AUSTIN | Projects & Construction III

[JoninATX]

Originally Posted by AviationGuy

Coincidentally, I went to the Domain today for the first time since the day it opened. I had never been all that interested in it, but this time I was impressed. The amount of construction in the past few years is phenomenal. I didn't know that an entire new section had opened. Strangely, the new part was virtually devoid of people, but the original section was packed with people. Interestingly, the older and busier part was almost all "well heeled" Asians, Hispanics, Blacks, Indians, and Middle Easterners. I was one of the few Anglos, and being in my jeans and flannel shirt, I was way underdressed. The place felt like shopping districts in Houston, but not Austin. That's not meant to be negative; in fact, I liked it.

The one thing that baffled me was that the old and new sections of the Domain are separated by a huge parking lot. I don't know what the designers were thinking.

Incidentally, the reason I was there was to use a Dillard's gift card to do some shopping. I did not realize how extremely pricey that store is. Target is more my style.

I feel the same, although the parking lot in front of Macy's could easily be developed which could turn into a mixed use urban project that could connect with phase 2. I just sent a message the developer regarding the project directly behind the Westin.

[Homecreek]

Originally Posted by AviationGuy

Coincidentally, I went to the Domain today for the first time since the day it opened. I had never been all that interested in it, but this time I was impressed. The amount of construction in the past few years is phenomenal. I didn't know that an entire new section had opened. Strangely, the new part was virtually devoid of people, but the original section was packed with people. Interestingly, the older and busier part was almost all "well heeled" Asians, Hispanics, Blacks, Indians, and Middle Easterners. I was one of the few Anglos, and being in my jeans and flannel shirt, I was way underdressed. The place felt like shopping districts in Houston, but not Austin. That's not meant to be negative; in fact, I liked it.

The one thing that baffled me was that the old and new sections of the Domain are separated by a huge parking lot. I don't know what the designers were thinking.

Incidentally, the reason I was there was to use a Dillard's gift card to do some shopping. I did not realize how extremely pricey that store is. Target is more my style.

Unfortunately there is a high voltage power line that lies between the old and new sections. Still maybe they could do a better job connecting the two sections like better landscaping or a faux creek.

[wwmiv]

Originally Posted by Homecreek

Unfortunately there is a high voltage power line that lies between the old and new sections. Still maybe they could do a better job connecting the two sections like better landscaping or a faux creek.

That can be relocated...

[audiomuse]

Originally Posted by AviationGuy

The one thing that baffled me was that the old and new sections of the Domain are separated by a huge parking lot. I don't know what the designers were thinking.

I know exactly what you are talking about. It's ridiculous. There's not even any sidewalks between the areas from what I recall. Hopefully they will do something to connect the two areas but for now they are isolated from each other pedestrian-wise. It makes the area feel like a suburban shopping mall.

[migol24]

Originally Posted by audiomuse

Hopefully they will do something to connect the two areas

Don't count on it.

[AusTxDevelopment]

Originally Posted by JoninATX

I was at the Domain a few days ago and snapped some pictures of some unknown projects that are going up in that area.


New construction going up behind the Westin. I also remember someone stating that a 12 st. tower will go up directly behind it.


http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/show....php?p=5773839

There are 3 apartment projects underway at the Domain. The one behind the Westin is called The Kenzie:

http://impactnews.com/articles/job-g...ew-apartments/

Also, here's a map (page 2) of all the proposed and existing development at The Domain. http://www.endeavor-re.com/get-pdf.p...7_Brochure.pdf

[Syndic]

For the lazy:





So, it looks like it is all going to be connected, kind of. But there won't be any symbiosis between Phase I and Phase II without going the long way or cutting across a big, ugly parking lot.

[ivanwolf]

The Domain is stupid, its packed with cars with only two phases open that don't connect. sure its pretty and some nice stores (Apple) but they totally missed an opportunity to make the whole thing a place to go. Its so separated. You must drive to get to each section, and if you look at the new areas they seem a little better. But I tell you now that two story Whole Foods is going to wreck havoc on the traffic over at that end, and its the main way in off mopac. I dread going there, but its close and has one store I like. I agree I feel out of place as its rich smelly (perfumes, I get migraines) people who are rude. I've nearly hit more than one person crossing the main street (stupid idea phase I, brilliant phase II) they just walk across if your driving down the street, its worse at night. Maybe the future stuff will be better, but I'm not holding my breath (unless walking past a smelly person).

[migol24]

Originally Posted by ivanwolf

they totally missed an opportunity to make the whole thing a place to go.

A place to go, which I feel could've also been a 24/7 place to go. I agree that the concept is cool and could still be made to attract more diversity, but I doubt just as well that its ever going to happen.

[ahealy]

Originally Posted by migol24

A place to go, which I feel could've also been a 24/7 place to go. I agree that the concept is cool and could still be made to attract more diversity, but I doubt just as well that its ever going to happen.

Yeah, I've said it before....but it's just a "anywhere USA" kinda place. Nobody REALLY likes the domain in austin.

[lzppjb]

I've never even been. I just go to Southpark Meadows down south.

[wwmiv]

I actually like the Domain. My sister lived there and loved it apart from the housing administration (not quite the word I'm looking for, but I'm exhausted so...), which really sucks.

It'll grow more organically with age and after the initial development is finished. We really won't know if it was a success or failure (or somewhere in between) until 30 or 40 years from now.

[migol24]

Originally Posted by wwmiv

I actually like the Domain. My sister lived there and loved it apart from the housing administration (not quite the word I'm looking for, but I'm exhausted so...), which really sucks.

It'll grow more organically with age and after the initial development is finished. We really won't know if it was a success or failure (or somewhere in between) until 30 or 40 years from now.

That's probably true. And I will admit that I did like going there from time to time. I didn't mind shopping there and it was a little bit different from downtown.

[KevinFromTexas]

I meant to get these up sooner, but I've been sick over the last week.

Gables Park Tower - 223 FEET - 18 FLOORS







View from St. Ed's. The building should show up here.


Austin Skyhouse - 264 FEET - 23 FLOORS













JW Marriott Convention Hotel - 408 FEET - 34 FLOORS















Hyatt Regency ball room expansion and parking garage

[Syndic]

Okay guys, so 2012 is over with and it was a pretty good year for Austin. We saw development finally pick up again to pre-2008 recession levels. Many projects were announced and begun. It's looking like 2013 will be even bigger. I figured I'd make a list of downtown projects for the new year. Please correct me if you have more up-to-date information or if I forgot anything. (BTW, we need to update the list on the front page, too.)


Projects that will be starting in 2013:

1. Shoal Creek Walk - early 2013
2. 6th & Lamar (former KVET studios) - early 2013
3. Capital Studios (11th & Trinity) - early 2013
4. 3rd and Colorado - early 2013
5. GreenWater - early 2013
6. Fairmont Hotel - March 2013
7. New Central Library - Summer 2013
8. IBC Bank Plaza - 2013
9. Seaholm - 2013
10. 7Rio - 2013
11. StreetLights at Barton Springs - 2013
12. Broadstone at the Lake - 2013
13. 300 East 5th Street Hotel
14. Hotel Van Zandt - 2013
15. Hotel ZaZa & Apartments -2013
16. UT System Headquarters -2013
17. Rainey Center - late 2013

Projects that will be completed in 2013:

1. The Whitley
2. Gables Park Plaza II
3. Eleven Austin
4. Hyatt Place
5. RiverView Apartments
6. Calloway House
7. 2400 Nueces
8. West Campus Tower

Projects that will continue construction in 2013:

1. JW Marriott Hotel
2. 3eleven Bowie
3. SkyHouse Austin
4. East Avenue apartments

[lzppjb]

IBC Bank Plaza

[Syndic]

Thanks. Forgot about that one. Added. Along with 7Rio.

[lzppjb]

I wonder how close they are to breaking ground on 800-804 Congress. Just some wrangling with the city. How quickly could they start if that gets settled?

[Syndic]

Hmm, I really have no idea. As far as I know, it could be right away or sometime late 2013-early 2014 (which seems likeliest, to me).

I just know that downtown Austin is going to feel like one big construction zone in 2013. We're looking at maybe 15 or 16 projects here. And, wow, I just noticed that -- according to this, at least -- GreenWater is projected to get started early 2013. Woohoo!! Not sure if that means all 4 of the buildings or just one? I guess we'll find out.

[lzppjb]

Yeah, I saw that about Green Water when I was trying to think of other 2013 projects. I'll believe it when I see it haha.