[Blakesalot!]

This is the first notice of the launch of a spectacular website with a flash piece of downtown Austin unlike anything done before. The website which combines the skills of a pilot, writer and two web design companies and a vision of normal Austin guy will be a focal point for anyone who has an interest in condos in downtown Austin. The website will be complete in about a month.

Josh

That's a cool front picture, but I think Priller deserves to be credited for the renderings. ;)

Blake

[priller]

So did anyone get any photos of the fireworks? I missed them actually.

I got some shots, but my laptop is in the shop. :(


By the way though, there's a sweet photo in today's paper of the fireworks that was taken from the 45th floor of The Austonian. Check it out.

Yeah, that was a pretty cool shot. There are also a lot of nice shots on Flickr. Here are a few:

By redcti:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3689537362_7720998022_o.jpg

By Dons:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3689448528_41cf37044a_b.jpg


I wasn't aware they had other fireworks going off at the Austin Country Club. Cool shot here by Jim Nix:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3694478826_acf4d9dfb4_b.jpg

[chewy]

"Inspired" by recent comments about how much development has occured downtown in the last decade, I invite the younger folks and the Austin noobies to rent the movie Slacker and see how it used to be. Namely, the "Madonna's pubic hair" scene where you can see exactly how run down the Warehouse District used to be.

On another note, (1) the Fondren has topped out but I don't think there'll be a tree and (2) we've begun design on Fondren's condo unit MEP design (base building MEP belong's to someone else and the retail/office/bar is still undecided).

Isn't AustinSkyscrapers a character? Just sayin'...

[Myomi]

:previous:

I was wondering when someone would finally say something. I guess that is one way to put it. :jester:

[Scottolini]

I've actually seen Slacker. It's been a while, though. I think I should take another peek.

One of my biggest memories of the area from the mid-nineties is that the city had a rather large (it took up the whole block) day laborer facility right on Cesar Chavez. I believe it was where the westernmost Silicon Labs building currently sits.

I was too young at the time to really remember the eighties highrise boom. I have seen photos of the skyline during the time. I wonder how you would compare the eighties versus the 2000s highrise boom. Which added more highrises downtown? Obviously the 2000s added a lot more height, but when compared to what was there before, were the 80s just as skyline changing? More?

Undoubtedly the 2000s will go down as a more healthy boom, though. We added apartments, condominiums, hotels, office buildings, retail, as well as infrastructure improvements downtown. The eighties was dominated by office space, with little ground floor retail.

[M1EK]

The problem with tolling existing highways [...]

And by the way, I assume you are speaking about someone else when referring to "anti toll kooks".

Nope. You. Anybody who uses the phrase "tolling existing highways" when that's not actually what's happening sets off one of my anti-toll-kook-sensors. You actually set off several more with your inaccurate description of our government (we're a republic, not a democracy); your oh-so-typical complaints that tolls are UNFAIR!!!!1; etc.

Capitalism at its simplest is the idea that anything that is non-trivially 'scarce' should be rationed by means of price if possible. Communism, by the way, at its simplest is the idea that a scarce good should be rationed by long lines, if you're lucky, or central planning otherwise. Which one sounds more like clogged 'free'ways to you?

[AustinSkyscrapers]

I got some shots, but my laptop is in the shop. :(




Yeah, that was a pretty cool shot. There are also a lot of nice shots on Flickr. Here are a few:

By redcti:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3689537362_7720998022_o.jpg

By Dons:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3689448528_41cf37044a_b.jpg


I wasn't aware they had other fireworks going off at the Austin Country Club. Cool shot here by Jim Nix:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3694478826_acf4d9dfb4_b.jpg

Really cool pic find, priller. Love that one with Spring-AMLI II. Sadly, I was in Steiner Ranch during the July 3-4 fireworks and in Houston during the July 4-5 fireworks.

[chewy]

I've actually seen Slacker. It's been a while, though. I think I should take another peek.

One of my biggest memories of the area from the mid-nineties is that the city had a rather large (it took up the whole block) day laborer facility right on Cesar Chavez. I believe it was where the westernmost Silicon Labs building currently sits.

I was too young at the time to really remember the eighties highrise boom. I have seen photos of the skyline during the time. I wonder how you would compare the eighties versus the 2000s highrise boom. Which added more highrises downtown? Obviously the 2000s added a lot more height, but when compared to what was there before, were the 80s just as skyline changing? More?

Undoubtedly the 2000s will go down as a more healthy boom, though. We added apartments, condominiums, hotels, office buildings, retail, as well as infrastructure improvements downtown. The eighties was dominated by office space, with little ground floor retail.

I remember it too...only I THINK it was actually located on the City Hall block. Liberty Lunch was where the Silicon Labs building is. But yeah, the expanse of mostly abandoned warehouses with busted out glass is a vivid memory. The Kids museum building is about the only building in the immediate City Hall vicinity that's still standing from those days. I've been here since 87 and it's been amazing watching the change.

Cedar Park used to be out in the middle of nowhere (you had to take a left at the LIGHT at Mopac and 183 to get there), the Arboretum area was forest, Southpark Meadows was a pasture/concert venue, there were 6 high rises downtown, and SoCo is where the "ladies of the night" would venture.

[Scottolini]

But don't you know, all these tall buildings that yuppie Californians are moving into (although they're all empty and doomed to fail, confusing I know) are ruining the character of Austin. Empty, dilapidated warehouses, surface parking lots, etc. are what made Austin special. South Congress used to be much better when you could easily get a crack rock and a prostitute all in one place. It was the Wal-Mart of the underworld.;)

[priller]

The "warehouse district" was an upgrade from what it used to be. Back around 1900 that area was called "Guy Town" -- the red light district. Between Guadalupe and Colorado, from 5th street to the river.

This neighborhood was home to hundreds of prostitutes, slowly building momentum from the early 1870s until its eventual shutdown by moral crusaders in 1913. In 1880, for example, there were about a hundred prostitutes, or fully 5% of Austin's female population aged 18-44.

http://www.historyhouse.com/img/c/guy_town_map.gif

There were also many complaints of public drunkenness, loud music, and "vile talk". Well, some things haven't changed!

The top brothel was owned by Blanche Dumont. It was located where Oil Can Harry's is now.

More interesting reading at: http://www.historyhouse.com/in_history/guy_town/

[chewy]

The "warehouse district" was an upgrade from what it used to be. Back around 1900 that area was called "Guy Town" -- the red light district. Between Guadalupe and Colorado, from 5th street to the river.

There were also many complaints of public drunkenness, loud music, and "vile talk". Well, some things haven't changed!

The top brothel was owned by Blanche Dumont. It was located where Oil Can Harry's is now.

More interesting reading at: http://www.historyhouse.com/in_history/guy_town/

Who are you to say it was an upgrade? Certain folks have their needs, okay? :haha: Has anyone read/seen anywhere what kinds of goodies were found in the earth during the excavations for all the new warehouse district buildings?

[zx14]

still on 51? NO need to rest on their lorals being satisfied with the tallest record. Tell them to hurry!:whip: :jester:

[priller]

No, they're up on 52 now, although it did take a little longer than usual. I don't know if that was due to the extreme heat or rain or some construction issue. I have pictures but, as I said earlier, laptop troubles, so the photos are still on the camera.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

No, it's a usual hype when they get a record, like when 360 got a record there was a slow down, not that much though like the Austonian.
Austonian looking good during sunsets. :-)
Aerials of Austin:

Lake Travis:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3695715396_d7dcb152d8.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3694906689_83b288a700.jpg?v=0

360 Bridge:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3694908211_694e0cfe31.jpg?v=0

UT & Downtown:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3694910025_ae53a2241a.jpg?v=0

DKR:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/3695722352_296375a7f3.jpg?v=0

Downtown:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/3695723958_cf6e06c73e.jpg?v=0

Credits to rhoby13 for posting these on the Austin Update Thread. (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=104192&page=278)

You can see the Austonian on 52.

[the Genral]

Check out "Outlaw Blues" on DVD starring Peter Fonda if you want to see 1977 Austin. There is a car chase scene through DT (the color of the APD cars was accurate through the 80's) and they drove a boat over a dam on lake Austin. Compare 1977 DT from the movie with the 80's boom and you'll see how dramatic the change was. The construction stretched from the Capitol building to the river. Stevie Ray V. made a music video which included him falling out of the Towers Of Town Lake condo which was under construction, the One American Center was featured in a John Travolta movie (Michael) super-imposed in a DT Chicago scene. One Ameican seems to have lost her appeal. No one comments about her anymore. I still think its a great structure especially viewed from I35. Its always Frost Frost Frost. Ahhh wish you all could have seen her going up. It was a sweet sight watching her grow. Timing an Airline flying over 35 landing at the old airport was pretty cool too. They came in so low the highway lights were stunted so the planes wouldn't crash into them. The 80's...when the crane 'officailly' became the state bird, when there was serious talk of sealing the bottom of the Congress Ave Bridge to prevent the bats from nesting there. Good times...good times...
The 2000's boom is growing taller with nicer, more modern looking buildings, but what made Austin, 'Austin' happened long before then. She's just wearing new clothes now.

[Strayone]

Hey Bicen that is a groovy vid, nice shots of DT and who doesn't like Bike Jousting?:D Keep em comin. Anyone know how high the W is now, I can see it popping up over West campus/Pease pk. now and it can't more than what... 10 floors? It will have a noticeable impact on that area when it is topped out.

[MichaelB]

"Inspired" by recent comments about how much development has occured downtown in the last decade, I invite the younger folks and the Austin noobies to rent the movie Slacker and see how it used to be. Namely, the "Madonna's pubic hair" scene where you can see exactly how run down the Warehouse District used to be.

On another note, (1) the Fondren has topped out but I don't think there'll be a tree and (2) we've begun design on Fondren's condo unit MEP design (base building MEP belong's to someone else and the retail/office/bar is still undecided).

Isn't AustinSkyscrapers a character? Just sayin'...

A:.... do you know if there are still going to be light features on the side of the Fondren? If so.... what kind?

B: Yep.

[KevinFromTexas]

So they're finished with the main roof of Fondren. Have they finished the mechanical penthouse yet? Is it completely topped out? I saw it the other day from I-35, and it didn't seem to be, then again I might have missed it.

[MichaelB]

So they're finished with the main roof of Fondren. Have they finished the mechanical penthouse yet? Is it completely topped out? I saw it the other day from I-35, and it didn't seem to be, then again I might have missed it.

Not finished with all the mechanicals. There looks to be an area for the elevator stuff that is on the south end of the building that is yet to be finished. Not sure where all the mechanicals are going. There looks to be something like "cabanna's" on the roof. Looks like that will not be a concrete poor. There is also a large hole in the roof of the garage in the back. wondering if some of the mechanicals may go there.

Chewy.... do you know the answers? Mine are guessing.

[KevinFromTexas]

Chewy, was it you that mentioned Fondren would be 143 feet tall? Do you know how tall it'll be to the main roof and mechanical penthouse? Or to the highest architectural point?

[chewy]

Check out "Outlaw Blues" on DVD starring Peter Fonda if you want to see 1977 Austin. There is a car chase scene through DT (the color of the APD cars was accurate through the 80's) and they drove a boat over a dam on lake Austin.

Timing an Airline flying over 35 landing at the old airport was pretty cool too. They came in so low the highway lights were stunted so the planes wouldn't crash into them.

Great stuff. I sure miss the baby blue Crown Vic's APD used to drive. No I don't.

Fondren: Final slab was poured last week...penthouse/restrooms aren't done. Backlit art deco "fins" are still in on either side. Roof, penthouse, and architectural feature's ("fins") heights are 120'-4", 132'-5.5", and 145'-2.75" respectively. HVAC will be in the lower floors...hole in the garage is where the condensers will be blasting out.

[MichaelB]

Great stuff. I sure miss the baby blue Crown Vic's APD used to drive. No I don't.

Fondren: Final slab was poured last week...penthouse/restrooms aren't done. Backlit art deco "fins" are still in on either side. Roof, penthouse, and architectural feature's ("fins") heights are 120'-4", 132'-5.5", and 145'-2.75" respectively. HVAC will be in the lower floors...hole in the garage is where the condensers will be blasting out.

Thanks for the info...... last question

Will the "fins" be a light fixture or an architectural feature that is lit? Make sense?

[AustinSkyscrapers]

W Austin Hotel & Residences: 9th Floor? -220.0FT-(elevation)
Austonian: 52nd Floor -582FT 11in. (Above ground level)

That is pretty much the report for today.
Priller has what I think a thousand photos. He'll post them soon. :)

[Scottolini]

Priller has what I think a thousand photos.

I know, he's using this excuse about "laptop problems", but he's really just being stingy with these photos. We have the right to see Priller!:jester:

[priller]

Hey, I just checked with the Apple Store, the laptop is supposed to be fixed sometime this evening. :pepper:

[the Genral]

Unscientific construction count;
I used Emporis as my main reference, all buildings, including schools and garages as they were built out of growth needs. Here's the rough but revealing results:
80's - 56
90's - 10
2000's - 80 and counting.
2000's clearly the winner, 90's, dead. What decade had the biggest impact in terms of all construction in the entire Austin area, including I35 corridor, 360,
Mopac, 183, including the Arboretum, you be the judge. My vote is still the
80's because of the huge amount of ground it covered. Almost all the major hotels along 35 from south of DT to Runberg, not to mention the Arboretum complex were built in the 80's including the 3 mids at 71 and 35. Credit UT for a good percentage of the 2000's #'s.

[Scottolini]

I am confused because Austin doesn't have that many highrises. If we're talking non-highrise development as well, then that's a whole other story. The 1990s had tons of development, just not much in the highrise category. And of course if non-highrise development is included the 2000s have been outrageous, and there's no way the 1980s could match. So many houses, schools, retail centers, hotels, office buildings, hospitals, etc. like never before in this region that have sprawled in every direction.

I think the 2000s have certainly been a bigger highrise boom in Austin than the 80s. But when you consider the change from 1980 to 1990, versus 2000 to 2010 I believe the 80s were more dramatic because we went from really nothing to something in the skyline dept. This time we're just going from small to midsized.

[the Genral]

The numbers I posted doesn't represent houses, apartment complexes, 7-Elevens, small strip centers, or just high-rises, and is not 100% accurate.
The purpose was to highlight the bigger impact projects throughout the city during the last 3 decades and to generate debate on which decade had a bigger impact.
I totally agree with Scottolini.

[zx14]

due to ridging and the overall dry airmass developing. Also due to the dry conditions on the ground. Expect a high tomorow of 106. and on thursday (I know the weatherservice is not calling for it ) a record breaking 108 to 110. This has set up simmilar to 2000. Temps are jumping with any sign of sunshine. just today the temp spiked to 101 after 6 when the sun came out from a cloudbank. Now when the clouds clear look out record books. Sorry dont mean to get off topic.:offtopic: Just think how the construction boom has caused an urban heat island. the more Austin builds the higher the temps near the center of town go. Also the temps at the Airport are higher because of the increased concrete parkinglots and such.

[KevinFromTexas]

Thanks for the info Chewy. I was just wondering, if La Vista on Lavaca has changed names and design and all, then why is the website still calling the building 'La Vista on Lavaca' and nothing seems to have changed in the plans. Why so?

http://www.lavistaonlavaca.com/

Just think how the construction boom has caused an urban heat island. the more Austin builds the higher the temps near the center of town go. Also the temps at the Airport are higher because of the increased concrete parkinglots and such.

Quick, someone grab a camera and find out what the heck they're doing in La Grange then, because man, it was 105F there the other day and only like 101F in Austin. La Grange, what you up to? Maybe the Chicken Ranch went urban. :shrug: I don't know.

[Dan Denson]

due to ridging and the overall dry airmass developing. Also due to the dry conditions on the ground. Expect a high tomorow of 106. and on thursday (I know the weatherservice is not calling for it ) a record breaking 108 to 110. This has set up simmilar to 2000. Temps are jumping with any sign of sunshine. just today the temp spiked to 101 after 6 when the sun came out from a cloudbank. Now when the clouds clear look out record books. Sorry dont mean to get off topic.:offtopic: Just think how the construction boom has caused an urban heat island. the more Austin builds the higher the temps near the center of town go. Also the temps at the Airport are higher because of the increased concrete parkinglots and such.

Although the urban heat island effect can increase the temperature by a few degrees, this three-week heat wave is the result of a persistent high pressure ridge over this part of the country. All areas, including rural areas unaffected by the urban heat island effect, are suffering through this ridiculous heat wave. Interestingly, Camp Mabry is running hotter than almost anywhere in central Texas. It didn't used to. I've been discussing this with other meteorolgists and found that the weather service has checked the Camp Mabry thermometer and found nothing wrong. However, the weather service allows a tolerance of plus or minus two degrees on its thermometers, so it's possible that the Camp Mabry thermometer is indeed reading high, but within "acceptable" tolerance. But no matter what, this is a historic heat wave (the worst in Austin's history).

[Dan Denson]

due to ridging and the overall dry airmass developing. Also due to the dry conditions on the ground. Expect a high tomorow of 106. and on thursday (I know the weatherservice is not calling for it ) a record breaking 108 to 110. This has set up simmilar to 2000. Temps are jumping with any sign of sunshine. just today the temp spiked to 101 after 6 when the sun came out from a cloudbank. Now when the clouds clear look out record books. Sorry dont mean to get off topic.:offtopic: Just think how the construction boom has caused an urban heat island. the more Austin builds the higher the temps near the center of town go. Also the temps at the Airport are higher because of the increased concrete parkinglots and such.

I should have mentioned that I didn't mean to say you were attributing the heat wave to just the urban heat island effect. I was just expanding on what you already mentioned. Thanks for bringng this up. You mentioned the year 2000...I remember when it got up to 112. It was terrible. I got home from work that day and my yard was all dried up even though I had watered the day before!

[KevinFromTexas]

Ah yes, the 112F in September of 2000. I was in College Station that day, and it was 115F there.

[StoOgE]

I've been running in the heat of the day (5-6 PM).. and honestly I've gotten really used to it. I sweat buckets and drink lots of water, but I'm starting to like the heat wave.

[Scottolini]

I don't care except I really do not like it being so dry. I'm ready for average, to above average rainfall for a couple of years.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Remember a really dry last year? It was just too dry!
2005's ACL Fest was one to remember. That dust cloud... pfftt!

Where is Priller's photos? He said he would post them yesterday.

[Mopacs]

I also have a few pics to post later today. They are of the skyline while driving back into town on 71 SE. Wow has that vantage point changed, especially from the elevated sections in front of ABIA. The Austonian is already popping up in unexpected places. For instance, I saw it poke above the horizon while still in Bastrop County (a few miles from the Travis Co. line). I will be out this weekend doing some additional "Austonian spotting"

[priller]

The laptop is back!!! These photos are from various days last week.

Some morning photos from the Hilton pool deck.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3702028300_eb923da488_o.jpg


Where are all the people, you may be wondering. The pool is in the shade most of the morning, and on this day they decided to clean the pool. During 4th of July holiday. Good thinking, guys!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/3701219623_d9ab99403d_o.jpg


Older part of downtown:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3701219909_6558733c4b_o.jpg


Austonian at 52 floors:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3702028572_042e09b217_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3701221899_2f32e9735c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3702030258_a4aede9df8_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3701222841_580ba3d254_o.jpg


W Hotel & Residences, on a gloomy morning:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3701220497_4acff1da9d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3702029344_0c3863e8c1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3701220671_8095368682_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/3702029492_637166edc9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3701221101_a4aaf7f668_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/3701221265_310d1d56b7_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/3702028732_fe6d9efdd9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3702030138_b0be441895_o.jpg


Some photos of the commuter rail, which they seem to be testing every day now.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/3701222297_300a741b4d_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2267/3702030684_9e21e7b48c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/3702031156_c20d17d824_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/3702031268_389ddd5d6d_o.jpg

[Scottolini]

I didn't realize that they still hadn't finished painting(?) the east side of Spring white.

I'm excited to see W start to make an impact in the skyline.

Austonian is awesome. Can't wait to see it topped out.

Four Seasons is going to look great when it's finished.

Thanks for sharing, Priller. It's about time!!!;)

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Whopee! Thanks for the photos priller. We are greatly updated!

Let me compare one of your photos with another one that I found on page 257 but wasn't posted there.

Now:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3702028572_042e09b217_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3516628571_804d7b845e_o.jpg

Loving it! ;)
And yea, post them on the update thread, W thread, Austonian thread, and others.


I'm excited to see W start to make an impact in the skyline.

Austonian is awesome. Can't wait to see it topped out.

Four Seasons is going to look great when it's finished.


Definitely agree with you.

[KevinFromTexas]

Great photos, priller. You always do such a good job of capturing whatever is happening in the scene and making it seem like it's happening live.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

...Is his talent and perfection.

[ahealy]

anyone know if Spring will have any lighting on the top?

[the Genral]

Thanks for the great pics Priller. I especially like the ones with the Frost and Austonian through the I-Beam section of the W.

[Mopacs]

Fantastic pics as always Priller! You have quite the captive audience on this message board.

So am I correct in assuming the crane will need to be jacked up one more time? As it appears now, the crane will just barely clear the 56th floor.

[Mopacs]

On another note, the Austonian is now visible from the top-level flyover at the 183/45 interchange (just south of Cedar Park). I believe a previous poster confirmed this as well. This is from approx 15-16 miles out, as the crow flies.

[Mopacs]

Here are a couple of drive-by skyline shots from this past Saturday

183 near Bolm Rd:
http://images110.fotki.com/v1539/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_1219-vi.jpg

TX 71 at ABIA

http://images50.fotki.com/v1524/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_1187-vi.jpg

183N at Mopac

http://images51.fotki.com/v1543/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_12422-vi.jpg

Here's a small peek of the Austonian from the western edge of Bastrop County on TX71 (top-left corner). I would say this is at least 17 miles out.

http://images51.fotki.com/v1542/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_1162-vi.jpg

[zx14]

i nailed that prediction of 106 for the high today.:worship: On a more serious note. Can anyone get a pic from the 183 and 620 top flyover. I have always wondered when downtown would be seen from there being so high up. I was disapointed when frost and 360 could not be seen. But now It looks like the Austonian will be visable from areas all around our great metro area.

[Mopacs]

i nailed that prediction of 106 for the high today.:worship: On a more serious note. Can anyone get a pic from the 183 and 620 top flyover. I have always wondered when downtown would be seen from there being so high up. I was disapointed when frost and 360 could not be seen. But now It looks like the Austonian will be visable from areas all around our great metro area.

I was the daredevil this afternoon and took a few photos from the apex of the ramp while driving. With the haze, the Austonian was very faint, but you can see the upper 10-15 floors or so.

This pic was taken at a rather wide angle (then cropped), so its not particularly easy to spot. Next time I'll have someone else drive and get my optical zoom groove going.

http://images110.fotki.com/v1539/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120674-vi.jpg

[Mopacs]

Original, wide-angled photo

http://images110.fotki.com/v1539/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120674a-vi.jpg

[Scottolini]

Downtown Austin skyline from Bastrop County?!? Crazy!:worship:

And is 183/45 interchange Williamson County? We need to see from which counties Austonian is visible.:)

[KevinFromTexas]

Very nice pics. I like that one along TX 71 with the power lines reflecting the light.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

anyone know if Spring will have any lighting on the top?

Check out the night rendering. It looks realistic, though that gray ground...

Fantastic pics as always Priller! You have quite the captive audience on this message board.

He has his talent.

So am I correct in assuming the crane will need to be jacked up one more time? As it appears now, the crane will just barely clear the 56th floor.

Yea, it'll need to be jumped again. 50FT to clear it needs.

On another note, the Austonian is now visible from the top-level flyover at the 183/45 interchange (just south of Cedar Park). I believe a previous poster confirmed this as well. This is from approx 15-16 miles out, as the crow flies.

Wow! I have never knew that Mopacs. Thanks for sharing

Here are a couple of drive-by skyline shots from this past Saturday

183 near Bolm Rd:
http://images110.fotki.com/v1539/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_1219-vi.jpg

TX 71 at ABIA

http://images50.fotki.com/v1524/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_1187-vi.jpg

183N at Mopac

http://images51.fotki.com/v1543/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_12422-vi.jpg

Here's a small peek of the Austonian from the western edge of Bastrop County on TX71 (top-left corner). I would say this is at least 17 miles out.

http://images51.fotki.com/v1542/photos/7/54967/7192871/DSC_1162-vi.jpg

Nice faraway pics.


I was the daredevil this afternoon and took a few photos from the apex of the ramp while driving. With the haze, the Austonian was very faint, but you can see the upper 10-15 floors or so.

This pic was taken at a rather wide angle (then cropped), so its not particularly easy to spot. Next time I'll have someone else drive and get my optical zoom groove going.

http://images110.fotki.com/v1539/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120674-vi.jpg

Wow. A little stump. The Austonian is 4 floors in there. ;)
Downtown Austin skyline from Bastrop County?!? Crazy!:worship:

Craazy indeed!

And is 183/45 interchange Williamson County? We need to see from which counties Austonian is visible.:)

Only if you were a daredevil....:haha:

[jowens]

I spotted the Austonian from the Hill Country Galleria Parking Garages this past weekend. No other DT structures can be seen from there.

[Scottolini]

OMG! You went to the HCG?!? That place is a vile wretched, stain upon the Earth. Only suburban trash would ever even consider stepping foot near that place.

Now that I got that out of the way...Pretty awesome you can see the Austonian from Bee Cave.




Disclaimer: If due to the unfortunate scenario in which your sarcasm detector is malfunctioning, and you are offended by these comments, then please accept my preemptive apology.

[zx14]

I can see it now. Texas size tall tales about seeing the Austonian far away. Lets keep it real guys and gals. And keep that construction forman from the vidio off this sight. He will top us all saying he saw it from the top of chase bank in Houston.:yuck:

[KevinFromTexas]

Show the man some respect though, after all he is the one who told me how tall the building would be. There are plenty of architects, developers and construction managers who either have conflicting information (between those three sources) or are simply unwilling to give out that information. Eventually I find out their heights anyway, but hey, at least a few of them are cool and are happy to share their project with just about anyone who will ask.

[zx14]

Yeah Kevin your right. He knows better and what he said on the video was just for pub. Also to emphesize the height of the tower and hit a home run. Marketing move supreme. Sounds like he is a realy cool person if he gave you that info.

[Mopacs]

Wow. A little stump. The Austonian is 4 floors in there. ;)


I know, right? Having said that, the ground elevation at 183/45 is somewhere in the neighborhood of 450-500ft higher than where the Austonian is situated. Not to mention, it sits atop a large plateau.

The flyover towers over a massive 5-level interchange, and rises at least 120+ feet above the ground-level. Its comparable in height with the nearby Tower of the Hills (approx 145 feet). This is the only reason you can spot the Austonian in the first place. Now if downtown was situated in the vicinity of Ben White/35, you'd have a vast (albeit distant) view of the skyline.

[chewy]

Thanks for the info...... last question

Will the "fins" be a light fixture or an architectural feature that is lit? Make sense?

I believe it's backlit translucent material, or possibly even perforated.

Whomever referred to the "Lavista" web site, it's just there because it hasn't been removed yet. Check out www.fondrenaustin.com.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Question: Has W reached the 9th floor yet? Just wondering...

[priller]

Question: Has W reached the 9th floor yet? Just wondering...

Yes they have.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3702030138_b0be441895_o.jpg

[AustinSkyscrapers]

I was a bit to lazy to count the floors on your update. :slob:



priller=Picture Manager
Mopacs=Calculations...
KevinFromTexas=Main Updater/Administrator

Oh whatever. Do what you want. :rolleyes:

[jowens]

OMG! You went to the HCG?!? That place is a vile wretched, stain upon the Earth. Only suburban trash would ever even consider stepping foot near that place.

Now that I got that out of the way...Pretty awesome you can see the Austonian from Bee Cave.




Disclaimer: If due to the unfortunate scenario in which your sarcasm detector is malfunctioning, and you are offended by these comments, then please accept my preemptive apology.

FYI, I held my nose and left virtually no carbon footprint while viewing from this God-forbidden, environmentally in-sensitive, commercial out-post of capitalism! :D

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Would seem stinky to be. Hold your noses!



The Austonian's History
All of these by priller: (Except those I mention)
The Site Prep By Mopacs:

http://images27.fotki.com/v1023/photos/5/54967/4687436/DSC_5557-vi.jpg
A Year Ago (By one day):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2632510530_7614d9116a_o.jpg
Somewhere in between:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3516628571_804d7b845e_o.jpg
Now:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3702028572_042e09b217_o.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

I noticed the W peeking over City Hall while driving south over the bridge on Congress this afternoon. It's taller than both the CSC and Silicon Labs buildings. And it's making a sizable impact while driving south on Guadalupe.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

When do you expect it to be prominent from your location Kevin?

[KevinFromTexas]

When do you expect it to be prominent from your location Kevin?

Probably not until it reaches about 300 feet, so probably not until it gets close to the 25th floor. But it should stand out big time. 360 is very prominent around here, and the W will be 2 feet taller and I'll be seeing it from the broad-side.

[austin242]

I was just looking at the new courthouse renderings and just thought, looks pretty boring :slob: but yet cool at the same time I am looking forward to seeing it in real life hope it looks good. :fingerscrossed:

http://www.msmearch.com/gov_civic/austin_courthouse.html

[crewer]

I was just looking at the new courthouse renderings and just thought, looks pretty boring :slob: but yet cool at the same time I am looking forward to seeing it in real life hope it looks good. :fingerscrossed:

http://www.msmearch.com/gov_civic/austin_courthouse.html

I think it's pretty impressive, particularly if you look at the interior renderings and animation included on that site. But don't be surprised if there's modification to the current design since that rendering is several years old. I read somewhere about that. Does anyone recall?

[StoOgE]

I really want them to get on with the new courhouse because they would probably redo republic square at the same time.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Fed Courthouse looks cool to me, and original.

[Scottolini]

I think it's pretty impressive, particularly if you look at the interior renderings and animation included on that site. But don't be surprised if there's modification to the current design since that rendering is several years old. I read somewhere about that. Does anyone recall?

It is several years old. However, being that construction is starting this year, I don't see them doing many, if any changes to the project at this point.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

I don't think it will change.

[austin242]

I wonder when they will give us renderings of what republic park will look like in the future.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Well it currently looks like this:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/images/repsq_1-22-03_2b.jpg
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/republicsq.htm

Is the Austonian on floor 53?

[tgbAustinite]

Well it currently looks like this:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/images/repsq_1-22-03_2b.jpg
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/republicsq.htm

Is the Austonian on floor 53?

that's an old rendering. is there a more recent one?

[AustinSkyscrapers]

No. I just put that up to show what it is now. Only other ones are of the current one are pictures, not renders. Nothing showing the new one though.

[Mopacs]

Looks like the 53rd floor of the Austonian is going up this weekend. I took some pics downtown late yesterday, and will of course post soon. Lookin' good!

[AustinSkyscrapers]

You mean tomorrow? Just for correction.
Okay, everyone, go to The Austonian Blog (http://theaustonianblog.typepad.com/) and go to the post for July 6th, 2009. There is a slideshow of July 4th festivities on the 45th floor of the Austonian. I credit Tmitchel555 for the images.



http://pic.photobucket.com/spacer.gif

[Mopacs]

Looks like the 53rd floor of the Austonian is going up this weekend. I took some pics downtown late yesterday, and will of course post soon. Lookin' good!

Here are some drive-by's from yesterday evening

http://images49.fotki.com/v1496/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120963-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1514/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120964-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1528/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120967-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1513/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120979-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1542/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130010-vi.jpg

http://images49.fotki.com/v1511/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130012-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1524/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130026-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1525/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120933-vi.jpg

http://images46.fotki.com/v1518/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120935-vi.jpg
http://images50.fotki.com/v1524/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130070-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1522/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130080-vi.jpg


http://images51.fotki.com/v1541/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130176-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1525/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1130180-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1528/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120847-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1543/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120857-vi.jpg

http://images46.fotki.com/v1518/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120880-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v1542/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120765-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1523/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120800-vi.jpg

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Okay now for stuff:

Highrise Update:

Austonian: Working on its 52nd floor, almost to the next floor. 52nd floor ~50% complete. Crane at 676"
W Austin Hotel @ Residences: 9th floor in the works, workers trying to buff up construction speed. Cranes at 210"+ and 150"+
Ashton: Topped out, lobby work, currently leasing. Lighting has been activated.
Spring: Topped out, currently leasing. Lighting has been activated
Four Seasons Residences: Topped out, glass installation now up to 21/31 floors+Mechanical Penthouse. Crane at 420"+


It your last photo Mopacs, you can barely notice the W Austin Hotel & Residences poking up above the CSC buildings immediately left of the Hobbs building.

BTW, Legacy to me reminds me of a sore thumb sticking out of nowhere. Hotel Van Zandt might fix that a little.

In about a little more than half a month they are going to have to jump that crane for the Austonian.


Austonian Events:

June 30, 2009: The Austonian Becomes The Tallest Building In Austin. Me: "WOOT! This is tallest in Austin!"
July 21, 2009: Anticipated Structual Top Out/Floor 56 is complete. Me: "We only need that crown..."
September 12, 2009: Ballet Austin Fete'ish at the Austonian. Me: :-)
December 2009: Glass Crown is complete. Me: "All you need is housework people. Good job".

[austex]

BTW, Legacy to me reminds me of a sore thumb sticking out of nowhere. Hotel Van Zandt might fix that a little.



Legacy is stucco and will always be a sore thumb...as long as one can see it.

Stucco needs to be used on less than 20% of the exterior of a highrise. It was used effectively on the 360 and poorly on Legacy, Hilton and Shore. Stucco molds and stains in our climate and just looks cheap.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

You're correct. It will always be a sore thumb...

[austin242]

Thank's for those renders AustinSkyscrapers :tup:

[Scottolini]

In that photo it looks isolated, but you can't see Shore or the Holiday Inn and Tower on the Lake which are all very nearby. Plus, you have to remember it was only a few years ago this area was zoned to allow highrise buildings. More will be built over time. As far as the stucco, that is another discussion altogether.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Thank's for those renders AustinSkyscrapers :tup:

What do you mean by my renders? I haven't done any to the sort.

[austin242]

The republic square renders

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Oh yea. You're Welcome. :haha:

[tgbAustinite]

great pix mopacs, thank you!
that shot from joe's crab shack is going to be amazing once four seasons, austonian, and w is complete!:cheers:

[zx14]

with the elevator housing and the 52nd floor now complete. Do we now have a 600 footer?

[the Genral]

Legacy is stucco and will always be a sore thumb...as long as one can see it.

Stucco needs to be used on less than 20% of the exterior of a highrise. It was used effectively on the 360 and poorly on Legacy, Hilton and Shore. Stucco molds and stains in our climate and just looks cheap.

No matter what the Legacy is made of, I like the height and over-all design of this building, especially for this part of DT. It is better than nothing, and I don't think we'll see anything higher anytime soon near by. Speaking of sore thumb...ASHTON!!!

[KevinFromTexas]

Great pics, Mopacs!

with the elevator housing and the 52nd floor now complete. Do we now have a 600 footer?

The building will hit the 600 foot mark between the 53rd & 54th floors. The 53rd floor is at 595 feet 2 inches, while the 54th floor is at 607 feet 5 inches. After that it's just one more floor until the building reaches the main roof at 621 feet 11 inches. Basically the same height as the roof of the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio. The last two floors will be inside the penthouse.

[migol24]

http://images50.fotki.com/v1523/photos/7/54967/7192871/P1120800-vi.jpgthis is your most pretentious photo ever... haha j/k

i just love that bird flying through... it's great!

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Destined to be a classic, as well as that Joe's Crab Shack picture but in the future.

[Mopacs]

this is your most pretentious photo ever... haha j/k

i just love that bird flying through... it's great!

The bird flew into the frame... didn't even realize until after I came home! Happens to me all the time. While on a cruise a few weeks ago, I took a sweeping shot of the pool area from above, and somehow a smart-allecky kid popped into the photo and waved. I have no recollection of it either!

[AustinSkyscrapers]

Ha ha. :haha:

[zx14]

That is true about the Austonians Height reaching 600 feet between the 53rd and 54th floors. However if you look at the floor of floor 53 at 595 feet. The elevator housing appears to be higher than that atleast by 5 feet. That means we have points on the tower that are already at 600 feet.

[AustinSkyscrapers]

zx14, looks like it's about time to start your 600 ft countdown you said on the 288th page on this forum because it is floor 53.

[StoOgE]

You know what I just noticed. Our tallest building just over 5 years ago is really not even visible in most downtown shots anymore.