AUSTIN | Fairmont Hotel | 595 FEET SPIRE/456 FT ROOF | 37 FLRS | Complete

bigdogc · #1 Posted **Jul 20, 2014, 6:40 PM**

Here is what I have found out from a subcontractor that wishes to remain anonymous-

The old design at 47 floors is way over budget. The new design is still over budget, but they are working on it. It will be 36 floors, but add more hotel rooms per floor (shorter and fatter). The height will be below 420 feet.

Current scheduled ground breaking is in October. If they miss this date the entire project is in jeopardy as many subcontractors will walk.

lzppjb · #2 Posted **Jul 20, 2014, 7:40 PM**

Ugh.

Jdawgboy · #3 Posted **Jul 20, 2014, 7:50 PM**

GoldenBoot · #4 Posted **Jul 20, 2014, 10:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdogc

Here is what I have found out from a subcontractor that wishes to remain anonymous-

The old design at 47 floors is way over budget. The new design is still over budget, but they are working on it. It will be 36 floors, but add more hotel rooms per floor (shorter and fatter). The height will be below 420 feet.

Current scheduled ground breaking is in October. If they miss this date the entire project is in jeopardy as many subcontractors will walk.

Overbudget? How? I thought the development budget was at $370 million (roughly $20-$50 million more than the same as the JW Marriott and W Hotel, respectively).

FYI: The Austonian was built for $250 million...Magellan built the 82-story, 860' Aqua in Chicago for $300 million...Hines just got funding to construct a 45-story, $300 million office tower in Chicago...Miami's 1,000' SkyRise Miami will cost roughly $400 million...Jersey City's 42-story, 1 million SF office tower will cost $400 million...Time Equities' 50 West Street 63-story, 1+ million SF mixed-use tower in Manhattan will cost $398 million ($288 million for construction)...just to name a few.

I explained my worry on this project months ago. I don't think Baby Doug knows his head from his ass! What is he trying to do...build the tower out of platinum? JK

It will be interesting to see what Hunt Construction was told when they signed a $247 million deal to construct the tower this past March. According to all the press on this deal, March-May (2014) the building seemed to be a go in its original form. What has happened since?

All in all, I'd rather it not get built than have some piece of crap constructed on that site!

As I've been working on a new project, I have not been able to keep up with this development. I've e-mailed a few of my contacts to see what I can dig up.

Jdawgboy · #5 Posted **Aug 5, 2014, 10:45 PM**

I'm feeling much better about this project moving forward. I think at this point September is the month that we should see things get going.

I've noticed bigdogc and spaceman awfully quiet.

the Genral · #6 Posted **Aug 6, 2014, 1:45 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I'm feeling much better about this project moving forward. I think at this point September is the month that we should see things get going.

I've noticed bigdogc and spaceman awfully quiet.

And that realtor lady in Dallas. I posted a while back that contractors couldn't bid until groundbreaking took place, in this case, when groundbreaking was imminent. The electrical workers on the Colorado are celebrating, and it isn't because they won the bid on a project that may or may not happen, but one that most certainly will. I'm willing to go so far as to predict it will be a year before she rises significantly above ground level, and late 2016 before topping out. Better late than never.

Spaceman · #7 Posted **Aug 6, 2014, 5:11 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I'm feeling much better about this project moving forward. I think at this point September is the month that we should see things get going.

I've noticed bigdogc and spaceman awfully quiet.

I have always wanted this hotel to be built..When has cautiousness become a negative trait? Far better chance of me using this hotel than you..That is reality

Austinite101 · #8 Posted **Aug 6, 2014, 2:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman

I have always wanted this hotel to be built..When has cautiousness become a negative trait? Far better chance of me using this hotel than you..That is reality

lzppjb · #9 Posted **Aug 6, 2014, 3:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman

I couldn't be happier..There is a very good chance I will stay there before any of you working stiffs do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman

I have always wanted this hotel to be built..When has cautiousness become a negative trait? Far better chance of me using this hotel than you..That is reality

You must be very proud. You should give yourself a big ol' pat on the back. A gold star and orange slices for you.

Jdawgboy · #10 Posted **Aug 7, 2014, 6:00 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman

Far better chance of me using this hotel than you..That is reality

I guess that means you don't live in Austin. I'm sure you do have a better chance of using any hotel here than I do. I live here so why would I want to stay in a hotel???

the Genral · #11 Posted **Aug 7, 2014, 9:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I guess that means you don't live in Austin. I'm sure you do have a better chance of using any hotel here than I do. I live here so why would I want to stay in a hotel???

You might if you're too drunk to walk home

Jdawgboy · #12 Posted **Aug 8, 2014, 2:28 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

You might if you're too drunk to walk home

I always have a way to get home and the few times I've stayed overnight DT, I've stayed with friends that live in condos

Only other reason why I would be at a hotel is if I was going to an event that was being held in a ballroom.

I'm looking forward to how the glass will end up looking on the tower.

jngreenlee · #13 Posted **Aug 8, 2014, 5:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Genral

You might if you're too drunk to walk home

I must confess my guilt. Once, following a night of drinking on a Thursday Night Social [bike] Ride, which had culminated at the Crow Bar on S. Congress, I somehow decided it was time for me to stay in the Hilton downtown.

Unfortunately, the only outcome of this was waking up at 7am on a Friday wondering w[here].t.f I was, and having to slowly bike home (near Zilker at the time), then suit up and go to work. It was not a nice day.

The kicker was that I was on Hilton Diamond status that year, but in my stupor, I neglected this advantage and paid with credit, and never got points.

IluvATX · #14 Posted **Aug 20, 2014, 1:47 PM**

I've never seen this rendering, but it looks very detailed. Apparently it's newish.

bigdogc · #15 Posted **Aug 6, 2014, 6:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I'm feeling much better about this project moving forward. I think at this point September is the month that we should see things get going.

I've noticed bigdogc and spaceman awfully quiet.

Hoping for good news! Just passed along what I had heard previously. All in all, I hope my source is wrong on this, but have not heard either way since this update.