AUSTIN | Projects & Construction II

[swollpatrol]

I've definitely considered that before signing my life away on the B1E. From what I understand though, the whole reason half of 360 ends on the 16th floor is because the original design blocked a capitol view corridor. This means that Novare will make at least some attempt to preserve a view of the capitol from the NE corner of 360.

My concern lies more in the fact that Novare ended up saturating the condo market in atlanta. I was told that Spire (360's older brother) units didn't exactly fly of the shelves.

Originally Posted by Kevinb

Here is the link to the Chronicle article:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A458459

RE: 360

I've been wondering about the NE view, and how the Post office tower will affect the view of the capitol for those units. Definately keep that in mind when selecting a unit. On the "views" section of the 360 website you can make out Republic Square park and imagine a tower in the block North of it.

[AustinGuy]

Anyone have much info on Brazos Condos? I wrote them and they claim they've sold about half of the units they've released so far. The prices seem to be higher than the 360 which doesn't add up to me. Is this considered a nicer project?

Move ins will start this summer at Brazos.

[AustinGuy]

Originally Posted by swollpatrol

My concern lies more in the fact that Novare ended up saturating the condo market in atlanta. I was told that Spire (360's older brother) units didn't exactly fly of the shelves.

Well, it looks like plans are already in place to saturate the Austin market as well, so we'll see how things go. Novare has at least two more projects pending, correct? I imagine they'll try to start the prices higher than they did at 360, but if sales don't happen the prices will come down.

[AustinGuy]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

I wasn't sure if you guys saw it, but here's a rendering showing the street level views of the tower at 7th & Rio Grande. It shows Ranch 616 in the design. Rick Hardin, one of the developers of the building sent this to me. I believe this is the view of it looking down 7th Street.

That looks great! So, they're planning on incorporating the current Ranch 616 building, or are they just rebuilding it to look similar?

[KevinFromTexas]

^ Yep, and I forgot to mention, I've included that rendering in the 2nd post of this thread. Just scroll down to the renderings post, and view the renderings for the 7th & Rio Grande tower.

It's been a while since we've heard anything on the Block 21 Tower, but it appears they plan to breakground this summer.

From the Austin American-Statesman
http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/realestate/03/21/21stratus.html

STRATUS PROPERTIES INC.
Stratus picks firms to market W project
Developer moves forward with hotel and condo project north of City Hall, which breaks ground this summer.
Listen to this article or download audio file.

By M.B. Taboada
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Stratus Properties Inc. has hired a trio of public relations and marketing firms to promote condominium sales for the W Hotel and Residences, a $225 million, 35-story condominium and office tower with a W hotel and music venue in the block north of City Hall.

The firms also will handle the branding for the hotel, the new KLRU "Austin City Limits" studio and performance hall, the Austin Children's Museum and stores associated with the Block 21 project, which Stratus is developing.

Houston-based Personette & Associates, which specializes in luxury high-rise condo sales, will market the condominiums.

Two local companies have been tapped to handle media relations and advertising for the project. Webber/McJ Communications, a public relations firm composed of former GSD&M communications director Eric Webber and partners Mark McGarrah and Bryan Jessee, will handle public and media relations, while Door Number 3 will be in charge of branding for the W Residences.

Stratus announced last week that it is putting itself up for sale, but CEO Beau Armstrong said the company still is marching forward with the project.

"This is a very large complex project, and it requires a lot of different disciplines to make it work," Armstrong said.

Construction begins this summer.

"It is business as usual," Armstrong said. "Block 21 is considered a very attractive project."

Armstrong said he aims to make the project the environmentally friendly hotel and high-rise condo project in the U.S. Spearheading that effort is Gail Vittori, co-director of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems. Vittori was a chief consultant on Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s Southwest Austin campus, which will have green-building features.

[GoldenBoot]

Originally Posted by AustinGuy

That looks great! So, they're planning on incorporating the current Ranch 616 building, or are they just rebuilding it to look similar?

They're not rebuilding it at all. In fact, the incorporation of Ranch 616, within the new development, has existed from day-one. The only reason CLB would not have kept Ranch 616 (in its current form) was if they would not have been successful in obtaining CBD zoning from the city - which they received last week.

[Saddle Man]

Maybe Ranch 616 can turn that 3 or 4 space parking lot on Nueces into a patio.

[Strayone]

Interesting how Rio Grande/616 has a Honda and a Prius in front instead of the gratuitous Porche we tend to see, how quaint

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by kingkirbythegreat

Maybe Ranch 616 can turn that 3 or 4 space parking lot on Nueces into a patio.

Oh, good idea ( as always, KKtG). I am assuming, as you seem to be as well, that part of the deal is they get parking in the new tower. yes?

And, to Kevin. Yes, that rendering would be looking west on 7th.

[Saddle Man]

Yes. That was a major reason why Ranch 616 is so behind this tower. They're getting a bunch of spots in the new tower's garage.

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by kingkirbythegreat

Yes. That was a major reason why Ranch 616 is so behind this tower. They're getting a bunch of spots in the new tower's garage.

Cool. Got it...... thought I remembered that.... wasn't sure. Love that place .... had my birthday dinner party there this year. Everyone there was great!
Did a "paired tequila" dinner. O'Laud! What a great idea! ..... and I thought that was fun with wine! We had ten "festive" guests when all was said and done! Yikes! Soooooo glad to see that worked out for/with that place!

[Saddle Man]

I had one of my birthday dinners for my last bday there too. I always take people who have never been to Austin there when they're visiting. It's always a hit.

[StoOgE]

Ranch 616 is the best.. when I worked downtown I hit that place up for Lunch at least 2-3 times a month... softshell crab sandwich = the bomb. Plus Katz' and Opals Devines? Hoffbrau right across the street? Huts? Man, that condo is in the best location. Walking distance to whole paycheck too.

[Saddle Man]

Thursday nights Ranch 616 has a live band. So much fun. The grilled frog legs are great.

[MichaelB]

Think I'll go there tonight! ( I feel like and ad!)

[Saddle Man]

Make a reservation, or you'll have a looooooong wait.

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by kingkirbythegreat

Make a reservation, or you'll have a looooooong wait.

oh yeah baby! Ya know I was at Lambert's (Highly reccomend to the carnivores in the house) this week talking to the manager about how annoying it was when I moved here that no one ever took reservations..... and about the time I got used to it. Bing! Reservations!

Uh, oh.... should we start a restaurant thread?

[StoOgE]

since this is turning into Austin restaurants and eateries II...

best burger in town = mikes pub above the driskel parking garage on 7th and Brazos.

[AustinGuy]

Stopped at the 360 sales office and was told that they have no corner units left. The lowest price 2 bedroom currently available is $410,000.

[DTAustin]

Originally Posted by crewer

Our forum discussions have dealt almost exclusively on condo projects going up and the changing dynamics and skyline of downtown Austin. That's all great. But this euphoric attitude about living in a downtown high rise goes on with little discussion of the reality of high rise living. Everyone wants to get in on a condo in the sky with a great view and in the heart of downtown, but surely you've considered the other sides to it.

For those of you who are currently living in a downtown high rise, or have reserved your condo in the 360, I'd like to find out from you what convinced you to do that. What do you perceive as being the advantages to downtown living.

At the same time, what concerns do you have in the back of your mind? Were there issues that made it a little difficult for you to sign on the line when reserving or purchasing your unit?

I have lived downtown since 2001 in an older development. My girlfriend and I signed a contract for a condo at 360. We would have lived in my condo, but we think it will be better for our upcoming marriage if we move into a place that is new to both of us. And, it will be nice for me to have a change of scenery.

Here's my perspective on living downtown:

I think downtown living is great. Downtown has a better sense of community than most urban and suburban neighbors - probably because we live so close to each other and have more opportunities to meet. I know many of the downtown residents and enjoy running into them when I am out. I like having a variety of conveniences within walking distance. I like having Town Lake very close. I like the views. I like not having to worry about parking when I go out. There's a million reasons...

On the other hand, downtown living is not for everyone. It can be loud. No matter how well you insulate your walls, you will here sirens, music blaring from bars, and, in the current environment, construction noise. Prepare to be awaken at 6 am if there is a construction site within a block of your condo.

The traffic is getting worse. When I first moved downtown in 2001, the neighborhood was empty on most Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Now there are people 24 hours a day. Congress Avenue is frequently blocked for parades, so you have to figure out the alternative routes to drive around town. There is very little street parking for guests and the city keeps removing more of it every day (Think about how many new developments lack street parking?).

Finally, condo living can be difficult. Your neighbors share your walls. You will hear them once in a while. Living in a condo doesn't mean you don't have to worry about maintenance issues. You are responsible for the interior maintenance of your condo. You have to get permits to remodel because you live in a commercial building. The condo management company may not be that good. There may be construction issues with the building, even with new construction. You'll probably have to deal with the political BS of the home owners association and board.

If this isn't the first time you are buying, you will probably be downsizing. Can you buy a storage space? These condos don't have a garage to store all of the extra 'stuff.' Where will your guests or significant other park? Street parking after 5pm is usually not an option. Can you buy an additional parking space?

I only present these issues as something to think about when buying condo downtown. For most of us, the positive aspects of living downtown outweigh the negative, and the negative issues are common to most homes and condos in other areas of the city.

If you haven't lived downtown before, I suggest attending a Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) meeting to get to know your new neighbors and ask questions about living here.