AUSTIN | 300 Colorado | 446 FEET | 32 FLOORS | COMPLETE
 

I'll start a thread for this since we have some details.

From the Update thread:

Also from the Update thread:

Here's the location on Streetview.

https://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/a...110ecd4c593735

Here's the direct link to the site plan. The elevations are on pages 22-25.

ftp://ftp.ci.austin.tx.us/ATD_AULCC/...tial_PLANS.pdf

Looks like the west side is going to have a partial blank wall:

http://i.imgur.com/oxe5M4W.png

That's the west elevation, taken from the site plan PDF.

I like the location, and the building looks pretty good, would like to see some 3d renders.

This one may end up looking similar to 5th+West. Riverside Resources is behind this project and they are using the same design/architectural firm which designed their 5th+West tower.

Note: 5th+West is 39 stories and 459' tall. This proposal is 39 stories and 458' tall.

Awesome! I like the 5th and West tower.

I hope they color the blank portion some sort of metalic tarnished bronze with a mixture of turquoise. This could be one of the classier looking buildings going up in a location that is densing up nicely. I don't hate the Hobby complex to the west since it helped make up the 80s building boom, but this might help cover it up some more. I think its time they did some exterior updating. :tup:

There was another permit filing for this project that indicated June 1, 2017 as the start of construction. No big project has ever started on time so it seems. But that's the first timeline we have.

So is this potentially the beginning of the next cycle?

I'm willing to bet that the state will eventually move the Hobby workers to a new building in the Capitol Complex...and will sell Hobby off for redevelopment.

This is going to be sweet. I'm looking forward to seeing renderings because I'm curious to see that mechanical penthouse (parapet) - which appears to be glass.

I wonder if that would include selling off the state garage across the street from 360 as well? That would be fantastic. I actually don't mind the Hobby Building's design, which is a relic of post-modernism, but yeah, it does create a hole in the urban fabric of the neighborhood.

I think the Hobby Building is an interesting bit of architectire, and it has enough scale to fit nicely with whatever gets built nearby. I am fairly certain that the building will be more appreciated in years to come. Getting rid of the garage adjacent to 360 would be awesome, but what about the cooling plant on top of it?

I would guess yes. There are numerous people walking to and from the parking garage and Hobby during rush hour. I'm not sure where those people park once the garage goes away. Both need to go away IMHO. The street level interaction of those blocks is entirely off putting.

As an aside, more than a year ago, a realtor friend of mine told me that he heard that the garage could be set for redevelopment as early as 2020. I'm not sure of his source. So that's all hearsay of course, but there might be something to it? Hopefully...

I hope so, also. It would be great as that area around the garage does feel like a dead zone. Has for years.

We need more underground parking.

austintowers.net has some aerial massing renderings showing its place.

http://austin.towers.net/39-story-re...-3rd-colorado/

Yep.

That's going to fill the gap to the east of the W pretty nicely, it seems.

Yes the renders helped me see how it fills in gaps, and also will have great views!

I have mixed feelings about this proposal. I'm all for building highrises but I wish they would incorporate the existing building even if it's the facade into the project. What's the point in calling that part of DT the Warehouse District if they are going to tear down the warehouses? It's not like we have that many to begin with. It's a nice building that i'd hate to see go. If only they could build the residential tower on the surface lot caddycorner across the street.

Austin never really had a true "warehouse" district in the sense of the true term (as seen in other, larger cities). In fact, more "warehouses" were located on the land now occupied by the Second Street District than in the actual warehouse district.

Furthermore, the ground level of these new towers are taller than the existing structure. So, "incorporating" the "old" façade would be aesthetically challenging (and not to mention expensive). Too much so for most developers to even consider it in most cases.

It'd be neat if all the new towers in the district would use old style brick at street level to create a more warehouse feel.

http://austin.towers.net/wp-content/...e-massing1.png

If we can get a tower on that half block west of The Austonian, that'll be a heck of a cluster of high rises there.

Those are good points and I agree that in the end, it would be more trouble to do. Izppjb's idea is something that would be a nice compromise.

Agreed. :)

I would like to see more preservation there, though. Of course, the parking lots need to go, and I'm good with the less old small buildings going, but the older ones that create the atmosphere of the warehouse district should be left intact. I think we still have enough land available in downtown for plenty more.

The American-Statesman picked it up.

http://www.statesman.com/business/st...alldqHFZQv9kM/

And so did the Austin Business Journal.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/ne...sullivans.html

I agree. I just want some sort of street-level interaction down there. The Austonian, for instance, has a popular restaurant, a coffee shop, and stores right in the base. Same with the W, although it's a bit different since it's a hotel. Compare that with the Ashton, which is basically a leasing center and parking garage.

It'd be nice to still have something to do in this area even if you don't live in the building.

Agreed 100%.

First of all: My vote, save the warehouse district. It is the heart of the entire SW corner of downtowns revival. It's texture is important in making sure the city grows with depth. Even it it's just whats left on 4th and colorado, it's worth it.

Second , if a buidling with a significant facade is going to be torn down. By all means use it No excuses of scale accepted. AND Please make it a cool contrast!

Third: If you are going to build new. Build NEW. I'm not in favor of any compromised design style. Please don't use a fake brick facade if it is not in style with the rest of the building.

And last: If someone is going to all the trouble to blend the new with the old.... maybe someone should have thought about the value of the older buildings in the first place !

With all the residential in the area now, what the warehouse district offers is one of the most desirable things about it. Besides, it gives a physical break in the vertical urbanity to give some breathing room for some of the residential towers. Office towers are one thing and don't need as much natural light and elbow room, nor do hotels so much, but the warehouse district offers a unique opportunity for the residential properties for that reason.

The Statesman's updated article has more information:
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/busi...wn-aust/ns3nN/

This is a quote from the General Manager of Sullivan's:

Anybody fear that the west elevation will be a blank wall? There's no alley to protect that side.

Yeah, not a whole lot you can do about that if someone has the potential to build something right up against it in the future.

No new project specifics, but this is moving forward as a meeting with the city to discuss utilities is scheduled for 03/02.

There was some permit activity today for the demo of the building where Sully's and Sullivan's Steakhouse are located.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/web/perm...ertyrsn=287631

There was an update to the site plan application on 03/29, and it appears close to being approved. I think this one has good chance to be one of the next big projects to break ground after the White Lodging Marriott. That's largely because Riverside Resources has proven itself to be one of the most reliable local developers when it comes to getting stuff done IMO. Projects developed by White Lodging, Trammell-Crow, Endeavor and Riverside Resources seem to be viable from the onset.

I'm just going to reiterate others above in that this one has a large blank wall. That doesn't usually end up as aesthetically pleasing.

I'm hopeful this one will be nice. It seems to have some interesting details. A rendering would be nice, as we still haven't seen one yet.

Hmm, this one seems to have gone under my radar. I guess I was getting it confused with the travesty that is 405 Colorado.

But this is way different! This looks to be a huge project that will be very visible in our skyline. That's exciting. However, it looks to be pretty boxy and unremarkable right now, from the sketches. Hopefully, there is some kind of defining feature to it, when it's all said and done.

Either way, due to its location and height, yeah, this is easily one of the most important projects in Austin now.

Happy for this one to NOT happen. Not worth it.
Bland. Boxy.
I think it's time we wait for building that are more than just tall.

I'm withholding judgement until I see a rendering. This could be a twin to Fifth & West, since the size, developer and architect are one in the same. That would be far from terrible. On a side note, I recently had dinner at Sullivan's for the first time, and it was pretty damn good.

So no one bit on my sarcasm but in a way the comments after supported it. Hopefully we can get some quality buildings in the future. Austin deserves it.

518ft! Nice!

Man, they really aren't trying in any way to push the boundaries of design. Looks like a cross between the W and 3rd @ Colorado. Are we forever doomed to be stuck with boxy flat tops?

44-stories and 518 feet is better than expected. The link below the renderings has a lot of info from the Design Commission.

http://i.imgur.com/F3e8KX6.png
http://i.imgur.com/94z6xAx.png
http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=280776