AUSTIN | Projects & Construction II - Page 302

bigdogc · #**6021** Posted **Aug 2, 2009, 10:18 PM**

I heard the court house was scheduled to break ground in September. Any word on this?

JACKinBeantown · #**6022** Posted **Aug 2, 2009, 10:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookem

You know, I just now realized what that taller T-Stacy building reminds me of...

http://www.zeppelincollectables.com/pages.php?pageid=4

I think that building would definitely have a certain presence.

Scottolini · #**6023** Posted **Aug 2, 2009, 10:56 PM**

I just posted this info. maybe a week ago. It was also in all the local media. But here it is again.

ARRA Funding Stimulates Austin Federal Courthouse Project

May 15, 2009

By Rob Patterson
This story first appeared in Engineering News-Record
Correction appended July 13, 2009

Construction of a new, $107-million U.S. District Courthouse on a long-dormant block in rapidly redeveloping downtown Austin will soon get under way thanks to federal stimulus funds.
Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also allowed the project’s original construction timetable to be moved up.

The U.S. General Services Administration expects to award White a notice to proceed by July 31, with groundbreaking likely to begin in August. The project’s completion date is set for 34 months later.

http://bx.businessweek.com/architecture/...daily%2Farchives%2F090515arra_austin.asp

KevinFromTexas · #**6024** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 3:04 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StoOgE

well, mid-late 2009 for the parking garage has been the rumored start time, so that would be about right for the schedule for the project.

Well that's a good sign. At least they're staying true to their word with something on this project.

Scottolini · #**6025** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 3:14 AM**

I actually hope this isn't for the T.Stacy project unless by some miracle the entire project is moving forward. If they do demolition, only to build a massive parking garage without moving forward on the tower portion then I'll be disappointed. If they do demo, and don't build anything and we're stuck with another surface parking lot I'll be furious.

JManc · #**6026** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 4:47 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Even if there are full floors up there, they're likely only for mechanical use, and not habitable. So officially, the building should be listed as having 56 floors.

if they are true floors but with mechanical and HVAC equipment instead of offices or apartments, they are still counted.

Scottolini · #**6027** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 4:58 AM**

The total number of floors in The Austonian is 59; the upper levels are housed within the building’s steel and glass crown.
http://theaustonianblog.typepad.com/

KevinFromTexas · #**6028** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 5:04 AM**

The problem with counting mechanical floors though, is that it's extremely hard to get that info for every building. Then it goes into trickiness such as is it a true floor, or just a stairwell landing, or in occupied areas, is it a loft/balcony. Some mechanical levels are nothing more than a loft with a ladder going up the wall for access.

StoOgE · #**6029** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 1:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottolini

I actually hope this isn't for the T.Stacy project unless by some miracle the entire project is moving forward. If they do demolition, only to build a massive parking garage without moving forward on the tower portion then I'll be disappointed. If they do demo, and don't build anything and we're stuck with another surface parking lot I'll be furious.

All we can really do is hope for the best.

MichaelB · #**6030** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 5:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookem

You know, I just now realized what that taller T-Stacy building reminds me of...

http://www.zeppelincollectables.com/pages.php?pageid=4

that's amazing! And fun! I want one!

AustinSkyscrapers · #**6031** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 6:30 PM**

What exactly is that Led Zepplin object for?

hookem · #**6032** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 6:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinSkyscrapers

What exactly is that Led Zepplin object for?

I think it was just something cool to put on an album cover. Symbolism without a ton of meaning or thought behind it (I suspect)... just a cool, dark looking thing for fans to speculate means something. I've actually got one of the repros, bought it at a record convention in the 80's sometime.

Scottolini · #**6033** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 6:57 PM**

It's The Object. Nothing more, nothing less. That is all.

StoOgE · #**6034** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 7:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookem

Symbolism without a ton of meaning or thought behind it

Sounds like most rock bands from the 70's. Except all of their stoned fans probably thought it was super deep and meaningfull...

:runs:

Jdawgboy · #**6035** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 7:48 PM**

I also noticed this past Sat night that there was a machine of some sorts at the 5/Brazos corner. Didn't even think at the time about what it could be I was drunk by then LOL.

On another note, I went through the 2nd Street district and saw they are working around the gate into the old Green Water treatment site, right where 2nd ends at San Antonio Street. I know there are plans to extend 2nd street but have they started the street expansion yet? There is dirt moving at Seaholm too, but Im sure its just the very early stages and no real construction starting.

StoOgE · #**6036** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 7:58 PM**

Well, they accepted a bid on the projects (I don't know if they have sold the land).. but part of that is going to be getting rid of the current infastructure and geting it ready for construction... whether that includes work on shoal creek/roadways or not is a good question. Sure would be nice if we got the roadways put in to help with traffic flows in the area.. but my guess is that whole area stays closed to the public until the project is finished in however many years it takes.

I also went to the 2nd street district and even thought it's only half done right now it is really nice, especially at night. I went to the Tapas bar there and then to cru.. a little pricey, but it makes for a very nice date.

Scottolini · #**6037** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 8:12 PM**

In a couple of years with the W Hotel & Residences, along with the ACL venue, and any other restaurants, etc. is going to really make this a happening place. Of course Austonian and Ashton will be finished then as well. It'll be like a mini-Manhattan!

JACKinBeantown · #**6038** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 8:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StoOgE

Sounds like most rock bands from the 70's. Except all of their stoned fans probably thought it was super deep and meaningfull...

:runs:

It was also not too long after the movie 2001 came out, so they were probably joking about the monolith too.

AustinSkyscrapers · #**6039** Posted **Aug 3, 2009, 10:27 PM**

Is the Ashton officially finished?

Myomi · #**6040** Posted **Aug 4, 2009, 12:22 AM**

Not to dampen any of the optimism, but I wouldn't be surprised if that backhoe has nothing to do with the TStacy plan. I know the plan is to start construction on the parking garage sometime this year. But come on, this is TStacy. I feel like there would of been a big announcement or press conference or something heralding the start of this massive project. I am willing to bet that those pieces of construction equipment are being used in the Great Streets project upgrading Brazos Street. If you guys didn't hear, they are currently working on infrustructure upgrades before starting the above ground work for the Brazos aspect of the Great Streets project. This is something that excites me just as much as any potential TStacy project.