SAN ANTONIO | Photos & Videos Thread

[miaht82]

Originally Posted by Boquillas

The problem with the west bank of the river there where the ES sits is there is a massive 15 foot-high retaining wall that stretches from Houston to Travis. Eliminating that wall might likely have been expensive from an engineering standpoint.

That could be part of the problem... that plus they had to maximize the underground parking (which sits right behind that wall.) I feel like they could've done a better job "meeting" the river though, kind of like the way Acenar or a few other balcony-by-the-river type restaurants are. Right now, it feels so seperated, like Mexican Manhattan is on that same side of the river.

[arturo_pro]

Originally Posted by JACKinNYC

I remember when SA had the taller skyline. Now it unfortunately needs a vertically stretched photo to keep up with Austin..

u can see in that picture, austin skyline its taller.

[miaht82]

Originally Posted by JACKinNYC

I remember when SA had the taller skyline. Now it unfortunately needs a vertically stretched photo to keep up with Austin.

Not only does it make us look taller, but it also makes us appear slimmer; at least thats what we were told.

[Boquillas]

Originally Posted by miaht82

That could be part of the problem... that plus they had to maximize the underground parking (which sits right behind that wall.) I feel like they could've done a better job "meeting" the river though, kind of like the way Acenar or a few other balcony-by-the-river type restaurants are. Right now, it feels so seperated, like Mexican Manhattan is on that same side of the river.

Agreed. The irony is the river side is the best side of the building. The Houston side is ho-hum, the Soledad side north of the entrance is worse, and the Travis side is just plain awful. Metal garage doors facing the Milam Building, like Travis is some kind of alley. There is no real street-level engagement with this building except on Houston. At least it's not as long as the Westin, but it's still a street-wall killer.

[max7]

I remember when SA had the taller skyline. Now it unfortunately needs a vertically stretched photo to keep up with Austin. Nice contrast though, Arturo.

Unfortunately, JackinNYC not all of Austin residents get to enjoy the 55 stories up in the air that the Austonian is. You have to be a resident of the Austonian, so you can only LOOK at it. However, on the other hand, ALL of San Antonio residents get to enjoy the Tower of the Americas which is 622 feet up in the air! Now you tell me would you rather LOOK at a building or go to the TOP of it? That's a no-brainer don't you think so. Moreover, I think that it is the TALLEST OBSERVATION TOWER IN TEXAS where EVERONE can actually go up to the TOP and enjoy it.

By the way, your from NY what's the progress on the new WORLD TRADE CENTER? I am going to the grand opening.

[KevinFromTexas]

Originally Posted by max7

Now you tell me would you rather LOOK at a building or go to the TOP of it

Depends on what it looks like. Luckily I've done both on both structures. I'm actually happy with looking at it. It's windy as hell up there. Not the most hospitable place for taking photos. So I kind of feel like what's the point if I'm worried about my camera, tripod and me getting blown off.

[JACKinBeantown]

Originally Posted by max7

Unfortunately, JackinNYC not all of Austin residents get to enjoy the 55 stories up in the air that the Austonian is. You have to be a resident of the Austonian, so you can only LOOK at it. However, on the other hand, ALL of San Antonio residents get to enjoy the Tower of the Americas which is 622 feet up in the air! Now you tell me would you rather LOOK at a building or go to the TOP of it? That's a no-brainer don't you think so. Moreover, I think that it is the TALLEST OBSERVATION TOWER IN TEXAS where EVERONE can actually go up to the TOP and enjoy it.

By the way, your from NY what's the progress on the new WORLD TRADE CENTER? I am going to the grand opening.

Actually, I grew up in San Antonio and went to UT Austin. I've enjoyed going up the Tower of the Americas many times, and I think SA is doing a pretty good job of retaining the feel of its downtown (much to the chagrin of those who would like more tall buildings more quickly). But I was only making a little comment on the fact that the photo was stretched... that's all.

One World Trade Center is about the same height as the Tower of the Americas now, funny you should ask. Although it's still only about the 20th tallest in downtown Manhattan.

[arturo_pro]

lets make a point here, it doesnt matter if the skyline is taller or not but we all know san antonio skyline is truely unique and beautiful, and I do think is the best one in Texas...

[JACKinBeantown]

Toosh (touché).

Agreed.

[Lando]

All taken by me 7-27-11

[KevinFromTexas]

Cool. I like that area. I have a feeling I'll be visiting it almost every time I'm in San Antonio. I enjoyed it the last time I was there last year.