AUSTIN | Aloft Austin & Element Hotel Downtown | 328 FEET | 31 FLOORS | Complete

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I don't see the point of that blank strip. If the entire side had that pattern it would look better. As it is, having that blank strip is a big reminder that aside from the notch, that entire side is a wall. It's like they ran out of paneling so they just left it unfinished.

Hmmm, I can't unsee that now. I didn't notice before.

[Sigaven]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I don't see the point of that blank strip. If the entire side had that pattern it would look better. As it is, having that blank strip is a big reminder that aside from the notch, that entire side is a wall. It's like they ran out of paneling so they just left it unfinished.

I've always thought maybe it had something to do with the air rights of the next door neighbor, in case they ever wanted to build taller? Like that stucco part would be what a future tower could possibly cover up.

Whatever the reason, yeah, I've always thought this was an eyesore.

[We vs us]

The blank strip is a little out of context in that pic -- it's actually most of the east-facing portion of the building. Here, the Littlefield Building is blocking the rest of it. Kevin's pic from a post or two back shows it better.

I think it's an aesthetic choice, TBH.