AUSTIN | The Independent | 690 FEET | 58 FLOORS | Complete

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

5th & West is kind of stealing the show back there in Keith's photo. Nice pics, guys.

I thought the same thing. My gaze keeps getting drawn to 5th & West. It's going to be a pretty slick building.

[IluvATX]

Originally Posted by AustinGoesVertical

So with the windows, the rendering shows white metal trim that extends a few inches out and rides down the whole building (there's a more technical term for these dividers... something that starts with "G") but right now the windows are more seamless. I kind of like it how it looks now and it seems like if they were going to add the trim, it would be appearing already. Thoughts?

The curtain wall system seems to be different from the renderings. The stops on the Windows are not there because of the system.

[hookem]

The floors were really going up fast on this one, except the current one (with the trusses and higher ceiling). However, I'm wondering why the glass just stalled out under the first floorplate "shift"? I can't wait til they start getting past that level with the glass, because that's when the "Jenga" effect is really going to start being noticable.

[AustinGoesVertical]

Originally Posted by IluvATX

The curtain wall system seems to be different from the renderings. The stops on the Windows are not there because of the system.

So do you think they might never put the stops in? I like the flow of the building without them.

[H2O]

Originally Posted by hookem

The floors were really going up fast on this one, except the current one (with the trusses and higher ceiling). However, I'm wondering why the glass just stalled out under the first floorplate "shift"? I can't wait til they start getting past that level with the glass, because that's when the "Jenga" effect is really going to start being noticable.

I suspect they are concentrating on getting the first tier dried in so they can begin conditioning the space and installing drywall. With a building this large, they will almost certainly be delivering units in phases.

[IluvATX]

Originally Posted by AustinGoesVertical

So do you think they might never put the stops in? I like the flow of the building without them.

What we see is the finished product. Nothing will be added to the Windows.

[AustinGoesVertical]

Originally Posted by IluvATX

What we see is the finished product. Nothing will be added to the Windows.

Thanks, I'm really liking how this one is coming together.

[IluvATX]

Noticed this floor is also thicker. As in the slab.

[hequals2henry]

Something I've noticed in the skyline cam is that it doesn't do the height of the Independent justice. It's close to the height of 500 West 2nd now, but it appears much shorter in the cam because it's further. It's also much taller than Seaholm now.

[corvairkeith]

Today

[Armybrat]

Is that arched 2nd Street bridge for pedestrians& bike traffic only?

[drummer]

Originally Posted by Armybrat

Is that arched 2nd Street bridge for pedestrians& bike traffic only?

No, vehicular traffic as well. Sidewalks on either side of a two-lane road. 2nd Street will continue to West Ave.

[Jdawgboy]

Looks like there will be restaurant space fronting Shoal Creek along what looks to be a continuation of improved walkways. Saw the signs by the 3rd Street pedestrian bridge. Would be cool to see retail as well.


Oh and a page or two back someone asked if there was a hum from the power station and I can confirm that there is indeed a buzzing hum. Since the power station is mostly on the south half of that lot, you can't hear it walking between it and the Independent but can towards the Seaholm Residency building and public Library.

[Strayone]

Originally Posted by AustinGoesVertical

What's with the discoloration of some of the glass panels? They're almost turquoise. One full strip on the south facing side and then three strips on the east facing side. Wonder what's up. Don't remember that being evident in the renderings.

It could be shade from another building?

[Strayone]

Originally Posted by IluvATX

Noticed this floor is also thicker. As in the slab.

Yep and looking at the first juxtapositioned floor it also looks thicker...likely a necessary element for the overhangs. So those floors are thicker to give additional support...likely not needed but gives the stress point more strength.

[Sigaven]

Originally Posted by Strayone

Yep and looking at the first juxtapositioned floor it also looks thicker...likely a necessary element for the overhangs. So those floors are thicker to give additional support...likely not needed but gives the stress point more strength.

I thought I also saw cables attached to the columns supporting the cantilevered floors.

[H2O]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

Looks like there will be restaurant space fronting Shoal Creek along what looks to be a continuation of improved walkways. Saw the signs by the 3rd Street pedestrian bridge. Would be cool to see retail as well.


Oh and a page or two back someone asked if there was a hum from the power station and I can confirm that there is indeed a buzzing hum. Since the power station is mostly on the south half of that lot, you can't hear it walking between it and the Independent but can towards the Seaholm Residency building and public Library.

In addition to the Cookbook Café, the Library also contains a Recycled Reads bookstore and gift shop facing 2nd Street.

[myBrain]

From yesterday:





My favorite view of this thing is from Shoal Creek. There's a lot of foliage and then this thing just pops up out of nowhere. Doesn't feel like you're downtown at all.

[drummer]

^ Yeah, I like that view as well. The only problem is that the shifts go east and west so they aren't as noticeable unless you're viewing it from the north or south.

[myBrain]

This thing is starting to look massive from different parts of downtown: