AUSTIN | Homewood Suites by Hilton Downtown Austin | 184 FEET | 17 FLOORS | Complete

[KevinFromTexas]

http://austintowers.net/another-downtown-hotel-project-announced-in-rainey-district/

Another Downtown Hotel Project Announced In Rainey District

An application to build a hotel at 78 and 80 East Avenue (the “Brinks” site) has been filed with the City.

The site, just east of Rainey Street, consist of four parcels, with a footprint of about .52 acres. The plans call for 14 stories including first floor lobby and two above ground parking decks. The sites are zoned CBD, so it’s unlikely any variances will be needed.

[KevinFromTexas]

The site plan was released today for the Homewood Suites at East Avenue. The elevations are at the bottom of the file. The elevations show the main roof to be 151.95 feet. Behind that is the mechanical penthouse which I measured out to be approximately 12.59 feet, so a total of 164.54 feet tall.

The elevations also give some sense of what the facade will look like. They're planning some diagonal cross designs on the garage and penthouse.

The address is listed as 80 East Avenue.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/140911/PLANS/AULCC_SP-Homewood%20Suites%20at%20east%20Avenue_PLANS.pdf

This is the architecture firm, but I didn't see any renderings listed.

http://www.westeastdesign.com/

[Syndic]

Shit. This is going to be an eyesore. It's the type of hotel that has no business being downtown. It's more suited to the Parmer Ln. & I-35 area. I think "maybe they'll surprise us" but no. They won't. We all know they won't. Shit...

[KevinFromTexas]

Well you won't love it if you don't like stucco.

[The ATX]

It won't be an architectural gem, but it will be a big improvement over the ugly little Brinks warehouse/office. Plus, Austin needs more "affordable" hotel options downtown. Downtown shouldn't be an exclusive tourist enclave to people who can afford the JW Marriott, Fairmont (I hope) etc. One shouldn't have to be rich to enjoy downtown Austin.

[ivanwolf]

Right next to the new Chain Drive!

[The ATX]

Since we don't have a rendering yet, here's the next best thing.

The East Elevation, aka view from I-35 in all of it's precast stucco panel glory:

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/HomewoodSuitesElevationEast.png


From the West:

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/HomewoodSuitesElevationWest.png

[jngreenlee]

Here's one from Ontario SP page that appears to be Stucco precast also - could be wrong:

http://i42.tinypic.com/2n7h5lj.jpg

[Syndic]

Huh! Well, that's definitely funkier than I expected it to be.

[The ATX]

The lines of the mechanical screen as seen in the east elevation match the parking levels. Depending on the colors used, this could at least be interesting.

[KevinFromTexas]

Site plans with elevations from the city's FTP site.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/141016/PLANS/AULCC_SP-Homewood%20Suites%20at%20East%20Avenue_PLANS.pdf

I can't remember if the other ones we saw showed all four sides, but these do.

[The ATX]

Austin Towers made mention of the fact that the new elevations show that the tower has increased in height to 17-stories and 184'. They added more floors with a wider footprint over the parking levels.

http://i0.wp.com/austintowers.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/AULCC_SP-Homewood_Suites_at_East_Avenue_PLANS_pdf__page_12_of_12__and_City_of_Austin_FTP_-_ftp_ci_austin_tx_us_-_FileZilla.jpg?resize=600%2C406
http://austintowers.net/news/

[KevinFromTexas]

Good catch. I had assumed they didn't change. I should have double checked. That puts it just 2 feet shorter than the IBC Bank Plaza and right below it on the list.

[The ATX]

Good catch. I had assumed they didn't change. I should have double checked. That puts it just 2 feet shorter than the IBC Bank Plaza and right below it on the list.
Yup. It didn't move up on the list - it just got closer to the next project. :)

[The ATX]

There is a fence around the northern section of the property with a "Heart of Texas Demolition" sign in front of the property. The fenced off area includes the small building in the lower right portion of the site as shown in this DAB map.

http://i0.wp.com/austintowers.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/78-and-80-East-Ave.jpg
http://austintowers.net/another-downtown-hotel-project-announced-in-rainey-district/

[SMC]

Since we don't have a rendering yet, here's the next best thing.

The East Elevation, aka view from I-35 in all of it's precast stucco panel glory:

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/HomewoodSuitesElevationEast.png


From the West:

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/HomewoodSuitesElevationWest.png

pretty clear who inspired this design:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/adriadne9/Eddie-Van-Halen1.jpg

[Tech House]

:haha: SMC, that is freaking hilarious! It perfectly captures my own excitement about this development. Whenever I'm in another city like Amarillo, Wichita, or Fresno, I always know I'm in a happening place when I see the Homewood Suites stucco box. It's like, "Yeah, man, this is it! Let's get this party started."

[The ATX]

This one is still kicking - here's a new permit filing. I hope this one gets built, not because it's a great project, but because of what's there now. That little stretch of East Ave is awful, and this and Millennium Rainey will add some foot traffic.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11356072

[The ATX]

The site plan was approved and released. They did stick with the revised version of 17-stories and 184' according to the elevations on page 13. But the permit still has it listed as 14-stories.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11075370

[lzppjb]

Looks pretty neat, actually. I'm curious what the non-reflective manufactured panel means. Do they mean non-reflective glass panels? Or is it just a fancy way of saying stucco?

[The ATX]

The Brinks warehouse on the site looks to be abandoned now, and all of the trees on the adjacent lot have been cut down.

[corvairkeith]

The view of downtown coming up I35 from the South will soon be a solid wall of beige precast stucco broken only by the Fairmont.

[The ATX]

The view of downtown coming up I35 from the South will soon be a solid wall of beige precast stucco broken only by the Fairmont.

That whole area from the IHOP to the Holiday Inn is a major eyesore. I wish the gas station by the Holiday Inn would go away. But As mediocre as this project and Millennium Rainey are, they will be an improvement. The Kimber Modern hotel will really help if that ever gets going.


Edit: Lest we forget the Kimber Modern rendering...

http://i0.wp.com/downtownaustinblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Kimber_Modern_Austin_Rainey_Street.jpg
http://downtownaustinblog.org/2013/09/17/kimber-modern-is-coming-to-downtown-austin-and-it-looks-incredible/

[Cd1076]

This is probably the wrong place to ask but have there been any updates on the Kimber Modern? If I'm not mistaken, all their permits are in place and they should have started construction months ago. I never seem to see any activity when I pass by.

[The ATX]

This is probably the wrong place to ask but have there been any updates on the Kimber Modern? If I'm not mistaken, all their permits are in place and they should have started construction months ago. I never seem to see any activity when I pass by.

It's definitely stalled for some reason. The site plan was approved last December, so it is good through December 2017.

[The ATX]

The Brinks warehouse that will be demo'ed for this project has been partially covered in a huge sheet of white plastic for at least the last week. That is often a sign of Asbestos abatement. Maybe this project is finally moving forward.

[austlar1]

Regarding the Kimber Modern proposal for the end of that East Ave. block, the Kimber Hotel people have pulled out of the project. They issued a press release to that effect a month or so ago. The project might still be in the works since they had a partner in the project who supposedly is still intent on doing something there.

[The ATX]

The Brinks warehouse on the site was destroyed today in an awesome show of force by a single Excavator.

[The ATX]

Austin Towers has a photo of the cleared site. I haven't been able to find any renderings yet. I know this place won't be a gem, but I'm anxious to see if it is at least not puke inducing ugly.

http://austintowers.net/wp-content/uploads/brinks-homewood-suites-hotel-demo1-600x450.jpg
http://austintowers.net/news/

[drummer]

I know this place won't be a gem, but I'm anxious to see if it is at least not puke inducing ugly.



Words to live by when it comes to chain hotels, I think...

[The ATX]

This one is definitely underway. I drove by the site tonight, and it looked like there was a lot going on. Probably no cement poured yet, but definitely site prep.

[JoninATX]

This one is definitely underway. I drove by the site tonight, and it looked like there was a lot going on. Probably no cement poured yet, but definitely site prep.

Excellent news, now we need 70 Rainey to break ground, :cheers:

[The ATX]

Excellent news, now we need 70 Rainey to break ground, :cheers:

It's full on site prep, and with little to no excavation it should go up quickly. But I can't find a rendering for it. It's unusual for a project this far along not to have any renderings available somewhere.

[The ATX]

Finally...

A rendering of sorts...

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/Homewood%20Suites%201.png
https://twitter.com/PhillipsPart

[austlar1]

Finally...

A rendering of sorts...

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/Homewood%20Suites%201.png
https://twitter.com/PhillipsPart

Yikes!

[The ATX]

It kinda' makes one appreciate all the giant rectangles going up everywhere else.

[the Genral]

I don't know what to make of this yet. I'm going to need to see more renderings before I can render an opinion. But if they accent the bird shit yellow with terra cotta or dark brown, I'm going to have to put my foot down and not allow them to build this....thing...

[JoninATX]

Drove by today, and it is officially U/C. A moblie crane & driller are on site with plenty of rebar.

[The ATX]

Drove by today, and it is officially U/C. A moblie crane & driller are on site with plenty of rebar.

Yup. This is one of the busiest construction sites right now. There is a lot going on in one tiny area.

[drummer]

I'd love to see a better rendering than that...other rendering thing.

[The ATX]

I'd love to see a better rendering than that...other rendering thing.

That rendering makes me think of the floating rocks/air islands in Avatar.

[wwmiv]

I don't think we need to see more to know that it's just filler and that it'll sadly never be blocked by anything else because of the location.

[Nickelplate]

I can't wait for the Microtel with the Waffle House in the bottom to pop up next...

[drummer]

That rendering makes me think of the floating rocks/air islands in Avatar.

Avatar might be offended by this post. :)

[The ATX]

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/jamescameronsavatar/images/0/05/Filmstill370.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100724153230

[Tech House]

I don't know what to make of this yet. I'm going to need to see more renderings before I can render an opinion. But if they accent the bird shit yellow with terra cotta or dark brown, I'm going to have to put my foot down and not allow them to build this....thing...

Yes, this is a situation where the color choice is critical to the visual effect. Many hotels use colors as part of their branding, and a quick perusal of Homewood Suites images on Google shows that the company is quite fond of colors that mimic the various substance excreted by human orifices. https://www.google.com/search?q=homewood+suites&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj_gqTExqXLAhUHJCYKHcWqCtUQ_AUICCgC&biw=1536&bih=774

However, it's not a totally lost cause, as they do have a couple of examples of color schemes that could work out alright.

[drummer]

http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/jamescameronsavatar/images/0/05/Filmstill370.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100724153230

For the record, I live in the same mountain range where that movie was filmed, albeit a bit farther north pushing closer to the Himalayas. The mountains don't float in the air. Highly disappointing.

[Br1ggzMilago]

I am counting down the days until the IHOP is demolished.

[The ATX]

The crane base is up.

[The ATX]

There's a crawler crane on the site that is dangling a crane section. So I suspect the crane for this beauty is going up Friday. Too bad this one couldn't fit in somewhere by Indigo or Hyatt House.

[KevinFromTexas]

Oh yeah, I meant to post about this the other day. Did they use the same crawler crane for The Independent?

[The ATX]

Oh yeah, I meant to post about this the other day. Did they use the same crawler crane for The Independent?

They have had a crawler on the site for at least a week I think. I thought maybe the tower crane was going was going up last weekend, but it didn't.

[The ATX]

This project has had the slowest tower crane erection ever. (There's a viagra joke in there somewhere.) This permit filing from this morning indicates that it won't go up until mid-June:

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11531614

[the Genral]

This project has had the slowest tower crane erection ever. (There's a viagra joke in there somewhere.) This permit filing from this morning indicates that it won't go up until mid-June:

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11531614

Maybe they could project some porn on the surrounding buildings, and oh yeah, add a truck load of viagra to the tower crane base. But better call
a metal worker if the erection lasts more than 5 hours or permanent damage could occur.

[KevinFromTexas]

Tower crane plans. It'll be 247 feet tall before the first jump.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2016/160526/PLANS/AULCC_Homewood%20Suites%20at%20East%20Avenue%20Tower%20Crane_PLANS.pdf

[corvairkeith]

Strange that there is still no crane.

http://i.imgur.com/cgbe6Gb.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SDG4olM.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rpJP8rS.jpg

[Jdawgboy]

Yea not a lot of work going on judging by the pictures you posted unless they are from the 4th. Looks like the base is about ready so the tower crane should be going up any day.

[KevinFromTexas]

I saw a mobile crane parked in the median between the main lanes of I-35 and the access road today across the street from the construction site. So they may be putting the crane up soon.

[KevinFromTexas]

8/1

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

[corvairkeith]

10/20/16

It's starting to rise but we still don't have a decent rendering. I'm not too optimistic that this will be any better than the hotels going in at 9th and Red River.

http://i.imgur.com/g7OvYnS.jpg

[corvairkeith]

http://i.imgur.com/G8fXQ0g.jpg

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

[The ATX]

It's been almost three months since we have had an update on this "exciting" project. Here's a still taken from a Shore resident's time lapse of Rainey St during SXSW:

http://i.imgur.com/VWammeY.png
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrlaugh/33458526165/in/photolist-SYBG9M-SJWWvL-SRzYEE-SHNKo6-SRpSpT-RWZXmc-PdRZAu-NLFfNS-Pu6QjS-NLFg1q-Pu6QGf-PVwVNo-PVwYfh-PVwXf1-Pq2HLU-MUBxBA-LqcAuN-M983XC-LeURRd-LFuvcu-KT1UXY-LUmQiK-LWpmEw-LWpo1Y-LWppt7-LN5Hsq-LN5Gu3-LNf4it-KY7UCY-LUDBUo-KY7WUS-KY7ZEm-LKz4Xe-KVuraL-Lr9eWu-LNLVGt-KRB9Ly-KRBbqL-MBGiFs-LKHxv9-JFoPwJ-KQnDAY-LdLDmY-KDmCCV-K92TXd-JAqqDg-EuPze3-QSTKJY-JCK29P-KseqK6

[drummer]

Based on a rough count, it has five or six floors left, right?

[The ATX]

I wish the cameras in TxDot's extensive new traffic cam network had better resolution. But I guess they do the job they are meant to do. Better resolution wouldn't make a difference in determining that I-35 is crowded right now. Here's a view from the I-35 & Holly St. camera. Homey suites only has four more floors to go.

http://i.imgur.com/JvAPcy6.png
http://its.txdot.gov/ITS_WEB/FrontEnd/default.html?r=AUS&p=Austin&t=cctv

[corvairkeith]

5/10/17

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

http://i.imgur.com/g7N3cRN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/lFv0cEu.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/B6MDciI.jpg

[KevinFromTexas]

So, I guess they have one more floor to go.

[LoneStarMike]

This project has had the slowest tower crane erection ever. (There's a viagra joke in there somewhere.)

Viagra is for penile erections. Skyagra is for tower crane erections.

;)

[We vs us]

This thing is much taller than I thought it would be.

I've realized that when I picture a Homewood Suites it's inevitably out by the highway, near a Chilis/Applebees/Logan's Roadhouse and a struggling outlet mall or two. Never something more than 4 stories, certainly. Viewed from certain angles along I-35, this thing is a bit of an edifice.

[KevinFromTexas]

I really like the view of it from the south/southeast with the Fairmont rising behind it. It shows how massive the Fairmont is, but you're right, this thing sticks up a bit.

[Mopacs]

Here are some shots taken this weekend along I-35. Kevin is right how huge the Fairmount appears next to this hotel.

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

https://i.imgur.com/U0eCRSi.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8aLyJmF.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/W3Zv5jz.jpg

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

https://i.imgur.com/7XuI7fI.jpg

[the Genral]

The Hyatt house has the same affect on the JW Marriot.

[corvairkeith]

Today

http://i.imgur.com/sP1jaH7.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/03CD2e5.jpg?1

[clubtokyo]

Can someone kindly remind me of the render of this?

[The ATX]

Can someone kindly remind me of the render of this?

There has never been one. The only thing close to a rendering is posted earlier in this thread, but it doesn't amount to much.

[Geckos_Rule]

There has never been one. The only thing close to a rendering is posted earlier in this thread, but it doesn't amount to much.

As long as it isn't stucco, or off-white with blue glass, I'll be fine with it.

[clubtokyo]

Wow that is unusual to not have a render or details on elevation via austin gov site?

[KevinFromTexas]

Wow that is unusual to not have a render or details on elevation via austin gov site?

We saw the elevations (it's where the heights came from), but no renderings.

[the Genral]

It looks pretty generic, perhaps they were afraid of the backlash they would have gotten from us if they presented a rendering.

[drummer]

It looks pretty generic, perhaps they were afraid of the backlash they would have gotten from us if they presented a rendering.

Man, I wish we had that much influence on what goes up in the downtown area....

[The ATX]

I have spent more time looking for a rendering of this mediocre project than I have for any other project ever. But only because it was such a challenge. A Linked in account is needed for the link. I don't know what to say. Dr. Seuss? What a damn freak show. At least there's less emphasis on earth tones than other cheap hotels. Fucking nightmare.

http://i.imgur.com/xXFcZRj.png
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-weyand-23652715

[kingkirbythe....]

Looks way better than what I was expecting. Could be better, but certainly not the worst.

[ahealy]

That's frickin ugly

[Sigaven]

Ew. Are you f*cking kidding me

[clubtokyo]

Looks like old Vegas or Indian casino hotel.

[MichaelB]

I can here it now.....
"Will someone get an intern to take our ugly building an make it look "Weird".... you know it's Austin....." ugh.
Looks sooooo cheap.

[the Genral]

I like it! :lmao:

[Jdawgboy]

I like it! :lmao:

Lol oh the sarcasm!

[Sigaven]

They sure did a great job screening the parking garage. It's practically invisible.

[East7thStreet]

Looks like old Vegas or Indian casino hotel.

Definitely reminds me of a failed off strip casino in Vegas. Maybe it will have cheap drinks here too!

[KevinFromTexas]

We need to have an ugly project come along and then have Frank Gehry save the day by placing a crumpled brown paper bag over it. Problem solved.

This design looks like something from a Tim Burton movie.

[The ATX]

It looks like a clown school. It also fronts I-35 for all the world to see as they pass through Austin.

[the Genral]

It looks like a demented clown school in a Tim Burton movie.

[The ATX]

Here's the original image from LinkedIn before I edited it. I like the one on the right better.

https://media.licdn.com/media-proxy/ext?w=800&h=800&hash=9ZJgg0MJ2VNQcUF8U60tAWYiRbU%3D&ora=1%2CaFBCTXdkRmpGL2lvQUFBPQ%2CxAVta9Er0Vinkhwfjw8177yE41y87UNCVordEGXyD3u0qYrdfyTscMXcLbapuV9AKyQclFA7fvKgRGS1D5rvetu7eIhygp62JI27dA4BYBI3iSdF_NQ8

[the Genral]

Upon further review, it looks like a Catholic Hospital with abstract crosses covering the parking garage and Sacred Heart Flames climbing the side of the building.

[KevinFromTexas]

I actually sort of like the decorative braces going up the facade and even the ones on the mechanical penthouse, somewhat, even if it may have been poorly executed, but that garage just looks so bizarre. And I don't care for the bulk near the base. That part feels clumsy.

[drummer]

Yeah, that's weird. In the black and white rendering way back when, I was intrigued (slightly), but in color it's pretty awful.

You remember when we used to complain about the Holiday Inn on the lake being one of the first buildings that folks see as they come into downtown from the south? That one looks better and better now...

[Urbannizer]

Working on the crown now.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4511/37877523202_da69bac3bf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZH7d1S)
Homewood Suites at East Avenue (https://flic.kr/p/ZH7d1S) by Darius Fontenette (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128036658@N05/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4477/37877523212_13b65cc4b8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ZH7d23)
70 Rainey, Homewood Suites at East Avenue (https://flic.kr/p/ZH7d23) by Darius Fontenette (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128036658@N05/), on Flickr

[KevinFromTexas]

This one's pretty ugly so far. I just saw it less than an hour ago from I-35, and I'm not glad it's the face of the skyline from that angle.

[Sigaven]

This one's pretty ugly so far. I just saw it less than an hour ago from I-35, and I'm not glad it's the face of the skyline from that angle.

Ugh tell me about it. A big fat ugly parking garage is the first thing you see when driving into downtown.

[drummer]

Maybe they'll build something in between the access road and the expressway lanes to cover it up. We can hope, right?