AUSTIN | Ikon Austin (Town Lake Lofts, East Ave Apts, One) | 353' | 30 FLRS | Pro

[KevinFromTexas]

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11093110

The applicant is proposing to construct a multifamily building with associated improvements.


The address is 16 North Interstate 35.

http://i.imgur.com/NdWVTrF.jpg

[ahealy]

what a beautiful parking garage that is!

[The ATX]

what a beautiful parking garage that is!

Maybe they don't want to upstage their neighbor - that two tower Holiday Inn gem.

[ahealy]

Maybe they don't want to upstage their neighbor - that two tower Holiday Inn gem.

Yeah, we have yet another 50% parking garage gem of a building!

[the Genral]

Yep, here we go again, we got us another one. But as we discussed before, its cheaper and quicker to build above ground parking. The alternative would be the Skyhouse route, a seperate detached garage, not possible on this particular parcel and even if it was, it would look worse. I don't think this design looks bad though. Nice mid rise for this location. I am waiting to see an above ground parking structure with a pool on top then seperate the condos by setting it on top of columns or piers above the parking, so there is an obvious gap between the two, kind of like a few of Miami's condos.

[bigdogc]

Theres a condo just NORTH of here called the shore. Funny how they choose their names.

[KevinFromTexas]

I don't mind the parking levels, provided they disguise them a bit, but I'm not a fan of the boxy look. If ever there was a lot in Austin that was crying for a curved tower, this is it. Because of the location, I worry that the building will appear clumsy.

Also, in the rendering, it shows what appears to be a pier or something jutting out into the water that seems to just hang there.

[MightyYoda]

Parking garages at this current time is just something we have to accept. However, this design is uninspired and the parking garage isn't tastefully hidden for such a prominent location.

[SkyPie]

Also, in the rendering, it shows what appears to be a pier or something jutting out into the water that seems to just hang there.

That's actually the existing concrete boat ramp. It does look like it's hanging over the water in the rendering but there's actually a strip of grass between the trail and the lake and that is what the rendering is trying to depict.

Oh, and agree about the design. Uninspired and boxy.

[LoneStarMike]

Also, in the rendering, it shows what appears to be a pier or something jutting out into the water that seems to just hang there.

It looks like a boat launch to me.

[ahealy]

Rainey is already a cluster f*ck of a neighborhood...Heck, Austin is a giant cluster f*ck when it comes to transportation! Developers really need to start thinking outside of the 8 level parking garage box.

It's sort of like adding a bunch of boats to a dried up lake. It just isn't smart...

[MightyYoda]

Rainey is already a cluster f*ck of a neighborhood...Heck, Austin is a giant cluster f*ck when it comes to transportation! Developers really need to start thinking outside of the 8 level parking garage box.

It's sort of like adding a bunch of boats to a dried up lake. It just isn't smart...

Honestly, that isn't up to the developers. Developers will do whatever they need to make a property work. It is why the forced parking requirement was silly. If a development needs parking, they will do it whether that is building or leasing. Austin as a city needs to provide better options so that developers can do something besides build parking garages.

[ATXboom]

Honestly, that isn't up to the developers. Developers will do whatever they need to make a property work. It is why the forced parking requirement was silly. If a development needs parking, they will do it whether that is building or leasing. Austin as a city needs to provide better options so that developers can do something besides build parking garages.

I have to imagine there is an inverse correlation between mass transit and parking. ex: better mass transit = less parking space

[The ATX]

...Heck, Austin is a giant cluster f*ck when it comes to transportation!...

Austin really is one giant cluster F of transportation issues. Even though I work Downtown I can usually avoid rush hour due to my flexible schedule. But during each of the past two days I drove from Round Rock to Kyle on I-35 around 3:00 PM which is before the rush hour peak, and OMG. What an f'ing epic nightmare of traffic and bad driving we have going on here.

[Slappy]

But during each of the past two days I drove from Round Rock to Kyle on I-35 around 3:00 PM which is before the rush hour peak, and OMG. What an f'ing epic nightmare of traffic and bad driving we have going on here.

Drove on I-35 from Downtown to Ben White at 5:45pm yesterday and I agree 100% with you. Commuters are used to that I guess, but as someone who hasn't done it in years it was quite scary.

[ahealy]

I know this is getting off subject, BUT I can't forget to mention those who bicycle downtown....I've seen quiet bicycle friendly streets turn into aggressive car spill ways from residential buildings. Great example is Bowie (between 3rd & 5th). My ride to work at Whole Foods includes dodging mercedes and trucks these days...and the bowie hasn't even opened yet.

My point is I really don't think having a high-rise with 8 levels of parking is all that urban. It's like urban living on training wheels.

[austlar1]

I know this is getting off subject, BUT I can't forget to mention those who bicycle downtown....I've seen quiet bicycle friendly streets turn into aggressive car spill ways from residential buildings. Great example is Bowie (between 3rd & 5th). My ride to work at Whole Foods includes dodging mercedes and trucks these days...and the bowie hasn't even opened yet.

My point is I really don't think having a high-rise with 8 levels of parking is all that urban. It's like urban living on training wheels.

Urban includes lot of office buildings and office jobs in the central core. Otherwise, most residents of the condo and rental towers have to commute to jobs located outside the core. They are not going to ride their bikes to work.

[ahealy]

Urban includes lot of office buildings and office jobs in the central core. Otherwise, most residents of the condo and rental towers have to commute to jobs located outside the core. They are not going to ride their bikes to work.
This I know. Have no objections to more office projects downtown.

[The ATX]

There was some new permit activity on this project yesterday. The developers were granted the usual 180-day extension to clear the comments on the site plan application.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11093110

[The ATX]

I wonder if this fancy parking garage will be renamed since Trammell Crow took the North Shore name for Green Water Residential #1?

[The ATX]

The site plan was pulled for resubmittal like Aspen Heights and 99 Trinty were. So we may be seeing the approved and released site plan soon.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11093110

[The ATX]

There was some permit activity today. I can't tell what this is for exactly, but at least this is still alive (which is probably not a good thing based on the rendering.)

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11315645

[ivanwolf]

Seems like a resubbmital of the site plan. Maybe a big change then.

North Shore Lofts (Withdrawl & Resubmittal of SP-2014-0061C)

[The ATX]

The withdrawn site plan has been re-submitted. There are not a lot of building specifics in the new filing. But it says there are 124 residential units which seems to be in line with the original 18-story proposal. (This is what ivanwolf was referring to in his 03/25 post.)

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11315645

[The ATX]

A new site plan was filed today. It's still 18-stories, but the name has been changed for obvious reasons. It's now called Town Lake Lofts.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11492337

[_Matt]

This is good for the "Town Lake" vs. "Lady Bird Lake" contingent.

[KevinFromTexas]

The name change was no doubt influenced by Northshore in the Green Water development.

[drummer]

I still very much prefer Town Lake over Lady Bird Lake.

[austlar1]

Me too, and I suspect Lady Bird would have preferred the old name as well.

[urbancore]

Me too, and I suspect Lady Bird would have preferred the old name as well.

As I understand it, Lady Bird (an amazing gal I had the pleasure of meeting a few times) did not want TL named after her....I heard they wanted to do it in her lifetime and she forbid it.

If what I understand is true, it's a shame that people don't honor the wishes of the deceased. I witnessed the wishes of my grandfather, a great patriarch of our family, get completely overturned once he passed.

I will always call it Town Lake. RIP Lady.

[Jdawgboy]

I just call it the Colorado River lol.:tup:

[The ATX]

I just call it the Colorado River lol.:tup:

I prefer "Town Lake" like most on here, but I also refer to it as "the river". I don't see much of lake when I look at it. I refer to Lake Austin as "the river" as well. Lake Travis is the only place around here that actually seems like a lake.

[Jdawgboy]

I prefer "Town Lake" like most on here, but I also refer to it as "the river". I don't see much of lake when I look at it. I refer to Lake Austin as "the river" as well. Lake Travis is the only place around here that actually seems like a lake.

:yeahthat:

I feel the same way. Its by definition a lake because it is dammed but the only segment I consider a lake is east of 35 where the basin opens up a bit. Above that it's a river.

[the Genral]

As I understand it, Lady Bird (an amazing gal I had the pleasure of meeting a few times) did not want TL named after her....I heard they wanted to do it in her lifetime and she forbid it.

If what I understand is true, it's a shame that people don't honor the wishes of the deceased. I witnessed the wishes of my grandfather, a great patriarch of our family, get completely overturned once he passed.

I will always call it Town Lake. RIP Lady.

Me too, but it probably would have eventually been renamed after somebody, maybe even Butler, but no one was more responsible for its beauty than Lady Bird so credit was given where credit was due. I think it was out of respect and I remember family members were present for the renaming. Luci Baines, her daughter, said Lady Bird would accept the honor only if the hike an bike trails were completely handicap accessible. She was just being wonderfully humble when she rejected the idea. I did have the privilege of talking with Luci Baines at a silent auction and function while we were standing in a desert and champagne line at the Dell Jewish Community Center. She is quite the lovely lady, and for a few amazing minutes, she spoke of mom and dad. She wouldn't have allowed the renaming if her mom didn't approve, I'm sure.

[urbancore]

Me too, but it probably wouldn't have eventually been renamed after somebody, and no one was more responsible for its beauty than LBJ, so credit was given where credit was due. I think it was out of respect and I remember family members were present for the renaming.

Good point.

[The ATX]

This Town Lake talk is more interesting than the project. I hope a redesign is in the works along with the name change.

[drummer]

I think Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan are the only true lakes, as folks consider lakes in Texas, anyway...with LBJ in there also, I suppose. Inks, Marble Falls, Austin, and Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake are just step downs along the drop in elevation to the next lake. :)

I didn't know that about her desires in the naming of the lake. Interesting.

And....the project. I hope there's some sort of revamp with the design as well. As I recall, the original was pretty underwhelming, especially considering it's high profile location (on the lake and I-35).

[KevinFromTexas]

You know, there's actually only one natural lake in Texas - Caddo Lake. All the others are impound lakes.

[The ATX]

You know, there's actually only one natural lake in Texas - Caddo Lake. All the others are impound lakes.

Yup. And Caddo Lake is partially in Louisiana, so there is not a single natural lake inside the boundaries of Texas. That's pretty amazing.

[drummer]

In other news, the Highland Lakes are now to be called the Highland Reservoirs.

[The ATX]

In other news, the Highland Lakes are now to be called the Highland Reservoirs.

I like the term "impoundment". "Let's all head out to the Travis Impoundment and go swimming!"

[drummer]

Sounds like a prison....I'll pass.

[Br1ggzMilago]

I live at the Milago and walked down a few days ago. One lot is leveled and now cleared out.

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/Br1ggZ/image1_zpsj1qiedka.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/Br1ggZ/media/image1_zpsj1qiedka.jpg.html)

[paul78701]

I live at the Milago and walked down a few days ago. One lot is leveled and now cleared out.

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah238/Br1ggZ/image1_zpsj1qiedka.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/Br1ggZ/media/image1_zpsj1qiedka.jpg.html)

I think you wanted to post this to the Waller Park Place thread.

[The ATX]

The updated site plan was submitted last week. There are no building details yet, but it does say the building is still 18-stories.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11492337

[The ATX]

It looks like they are trying to get some Asian investors:

http://i.imgur.com/vs97nAp.png?1
http://www.homeluxe-usa.com/north-shore-lofts.html

[drummer]

In case anyone's interested, all the Chinese on there is the normal stuff - "Our Services", "About Us", "News", etc., with the normal subsections under each... nothing special. The office address at the bottom is in Beijing.

Chinese investors are indeed buying up large chunks of property and developments throughout the U.S. and Europe.

[LoneStarMike]

Looks likie they're asking for a bonus density which would increase the height to 32 floors. One ground level lobby with amenities, 8 floors of parking and 23 floors of residential units.

See attachments from December 19, 2016 meeting of the Design Commission (http://austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/22_1.htm)

Elevations:

http://i.imgur.com/R5hzbVj.png


http://i.imgur.com/CrAJlbM.png


351 ft 10" to main roof. Does not count roof screening)

Massing Models:

http://i.imgur.com/5OUitG1.png


http://i.imgur.com/EiIuPmj.png


http://i.imgur.com/rVbDQfp.png


Renderings of base:

http://i.imgur.com/7CPPhfe.png


http://i.imgur.com/D3Jf0eX.png

No rendering of the tower, but I'm guessing it looks the same as the 18 story version, only taller.

[GoldenBoot]

Sweet! Maybe we need to change the thread's name to "East Avenue Apartments?"

[ahealy]

Oh lala

[the Genral]

I like the height for the location. Its not another rectangle on a pedestal, its all up to the facade now for me. I don't want to see another exterior like the Legacy's. One is enough for that area, and please not like the original rendering.

[KevinFromTexas]

Nice. So if 70 Rainey and 48 East end up not happening, this would be the tallest in that area.

[corvairkeith]

At that height and location this will be very prominent when approaching downtown on I35 from the South. I hope it looks nice or at least interesting.

[The ATX]

It's good to see a project get upgraded for a change. The Design Commission approved the density bonus BTW.
I'm skeptical about any large rental towers breaking ground until much of the much of the new stuff is absorbed. 70 Rainey is showing that condos may have peaked as well. But I think any slowdown will be short-lived.

[jbssfelix]

Towers.net seems to have a few more details.

http://austin.towers.net/east-avenue-apartment-tower-planned-for-the-downtown-austin-panhandle/

[KevinFromTexas]

The site plan was posted to the city's FTP site today with the elevations. There was a reduction in height from 32 floors to 30 floors. These show the height all the way to the top of the mechanical screen (the old elevations did not), and it is 346 feet 5 3/4 inches tall.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2017/170216/PLANS/AULCC_Town%20Lake%20Lofts_PLANS.pdf

[clubtokyo]

The site plan was posted to the city's FTP site today with the elevations. There was a reduction in height from 32 floors to 30 floors. These show the height all the way to the top of the mechanical screen (the old elevations did not), and it is 346 feet 5 3/4 inches tall.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2017/170216/PLANS/AULCC_Town%20Lake%20Lofts_PLANS.pdf

sweet hope it gets built, anyone know a start date?

[The ATX]

That new site plan also reverts back to the "Town Lake Lofts" name.

[The ATX]

They finally withdrew the site plan application for the 18-story building and just this morning re-submitted it for the update 30-story version:

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11695684&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

[the Genral]

They finally withdrew the site plan application for the 18-story building and just this morning re-submitted it for the update 30-story version:

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11695684&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

I'll take an upsize over a downsize any day! This would be very nice there. It's not that dissimilar from 5th and West.

[The ATX]

The site plan has been approved. It's not released yet, but hopefully an update from the developer is coming soon.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11695684&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

Edit: The site plan is back in review.

[The ATX]

This project has had significant changes over the last few years, and the site plan has been inactive for the past several months. But it went back in review this week meaning the latest tweak is apparently completed. Hopefully we'll be getting some updated info soon. Attachments with new info are often attached to site plans within a week or so after they go back in review.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11695684&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

Edit: The same thing recently happened with Block 87. But the new file attachment didn't contain any info about what changes were made to the project.

[KevinFromTexas]

The site plan was posted with the elevations to the AULCC site. It shows it with 350 feet 6 inches and 30 floors. Also, the elevations show it having a "sky lounge" on the 30th floor.

I think this one has the potential to be a really neat building.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2017/171116/Plans/AULCC_Town%20Lake%20Lofts_PLANS.pdf

[The ATX]

Other than gaining 5' there doesn't seem to be much of a change from the previous elevations. The building has a nice shape and an angled roof. Plus it seems to have fewer balconies than a lot of residential buildings.

https://i.imgur.com/WFd1LKA.png
https://i.imgur.com/zDRM1dA.png
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2017/171116/Plans/AULCC_Town%20Lake%20Lofts_PLANS.pdf

[urbancore]

they are killing me with that exterior stairwell.

[Sigaven]

they are killing me with that exterior stairwell.

and that big blank wall on the parking podium.

If we are going to be a city of parking podiums, can we at least make them look nice???!:???:

[East7thStreet]

and that big blank wall on the parking podium.

If we are going to be a city of parking podiums, can we at least make them look nice???!:???:

This giant blank podium will be the face of downtown Austin for people driving in from south I35.

It would be a perfect place for a giant video billboard.

[KevinFromTexas]

The blank wall is actually on the north side of the building so you'll see it as you're driving south on I-35. I don't think it'll be all that noticeable actually because the Holiday Inn towers will actually block at least some of it.

As for the stairwell, it's on the southeast corner of the building. I guess they wanted easy access to the hike & bike trail for residents.

One little factoid about this one is that it'll be the tallest building that far south in Austin. It's going to have a big impact on stretching the skyline farther south and east. It's only around 850 feet farther south than Windsor on the Lake is, but it's about 1,350 feet to the southeast of it way over in an area where there isn't any real height yet.

Overall, I like this building. It also won't have a glass facade which is a nice change.

[ivanwolf]

The blank wall faces a parking area and entrance to the Holiday Inn parking garage, as noted on the site plans its zoned CBD. That could leave open the possibility of expansion of the Holiday Inn and they just don't want to decorate a wall that could face something that could block it some day.

[lzppjb]

Speaking of the Holiday Inn, am I the only one who wishes it was 3x taller? I really dig its round design.

[427MM]

Any news on this one?

[The ATX]

This one was starting to go stale. But there was an update to the site plan App a week ago indicating it's still moving along.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11695684&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

[KevinFromTexas]

The site plan was also posted to the AULCC page. It doesn't appear to be any taller or shorter.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2018/180222/Plans/AULCC_Town%20Lake%20Lofts_PLANS.pdf

[The ATX]

No new info, but last week's AULCC meeting notes state that the start of construction is sometime during the 4th Qtr. of this year at 1st Qtr. 2019.

[resansom]

No no info, but last week's AULCC meeting notes state that the start of construction is sometime during the 4th Qtr. of this year at 1st Qtr. 2019.

From the PDF (to save you all the trouble of downloading and wading through it):

https://i.imgur.com/h4ZXuLJ.png
https://i.imgur.com/6YNQry7.png

I read 347' 9" to the top, 344' 1" to the penthouse, 335' 1" to the roof.

It sure would be nice to have a rendering or two, in place of these elevations...

[myBrain]

Looks like the facade uses metal paneling like what we see on the Aloft, Westin, and the new Marriott, no?

Really hope it's not the same gray/blue pattern all of those use.

[The ATX]

The South elevation shows that it is 350' 6" to the top of the screen. It also looks like the bottom of the tower on at least the East elevation starts at -2' where the external staircase touches ground. So this might be 353' (rounded). But only nerds care about a few feet. :)

https://i.imgur.com/e17oim9.png
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2018/180222/Plans/AULCC_Town%20Lake%20Lofts_PLANS.pdf

[KevinFromTexas]

I care! :nerd:

[Jdawgboy]

Funny how some of these new proposals have angled roofs. Almost as if our complaints about all these boring flat roofed buildings have had some sort of effect...:rolleyes:

Now we will add in a bunch of angled flat roofs to the mix. How exciting!;)

[The ATX]

This is being developed by the Richmond Group. I never heard of them before this project, but apparently they are the seventh largest apartment builder in the U.S. This is their first Austin project, and they are now featuring the Austin project as one of their "Richmond Signature Properties" on their website. They don't have a rendering, but this property is called "One Austin".

https://www.richmansignature.com/upcoming-developments/

[The ATX]

I think the site plan for this project with four names will be approved soon. They seem to be close to clearing the comments for approval, and an update was made to the site plan a couple weeks ago.

[427MM]

Thanks, ATX. This one is especially exciting.

[corvairkeith]

Site prep?

https://i.imgur.com/TJSCBnQ.jpg

[trilliondollarted]

Site prep?

https://i.imgur.com/TJSCBnQ.jpg

I believe that was the staging for the hike bike bridge under congress.

[Geckos_Rule]

I believe that was the staging for the hike bike bridge under congress.

Yup. It's been there for at least a month or two.

[The ATX]

An update! The site plan had been stuck in "Review" for a year. It's highly unusually for a city review phase of the site plan approval process to last more than a couple months. Today the site plan status changed to "Tolling - hearing pending". I don't know what that means. But based on info in the site plan attachments, I think right of way issues with TxDot may have been the reason for the delay.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11695684&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

[Syndic]

nvm

[427MM]

TXDoT is such a plague on our city. Really wish they were more about "Transportation" and not simply stuck on Highway expansions.

[The ATX]

The site plan must be close to approval. The construction permit was filed today.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12273429&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

[The ATX]

We should get some more info about this project next week. The "ePlan: Expedited Review" construction permit went into review this week. So the formal filing that is currently in review should be added to the permit in the next week or so. Check for an attachment added to this filing:

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12273429&t_selected_propertyrsn=5062238

[The ATX]

The formal construction permit filing was added to the permit today. Nothing really new. It's still 30-stories, and nothing much seems to have changed with the project. But they still have a lot of comments to clear before getting a permit.

[The ATX]

Five and a half years in and with at least four different names, this project made another baby step. Last Tuesday (11/26) the City updated the E-Review construction permit with what the developer still needs to do. Dare I say this is finally looking close to being approved?

https://abc.austintexas.gov/attachment/attachmentDownload.jsp?p=4eOxgrG29C40Oi2sdQ8I88REeVzdsumHcfoQR%2BUORCBQcjsBF5k7zw%3D%3D


I'm still rooting for this project mainly because of its unique location at the absolute farthest SE corner of downtown.

https://i.imgur.com/bO8wQyk.png
https://i.imgur.com/WGzIdNk.png
http://www.rhodepartners.com/projects#/eas-avenue-apartments/

[The ATX]

Ha. Right after my last post I went to the Richman Group's website to look for updates and saw that they changed the name again. It's now Ikon Austin. But they still don't have any renderings.

[zrx299]

It would be nice if architects would start moving away from the trend of Tower-pedestal-on-a-Podium, with a huge gap in between. It just looks awkward.

I might feel differently if I was one of the handful of people who might actually use such an amenity floor, but looking from the outside it's just awkward. Like our city now just starts at floor 12 or whatever.

[Echostatic]

I like the visible space between uses. 70 Rainey is probably the best example existing today but 17th & Guadalupe (Proposed) has a similar separation. Nice outdoor space on higher floors and when there's built-in vegetation it comes out really good looking.

[We vs us]

This was the one with the really problematic car ramp, if I remember. Glad to see it's not entirely dead.

I agree, re: parking podiums. They're just awful. It's still interesting to me that land value here still doesn't quite incentivize builders to put some/all parking below grade, and maximize human-occupied square footage above ground.

Does anyone know if that's a code thing, or a value thing, or what?

[the Genral]

This was the one with the really problematic car ramp, if I remember. Glad to see it's not entirely dead.

I agree, re: parking podiums. They're just awful. It's still interesting to me that land value here still doesn't quite incentivize builders to put some/all parking below grade, and maximize human-occupied square footage above ground.

Does anyone know if that's a code thing, or a value thing, or what?

I researched this quandary a while back out of curiosity and the answer is quite simple. It can cost up to twice as much or even more to build an underground garage. Initial cost include excavating, shoring, and in some cases, dealing with a high water shed. I discounted the water table issue as a preventative due to the number of towers in NYC that line the Hudson and East Rivers. Secondly, the cost to exhaust. Well enclosed parking pedestals require high cost equipment to vent exhaust fumes, which is why we end up with 3rd and Shoal and the Independent's screening or in other cases, wide open gaps. Hotel Zsa Zsa Gabor once promised to put all their parking underground as a show of respect to the park and surrounding blocks. They dumped that idea I think partly due to the high water table, but mostly to lower the cost of the project in order to secure financing. At least their parking podium looks ok. It all comes down to how deep the developer's pockets are and how much they are willing to spend on aesthetics in the Austin market. The outsides have almost always taken a backseat to what's on the inside of the building. Regarding if its a code thing...I doubt it, but if there's eventually a code restricting parking podiums, I'd welcome it. Btw, Miami has its share of condos sitting on parking podiums with amenity floor separation between the living and the dead space ( parking). I welcome the break up between the two.

[KevinFromTexas]

This one and 70 Rainey are examples of the right way to do a podium+tower. At least, in form, so far. That might change with the facade materials.

[austlar1]

I thought I saw a for sale sign at this site the other day indicating the land was available for purchase. I was going by pretty fast, so maybe I am mistaken. This is the site at the tip of the block where the road turns to go under 35 at Town Lake?

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.2525731,-97.7368908,184m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

[The ATX]

I thought I saw a for sale sign at this site the other day indicating the land was available for purchase. I was going by pretty fast, so maybe I am mistaken. This is the site at the tip of the block where the road turns to go under 35 at Town Lake?

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.2525731,-97.7368908,184m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en

That's it. If you Streetview the site there is a for sale sign on the property with a "SOLD" sticker on it. The Streetview dates with the SOLD sign go back as far as 08/2016 and is still there on the 04/2018 Streetview. Maybe the same sign is still there.