AUSTIN | Waterline | 1,034 Feet | 73 Floors | T/O

[ROCrot]

There is an opinion piece in today's American-Stateman newspaper.

Waterline is Texas’ tallest tower. What should Austin build next?
By Forth Bagley,
Guest columnist
March 25, 2026

https://www.statesman.com/opinion/column...st-building-texas-waterline-21959929.php

Forth Bagley is a principal at KPF, the global architecture firm behind the Waterline mixed-use skyscraper in downtown Austin.

Gemini says the following about the article:

The author argues that the completion of the Waterline skyscraper should not just be celebrated for its height, but used as a catalyst for a more integrated, "green," and human-centric approach to urban development in Austin.

Bagley’s main argument focuses on three strategic shifts for the city's next 25 years:

1. Evolving from a "Business" to a "Social" District
The author contends that Austin has successfully moved away from a sterile, office-only downtown. He argues that future projects must prioritize a mix of uses—integrating residential, retail, and dining—to ensure the urban core remains a vibrant "Central Social District" rather than just a place to work.

2. Strategic Density Near Green Spaces
Bagley proposes a "virtuous cycle" where the city encourages higher density specifically around parks and public infrastructure.

The Logic: By allowing more housing near green spaces, more citizens can access nature without needing a car.

The Incentive: He suggests the city should streamline approvals and offer development bonuses for projects that link directly to the public realm.

3. "Softening" Density with Architecture
Recognizing that rapid vertical growth can feel "jarring" to residents, Bagley argues for architectural solutions to mitigate the impact of skyscrapers. He advocates for:

• Vertical Greenery: Incorporating sky gardens, roof terraces, and green walls (as seen in the Waterline project).
  
• Publicly Accessible Private Spaces: Offering tax incentives or development bonuses to builders who include large, green spaces that the general public can use.

Summary of the Vision
The core thesis is that height is secondary to harmony. Bagley argues that the real legacy of the Waterline should be a commitment to aligning private investment with public policy to create a denser, yet more walkable and "softer" urban environment.

[davidtexan]

Website is up for the apartments:

https://bosqueatwaterline.com/

[ahealy]

Originally Posted by davidtexan

Website is up for the apartments:

https://bosqueatwaterline.com/

Lost me with the terrible ai photo on their landing page to the "podcast room" amenity.

[Riverranchdrone]

This morning heading to work I saw some of the higher floors lit up. And the middle base,(between the residential floors and office floors) had brighter lighting.

[davidtexan]

Originally Posted by Riverranchdrone

This morning heading to work I saw some of the higher floors lit up. And the middle base,(between the residential floors and office floors) had brighter lighting.

Yes the lighting is quite handsome! Can't wait to see the crown lit up

[Urbannizer]

This was from earlier this week;

[Riverranchdrone]

Thanks for the pictures. Looks better up close. I was seeing it from 15 miles away. Cant wait to see the lighting on the roof.

[Geckos_Rule]

A number of fences got taken down, so I was able to get an up-close shot (without trespassing) of the rear facade facing the lake/Waller creek.

Its not easy to spot without zooming in, but the space in the nearest corner (with the six exhaust vents) is being finished out as reasonably large restaurant space.

[ahealy]

So lush and beautiful! I love the curve of the base...great for the hotel portion.

HOWEVER, I do think that narrow sidewalk is kinda silly for the state's tallest tower.

[chaust]

[IluvATX]

Originally Posted by ahealy

So lush and beautiful! I love the curve of the base...great for the hotel portion.

HOWEVER, I do think that narrow sidewalk is kinda silly for the state's tallest tower.

The sidewalk isn’t narrow. It’s just that everything else is so BIG.

[drummer]

^ It also has significant street connections (or appears to) on Cesar Chavez and Red River. This sidewalk and bridge are just bonus and take advantage of the connection points to the trail, etc.

[wwmiv]

Looks to be about as wide as a floor plate, if not a bit wider, so ~’14-’16?

[Urbannizer]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/exclusive-michelin-recognized-mexican-concept-190555855.html

A high-profile restaurant concept recognized by Michelin is headed to downtown Austin’s Rainey Street district, joining a skyscraper that is reshaping the city’s skyline.

Fonda Fina Hospitality, led by chef Johnny Curiel and co-founder Kasie Curiel, announced it will open Alteño inside the forthcoming 1 Hotel Austin, a luxury property slated for the mixed-use tower at 98 Red River St. The restaurant is expected to debut in summer 2026, marking an expansion of the concept beyond its original location in Denver.

[Urbannizer]

https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/1-hotel-austin-now-accepting-130000498.html

AUSTIN, Texas, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 1 Hotels, the mission-driven luxury lifestyle brand founded by Barry Sternlicht, is now accepting reservations for 1 Hotel Austin, an urban sanctuary in the creative heartbeat of Texas. With an anticipated opening in August 2026, 1 Hotel Austin is set at the meeting point of Waller Creek and Lady Bird Lake and anchors the 74-story Waterline, the tallest tower in the state.

[ahealy]

Good god the interior design is bad. Busy conflicting stone and woodwork EVERYWHERE. California modern vomit throughout. Intersecting lines. Flooring on the ceiling. Like, I can't...

On an optimistic note, I wonder if the crown lighting will at least help this one some.

[ILUVSAT]

^^^I really like it. To me, it's calming, welcoming, cozy, and consistent with their platform.

[gillynova]

[clubtokyo]

I think what makes Austin stand out, is the amount of greenry and elevation changes next to our super tall. It does not feel like a concrete jungle.

[drummer]

I love those photos, great job gillynova.

That area next to Waller Creek is certainly going to be a gem for generations to come.