I think you meant to say they are are bookended by Taco Cabana on one end and Taco Bell on the other.

And Syndic - the plan for the boutique hotel/condos on top has changed. It's going to be all residential now with ground floor retail.

Another downtown Austin site to go vertical
Apartments, not a hotel, expected to replace Taco Cabana near downtown Austin
Jan Buchholz
Staff Writer- Austin Business Journal
October 12, 2012

The article says that the best-case scenario would have the project breaking ground in the 2nd quarter of 2013 and would take 18-20 months to complete.

So this article is nearly 3 months old. Does anyone know if the developers asked to have the property rezoned to be able to increase the height?

I would like to see that street all the way up to Barton Springs urbanized..

Jack In The Box, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Taco Bell, P Terry's, Schlotzsky's, and Taco Cabana are all on that stretch in suburban style developments. Hopefully one day they will be razed and the land utilized for mixed-use developments built right up to the street. That stretch of South Lamar has a lot of things going for it -- prime location between downtown/Zilker Park/Auditorium Shores and home to the Zach Theater & 2 large mixed used developments.

But P. Terry's is cool and so Austin. :)

Yes I like P. Terry's as well, it could be reincorporated into a more dense development on that same spot.

dont think p.terry will ever do something like that their locations all seem to be car oriented all but the sit down one a little more north on lamar

Awesome. I appreciate the info, LoneStarMike. Residential is even better. That location would be a really amazing place to live. It's almost impossible to keep up with all of these projects! I love it.

Speaking of which, I hadn't realized that the Crestview Station development was going to be so extensive.

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

They've recently started building Phase II of the plan.

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

Apparently, it's two different developers; one building apartments, the other building houses. I think construction on the houses is going to start soon. I could be wrong.

Infill like this, while not 100% urban (though it does contain some mixed-use), has the effect of making Austin feel a lot bigger.

Here are some pics of Calloway House.

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

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

http://i.imgur.com/GBaO3h.jpg

And Eleven.

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

http://i.imgur.com/xAh83h.jpg

And Whitley, which looks a lot better now that they have more of the stonework done.

http://i.imgur.com/xe2YT.jpg

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

The stone looks great. Can't wait to see how the rest turns out. Thanks for the pics.

What day were those pictures taken? Whitley looks decent. They're definitely taking longer and paying more attention to detail. It started at the same time as Hyatt Place, and the Hyatt looks completely finished, this one doesn't even have all the windows in yet.

This is going to look alot nicer than people were saying just a few weeks ago.

Awesome, more infill for that area, it may not be 10st. that I was hoping for, but a 6st. residential building is just as good, also they have installed a red crane base at the Carmen Lamar Heights.

http://camdenlamarheights.squarespac...=1339789441966

Where is that project?

Also, DAB is reporting more info on the new hotel downtown by White Lodging:

http://downtownaustinblog.org/2013/0...ke-that-hotel/

The designs are similar, yes, but I think the yet to be built version is slightly nicer and has better detail.

It's off Lamar & N. Loop Blvd.

That's a fucking gigantic project for that far north. The urban development going on there really rivals that going on on South Lamar.

The address is 5400 North Lamar. It will be 60 feet tall with 5 floors.

It's great to see N. Lamar being revitalized. The stretch from just north of the Triangle all the way to 183 desperately needs to be fully redeveloped. The blight along that stretch is awful in places. Good to see that things are happening.

It is a good sign, but I have to admit that I've always felt that Burnet south of Justin had better potential for urban infill. However, both corridors are looking up.

It's a shame it was that lot and not one nearby. The current buildings there (well... if they're still there at this point) are nicer than their surroundings. However, the project is, ofcourse, better than the old stuff.

Google Earth shows that they've been demolished.

What a great development. Demolishing suburban blight in favor of mised-use buildings? It doesn't get any better than that. And the cool thing is that these kinds of things are accumulative. One building can change the whole feel and character of an area. Other developers will see that building and conclude that it's an area they want to be in. So urbanism can kind if spread to the rest of the city.

This North Loop development is one of my favorites right now just because it's urbanism eliminating suburban blight and it's so far out.

The biggest parcels now to redevelop on the stretch between the Triangle and Crestview (that's basically the extent of that corridor):

The parking lot at 51st and Lamar. That's the St. Dept. for Aging and Services, but they could easily sell 3/4 the land and build a parking garage on the remaining portion.

The southwest corner of North Loop and Lamar, which is even worse suburban blight than the northwestern corner where Carmen is going.

The lot across from Half Price Books AND the Half Price Books lot are both prime redevelopment opportunities. Half Price Books would actually work very well in a more urban street-front setting with retail above (similar in nature to how the preexisting Alamo Drafthouse is being incorporated into the development on South Lamar). They could easily incorporate a coffee shop into their model in such an event.

And the godawful DPS parcel. They have no business ruining that stretch of land. They should move somewhere more easily accessible by commuters. I.E. to a building on freeway frontage. God, if that parcel were redeveloped into a VMU, that development would be absolutely game-changing for that part of town. The sheer number of units that could be in a 5-6 story would guarantee decent foot traffic for street level retail fronting Lamar and Koenig, with parking garages nested in the center of the parcel and more traditional retail fronting Guadalupe.

It's unfortunate that the other corners of Lamar and Airport/Justin really aren't large enough, shaped properly, or inhabited by older crappy buildings ripe for a VMU development, but even VMUs just a few blocks down will draw some users to the Crestview Station on the rail line.

Always thought the same thing about the DPS, especially the fenced-in semi-junk yard portion. They do have some cool old assault vehicles though...

I'll have to find the link from the COA's website, but I believe the small building at the SW corner of North Loop and Lamar will be a Taco Cabana (I could be wrong, but it would be kind of ironic given the development at S Lamar and Riverside).

Perhaps one day, though DPS recently added a couple of multi-story buildings on the campus.

The strip center Camden is replacing at Lamar/N Loop was very unsightly. I believe it was built in the 60s or 70s. Adios mi amigo.

There would appear to be additional redevelopment opportunities as far north as 183 on Lamar. It looks like some townhomes are going up at the north/northwest side of Crestview Station now. This in addition to the 4 story apartments behind the existing ones along Lamar.

I love the way my fellow SSP members think. We should all run for city council, maybe we would represent enough of the districts to keep these kinds of projects moving forward. Hopefully the redevelopment where Highball was will be a good working model for places like where that Half Price Books is now.

That's what I said... :P

it be nice to see someone from on here run for city council. enough of all this yapping and get to it! :D

StreetLights Residential's website:
http://www.streetlightsres.com/about-slr.html

http://impactnews.com/articles/job-g...ew-apartments/
-

http://impactnews.com/articles/city-...side-corridor/

A neighbor tells me that she thinks the vacuum cleaner place at N. Loop and Lamar has been torn down. Is that correct? I haven't been over there in a while.

I was at the Domain a few days ago and snapped some pictures of some unknown projects that are going up in that area.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8...22fed66d_z.jpg
New construction going up behind the Westin. I also remember someone stating that a 12 st. tower will go up directly behind it.

http://www.wdgarch.com/resources/pro...ject-image.jpg
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show....php?p=5773839

API on 4th Street
 

I noticed the other day that the API Graphics between 360 and Shoal Creek on 4th is moving to north Lamar. Does anybody know if this spot has been sold and if so what might be going in there? The tract is small but could be kind of a cool spot for development.

Coincidentally, I went to the Domain today for the first time since the day it opened. I had never been all that interested in it, but this time I was impressed. The amount of construction in the past few years is phenomenal. I didn't know that an entire new section had opened. Strangely, the new part was virtually devoid of people, but the original section was packed with people. Interestingly, the older and busier part was almost all "well heeled" Asians, Hispanics, Blacks, Indians, and Middle Easterners. I was one of the few Anglos, and being in my jeans and flannel shirt, I was way underdressed. The place felt like shopping districts in Houston, but not Austin. That's not meant to be negative; in fact, I liked it.

The one thing that baffled me was that the old and new sections of the Domain are separated by a huge parking lot. I don't know what the designers were thinking.

Incidentally, the reason I was there was to use a Dillard's gift card to do some shopping. I did not realize how extremely pricey that store is. Target is more my style.

I feel the same, although the parking lot in front of Macy's could easily be developed which could turn into a mixed use urban project that could connect with phase 2. I just sent a message the developer regarding the project directly behind the Westin.

Unfortunately there is a high voltage power line that lies between the old and new sections. Still maybe they could do a better job connecting the two sections like better landscaping or a faux creek.

That can be relocated...

I know exactly what you are talking about. It's ridiculous. There's not even any sidewalks between the areas from what I recall. Hopefully they will do something to connect the two areas but for now they are isolated from each other pedestrian-wise. It makes the area feel like a suburban shopping mall.

Don't count on it.

There are 3 apartment projects underway at the Domain. The one behind the Westin is called The Kenzie:

http://impactnews.com/articles/job-g...ew-apartments/

Also, here's a map (page 2) of all the proposed and existing development at The Domain. http://www.endeavor-re.com/get-pdf.p...7_Brochure.pdf

For the lazy:

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

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

So, it looks like it is all going to be connected, kind of. But there won't be any symbiosis between Phase I and Phase II without going the long way or cutting across a big, ugly parking lot.

The Domain is stupid, its packed with cars with only two phases open that don't connect. sure its pretty and some nice stores (Apple) but they totally missed an opportunity to make the whole thing a place to go. Its so separated. You must drive to get to each section, and if you look at the new areas they seem a little better. But I tell you now that two story Whole Foods is going to wreck havoc on the traffic over at that end, and its the main way in off mopac. I dread going there, but its close and has one store I like. I agree I feel out of place as its rich smelly (perfumes, I get migraines) people who are rude. I've nearly hit more than one person crossing the main street (stupid idea phase I, brilliant phase II) they just walk across if your driving down the street, its worse at night. Maybe the future stuff will be better, but I'm not holding my breath (unless walking past a smelly person).

A place to go, which I feel could've also been a 24/7 place to go. I agree that the concept is cool and could still be made to attract more diversity, but I doubt just as well that its ever going to happen.

Yeah, I've said it before....but it's just a "anywhere USA" kinda place. Nobody REALLY likes the domain in austin.

I've never even been. I just go to Southpark Meadows down south.

I actually like the Domain. My sister lived there and loved it apart from the housing administration (not quite the word I'm looking for, but I'm exhausted so...), which really sucks.

It'll grow more organically with age and after the initial development is finished. We really won't know if it was a success or failure (or somewhere in between) until 30 or 40 years from now.

That's probably true. And I will admit that I did like going there from time to time. I didn't mind shopping there and it was a little bit different from downtown.

12/29
 

I meant to get these up sooner, but I've been sick over the last week.

Gables Park Tower - 223 FEET - 18 FLOORS

http://i.imgur.com/Ux0F0.jpg

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

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

View from St. Ed's. The building should show up here.
http://i.imgur.com/XkQBA.jpg

Austin Skyhouse - 264 FEET - 23 FLOORS

http://i.imgur.com/1saIN.jpg

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

http://i.imgur.com/qca4n.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xef7A.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/k5c3V.jpg

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

JW Marriott Convention Hotel - 408 FEET - 34 FLOORS

http://i.imgur.com/0DCI9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/m3jry.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/r2S15.jpg

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

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

http://i.imgur.com/ZI5zk.jpg

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

Hyatt Regency ball room expansion and parking garage

http://i.imgur.com/pJDO0.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/exO35.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/MXe9p.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/l1jVE.jpg

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

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

http://i.imgur.com/XG9Ok.jpg

Okay guys, so 2012 is over with and it was a pretty good year for Austin. We saw development finally pick up again to pre-2008 recession levels. Many projects were announced and begun. It's looking like 2013 will be even bigger. I figured I'd make a list of downtown projects for the new year. Please correct me if you have more up-to-date information or if I forgot anything. (BTW, we need to update the list on the front page, too.)


Projects that will be starting in 2013:

1. Shoal Creek Walk - early 2013
2. 6th & Lamar (former KVET studios) - early 2013
3. Capital Studios (11th & Trinity) - early 2013
4. 3rd and Colorado - early 2013
5. GreenWater - early 2013
6. Fairmont Hotel - March 2013
7. New Central Library - Summer 2013
8. IBC Bank Plaza - 2013
9. Seaholm - 2013
10. 7Rio - 2013
11. StreetLights at Barton Springs - 2013
12. Broadstone at the Lake - 2013
13. 300 East 5th Street Hotel
14. Hotel Van Zandt - 2013
15. Hotel ZaZa & Apartments -2013
16. UT System Headquarters -2013
17. Rainey Center - late 2013

Projects that will be completed in 2013:

1. The Whitley
2. Gables Park Plaza II
3. Eleven Austin
4. Hyatt Place
5. RiverView Apartments
6. Calloway House
7. 2400 Nueces
8. West Campus Tower

Projects that will continue construction in 2013:

1. JW Marriott Hotel
2. 3eleven Bowie
3. SkyHouse Austin
4. East Avenue apartments

IBC Bank Plaza

Thanks. Forgot about that one. Added. Along with 7Rio.

I wonder how close they are to breaking ground on 800-804 Congress. Just some wrangling with the city. How quickly could they start if that gets settled?

Hmm, I really have no idea. As far as I know, it could be right away or sometime late 2013-early 2014 (which seems likeliest, to me).

I just know that downtown Austin is going to feel like one big construction zone in 2013. We're looking at maybe 15 or 16 projects here. And, wow, I just noticed that -- according to this, at least -- GreenWater is projected to get started early 2013. Woohoo!! Not sure if that means all 4 of the buildings or just one? I guess we'll find out.

Yeah, I saw that about Green Water when I was trying to think of other 2013 projects. I'll believe it when I see it haha.