AUSTIN | Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue | 346 FEET | 31 FLOORS | Complete

[KevinFromTexas]

Construction cam link:
https://www.katerra.com/webcams/hyatt-austin/

http://www.mystatesman.com/news/business/30-story-car-free-apartment-tower-planned-on-congr/nq5sN/?icmp=statesman_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

30-story ‘car-free’ apartment tower planned on Congress Avenue

By Shonda Novak - American-Statesman Staff 33

Posted: 7:01 p.m. Thursday, April 14, 2016

A vacant retail space on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin could be transformed into a 30-story tower with 135 luxury apartments, office space, a restaurant and a bar. But the proposed project is also notable for what it won’t have: any space for cars.

The project — called The Avenue — won’t include a parking garage or any space for auto parking. It is being billed by its developers as the first “truly car-free luxury development in downtown Austin,” designed to encourage biking, walking, ride-sharing and public transportation.

Nelsen said developers hope to break ground by May 1, 2017. The project is expected to take two years to build. Nelson said his team is still working to secure financing for the project, which he estimates will cost $55 million to $60 million.


http://i.imgur.com/ie9TIVC.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2imqKtO.jpg

[lzppjb]

From the Update thread:

721 Congress

The vacant building that shares a wall with State Theater. A poster on shaggytexas (TheCruiser) has been talking about this one for months. Just yesterday he said what he has seen and heard is that it could be ~30 floors of residential and will be like nothing Austin has seen to date. I'm hoping he will be able to share with me the info he may gain access to in the coming weeks.

[lzppjb]

From TheCruiser tonight:

I will say the transportation partnership being worked on will be very interesting and is the kind of test project you'd expect to see in San Francisco or Boston, not Austin. Hint: Germans.

[drummer]

I will say that I love the car-free aspect. I think it'll honestly be difficult at first, but if we're serious about changing the core of Austin, more of these projects are needed...and they can't wait until *after* a good/better transit system in put into place.

[ivanwolf]

Hmm, I get the idea for those who like it. Not for me.

Kinda looks like no balconies either.

Kinda looks like jail bars on the outside

Your locked in and no way to get away

[The ATX]

The architecture firm is the same one that did that ~650' Block 71 rendering. Here are two more of the Avenue.

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/Avenue%201.png
http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/Avenue%202.png
http://www.nelsenpartners.com/portfolio-the-avenue

[The ATX]

Notice the rendered tower in the background of that last rendering...is that supposed to be the Four Season condos or something new?

[AustinGoesVertical]

This. THIS. This building finally gets Austin. It wants to inform a better future. First of all, I love the design... It's trendy, extremely thin and something you could totally see getting built in SoHo in NYC. The Trump Tower in SoHo is about just as thin and stands out like this one will.

With The Avenue, the windows are cut into different sizes, which gives it variation. The white gives it a clean look. The small footprint means that apartments will be small by default (470-960 square feet). My studio in the Bowie is 448 SF and I love it. This building is selling a concept, and that is to live a more simplistic life in a smaller domain with less distraction. If you live in this building, your focus is right there in that general area.

Then throw in the fact that they're putting in a music venue. A big thing for me recently has been a desire to see new development incorporate a mixed-use "draw", which is an area Third + Shoal miserably fails. If you're going to subtract from the music fiber of Austin, it's necessary to replenish it. Thankfully the avenue covered Cielo.

And finally a building that is going to force people to conform to life without a car. I don't have a car and I live by the Metro Rapid 801 and 803. Add in some sort of light rail (I even think an elevated "L" system like Chicago has could work) and the city will be in even better shape. Ideally we'll have rail that will connect UT, the The Capitol, SoCo, and go out as far as the domain.

This building gets an A+ :)

[lzppjb]

It's kind of funny this was announced on the heels of 405 Colorado with all its parking garage splendor.

[lzppjb]

And thanks for finding those other renders, ATX. I spent about 3 whole minutes googling for more pics, but didn't find any.

[The ATX]

And thanks for finding those other renders, ATX. I spent about 3 whole minutes googling for more pics, but didn't find any.

I just happened to make the "Nelsen" connection to Block 71 and went to their website.

[smith_atx]

From TheCruiser tonight:

Quote:
I will say the transportation partnership being worked on will be very interesting and is the kind of test project you'd expect to see in San Francisco or Boston, not Austin. Hint: Germans.

Maybe Daimler

Daimler, parent of Mercedes-Benz, just created a new company to help you take more public transit
http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/14/11425106/daimler-moovel-globesherpa-ridescout-car2go-mobility

[Geckos_Rule]

The only possible worry I may have is that from the looks of it, it could be yet another off white building with blue windows. Nevertheless, it still looks awesome, has a great thin footprint, and I'm very very excited about it. These types of buildings should be the real future of downtown residential here.

[Mikey711MN]

From TheCruiser tonight: I will say the transportation partnership being worked on will be very interesting and is the kind of test project you'd expect to see in San Francisco or Boston, not Austin. Hint: Germans
I can definitely see a German company with local interests (https://www.car2go.com/en/austin/company/) getting involved in this!

[GoldenBoot]

http://www.mystatesman.com/news/business/30-story-car-free-apartment-tower-planned-on-congr/nq5sN/?icmp=statesman_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral


http://i.imgur.com/ie9TIVC.jpg

I know this is a residential tower...but, wouldn't be cool if the building was actually lit up like this at night? That would look awesome, IMO.

[ahealy]

Quote me: one of the smartest projects to have ever been proposed in Downtown Austin. ::drops mic::

[The ATX]

I was reading through some stuff on the Historic Landmark Commission's website, and there used to be a hotel next to (if not also on The Avenue site) where the State theater is called The Avenue. The empty building where the new Avenue is planned was a Walgreens at one point.

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/The%20Avenue%20of%20Old.png
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=251229

[futures]

I was reading through some stuff on the Historic Landmark Commission's website, and there used to be a hotel next to (if not also on The Avenue site) where the State theater is called The Avenue. The empty building where the new Avenue is planned was a Walgreens at one point.

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l511/ihatethisplacenothingworks/The%20Avenue%20of%20Old.png
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=251229

That pic really shows how small the footprint is for this project. This will be one of the most impressive buildings downtown if it comes to fruition as planned.

[The ATX]

That pic really shows how small the footprint is for this project. This will be one of the most impressive buildings downtown if it comes to fruition as planned.

It is amazing that this is being built on the footprint of a drug store.

[KevinFromTexas]

This thing really is going to be skinny. The Aloft Hotel will be about 70 feet wide, which is still very skinny. The Avenue? It'll sit on a lot that is 40 feet wide. Basically it's going to be as wide as a city bus is long.

[lzppjb]

This and 916 Congress could start a trend.

[drummer]

^ And I hope they do start a trend. There are a bunch of fairly narrow lots that are underutilized that have great potential for redevelopment. There are also several half-blocks and whole-blocks that are currently parking lots that could either be developed as a single, massive building or as several narrow ones - I prefer the latter because it's more interesting in just about every way (imo).

[Urbannizer]

http://www.theavenueaustin.com/

Some highlights on the about page:

- 5 floors of office

- basement cocktail lounge

- Two amentity decks: A pool deck and rooftop lounge

- Roof terrace at the 31st floor

[MichaelB]

LOVE that they are working with the State and Paramount. Great news for the theatre and smart cooporation/marketing on part of developer!

[wwmiv]

I support the basement cocktail lounge if and only if it has a separate entrance in an alleyway.

[Jdawgboy]

Can someone explain to me why this building will have windows facing south and the Aloft can't? If it has to do with property easement then wouldn't the Avenue also have to have a south blank wall? Or is it because it's next to the State theater and Paramount and there is no chance of a building going up at that spot?

[The ATX]

Can someone explain to me why this building will have windows facing south and the Aloft can't? If it has to do with property easement then wouldn't the Avenue also have to have a south blank wall? Or is it because it's next to the State theater and Paramount and there is no chance of a building going up at that spot?

The State and Paramount Theaters are to the south, and they are not going to be replaced with a high-rise.

[Jdawgboy]

The State and Paramount Theaters are to the south, and they are not going to be replaced with a high-rise.

Okay I was thinking that's the reason but wanted to clarify. In that case then it's possible we could see a highrise go up next to Aloft then someday?

[The ATX]

Drilling permits "for the design of the foundations for the new 30-story tower at 721 Congress Ave." were filed today.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11527292

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11527291

[urbancore]

I am really looking forward to this one. I really hope it shows there is/will be a demand for people who chose to live car-free.

The current auto-centric way of thought has to GO if we ever have a real chance to stop/reverse global warming- at least to the extent that auto emissions play a part.

[drummer]

^ Amen.

[GoldenBoot]

^I third that setament.

[ivanwolf]

They may not have car parking at the site but I wonder how many scooters will be parked on the sides of this one. Scooters are free to park.

[The ATX]

This is moving right along - the site plan was filed today. But there is no building info attached to it yet.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11532594

[Jdawgboy]

I would think the overall cost of this project would be less expensive as well because they don't have to build a parking garage component. It seems like a no brainer both in concept and investment in my opinion.

[drummer]

Parking garages are silly expensive with all of the concrete. It should save money on time as well as materials.

[KevinFromTexas]

Utilities plan.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2016/160623/PLANS/AULCC_SP-721%20Congress%20Avenue_PLANS.pdf

[KevinFromTexas]

Site plan with elevations (pages 21-24).

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2016/160825/PLANS/AULCC_SP-721%20Congress%20Avenue_PLANS.pdf

337 feet to the mechanical penthouse.

321 feet to the main roof.

310 feet to the 30th floor (highest occupied floor).

8th floor setback fronting Congress Avenue (amenity deck) is 80 feet.


This will make it the tallest building in downtown north of 7th Street.

[clubtokyo]

Can't wait to see this go up!

[the Genral]

This will make it the tallest building in downtown north of 7th Street.

And north of 7th street is where some height is needed. I also wish we could get something taller in that area north of 7th but east of Congress, in the 400 ft range because it would be down hill from Congress. But what's more important than height and design of this building is how much more activity and nightlife its going to bring to that area, which was a virtual ghost town no too awfully long ago. 7th St north to the Capitol used to be deadsville if anyone can recall.

[KevinFromTexas]

Technically that makes it the tallest building in Austin north of 7th Street since it'll be taller than the Capitol, UT Tower and Dobie Center. This building and the Aloft are going to change the shape of the skyline pretty significantly from east/west and some north views.

[ivanwolf]

Site plan interests:

The 5th sheet shows that the two theaters are Phase 2 & 3. Um those going bye bye?

Restaurant on ground floor out at the corner.

6 floors of office 2-7 floors
8th amenity/pool
9-30 residence 6 units per floor
Roof is terrace/dog park

Seems by the descriptions on the elevations that the South ones will have glass? One would think that that wall would be solid with the two theaters next to them and could be built tall. Maybe they have guaranteed the views by placing the theaters in the project phases?

[The ATX]

The Austin Theatre Alliance at 713 Congress is listed as one of the two owners of the site. So I suspect phase II & III will be improvements to the theaters.

[Flatiron]

Any news on this one?

[The ATX]

Any news on this one?

This one is moving through the permitting process pretty quickly. There was a big update to the site plan on 09/12 and another permit related to the project filed on 09/08. I think the site plan will be approved relatively soon.

405 Colorado, 48 East and the two White Lodging hotels are also moving through the process with recent updates. But I think any project that hasn't already announced financing and started demo/site prep/construction is a candidate for the next cycle - whenever that is. Even though I think the projects I mentioned above will be approved relatively soon, none of them have financing as far as we know, and financing is starting to get more difficult to obtain. The ones that probably have the best chance of starting right away are the two White Lodging projects. That's based on their track record and the fact that they can finance their own projects which is what they did with the Aloft & Element hotel.

[AustinGoesVertical]

The ones that probably have the best chance of starting right away are the two White Lodging projects. That's based on their track record and the fact that they can finance their own projects which is what they did with the Aloft & Element hotel.

I know about White Lodging's hotel near the convention center, but what's the second one? I'm drawing a blank.

[We vs us]

I know about White Lodging's hotel near the convention center, but what's the second one? I'm drawing a blank.

AC/Autograph by Marriott, up by UT.

[AustinGoesVertical]

AC/Autograph by Marriott, up by UT.

Ah yes, replacing the McDonalds. Thanks!

[GoldenBoot]

This one cannot start quick enough for me. :)

[The ATX]

One thing that has me wondering whether this project will start any time soon is the fact that five permits were filed to remodel the retail building on the site in July. This project was announced in April.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11567200
https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11567199
https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11567198
https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11567197
https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11559691

[wwmiv]

On that note:

http://www.721congress.com/

http://www.theavenueaustin.com/

Interesting that the same project has two websites, showing different plans altogether.

[The ATX]

On that note:

http://www.721congress.com/

http://www.theavenueaustin.com/

Interesting that the same project has two websites, showing different plans altogether.

That first one was an old project by a different developer.

[wwmiv]

That first one was an old project by a different developer.

Well then... addendum: interesting that that website it still up?

[The ATX]

They filed for a CVC height determination today. It seems like this would have been done before they filed the site plan.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devreview/b_showpublicpermitfolderdetails.jsp?FolderRSN=11634157

[The ATX]

This one should be close to being approved. The CVC determination came back Tuesday, and there were some updates made to site plan filing on Friday.

CVC: https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11634157&t_selected_propertyrsn=201278

Site Plan: https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11532594&t_selected_propertyrsn=201278

[JoninATX]

So glad this one is moving forward.

[clubtokyo]

So glad this one is moving forward.

:cheers:

[The ATX]

This appears to be a slightly updated site plan. The height looks to be ~345' to top of mechanical. Anyway, this is moving forward - a utility meeting with the city is scheduled to take place in two weeks.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2017/170223/PLANS/AULCC_721%20Congress%20Avenue_PLANS.pdf

[MichaelB]

There are elevations at the end of the above link!
This looks like a great project. I love how thin the building is. ....
And with the historic properties to the South... they are designing it with Windows
on all side!

[GoldenBoot]

This appears to be a slightly updated site plan. The height looks to be ~345' to top of mechanical.

Yes. I would concur with that assessment as well. The tower is also a total of 31 levels (not 30).

[The ATX]

Here's the skinny east elevation from the updated site plan.

http://i.imgur.com/3oUV2Jt.png

[clubtokyo]

Here's the skinny east elevation from the updated site plan.

http://i.imgur.com/3oUV2Jt.png

Oh this is going to be exciting to watch go up, really looking forward to this one! Wish it was a little taller, but thats a given on any building.

[The ATX]

The backup files for next week's Historic Landmark Commission meeting about this project are available online. It has some new renderings and info. Here are a couple:

http://i.imgur.com/kCmBeYH.png
http://i.imgur.com/A8bAZz6.png
Link: http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=275744

[MichaelB]

The project has build a model on the north side of the current building! ( facing 8th Street)

[austlar1]

Not the most beautiful building in the world, but I do like all the windows. This would be such a great addition to downtown- affordable units for people who are truly motivated to live downtown without a car. What are the odds that this thing can get approved and financed? Fingers crossed.

[the Genral]

At least its not another 400 - 500 footer.

[KevinFromTexas]

It's funny seeing this extremely skinny tower with the behemoth that is the Omni sitting behind it.

[The ATX]

The Historic Landmark Commission doesn't exactly love this project. This is from the backup file that doesn't have the renderings:

STAFF RECOMMENDATION While recognizing the high quality and innovation in the design and materials of this building, staff must disagree with its compatibility in the historic district. Congress Avenue is noted for its rhythm of three bays at the street level, and this is the pattern that new construction should reference for compatibility. The street-level presence of this building appears monolithic in comparison in its height, choice of material, and set-back from the flush line of the street. There does not appear to be sufficient reference to the typical bay width, and the printed glass, while innovative, delivers the impression of a sheer 3-story wall without the undulation and piercings typical of the historic patterns along the avenue. Staff therefore recommends that the applicants consider a modification to the street-level façade on Congress Avenue that lessens the impact of the monolithic aspect of the entry and reflects greater compatibility with the traditional bay divisions and patterns in the historic district. A building of this size should do its best to blend in, rather than stand apart from the contributing buildings in the historic district, at least on its street level.
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=275743

[drummer]

....I think it's fine. I kind of like the contrast with the new and old, and I don't think it's at all overpowering of the historic buildings next to it.

[KevinFromTexas]

I actually think the street level facade is fine. It raises up and steps back to give room to the State Theatre next door. Besides, when you look at the street level facades of all of those buildings on that block, none of them resemble each other. Even the older ones which are much closer in age have some pretty different looking facades. The most distracting feature of that rendering again is the Omni in the background. It's like Mount Rainier back there stealing the thunder.

[drummer]

I actually think the street level facade is fine. It raises up and steps back to give room to the State Theatre next door. Besides, when you look at the street level facades of all of those buildings on that block, none of them resemble each other. Even the older ones which are much closer in age have some pretty different looking facades. The most distracting feature of that rendering again is the Omni in the background. It's like Mount Rainier back there stealing the thunder.

Haha, I hear you on the Omni. And I agree with the facades. I think that if this gets built exactly as the rendering shows, folks will eventually be fine with it. Cities naturally develop over decades and centuries...it's good to let the architecture show that.

[Geckos_Rule]

The Historic Landmark Commission doesn't exactly love this project. This is from the backup file that doesn't have the renderings:


http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=275743

That's a shame. Honestly, I think that entrance is the best part about this building. The only thing better is if they had room for a restaurant/retail like the Austonian or 360, but of course this is a much smaller footprint.

EDIT: Spelling

[MichaelB]

I think this building is appropriate for the setting. It has the set back that keeps the
historic views of the capitol and agrees with the buildings next door.
History is indeed made up of a texture of styles.
( And I do happen to like the design).
I have belonged to many historical orgs and would fight bare handed to save the State Theatre.... but this building poses no threat AND the developers have agreed to share space with the State as I recall. ( was it basement space??? That is what is shared now. The basements connect) Please correct.

[drummer]

At least on this site it seems that there's a healthy respect for history and growth...I like that. There should be a balance, of course.

[Sigaven]

The Historic Landmark Commission doesn't exactly love this project. This is from the backup file that doesn't have the renderings:


http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=275743

I think the designers could easily incorporate the 3-bay idea without significantly changing the design - just subtly divide up the big glass wall, doesn't mean the glass wall needs to go away. I think it would work nicely actually, reducing the scale from being so monolithic and even making the entrance feel taller and more grand.

[Jdawgboy]

This is easily one of my favorite projects in the works. I really hope the historic commission doesn't screw it up. I don't see any issue with their current design proposal. State and Paramount Theater groups seem like they are for the project. If the Aloft was allowed to be built then surely the Avenue can be built as well.

[the Genral]

I can't put my finger on why I don't like the entry way, but I don't. Too busy with the vertical lines I guess. I'm not suggesting a façade that goes with the older buildings, but something better than this, with some color.

[The ATX]

I think the site plan was approved. The site plan's status wasn't updated. But there was a big update to it this week, and a permit was filed today for the construction of this project that indicated there was an approved site plan. But that doesn't matter much unless we get word on the financing, and I don't recall any articles about $$$.

[clubtokyo]

This is my favorite, looking forward to construction to begin.

[The ATX]

The site plan is now approved and released.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11532594&t_selected_propertyrsn=201278

[drummer]

Woohoo! :cheers:

[ahealy]

I should know after all these years, but what is next? Financing? Any known hurdles for this?

[The ATX]

Here're some new renderings. The ground floor was tweaked, possibly due to the Historic Landmark Commission's criticism.

https://i.imgur.com/ZVwlPN4.png
https://i.imgur.com/vrvcu89.png
https://i.imgur.com/kr0cUN0.png
https://nelsenpartners.com/nb-portfolio/the-avenue/?project_type=mixed-use-retail

[drummer]

I still like it.

[Geckos_Rule]

I like it too. This is going to be a great addition to DT area.

[N90]

It's white and not blue!!!! Hallelujah!!!

[KevinFromTexas]

I really like this one a lot. Besides looking nice and all, it's also avoiding having a dreaded blank wall somehow.

[The ATX]

I should know after all these years, but what is next? Financing? Any known hurdles for this?

Financing is my guess. They have their building permits.

[IluvATX]

Did we ever see a south elevation for this thing?

[smith_atx]

I like the change. Adds a little complexity to the simple shape (which I like).

[KevinFromTexas]

Did we ever see a south elevation for this thing?

Yes, and a rendering, too.

http://i.imgur.com/ie9TIVC.jpg

[Sigaven]

Yes, and a rendering, too.

http://i.imgur.com/ie9TIVC.jpg

I'm glad it keeps the smaller windows of the west facade. If it had expansive glass walls like on the north side then those units would be ovens!

My favorite part about this building is the lack of a parking garage. I hope more residential construction downtown starts to follow suit!

[the Genral]

I didn't see much of a ground floor tweak other than the new renderings show a couple of the panels can open up and create an awning. That's a pretty cool element. Speaking of which, hopefully this will draw our eyes away from the Element / Aloft.

[The ATX]

I didn't see much of a ground floor tweak other than the new renderings show a couple of the panels can open up and create an awning. That's a pretty cool element. Speaking of which, hopefully this will draw our eyes away from the Element / Aloft.

Here's the original ground floor. The original renderings in this thread got Photobucketed.

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6344701/nelson2.jpg
https://austin.curbed.com/2016/4/15/11440534/austin-apartment-development-downtown-high-rise

[the Genral]

I think I like the original more.

[nw290]

luv ATX...Kinda reminds me of galleria/uptown

[eskimo33]

I am with the General one this one, I like the original ground floor design better than this one. At least the first story window heights were more in line with the surrounding buildings' windows. I think that the vertical lines are distracting and I personally wish that they would have done some type of balcony or covered awning to match the rest of the street character better. With a lot of these high rises, we are loosing the street level urban texture due to the stark differences of the street level design. Having said that, the diversity of it all does make it interesting.

[MichaelB]

Love this design.
Prefer new Ground floor. Vertical black details actually work really well with STATE theatre And makes a clean modern statement.
So happy there is no "warm and fuzzy" limestone on this one.

As for no blank walls...... easy..... Historical property to the south. No need for high fire walls.

[KevinFromTexas]

I like both entrances about equally. I actually really like the way the entrance angles back to create a slight overhang around the front of the building.

https://i.imgur.com/vrvcu89.png

[drummer]

I think that the new one is my preference the more I look at it. I agree with Kevin that the setback and the overhang are a nice touch that, in my opinion, emphasize State and Paramount at the ground level. I'm a fan all around.