AUSTIN | Project Updates Thread Part II

[austlar1]

Originally Posted by drummer

Yeah, totally agree, but in my mind the parking lot goes away, the land that the parking garage is on is repurposed someday, and we build really awesome stuff to block the view of the Hobby Building or it goes away entirely. Perhaps even the Austin Ballet lot is redeveloped.

I'm also considering the buildings behind those immediate blocks - Green Water area, 360, Independent, Seaholm area, library, Bowie, etc....the entire shot shows a lot of progress, in spite of the obvious deficiencies that you mentioned.

The courthouse is definitely a monolith, but at least is mildly interesting looking, compared to the Hobby Building which is pretty awful in just about every way.

I may be the only person on this forum who finds the Hobby Building to be half way interesting. It could be nicer with some street level retail or a sidewalk cafe in the area with the neglected water feature. Otherwise, it is not really such a terrible building. With regards to the Federal Courthouse, I have tried hard to like this building, but it just does not inspire me. Viewed from up close, some of the building materials and design features are noteworthy, but viewed from afar, it is just hulking beige beast.

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by austlar1

I may be the only person on this forum who finds the Hobby Building to be half way interesting. It could be nicer with some street level retail or a sidewalk cafe in the area with the neglected water feature. Otherwise, it is not really such a terrible building. With regards to the Federal Courthouse, I have tried hard to like this building, but it just does not inspire me. Viewed from up close, some of the building materials and design features are noteworthy, but viewed from afar, it is just hulking beige beast.

You're not. A couple of years after I got here, the Hobby Building, (I can't recall the original name) was part of the early 80s building boom, and it was basically by itself, with a working water feature. Though short, under 180', it still stood out, and it was pretty much our first little cluster. Today its tucked away a bit, and perhaps since its government building, not within any budget for an upgrade. But it is unique in color and shape and perhaps one of the first notched building downtown. I don't mind it. However, if we want to discuss a different building built a year later during the same boom that absolutely has no redeeming qualities, you only need to travel a few blocks north. That would be the Capitol Tower. I don't understand why that was allowed to be built.

[gardensoul]

Originally Posted by the Genral

You're not. A couple of years after I got here, the Hobby Building, (I can't recall the original name) was part of the early 80s building boom, and it was basically by itself, with a working water feature. Though short, under 180', it still stood out, and it was pretty much our first little cluster. Today its tucked away a bit, and perhaps since its government building, not within any budget for an upgrade. But it is unique in color and shape and perhaps one of the first notched building downtown. I don't mind it. However, if we want to discuss a different building built a year later during the same boom that absolutely has no redeeming qualities, you only need to travel a few blocks north. That would be the Capitol Tower. I don't understand why that was allowed to be built.

Could not agree more. For many years, the Capitol Tower has been on my first to demolish list. It was particularly awful when new because it blocked the once amazing view of the Capitol dome when you entered Austin from I-35 South.

[The ATX]

The Westin is still bitching about loud music, and now they are suing someone. They built the damn hotel next to the heart of the 6th St. District. F 'em.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/ne...enue-over.html

[paul78701]

Originally Posted by The ATX

The Westin is still bitching about loud music, and now they are suing someone. They built the damn hotel next to the heart of the 6th St. District. F 'em.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/ne...enue-over.html

They clearly have no leg to stand on. What in the world are they thinking?

From the article:

According to the Austin Chronicle, staff in the city’s code enforcement and music and entertainment office disagree that the hotel did everything necessary to prevent loud “chest thumping bass,” as described in the suit, from seeping into guest rooms from the neighboring music venues. Last year, the Chronicle uncovered a September 2015 city study of the sound problems at the Westin. In that study, city officials wrote that “there is nearly no low-frequency sound mitigating materials built into the building.”

The city’s report also said that The Nook was not violating the city’s noise ordinance, which limits outdoor amplified noise to a certain limit.

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by The ATX

The Westin is still bitching about loud music, and now they are suing someone. They built the damn hotel next to the heart of the 6th St. District. F 'em.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/ne...enue-over.html

Please take the time to write the hotel and city council !!!!

F'them is right !

[lzppjb]

@WestinATXDT is their twitter handle. I've noticed companies do monitor that.

[MichaelB]

Check out Westin Downtown FB page... looks like lots of folks are posting.

Have at it!

And if you don't speak up.... you can't bitch. !

[lzppjb]

The old Federal Courthouse is now Travis County property.

https://communityimpact.com/austin/s...cquired-today/

Hopefully this $28 million renovation doesn't strip it of it's character.

[SkyPie]

Originally Posted by lzppjb

The old Federal Courthouse is now Travis County property.

https://communityimpact.com/austin/s...cquired-today/

Hopefully this $28 million renovation doesn't strip it of it's character.

It would have been nice to see this become something more interesting, but given it's historical designation, this is probably the best outcome when considering the alternative.

[JoninATX]

Originally Posted by The ATX

The Westin is still bitching about loud music, and now they are suing someone. They built the damn hotel next to the heart of the 6th St. District. F 'em.

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/ne...enue-over.html

I just read a lot of the comments on their Facebook profile and I gotta say, Ouch! This will not look good for The Westin at all, in which they really screwed themselves this time. I do not feel sorry for the them in the slightest. If Westin doesn't like it they can pack up and leave, and Austin will find another hotel brand that actually wants to be here.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by JoninATX

I just read a lot of the comments on their Facebook profile and I gotta say, Ouch! This will not look good for The Westin at all, in which they really screwed themselves this time. I do not feel sorry for the them in the slightest. If Westin doesn't like it they can pack up and leave, and Austin will find another hotel brand that actually wants to be here.

They are definitely getting nice social media beat down. They had to make a post clarifying their position that they are having problems with club that has a DJ rather than any live music venue. But the damage is done, and it's just going to get worse because the local news outlets are starting to play up the story.
I hope this doesn't become another anti-development rallying cry. It's a local Westin management problem.

[austlar1]

Originally Posted by The ATX

They are definitely getting nice social media beat down. They had to make a post clarifying their position that they are having problems with club that has a DJ rather than any live music venue. But the damage is done, and it's just going to get worse because the local news outlets are starting to play up the story.
I hope this doesn't become another anti-development rallying cry. It's a local Westin management problem.

Actually it is a White Lodging problem since they are the developer and have the operating contract. It it one of the few White Lodging developments that is not carrying a Marriott brand in Austin.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by austlar1

Actually it is a White Lodging problem since they are the developer and have the operating contract. It it one of the few White Lodging developments that is not carrying a Marriott brand in Austin.

I'd say it's both of their problems. But White Lodging is to blame for the apparent lack of sound mitigating construction.

[GoldenBoot]

Originally Posted by austlar1

Actually it is a White Lodging problem since they are the developer and have the operating contract. It it one of the few White Lodging developments that is not carrying a Marriott brand in Austin.

I know what you mean - it does not carry the "Marriott" name on its marque. But, technically, Westin is a company (brand) under Marriott International Inc.'s umbrella of companies (brands).

[OU812]

BUSINESS By Shonda Novak - American-Statesman Staff
Posted: 3:04 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2016

http://www.mystatesman.com/business/...VXiaP5PY0pSSP/

Developers plan to build two more office buildings at the Domain that would be the tallest towers to date at the North Austin mixed-use development often referred to as the city’s “second downtown.”
Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group is teaming with Dallas-based Tier REIT on the two new buildings, which are planned for the north end of Alterra Parkway.

One building will be a 15-story tower called Domain 11 and the other is a 17-story building called Domain 12.

Each would have 315,000 square feet of space. The developers aren’t releasing a projected cost for the project.

The buildings are in the design phase and there is no timetable yet for breaking ground, said Scott McLaughlin, a senior vice president with Tier. Construction could take 18 to 24 months.

“The Domain is the epitome of live-work-play, and one of the most urbane and exciting mixed-use developments across the nation,” McLaughlin said. “Tier… owns over 18 acres of developable land at The Domain that can accommodate up to 1.3 million square feet of additional office space. While we intend to be disciplined with this development, given the strong market fundamentals and the incredible interest to date in this project, it is a very exciting time to be in Austin and at The Domain.”

Related
Two more office towers planned for Austin’s Domain Two more office towers planned for Austin’s Domain
The towers will have matching glass exteriors, shared landscape features and a park between the buildings.

The buildings are being planned as the Central Texas office market continues to thrive amid the region’s job growth. With 1.5 million square feet of existing office space and another 1.5 million of office space still to come, the Domain has emerged as a regional center of commerce and technology, according to marketing materials for Domain 11 and Domain 12.

Two other office buildings also are underway at the Domain currently.

One, called Domain 8, is a 12-story building slated to open in about four months and is 94 percent leased, with pending deals that would take it to 100 percent in the next 45 days, said Chad Marsh, a managing principal with Endeavor. Tenants in the 290,000-square-foot Domain 8 include two of the biggest names in the tech industry — Amazon and Facebook, local office brokers say.

Just last month, construction started on Domain Tower, an 11-story office building that will have 310,000 square feet of space and is due to open in early 2018. The developer is HPI Real Estate Services & Investments, partnering with Stonelake Capital.

Domain Tower is the first office building at the Domain with a developer other than Endeavor, the original developer of the Domain between MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1) and Burnet Road.

The Domain is sought after by employers, because its shopping, dining and entertainment options make it a place where their employees want to be, local office brokers continue to say.

In addition to its 1.5 million square feet of office space, the Domain has more than 50 restaurant and nightlife venues; 2,700 apartments; 1.8 million square feet of retail space; and 775 hotel rooms.

McLaughlin said Friday that demand across the project is” phenomenal,” with office space at the Domain 100 percent occupied.

“Together with our development partner, Endeavor, we are thrilled to see The Domain take shape, including our plans for Domain 11 and 12, which will only raise the bar further for innovative and design-forward office space set among the new tenant paradigm that is The Domain.”

[OU812]

BUSINESS By Shonda Novak - American-Statesman Staff
BOKA POWELL / HANGAR TECHNOLOGY

http://www.mystatesman.com/business/...7dw05X8IsgVjN/

Construction has started on Domain Tower, an 11-story office building that will bring 310,000 square feet of space to market at the Domain mixed-use project in North Austin.
Posted: 10:27 a.m. Friday, December 30, 2016

Highlights:

Domain Tower will have 315,000 square feet of space; early 2018 opening slated

Building is among other office towers planned at sprawling mixed-use Domain

Developers have started work on Domain Tower, an 11-story building that will bring 310,000 square feet of space to market when it opens in early 2018.
Stonelake Capital Partners and HPI Real Estate Services & Investments are developing the project, which will be at 10721 Domain Drive, at the entrance to the Domain development off MoPac Boulevard in North Austin. Domain Tower will be the first office building at the Domain from a developer other than Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group, the original developer of the Domain.

“As the Austin economy continues to expand, we are seeing strong demand from companies looking for newly constructed Class-A office (space) to elevate their corporate brand and attract talented professionals,” said Kenneth Aboussie, Stonelake’s managing partner.

Initial interest is coming from prospective tenants in the technology and financial services industries, the developers said. They are not disclosing the cost of the project.

J.P. Morgan is the construction lender for Domain Tower, and BOKA Powell is the architect. Among other features, the building will have outdoor terraces for company events; a tenant lounge and conference areas that open onto a landscaped terrace allowing tenants to work outdoors; a fitness center; a food truck area, a parking garage and an on-site concierge. There also will be shuttle service throughout the Domain, which is home to many retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, offices, apartments, and other development.

HPI’s Sam Houston, Richard Paddock and J.D. Lewis will lease Domain Tower.

Stonelake contributed the land for Domain Tower into a joint-venture with HPI. Stonelake announced this year the closing of Stonelake Opportunity Partners IV, Stonelake’s fourth real estate private equity fund with $262 million in capital commitments.

Stonelake acquired 31 acres at the Domain’s entrance in 2011. Domain Tower marks the first phase of Stonelake’s development plans, which over the next decade call for 3.5 million square feet office, multifamily and retail space — including plans for a hotel, grocery, park and restaurants — at a total projected cost of $1.1 billion.

Stonelake’s next phase will be Flatiron | Domain, a five-story, 372-unit apartment building, which is due to break ground in 2017 and wrap up in 2018.

Domain Tower and Flatiron | Domain represent 625,000 square feet of the 3.5 million square feet of development planned.

Other office buildings planned for the Domain include a 15-story tower called Domain 11 and a 17-story building called Domain 12, both slated for the north end of Alterra Parkway. Endeavor is teaming with Dallas-based Tier REIT on those buildings, each of which will have 315,000 square feet of space.

A construction start date has not yet been announced for Domain 11 and Domain 12, which would be the tallest towers to date at the Domain.

[kwinkles]

Originally Posted by drummer

Yeah, totally agree, but in my mind the parking lot goes away, the land that the parking garage is on is repurposed someday, and we build really awesome stuff to block the view of the Hobby Building or it goes away entirely. Perhaps even the Austin Ballet lot is redeveloped.

I'm also considering the buildings behind those immediate blocks - Green Water area, 360, Independent, Seaholm area, library, Bowie, etc....the entire shot shows a lot of progress, in spite of the obvious deficiencies that you mentioned.

The courthouse is definitely a monolith, but at least is mildly interesting looking, compared to the Hobby Building which is pretty awful in just about every way.

I live next to that courthouse and I call it the Court and Barrel because it looks like a Crate and Barrel store.

[Syndic]

I think a lot of the Facebook employees in my building (6th and Congress) are moving to that office tower in The Domain. They're currently using We Work spaces. There was talk of us moving there, too, but that may not be the case. We'll see.

[The ATX]

Some minor updates from recent permit activity:

The crane for Aspen West Campus was rescheduled to go up this weekend.

The Aloft crane and one of the Fairmont cranes are scheduled to come down the same weekend in mid-January

The stagnant site plan for Waterloo Park Tower got an update last week. But there was no mention of the change to a Trump hotel.

The likewise stagnant Town Lake Lofts site plan got an update last week as well. But there was no mention of the project's upgrade to East Avenue Apartments.