Austin | The Waller (Symphony Square) | 372 Feet | 34 Floors | Complete

[The ATX]

The site plan:
https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=11725195&t_selected_propertyrsn=1115848

2nd site plan - July 1, 2021
https://abc.austintexas.gov/public-search-other?t_related-detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12667346&t_currentPropertyRSN=5703919



From the site plan:
Proposed development includes a high rise mixed use building along with related infrastructure.



The location at 610 E. 11th St. from Streetview:
http://i.imgur.com/8hh3yvi.png

[The ATX]

TOWERS.net has a blog post about this project and 705 East. Their new project posts often get posted shortly after new project info is posted on SSP. ;)

http://austin.towers.net/new-mixed-use-tower-plan-heats-up-east-11th-12th-streets/

[The ATX]

Some info was added to the site plan:

On May 4, 2017 a rezoning application was filed under
City Case No. C14-2017-0062 to rezone the Property from CS to CBD. Development intensity
for the Project will be achieved using either the existing City of Austin Development Bonus
Program, or rezoning the Property to Central Business District ("CBD"). The Project shall not
exceed a maximum building coverage of 100%, a maximum impervious coverage of 100%, and
a maximum building height of 45-stories. The nature of the permit sought at this point is the
development plan and includes all permits required to commence/complete work on the Project.

This drawing was also added. The site data table on the right states "MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT 45 STORIES".
http://i.imgur.com/vs7Llev.png
https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?p_p_id=SmartPortletJSR286_WAR_smartlets_INSTANCE_chpyJJVwH9kC&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1#port_public-search-other-database

[We vs us]

"dont kill our 45 story tower with cvc! Alright?"

[The ATX]

The Planning Commission takes up the zoning change request Tuesday 06/27. Staff recommends approval. There is no new building info, just better maps. The 705 East zoning change request is still pending but will be on the block just west of Sabine.

http://i.imgur.com/Y5SRjSy.png
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=279591

[The ATX]

The Planning Commission approved the zoning change to CBD. Now we wait.

[Urbannizer]

https://aquilacommercial.com/property/velocity-tower/

Velocity Tower is an investment opportunity located in the heart of Austin, Texas. The two sites, which currently house Velocity Credit Union’s headquarters and main branch, are positioned on a combined 2.4 acres in Austin’s Central Business District near the 11th Street and Red River intersection. The property’s potential to house over 800,000 SF of office, residential and/or hotel developments makes it a unique large-scale mixed use development opportunity in the CBD.

https://aquilacommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rendering-5-featured.jpg?x20475

https://aquilacommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rendering-1-featured.jpg?x20475

https://aquilacommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rendering-6-featured.jpg?x20475

https://aquilacommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rendering-4-featured.jpg?x20475

[The ATX]

Great find. It's just a vision, but a nice vision at that. The site plan was CC Rejected months ago and has not been updated. I don't know why one was filed if there was no specific project lined up.

[urbancore]

I dig it.

[We vs us]

Yep. Something like that would be an excellent contrast to the Alexan.

[myBrain]

It's like a shorter 56 leonard (https://www.google.com/search?q=56+leonard&safe=off&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS524US524&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi9s_GemIrXAhXnj1QKHbULAeQQ_AUICigB&biw=1514&bih=821)

[KevinFromTexas]

That looks to be only around 400 feet, maybe even a bit less. 45 floors would suggest at least 450 feet and probably pushing 500. I really like that design. I would love for Austin to get something like that. And please, keep the greenery on it.

[AustinGoesVertical]

I think this particular design might be a little more than just a sketch-rendering vision. Remember our Gensler friend George Blume, well through his Instagram you can find another Gensler architect named Gerardo Gandy and check out the tower in the far left corner. Had actually meant to post this in the update thread as this looked like a design we hadn't seen before. The second I saw this sketch, I remembered it. There's also another model that doesn't remind me of anything that's surfaced... in the back and on the right side.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/37863908306_d2250ee6b5_b.jpg

[MichaelB]

Yep. Something like that would be an excellent contrast to the Alexan.

I agree with that for sure!

[urbancore]

I feel like an idiot just now, I don't recognize ANY of those buildings.

[the Genral]

I feel like an idiot just now, I don't recognize ANY of those buildings.

The one behind and to the right looks like 600 Guadalupe. I'm with you on all the others though, no idea...:shrug:

[The ATX]

There are some Domain buildings there, a couple 3rd + Shoals, 600 Guad and this one. There appears to be an Austin Proper model even though that's not a Gensler product. The one I don't know about it the tall one under the sitter's toes.

[JoninATX]

The one behind and to the right looks like 600 Guadalupe. I'm with you on all the others though, no idea...:shrug:

I think the smaller buildings are Domain 11 & 12 with Third & Shoal in the back ground.

[wwmiv]

The one beneath his toes could be the old design for the last block of the green water development viewed as if from the northwest.

[The ATX]

The one beneath his toes could be the old design for the last block of the green water development viewed as if from the northwest.

That could be. The Austin Properish one also looks like an older version of Block 185.

[KevinFromTexas]

I think this particular design might be a little more than just a sketch-rendering vision. Remember our Gensler friend George Blume, well through his Instagram you can find another Gensler architect named Gerardo Gandy and check out the tower in the far left corner. Had actually meant to post this in the update thread as this looked like a design we hadn't seen before. The second I saw this sketch, I remembered it. There's also another model that doesn't remind me of anything that's surfaced... in the back and on the right side.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/37863908306_d2250ee6b5_b.jpg

That tall one in the back on the right side is the design for one of the block 185 proposals.

See here:

I don't recall seeing this rendering before. But then again, there have been too many different versions of this project over the past 10 years to keep track of. It's obviously not the current one because Northshore was tweaked after this rendering. But I suspect this is closer to the final product than something like that awesome 900 footer. A Google search links it back to Trammell Crow's website, but I couldn't find it there.

https://i.imgur.com/lEem1Dp.png
http://www.trammellcrow.com/EN/aboutus/Pages/Trammell-Crow-MBA-Recruiting.aspx

[The ATX]

Here's a backed out view of one of the posted renderings. We can only hope the final project looks this nice.

https://i.imgur.com/6ZGiDXl.png
https://aquilacommercial.com/property/velocity-tower/

[AusTxDevelopment]

That is a block from Brackenridge. Merck should build their innovation center there. Close to the Med School and up to 800,000 sf of space assuming they get their permits approved.

[KevinFromTexas]

It's sort of a shame that this tower isn't closer to Waterloo Park. This thing would have appeared amazing fronting the southern border of the park with all of that greenery on it. Think "Central Park" and the way the highrises line it there. I suppose that wouldn't be possible because of the view corridors though.

[We vs us]

Hm. I thought this parcel was south of Brackenridge proper. Either way, though . . . that whole neighborhood should really blow up as the Innovation District thingy gets moving.

[lzppjb]

This building is really interesting with all of those balconies. I've never been a huge fan of them sticking out like that, but it seems they are pretty popular.

Edit: Sorry for posting those renders again. Didn't see Urbannizer's post.

[the Genral]

It's sort of a shame that this tower isn't closer to Waterloo Park. This thing would have appeared amazing fronting the southern border of the park with all of that greenery on it. Think "Central Park" and the way the highrises line it there. I suppose that wouldn't be possible because of the view corridors though.

Yeah, I agree. Been there, its pretty cool. Its what you should expect from an urban park, a sort of oasis among the towers. Republic Square mimics this on a much smaller scale.

[austlar1]

Yeah, I agree. Been there, its pretty cool. Its what you should expect from an urban park, a sort of oasis among the towers. Republic Square mimics this on a much smaller scale.

The building fronting on Red River below the Velocity site is a historic structure, so it won't be going anywhere. You should visit the parking adjacent to the entrance of the current Velocity building. It overlooks the building below and has a very nice view of downtown and the capitol. Any views from a tower on this site would be spectacular.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Red+River+St+%26+Mesquite+St+%26+E+11th+St,+Austin,+TX+78701/@30.2711397,-97.7354746,3a,75y,75h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sf_D5TlcXHAFnln4oFA0aYw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x8644b5a3f044c0ad:0xfef7afd52871434e!8m2!3d30.27117!4d-97.7354479

[KevinFromTexas]

My sister worked at that Velocity for a while. The views were always nice. The neighborhood is kind of meh though.

[architeckton]

These parcels just went up for sale by Velocity Credit Union (https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2017/11/01/prime-downtown-austin-redevelopment-property-for.html).

A prime redevelopment opportunity near the Texas Capitol has hit the market with Austin-based Velocity Credit Union putting properties at 610 E. 11th St. and 705 E. 12th St. up for bids.

Aquila Commercial has the listing for the two parcels, which could be redeveloped as a mid-rise and high-rise mixed-use project.

[ILUVSAT]

These parcels just went up for sale by Velocity Credit Union (https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2017/11/01/prime-downtown-austin-redevelopment-property-for.html).

I wouldn't say "just went up for sale..." It's been on the market for about a month now (if not a bit longer).

[ILUVSAT]

These parcels just went up for sale by Velocity Credit Union (https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2017/11/01/prime-downtown-austin-redevelopment-property-for.html).

Oops...double post. Apologies.

[The ATX]

Here are some more renderings:

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_336f32b36388461c908c86c2b0b3fd3f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_336f32b36388461c908c86c2b0b3fd3f~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_4a6c3bf94d1b4d2b9bdec593331bfc22~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_4a6c3bf94d1b4d2b9bdec593331bfc22~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_c6f8204a9c5146cfba7f97f7160585d0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_c6f8204a9c5146cfba7f97f7160585d0~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_4b5d5caf767c448494a0d085dc81a9ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_4b5d5caf767c448494a0d085dc81a9ec~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_4bb0ef76657c45a7a83e0a3ffde046b6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_4bb0ef76657c45a7a83e0a3ffde046b6~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_792b8e0adaa24e0e893a5fd9e679b040~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_792b8e0adaa24e0e893a5fd9e679b040~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_f0b95d3603bc4414b2d292dec84b4a7c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_f0b95d3603bc4414b2d292dec84b4a7c~mv2.webp
https://www.gensleraustinten.com/

[Sigaven]

Pretty neat, but isn't it just still concept? Kinda hard to get excited about unless we knwo it's gonna be real :(

[Geckos_Rule]

It looks like a working-man's 56 leonard. I guess you can't complain too much about the gigantic parking podium at this point, but honestly I'd be a fan of this project if that rendering is what people went forward with

[We vs us]

I like the texture. Would make I35 gridlock a touch more scenic.

[texboy]

Here are some more renderings:

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_336f32b36388461c908c86c2b0b3fd3f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_336f32b36388461c908c86c2b0b3fd3f~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_4a6c3bf94d1b4d2b9bdec593331bfc22~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_4a6c3bf94d1b4d2b9bdec593331bfc22~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_c6f8204a9c5146cfba7f97f7160585d0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_c6f8204a9c5146cfba7f97f7160585d0~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_4b5d5caf767c448494a0d085dc81a9ec~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_4b5d5caf767c448494a0d085dc81a9ec~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_4bb0ef76657c45a7a83e0a3ffde046b6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_4bb0ef76657c45a7a83e0a3ffde046b6~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_792b8e0adaa24e0e893a5fd9e679b040~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_792b8e0adaa24e0e893a5fd9e679b040~mv2.webp
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8cb059_f0b95d3603bc4414b2d292dec84b4a7c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1379,h_776,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/8cb059_f0b95d3603bc4414b2d292dec84b4a7c~mv2.webp
https://www.gensleraustinten.com/

Looks cool! The maintenance bill to trim those trees though... :runaway:

[KevinFromTexas]

I like it. I can't be too picky. One thing, though, that seems short to be 45 floors. The height there seems to be around 400 feet.

[The ATX]

Those renderings are just place holders for marketing the site. The project as rendered is not happening according Gensler's 10 year website.

The "up to 45-stories" is Velocity's verbiage on the approved zoning change request documents. The site plan by the way, has never been updated since it was CC rejected early last summer.

This is definitely just a work in progress and either Velocity or an unknown (at this point) developer will be proposing something that is probably completely different when a deal is done.

[The ATX]

This is still a thing. Velocity is moving their HQ from 610 E. 11th to North Austin.

https://communityimpact.com/local-news/austin/northwest-austin/impacts/2018/06/01/velocity-credit-union-to-relocate-headquarters-from-downtown-to-northwest-austin/

[KevinFromTexas]

This is still a thing. Velocity is moving their HQ from 610 E. 11th to North Austin.

https://communityimpact.com/local-news/austin/northwest-austin/impacts/2018/06/01/velocity-credit-union-to-relocate-headquarters-from-downtown-to-northwest-austin/

The site plan was posted today for the new Velocity HQ across the street.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2019/FY2019/AULCC%20Agendas%202019/190307/PLAN/AULCC_VelocityCreditUnionSiteUtilities&Streetscape_PLAN_01.pdf

[The ATX]

The only good thing about a new one story drive inn bank downtown is that it clears the way for the 610 East site to be developed.

Here's an elevation of the new bank at the 705 East site from AULCC. The drive inn bank site is blasted by a CVC, so at best it could have been a ~4-story apartment building.

https://i.imgur.com/PCr4xRm.png

[The ATX]

Something is in the works. The Austin Symphony's rezoning request (to CBD) for their building next to the Velocity site will be heard at next week's Planning Commission meeting, and their site will be part of the Velocity site development. From the back up file:

The large tract to the east is the Velocity Credit Union property at 610 E. 11th Street, which
was rezoned to CBD in 2017. The applicant has requested a rezoning to CBD so that they
may redevelop their property and seamlessly combine with the development planned for
Velocity – a mixed use project to include office, multifamily, and hotel uses.
Under the current proposal, the existing office building would be demolished, and one or
more buildings would be built on both tracts. The symphony would then be able to move into
a new building, and have a larger, updated office space.
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=315917


The Symphony site has two CVCs on it, so not much can be built. But here are the plans for their site. The office space would be the new home of the Symphony. So that's a win for them. There are no specifics about the Velocity site project.

https://i.imgur.com/exCxd2W.png

[lzppjb]

Nice find. Really curious about this one.

[lzppjb]

So, according to the map, it's only the NW corner of the block they're looking at. Not the SW corner where the outdoor symphony stage is, correct? So the future tower would take up about 3/4 of the block (not accounting for CVC and whatnot).

[Jdawgboy]

I hope they leave the Velocity drive through at least during construction. That's my credit union and the location I go to each week.

[The ATX]

I hope they leave the Velocity drive through at least during construction. That's my credit union and the location I go to each week.

They are building a new location with four drive throughs across the street from 610 East. I would expect them to occupy the new building before demo'ing the current one.

[Jdawgboy]

They are building a new location with four drive throughs across the street from 610 East. I would expect them to occupy the new building before demo'ing the current one.


Awesome, I also just noticed it posted above as well. I missed seeing that.

[The ATX]

A site plan was filed today for a mixed use residential building called Symphony Square at 615 E. 12th. Google maps it to the Austin Symphony building that uses a Red River address at the corner of E. 12th and Red River. We know that the Austin Symphony building is part of the Velocity tower project on that block. The site plan doesn't have enough info yet to clear up how this all connects together. Greystar is the billed to party on the site plan.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12154854&t_selected_propertyrsn=107338

[Jdawgboy]

I shouldn't have to ask this but I'm assuming that the building will be preserved along with the open area?

[The ATX]

I shouldn't have to ask this but I'm assuming that the building will be preserved along with the open area?

You are probably referring to the building on the the SW corner of the block on Red River and E. 11th. There has been nothing to indicate that that building is part of any Velocity/Symphony Square project.

[The ATX]

Community Impact has an article about a "mysterious Red River" project at the Austin Symphony and Velocity sites. I think reading this thread would have helped them a little. They did contact Velocity Credit Union, but Velocity Reps declined to comment on the project.

https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/city-county/2019/03/15/austin-symphony-orchestra-building-slated-for-demolition-likely-rebuilt-into-mysterious-red-river-mixed-use-project/

[The ATX]

I shouldn't have to ask this but I'm assuming that the building will be preserved along with the open area?

This map from last week's Planning Commission meeting shows the location of the Symphony Square/Velocity project. (I think it's just called "Symphony Square" now.) The part of the block labeled CBD and the yellow square is the site.
Based on what little we know now the yellow square will have a limited amount (due to CVC) of hotel/office/retail and the CBD portion (Velocity) will have residential and possibly more office and hotel uses.

https://i.imgur.com/KHVEfFw.png
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=315917

[The ATX]

We have some info now. It's 34 floors and 379' tall. It's - mostly residential with some office and hotel floors on lower level. Here's the floor usage:

https://i.imgur.com/cKLWRLc.png
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2019/FY2019/AULCC%20Agendas%202019/190411/PLAN/

[The ATX]

Here's the site plan. There are no elevations yet.

https://i.imgur.com/CS9vmi6.png
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2019/FY2019/AULCC%20Agendas%202019/190411/PLAN/

[The ATX]

This looks like 33 occupied floors on the Sabine side, and that appears to be where the 379' height was measured. But since the site is sloped it looks like it might be 35 occupied above ground floors on the Red River side because B2 and B3 have office or retail. That would also put it over 400' when measured from Red River.

[The ATX]

R2L based in D.C. (with an Austin office) is the architect. I'm interested in seeing how they tie the lower CVC contaminated part of the project on Red River with office and hotel levels to the residential tower at the higher end of the block. This could be one of my favorite projects.

Architect's website:
http://www.r2l-architects.com/type/mixed-use/

[The ATX]

Towers' latest article sums up this thread/project rather nicely:

https://austin.towers.net/east-of-the-capitol-symphony-squares-getting-taller-very-carefully/


The site plan application was allowed to expire which is unusual. But a new site plan was filed Wednesday this week.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12188019&t_selected_propertyrsn=5703919

[We vs us]

Towers' latest article sums up this thread/project rather nicely:

https://austin.towers.net/east-of-the-capitol-symphony-squares-getting-taller-very-carefully/


The site plan application was allowed to expire which is unusual. But a new site plan was filed Wednesday this week.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12188019&t_selected_propertyrsn=5703919

The article has some good massings + CVC interactions. Among other things it points up just how arbitrary and ridiculous some of the corridors really are. To whit:

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/symphony_alexan_cvcs.jpg

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/cvc_symphony_map-e1556839407496.jpg

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/cvc_view_alexan_symphony_large.jpg

[The ATX]

This project is having trouble with the permitting process. A site plan application was filed, but it expired because the formal site plan wasn't filed before the deadline. Now the same thing has happened to the second site plan application. They will now have to file a third site plan application.

[The ATX]

This project is dependent on Velocity moving their credit union from the site to a location across the street. The reason for the expiration of the two site plan applications may be due to the fact that Velocity is having trouble getting their new building permitted. The issue is related to the planned parking. The Planning Commission staff recommends approval, but the Planning Commission hasn't been on board with the plans. So Velocity is going around the Planning Commission by seeking Administrative approval.

[StoOgE]

Can we just get rid of motorbanks in the CBD? Just walk to a god damned bank from your office building. We have so much space downtown occupied by freaking motorbanks. It's not 1980.

[KevinFromTexas]

Come on, don't you wanna wink at the teller as you light up a smoke from your Trans-Am's cigarette lighter? lol

I remember my uncle's bank was downtown. It was definitely a thing of the 80s. Whenever my grandma would come with us whenever he'd go to the bank, she always amazed by how much downtown had changed. And that was in the 90s. :stunned:

[StoOgE]

Come on, don't you wanna wink at the teller as you light up a smoke from your Trans-Am's cigarette lighter? lol

I remember my uncle's bank was downtown. It was definitely a thing of the 80s. Whenever my grandma would come with us whenever he'd go to the bank, she always amazed by how much downtown had changed. And that was in the 90s. :stunned:

I mean, banks being downtown was a think like... 100 years ago. When banks generally had one main location and making it as grandiose as possible (by spending depositors money) made you seem less likely to go out of business.

Back when "branches" literally meant a branch of the main bank... but then in the 70s and 80s when people realized they could just NEVER LEAVE THEIR CAR EVER it means tons of downtowns were invaded with motor banks.

They are just such a horrible use of space and are the most pedestrian unfriendly thing imaginable since there are like 8 entrances and exits from all of them that just kill a block of sidewalk.

[Jdawgboy]

Hey now!!! I use that bank. I enjoy going for the very reason that it's in Downtown. I get to go then frequently go afterwards to 2nd Street to have some me time, go to Toy Joy then get something sweet at Yummijoy. I get why its not the best use of space and honestly, all the other drive through banks DT can go lol just leave Velocity. :crazy2::shuffle::swordfight:

[The ATX]

They submitted the site plan for the third time today. Let's hope this one doesn't expire.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12304229&t_selected_propertyrsn=5703919

[The ATX]

There is a project in Nashville that may give us a good idea as to what this one will look like. The Nashville project is referred to as 19th & Broadway, and it has the same developer (Greystar Residential), same architect (R2L: Architects) along with the same uses and a similar footprint.

It features a tall residential tower and a shorter second hotel tower connected by the podium. The Austin project is basically designed the same way due to the slope of the site and a CVC. The shorter "tower" in Austin's project will include office along with a hotel because the Austin Symphony wants a new home, and this is their project.

Here's the Nashville version:
https://i.imgur.com/6sxrDsA.png
https://i.imgur.com/LwkNJ3t.png
https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/development/article/21084817/details-emerge-for-planned-midtown-project


Here's the original vision for the site when it was known as Velocity Tower. It's not all that different from the Nashville project and from what we have seen from the AULCC postings for Symphony Square. The main difference is that the Austin tower will be over 100' taller.
https://i.imgur.com/mcBkiOs.png
https://www.crexi.com/properties/197410/texas-velocity-tower

[zrx299]

That last drawing is an all-out assault on the eyeballs. Yikes... it's like they're trying to bring back elements of Brutalism in the right side tower with, of course, the trendy staggered windows treatment below the staggered balconies.

[the Genral]

That last drawing is an all-out assault on the eyeballs. Yikes... it's like they're trying to bring back elements of Brutalism in the right side tower with, of course, the trendy staggered windows treatment below the staggered balconies.

Texturism is the new Brutalism. I made that up btw. And I agree, yikes.

[The ATX]

A site plan for this project finally went into review this week. The project may have changed a bit, but there is conflicting info in the site plan. This is what it appears to consist of:

364 Condos (previously described as apartments)
The Co-Living Hotel may have changed to 87 Live-Work units
~140K Sq. Ft. office space (up from ~130K)
~13.2K Sq. Ft. retail (up from around ~12K)

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/permit/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12304229&t_selected_propertyrsn=5703919

The developer is also requesting the City to fast track the project with demo and site prep starting in January 2020 and construction in July 2020.

[KevinFromTexas]

That sounds pretty big. 442 units and 140K of office space. That's probably good for about 7 floors, plus however many levels the residential is. 360 has 433 units. I wouldn't be too surprised if this one turned into a 500 footer if that's all in one tower.

[The ATX]

Here's the project schedule from the site plan assuming the project gets fast tracked approvals as planned. I doubt the City will meet the schedule, but the fact that the developer is paying extra to fast track it is a good sign for the project's viability.

https://i.imgur.com/tn9bq6G.png

[Jdawgboy]

Saw a new sign in front of Symphony Square. Says Symphony Green or something like that. Only got a quick glimpse because I noticed the green color of the sign.

[H2O]

Saw a new sign in front of Symphony Square. Says Symphony Green or something like that. Only got a quick glimpse because I noticed the green color of the sign.

I think the sign you saw says 'Waterloo Greenway' https://waterloogreenway.org/

[Jdawgboy]

I think the sign you saw says 'Waterloo Greenway' https://waterloogreenway.org/

Hmmm interesting, swore I saw Symphony written but it was so quick that I probably also saw Symphony Square as well as the green sign and mixed it all up lol.

[H2O]

Hmmm interesting, swore I saw Symphony written but it was so quick that I probably also saw Symphony Square as well as the green sign and mixed it all up lol.

It does say Symphony Square in smaller type.

https://waterloogreenway.org/news/

[The ATX]

The corrupted PDF file posted for AULCC last week was reposted, and it opens now. It's a large file that contains just about everything about the building except elevations. The tower is 30-stories on Sabine and 33-stories on Red River. The height is listed as 347', but that is probably the roof height from Sabine. So it could still be close to 400' to mechanical from the Red River entrance.

Here are the updated uses by floor:

https://i.imgur.com/KY7wksi.png
ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2019/FY2019/AULCC%20Agendas%202019/191017/PLANS/

[GoldenBoot]

^^^Wasn't it posted somewhere that this is 33/34 stories and 379' tall (to its architectural tip)?

If so, it would make since that the roof is 347' plus a 32' crown of some sort.

[The ATX]

^^^Wasn't it posted somewhere that this is 33/34 stories and 379' tall (to its architectural tip)?

Yes, two or three floors were trimmed in the latest AULCC posting.

[The ATX]

Towers has a new article about the project with elevations. Counting floors is tricky with this one.

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/Symphony-Square-Plans_elevations-e1572555336937.jpg
https://austin.towers.net/heres-whats-next-at-symphony-square/?agent=caitlyn@towers.net

[Jdawgboy]

Why is CVC 16 named that out of curiosity?

[AusTxDevelopment]

Why is CVC 16 named that out of curiosity?

It's likely the same reason MoPac is called MoPac because it runs along the Missouri-Pacific Railroad. Perhaps the CVC runs along part of what used to be the Texas-New Orleans Railroad line? Wiki says TNO merged with Southern Pacific in 1961. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_and_New_Orleans_Railroad

[Armybrat]

What really amuses me is the media referring to the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad line corridor as the “MoKan”, when it was NEVER called that during its operating days.
It was called the Katy by everyone at the time.

People need to get that one straight.

[The ATX]

We have that excellent wwmiv CVC map in the sticky development thread where the CVCs can be checked out. CVC 16 is a City of Austin CVC and has to be one of the most worthless CVCs. It starts from the 7th St bridge over RR tracks just west of Tillary St. Here it is on Streetview:

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

[KevinFromTexas]

Yeah. You can enjoy a view of the Capitol dome while riding your bike in that skinny bike lane while someone else driving next to you in the car lane does the same and you can hope you don't get run over. I've never walked it, but I'm not sure there's even a view of the dome from the sidewalk there because of the trees. That raises another issue, which is that some of the CVCs have been neglected, but it's not because of buildings violating the views, it's because trees in them haven't been maintained. There are likely property owners along their path who are clueless that their house/property/tree lie in the path of a view corridor.

Anyway, the new height on the residential tower appears to be 338 feet with 31 floors when measured from the lowest elevation, which is on the 11th Street side.

[wwmiv]

We have that excellent wwmiv CVC map in the sticky development thread where the CVCs can be checked out.

:heart:

[The ATX]

The half block to the North has been cleared. I can't remember for sure but I think this will be the new location for the Velocity Credit Union to free up the current location to the West.

https://i.imgur.com/x9HZIWX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Voh8efh.jpg



Yup. This demo could be considered the start of the Symphony Square project.

[The ATX]

Dirt isn't moving yet, but trees are. A permit was filed today to move a heritage tree on the site to Waterloo Park across the street.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12399472&t_selected_propertyrsn=249659

[The ATX]

A request for a CVC determination was filed today. I suspect that this is just some Admin cleanup since the project is already designed.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/public-search-other?t_detail=1&t_selected_folderrsn=12456213&t_selected_propertyrsn=5703919

[The ATX]

Updated elevations were posted for AULCC today:

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/AULCC_2020/200430/PLANS/

The PDF is rather large and the elevations are on page 84. The project gained 27' in height as measured from the Red River side. Some estimating was needed.

[The ATX]

Here's one set of elevations from the AULCC link:

https://i.imgur.com/5LsCqIM.png

[corvairkeith]

The new Velocity Credit Union is coming along.

https://i.imgur.com/5Ctfy4I.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/WnZJ0hZ.jpg

[JoninATX]

So is the Symphony Tower not going to be built because of the new bank?

[The ATX]

So is the Symphony Tower not going to be built because of the new bank?

Somebody's not keeping up. :) Velocity needs to build their new downtown branch on this CVC encumbered site; then their old branch across the street will be demo'ed for Symphony Sq.

Edit: It's been a while, but this project was originally called the Velocity Tower.

[Jdawgboy]

That's my credit union, but I really wish they would have built a more urban oriented building. That's literally just like any Velocity out around the city or suburbs. Seems like a waste to create a suburban cookie cutter building.

[The ATX]

That's my credit union, but I really wish they would have built a more urban oriented building. That's literally just like any Velocity out around the city or suburbs. Seems like a waste to create a suburban cookie cutter building.

That has been my CU as well for the past 15 years. I give them credit for re-building their downtown branch on a CVC low-rise site and developing their old site with a tower.

[KevinFromTexas]

I wish they'd call it Velocity Symphony.

[The ATX]

...or The Velocity & Greystar Symphony Square Tower on Red River @ Waterloo Park.

[JoninATX]

Somebody's not keeping up. :) Velocity needs to build their new downtown branch on this CVC encumbered site; then their old branch across the street will be demo'ed for Symphony Sq.

Edit: It's been a while, but this project was originally called the Velocity Tower.

Gotcha! :tup:

[The ATX]

On slow news days one has to dig deeper for updates. Just four weeks ago Greystar posted an ad on LinkedIn for a Construction Superintendent to oversee this project. That bodes well for this one breaking ground as planned.

Greystar will be breaking ground on a mixed-use high-rise project at Symphony Square in Austin, TX. We are is looking for a Construction Superintendent to oversee the project from the development stage through to completion.

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/construction-superintendent-high-rise-project-at-greystar-1748051418/