. 2nd Street has become one of my favorite areas of downtown. So I'm loving that they are extending and expanding it. I'd like to see the street pushed as far west as possible. There's not enough through traffic on the southern end of downtown because of the creek. I would like to see 2nd Street connected as best as possible with Lamar and West Avenue.

[worldcreator]

Wow! I really like that proposal by Stratus! Having a two story HEB in downtown would be huge! That alone may be enough of a catalyst to drive people that were having doubts about living downtown to go ahead and move downtown. Yes, Whole Paycheck is very nice, but for the people that are out of that league a HEB would be a lot better for the masses. One thing that may be another major driving factor for their proposal is that if it also includes a movie theater and either a Golds Gym or 24 Hour Fitness. There is a project under construction in Miami called Met 3 which incorporates a Whole Paycheck, 24 Hour Fitness, movie theater, shopping mall and an 860' condo tower too! A proposal with these elements would be huge for downtown!


Whole "Paycheck" is right LOL. Their prices are unbelievable. Especially for the ready-made foods up front. An HEB is definately needed to balance things out downtown. I assume that it's just a matter of when, not if.

I visited Miami last year- talk about a condo boom. There's like 10 times more high rise condo projects going on there, or least there was. Miami is one of the major cities effected by the current real estate bust. Coastal Florida has had ridiculous appreciation over the past several years...upwards of 30, 40, 50% year over year. I guess it's time for a correction. I'm amazed they are actually planning an 860' tower at this point.

[zx14]

Bet all this will be decided and completed before stacys project breaks ground. Also how does Austin compare with other major cities in the distance between the outermost skyscrapers. For instance From Spring to Legacy to the UT Tower. Compare that to say Houston. Please dont count multiple down towns like in L.A. It Just seems our down town is more spread out and maybe has the area of Chicagos downtown. Also the Galerea in Houston or the Hospital in Tulsa does not count. Thanks everyone for all the info.

[KevinFromTexas]

Would you say Dallas' Uptown area should be included as downtown? Officially it's not.

In Austin the UT Campus and West Campus are officially outside the boundary lines of downtown.

The distance from the Cambridge Tower in downtown (19th & Lavaca) to the Holiday Inn Town Lake (East Avenue at I-35) is 1.86 miles. This is diagonally (across downtown).

The farthest distance I could find between two buildings in the central part of the city (downtown, UT, and West Campus) was 2.43 miles from the Holiday Inn Town Lake to the Robert Lee More Hall (26th & Speedway) on the UT Campus.

In Dallas, the farthest I could find was 2.65 between a building in Uptown, and one in downtown. Uptown borders downtown.

Dallas: 2.65 miles
Austin: 2.43 miles
Houston: 1.81 miles
San Antonio: 176 miles
Fort Worth: 1.01 miles

[Myomi]

First, I don't think UT campus should be considered in any discussion of downtown. It is a completely separate entity that happens to have some tall buildings.

Second, is there any better renderings of the Stratus design because they seem to have at least one Austonian-like building in terms of height. I bet this one is pretty impressive, though I love the Trammell one the best so far. I wish that one had the HEB.

[austintilIdie]

I think UT has it own identity, throw in West Campus and you have more density

I guess the downtown core would end at 11th? or even 15th st?

The rough distance west to east from Spring to Legacy is roughly 1.6 miles, bookended by i-35 and the west end/clarksville neighborhood

From Lamar to i-35 and 6th to 1st, we'll see incredible density over the next several years that will be unrivaled in the state.

[priller]

That's really not that big of a downtown, I don't think. I guess it seems stretched out because the tall buildings are largely in a line along the river. I can walk from the Sabine to Whole Foods in about 20 minutes or so, even on my bum knee. But I usually take the Dillo. ;) (Actually, we usually go to HEB at Hancock Center and get food for a week.)

BTW, last weekend, we didn't use the car once. Yay! Walked to Walgreens to get a few things, walked Town Lake a bit, milled around the festival a lot, went swimming at the Hilton. It seemed more like a little vacation than a weekend at home. Really starting to enjoy downtown living!

[MichaelB]

I think UT has it own identity, throw in West Campus and you have more density

I guess the downtown core would end at 11th? or even 15th st?

The rough distance west to east from Spring to Legacy is roughly 1.6 miles, bookended by i-35 and the west end/clarksville neighborhood

From Lamar to i-35 and 6th to 1st, we'll see incredible density over the next several years that will be unrivaled in the state.

Actually Kevin Identified it correctly. The "CBD" officially ends at MLK.

[priller]

A few Spring photos:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2011/2476543703_6e49572aea_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2477357252_dafa3eb2a5_o.jpg

New sign:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2476544571_65f010dca7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2476544785_cd18ff8d18_o.jpg


The Gables area. They are really moving on this area now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2477357426_75b572cf40_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2477357672_06ce752f6b_o.jpg


Nice clouds today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2476545019_745826cf1b_o.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

Very cool angle of Spring from the bridge, priller. Springs just now starting to be noticeable.

And yeah, I'm getting SO excited about the West End. Having Spring and Gables moving along. Not to mention the huge project slated for Seaholm and Green. And I'm also really looking forward to seeing the pedestrian bridge expanded. The views from the bridge over Cesar Chavez are going to be fantastic. You'll be able to see right down the street along the wall of density. I'm also looking forward to a more pedestrian friendly Cesar Chavez. Currently, the north side of the street is just about unnavigatable. At one point near Green there's not even a sidewalk. I'm looking forward to a better connected West End. Have 2nd Street tie into West Avenue and the bridge cross Cesar Chavez. As it is, it's difficult to get over there from the east or south as a pedestrian or on a bicycle.

[zx14]

good observations about down town area size. That is correct here kerwin and blanding towers and the patterson office towers are not considered downtown either. And they are the same distance as UT is from downtown. Also is the Legacy topped out yet?

[KevinFromTexas]

I don't think Legacy is topped out yet. Anyone know what floor they're on?

Speaking of Legacy on Town Lake, here are a couple of shots I took last Saturday (5/03/08). About a week and a half ago I was in downtown. I was riding in the car as a passenger, so I got to pay attention to downtown a bit more than usual. As we came down Congress, I noticed Legacy poking up on the horizon. So last Saturday when I went downtown, I stopped for a photo. I had been through that exact same spot before, but I missed it every time. There's a small, small window view straight down Congress of Legacy about a block (south) before you get to Cumberland Road, just a hundred feet or so south of the Great Outdoors on South Congress. Every time before I missed it because the view is rather obscure, and if you aren't paying attention you'll miss it. Then as the street curves it pops out of view, then later it curves back, but by then it drops below the tree line.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8634/p1180822editfh8.jpg

Legacy poking above shops along South Congress.
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6348/p1180838editeq2.jpg

Another view from Barton Springs Road near Sandy's Ice Cream across from the Long Center garage.
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3691/p1180859editmj5.jpg

[ivanwolf]

Hey i saw a new billboard in town today, did anyone else?

I think it is up for the Memorial day weekend, then i hope they take it down, its a bit tacky, but i hope it at least works, tax dollars at work.....

http://img381.imageshack.us/img381/8107/monarchclickitorticketlu8.jpg

[MichaelB]

Yeah.....saw it this afternoon...... it's SO BIG!

[hookem]

Saw it too when I was out running the trail.. perhaps biggest printed ad ever in Austin? Sure looked huge.

[crewer]

There goes the 360 resident's view of the hill country.

Absolutely. Well welcome to urban living.

[hismasterplan]

Absolutely. Well welcome to urban living.

That was one of the catches of the building too. A "360 view" of Austin. Potential false advertising.

[Saddle Man]

Buyer beware. Views are not guaranteed, no matter how much you pay.

[CHAPINM1]

Buyer beware. Views are not guaranteed, no matter how much you pay.

Go over to the Las Vegas thread, there are people there who bought units in a condo from a developer who screwed them over. The same developer is currently building a 235 foot parking ramp directly in front of the views of people living on the lower 20 floors of the building along the south and west sides. That's probably the worst case of any buyer getting fucked over that I've ever heard of by a long shot!

[Saddle Man]

I don't know the in's and out's of that Las Vegas case, so I'm not going to comment on that particular one. It does sound like they're in a shitty situation though, and that sucks.

I'm just going to comment on views in general. The only way stop another building from blocking your views is to own the property where a potential might be built, or if there were height restrictions along the line of the CVCs. If the same developer of your building decided to build another building that blocks your view, you're SOL. Unless there was some sort of contract or clause in a contract with the buyers in the first building that said the developer wouldn't build another building to block their views in the first building. I suspect if there were such contracts, that the developers would use them as a selling tool, and that those condos would cost a lot more since they would have guaranteed views.

[Strayone]

The water treatment plant proposals are interesting, especially the Forest city and Simmons vedder that have some buildings either under construction or proposed. F city rendered the Austonian to look like a smaller version of the green neon fringed building in Dallas aka...Gumby. I would be ecstatic if the Trammel Crow project got the green light.

[pm91]

there is a building i found on this website: http://www.morrisarchitects.com/. at the home page, click on "what", "advanced design", and then "200 congress". its a BEAUTIFUL building..

[Raining Inside]

there is a building i found on this website: http://www.morrisarchitects.com/. at the home page, click on "what", "advanced design", and then "200 congress". its a BEAUTIFUL building..

That location is where the 56 story, 683' Austonian is being built. The height in the pictiure looks correct, but the Austonian tower is oval shaped.

[Raining Inside]

Excuse my crappy cell phone picture, but the W hole is already a few feet deep. It still has a long ways to go

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll278/raininginside/WHole.jpg

[hismasterplan]

What is that "200 Congress" building then?

[Raining Inside]

What is that "200 Congress" building then?

That's a good question. The Austonian's architects are Ziegler-Cooper. Under the headline next to the rendering it mentions that it is a design competition. So maybe this was one of the "losing" designs?

[hismasterplan]

Ah I see. That design looks really good for Austin though. I hope to see one like that someday.

[priller]

Beautiful morning today. I walked around town for almost 3 hours while the wife was doing girly things with her daughters for Mother's Day. Very nice outside.

First off, the W. I think I remember the plans showing 3 floors of parking underground, almost the entire block, so they'll be digging for quite some time.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2484481884_059d6e27c0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2484482308_ea30a83de3_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2483668485_32c162fbbb_o.jpg


I think these beams will be used to shore up the walls as they dig down:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2484483824_c779ea71a1_o.jpg


This will be a pretty good angle once the building starts rising. Note you can also see Altavida and Legacy and Austonian crane.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2484484860_9da652fa4a_o.jpg

More later...

[austin242]

well it may be built after all their is a lot of property left on that block. if our city picked the austonian over that there crazy.

[KevinFromTexas]

That location is where the 56 story, 683' Austonian is being built. The height in the pictiure looks correct, but the Austonian tower is oval shaped.

What is that "200 Congress" building then?

That's a good question. The Austonian's architects are Ziegler-Cooper. Under the headline next to the rendering it mentions that it is a design competition. So maybe this was one of the "losing" designs?

Yes, they had a design competition for the building.

Here is another design for "200 Congress" that was put out by RTKL Architects. They've since removed it from their website though.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5396/austin200congressproposem5.jpg

[MichaelB]

well it may be built after all their is a lot of property left on that block. if our city picked the austonian over that there crazy.

Point of clarification. The choice would not have been a city choice. It is a private development. The choice was that of the developer. While I agree I like both the designs we are looking at better than the one picked, the city would not (and should not) have been involved in what would be a private corp. choice. I would love to be offical design police.... alas, they did not ask me! (by the way... that should not stop us from hounding private companies to give us better design.... I have, and I still will!.... but ultimately I understand it is not my money or my risk!)

[KevinFromTexas]

Here's a few screen shots of the "200 Congress" design

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9256/austin200congressproposqq9.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3237/austin200congressproposcc2.jpg

[priller]

More photos from today.

Four Seasons. Not a lot different from last time I posted photos. Mostly seem to be working on the basement. Also, the piling machines are gone, so that phase must be finished, even for the garage area.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2484460064_2d7ed56db5_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2256/2484460852_57b0ec184c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2483646349_353634592b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2252/2483649617_b5dda4a39b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2483650291_472162214b_o.jpg


Every time I look at this site it reminds me of the Toltec statues in Mexico:

http://nexusnovel.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/tulaview.jpg

[hismasterplan]

Here's a few screen shots of the "200 Congress" design

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9256/austin200congressproposqq9.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3237/austin200congressproposcc2.jpg

Okay, I really like this one better. Damn. They exaggerated downtown Austin a bit in the background but it won't be far from truth eventually.

[priller]

Monarch, looks very close to being finished. Still not liking all the little orange rectangles:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2484485978_3a31570b0a_o.jpg

I do like the curves:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/2483672839_205831c69b_o.jpg

Nice fountains between the tower and parking garage/retail:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2483671813_4a20b0efaa_o.jpg


360 is looking really good now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2069/2484485234_0a29e8dc46_o.jpg

Don't know if they're going to make it by this spring:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2483671019_0d363a1f93_o.jpg

Mellow Johnny's is now open, just north of 360:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2483671459_ce6bb260b9_o.jpg

[priller]

Austonian.

Looks like the north half of the 4th floor has been poured.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2484463358_738d3ff19b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2060/2484464354_8f42857a2c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2483659507_7612ff7ce0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2483652257_b0ebe4e87f_o.jpg


I've been trying to learn a little more about how these buildings are put together. In any technical field, learning terminology is half the battle, so I've been looking up unfamiliar words as I run across them. I believe these blue cables are called "post-tensioning cables". After the concrete is poured and set, the cables and tightened to apply stress to the level before adding more weight to it. So, post-tensioning cables are used to pre-stress the concrete. Still not really clear on *why* this is done.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2483650959_f59fcfbd95_o.jpg

These are the ends of the post-tensioning cables. After being put under tension, the ends are tied down and trimmed, and the holes are filled in.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2484467550_a42796241e_o.jpg

You can see the "flying forms" mentioned last week in use here:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/2484475806_97d789af12_o.jpg

[brianpm14]

Concrete strength can be increased using compression. Post tensioning creates stronger slabs, which can be thinner, which allows the builder to put more floors in the same vertical space. The post tension system installs faster too. Residential floors don't have to be as strong as parking garage floors, see the "honeycomb" of beams and tensioning on those automobile floors.

The workers call the movable aluminum forms "tables", they have that system down. They use a laser level and work underneath them (banging on the screw jacks) to level them up each time they are re-set.

Looks like they are trying to get the garage under Alta Vida open for use by the neighboring buildings tenants. Had read the underground was going to be for that purpose. Thats a good idea, but sure it was difficult to get that part of an active construction project open to public use. The stone and brick veneer are looking nice.

Construction fences are going up on the Concordia University campus already, they are getting going over there.

All the Block 21 trees disappeared over the weekend, sure they like to do that task quickly and quietly to avoid the green-ies. Welding up the steel shoring columns this morning, should have a drilling rig here soon.

[JGFrisco]

I'm a structural engineer. The Cliff Notes version of why you use prestressing is this...

Reinforced concrete works as a composite material. The concrete/aggregate mixture is very strong in compression, but it is very brittle, and weak in tension. You put the steel bars in to carry tensile (pulling) loads. So if you have a beam, for example, when it bends, the bars in the tension half and the concrete in the compression half work together.

The problem with this arrangement is that you don't develop the full strength of the steel bars until the concrete section cracks.

Someone came up with the bright idea of pre-stressing the bars BEFORE the concrete is fully set. When you do this, you enable the slab or beam to be thinner and stronger, which gives you less weight, as well as less unusable story height.

There are other factors at play in designing prestressed beams and slabs, and it's not always economically advantageous. In this case, it appears to be.

A quick comment on the Altavida...I counted and they are up to Floor 24. What floor do we think will poke above the peak of 100 Congress?

[priller]

Thanks for the info, guys! Very interesting.

[Jdawgboy]

Okay, I really like this one better. Damn. They exaggerated downtown Austin a bit in the background but it won't be far from truth eventually.

Im still glad we got the Austonian honestly. I mean this building looks neat and all but we really don't know the height or the floor count of this building was. It looks like it could be 50 floors but would it have really been any taller than the Austonian? Sure they have a spire but its a spire not actual floors. Plus we already have the 360 tower spire.

[KevinFromTexas]

Don't know if they're going to make it by this spring:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/2483671019_0d363a1f93_o.jpg




Great pics. The more I look at The Monarch, the more I like it.

Also, 360 Condominiums is having a grand opening party/ball at the Austin Music Hall on May 22nd. They'll have Ruthie Foster and Alejandro Escovedo play there.

Also, be sure to hit up the engineering section of the forum sometime. There are several other engineers and architects that post regularly. I always head there when I have a technical question.

[hismasterplan]

Im still glad we got the Austonian honestly. I mean this building looks neat and all but we really don't know the height or the floor count of this building was. It looks like it could be 50 floors but would it have really been any taller than the Austonian? Sure they have a spire but its a spire not actual floors. Plus we already have the 360 tower spire.

Right, I think the Austonian is cool too. It's not a bad thing she was chosen. The difference is the Austonian seems a little more conservative. Not like in a Republican since, I mean the "200" design looks more creative and a better fit for Austin. Is that a big tree in the top window? How would they manage that? But by roof it does look a little shorter, but I wouldn't mind it too much as I'm sure another high rise will come take the crown.

I'm not a fan of the orange squares on the Monarch either. When I first saw that picture, I thought that was part of the construction.

[JGFrisco]

The architect's "vision" always looks better than reality. They come up with some sweepingly beautiful design, and then the structural engineers and accountants tell the client how much said design will cost. As a result, RARELY do buildings end up anything but variations on a box.

[Mopacs]

It will be a "FAMSA"

http://www.famsa-usa.com/

The chain is based in Mexico. They cater to Hispanic/Immigrant clientelle, selling furniture, electronics and more. This will be their first Austin store.

More info, from today's Austin Business Journal online edition:

http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/05/12/daily3.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Monday, May 12, 2008 - 4:52 PM CDT


Retailer FAMSA opening in N. Austin

Austin Business Journal

Mexico furniture and appliances retailer is opening its first store in Austin at one of the former Albertson's grocery sites.

Monterrey, Mexico-based FAMSA (http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/related_content.html?topic=FAMSA) plans to open a store at 8716 Research Boulevard in North Austin near Ohlen Road this fall. The store will be approximately 37,000 square feet and the remaining 17,000 square feet of the former Albertson's will be leased. The site is adjacent to the Grand Central Station shopping center. That 115,000-square-foot center includes Family Dollar (http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/gen/Family_Dollar_D3AB44C9D7444E2B840243D16FC377D6.html), Office Depot (http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/gen/Office_Depot_5D2EF6393C5F4F11A9AD7AA37FAE1A0C.html) and Big Lots among others. Michele Gary and David Simmonds with The Weitzman Group are leasing the remaining space next to FAMSA.

Gary says talks are underway with several Hispanic grocery stores to take some of the remaining space. FAMSA has approximately 400 locations, mostly in Mexico and Central America. The company, which sells everything from mattresses and dining sets to camcorders and televisions, targets Latino consumers.
www.nationalfurniture.com (http://www.nationalfurniture.com/)

[MW921]

Beautiful morning today. I walked around town for almost 3 hours while the wife was doing girly things with her daughters for Mother's Day. Very nice outside.

First off, the W. I think I remember the plans showing 3 floors of parking underground, almost the entire block, so they'll be digging for quite some time.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2484481884_059d6e27c0_o.jpg

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I think these beams will be used to shore up the walls as they dig down:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/2484483824_c779ea71a1_o.jpg


This will be a pretty good angle once the building starts rising. Note you can also see Altavida and Legacy and Austonian crane.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2484484860_9da652fa4a_o.jpg

More later...

Yes, there will be three levels of parking underground. Look for the hole to be done around the first of August.

[zx14]

JUdging by the ten foot floor condo rule the Altavida will reach the height of its neighbor when the 30th floor is complete.

[Strayone]

Altavida has continuously amazed me regarding the amount of time it has taken to get...first above ground, due to the subfloors, and now to it's current height. I think it has been under construction since around the time 360 broke ground. Is there something about it's type of construction that made it a slower process than other buildings? If I'm not mistaken the renderings look like it is to be clad in brick. Any ideas as to why it has been such a slow project? :shrug:

[zx14]

I suppose the brick laying takes some of the man power as well as the pure amount of people working must be less than was on 360. Also would it have to be built more sturdy thus taking more time? The Austonian is rising slower than the Altavida did at the same point. At this rate the base 8 floors will be done around Aug 1st. The tower portion I hope will go at a floor a week thus topping out around The middle of july next year. Also these maybe tall buildings however they are not really what I consider major skyscrapers. Why is this, look at the consruction pics or wachovia tower on the Charlotte thread that is huge. Look how sturdy it is comming up seems to have tons of concrete. IT is not a smaller skeleton rising like 360 was but its like the whole thing just slowly rises from the ground. Bet at 830 feet Stacys project if built will look simmilar.

[Saddle Man]

Those are faux bricks on Altavida.

[priller]

But the limestone on the base is real.

[priller]

It looks like they've topped out the Legacy. I noticed this evening when I was coming home that the top looked different, without the usual tunnel forms they've been using. So I stopped and took a few photos.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/2491191990_4c64eedebe_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2186/2491192256_6cfa768c59_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2491192490_4d2f80a3b2_o.jpg


Still amazed at how fast this one went up.

[austin242]

is it just me or does it look like its leaning slightly to the left.

[hookem]

I think it is an unwritten rule of Austin building code, that all buildings lean slightly to the left.

[KevinFromTexas]

lol

[zx14]

That was really funny. But seriously it is leaning a little and what is up with that. Could the ground be softer or something the planners did not see. OR was this to be expected and correctable. IF not will people live in a condo that leans. (pretend it is the Titanic) or will Austin see one hell of an implosion.

[Raining Inside]

This could be great. Another big, but unintentional Austin tourist attraction like the Congress Ave. bats:

The Leaning Tower of Austin

[KevinFromTexas]

I don't think it's leaning. But I did notice a few days ago in someone else's photo that the crane did look like it was leaning a bit, at least bowed out some. Tower cranes do sway in the wind of course to take off the pressure. They also sway as the boom swivels around. If you've ever watched a time lapse clip of a tower crane swiveling, you'll notice the entire shaft moves a bit.

[priller]

It's just the lens on my little compact has some distortion in it. When zoomed all the way out, like in the last photo, it has some "pincushion" distortion. That's what you're seeing.

[StoOgE]

priller, dont try and cover it up now..

[ivanwolf]

Hmm, I kind a see it too, but I was thinking it was more of the slight angle of the pic since it is not straight on to the building and the little bit of the base area is larger.

As far as the cranes go look at 21 Rio, it looks like it bends out quite a bit up the shaft and then the boom itself is tilted up too. So I would think at Max load on the boom at the farthest point the crane would likely be close to vertical and the boom level. Just my idea.

[hismasterplan]

First giant birds, now UFOs.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n217/ringingofrevolt/Picture17-1.png

[Myomi]

Driving down Riverside today from 71 to I-35, I noticed that the skyline looked incredible from that angle. I drive down this road almost everyday but only today did I truly notice it. Legacy makes a massive impact from this angle and really adds to the overall skyline. And, looking at where cranes are, this angle is going to get even better. From this view you are basically looking up the river so the buildings look much closer together, adding to the effect. I would go far as to say that it is probably one of the best places to view the changing skyline, IMHO.

[Aiphanes]

Driving down Riverside today from 71 to I-35, I noticed that the skyline looked incredible from that angle. I drive down this road almost everyday but only today did I truly notice it. Legacy makes a massive impact from this angle and really adds to the overall skyline. And, looking at where cranes are, this angle is going to get even better. From this view you are basically looking up the river so the buildings look much closer together, adding to the effect. I would go far as to say that it is probably one of the best places to view the changing skyline, IMHO.

You need to take a picture from this angle!

[Myomi]

I wish I could, but I am just a poor college student with no camera :shrug: