AUSTIN | Project Updates Thread Part II

[llamaorama]

I've said it before, but "old Austin" isn't really that different from any other small city in Texas. The pre-gentrification landscape of the central city, sans hipster or cool stuff from a few decades ago, really just looks like any given part of Waco, Temple, Wichita Falls, Bryan, etc, to me.

It would be different if Austin were like, say, Cincinnati, with some geniunely historic and rare neighborhoods threatened by total urban renewal annihilation.

But no, I don't think anything is being lost with new construction. I think the larger buildings being built in Austin today are going to be the classics the city will be known for far in the future. "Very representative and high quality examples of the early 21st century urban modernist revival architecture", they'll say.

[urbancore]

Originally Posted by llamaorama

I've said it before, but "old Austin" isn't really that different from any other small city in Texas. The pre-gentrification landscape of the central city, sans hipster or cool stuff from a few decades ago, really just looks like any given part of Waco, Temple, Wichita Falls, Bryan, etc, to me.

It would be different if Austin were like, say, Cincinnati, with some geniunely historic and rare neighborhoods threatened by total urban renewal annihilation.

But no, I don't think anything is being lost with new construction. I think the larger buildings being built in Austin today are going to be the classics the city will be known for far in the future. "Very representative and high quality examples of the early 21st century urban modernist revival architecture", they'll say.

I agree with every word you said.

[jbssfelix]

Originally Posted by drummer

I would love for that lot to be developed - prime location. I'd also love for lots where the Mattress Firm and Enterprise are to be developed. And the Schlotzky's across the street (that would be great on the first floor of an apartment building though). Those all have great potential.

Side note...can we get rid of that Pollo Tropical yet? If it's there any longer people are going to start calling it an Austin icon and demand historical preservation if anyone talks about developing that lot again. Sad to see the Taco Cabana gone....I miss the old Austin.

Not sad the Taco Cabana is gone, but not happy that it's a Pollo Tropical. That lot is just way too valuable for just a fast-foot/fast-casual joint. Now, if it were a VMU with a Pollo Tropical on the first floor and condos/offices above, that's a different story.

[drummer]

I inserted the lament on Taco Cabana and old Austin as satire...I agree with your assessment also, llamaorama.

jbssfelix, I agree - the land would be much better utilized in the way you described.

So, any idea what is actually happening with the Jack in the Box property?

[nixcity]

I don't know how those places can afford the land. That 9 story VMU would have helped so much....

[AustinYIMBY]

Originally Posted by drummer

Side note...can we get rid of that Pollo Tropical yet? If it's there any longer people are going to start calling it an Austin icon and demand historical preservation if anyone talks about developing that lot again. Sad to see the Taco Cabana gone....I miss the old Austin.

Not saying that I think it is the best use of that property, but I tried Pollo Tropical the other week, and it is actually pretty good. It is still nice to be able to be downtown and not have to spend a crazy amount of money on food.
I am sure this property will be redeveloped in the next 10 years, and maybe by holding this property for a few years will lead to something better than the most recent "high-rise" proposal will be built. I think sometimes it is good that every available lot isnt being developed right now. Austin still has a lot of growing in its future, and hopefully the building restrictions in the future will allow for more dense and productive development.

[austlar1]

The family that owns that parcel has no experience with property development. They don't seem to want to sell, and their own efforts at building on that site did not materialize. I think some pro-athlete and his family own the land, but that might be dated information.

[The ATX]

I take a break from this forum for a while and check back and am surprised that some project updates haven't been mentioned. Here are a few that I didn't see posted:

1. The site plan for Magellan's 5th & Brazos project has been approved and released. A couple more recent permits have been filed indicating that it's moving forward.

2. The MLK Hotel near campus is going to be an awesome Marriott Autograph Collection property. This is currently the site of a McDonald's one block west of the Rowling Hall project. This project has four underground parking levels IIRC, but no info on above ground levels. It's on the north side of MLK, so it falls under the West Campus overlay meaning we're looking at a 15 to 20-story building at most.

3. The Marriott convention center hotel (aka Block 8 and Cesar Chavez hotel) will be 27-stories with four underground parking levels. It will also have two restaurants with one a seemingly a walk up place like at the JW. Recent permits have been filed indicating that White Lodging isn't dicking around as usual.

4. The Austin Proper site plan was approved and released.

5. The developers of One Two East filed a permit for subdividing the site after they announced that the project in its current form was dead. No word on their new plans.

6. Sackman filed a site plan for their 9th St. project, but it's not a high rise.

7. The crane is finally up for Homewood Suites. Here it is from a photo on the 70 Rainey Facebook page:

[lzppjb]

You rock, ATX.

I never thought the Magellan project was completely dead. Good to see it show some life.

[GoldenBoot]

Awesome! Thank you ATX!

I guess there is no news on Manchester's new high-rise project at Red River & Fourth...

[We vs us]

Great update. Glad to hear the 5th and Brazos is still alive. I'd given it up for dead, frankl.

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by The ATX

It's time for them to get a new construction flag. That thing has gone way passed its used by date. lol

[drummer]

Welcome back ATX!

[KevinFromTexas]

Originally Posted by The ATX

I take a break from this forum for a while and check back and am surprised that some project updates haven't been mentioned. Here are a few that I didn't see posted:

1. The site plan for Magellan's 5th & Brazos project has been approved and released. A couple more recent permits have been filed indicating that it's moving forward.

2. The MLK Hotel near campus is going to be an awesome Marriott Autograph Collection property. This is currently the site of a McDonald's one block west of the Rowling Hall project. This project has four underground parking levels IIRC, but no info on above ground levels. It's on the north side of MLK, so it falls under the West Campus overlay meaning we're looking at a 15 to 20-story building at most.

3. The Marriott convention center hotel (aka Block 8 and Cesar Chavez hotel) will be 27-stories with four underground parking levels. It will also have two restaurants with one a seemingly a walk up place like at the JW. Recent permits have been filed indicating that White Lodging isn't dicking around as usual.

4. The Austin Proper site plan was approved and released.

5. The developers of One Two East filed a permit for subdividing the site after they announced that the project in its current form was dead. No word on their new plans.

6. Sackman filed a site plan for their 9th St. project, but it's not a high rise.

7. The crane is finally up for Homewood Suites. Here it is from a photo on the 70 Rainey Facebook page:

Where did you see the site plan released for the 5th & Brazos Magellan project? I already had the site plan with the elevations saved a while ago from the 2014 filing. They showed it to be 402 feet. There's a new filing for 2016, but it's still pending. Can you post this one you said was released?

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Where did you see the site plan released for the 5th & Brazos Magellan project? I already had the site plan with the elevations saved a while ago from the 2014 filing. They showed it to be 402 feet. There's a new filing for 2016, but it's still pending. Can you post this one you said was released?

Yeah, it was hard to find. Search did not show it just looking up the name. Do a search of the case file that is listed on that pending filing. It'll show the one ATX is talking about.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Where did you see the site plan released for the 5th & Brazos Magellan project? I already had the site plan with the elevations saved a while ago from the 2014 filing. They showed it to be 402 feet. There's a new filing for 2016, but it's still pending. Can you post this one you said was released?

It was approved on 07/26, but there is no new building info attached to it (yet). I'm still wondering who the hotel operator might be.

https://www.austintexas.gov/devrevie...erRSN=11232989

[bearinaustin]

In case anyone is interested in campus news. The speedway mall renovation is proceeding really quickly in front of Gregory Gym. I work @ UT and they plan to have the section by Gregory partially open by the start of the Fall semester. I walk by every day, and the pace has really picked up as of late.

When the entire project is done, the pedestrian street will stretch from the Blanton to Dean Keeton. Pretty awesome.

Project page:
http://sites.utexas.edu/speedway/

[jbssfelix]

Originally Posted by bearinaustin

In case anyone is interested in campus news. The speedway mall renovation is proceeding really quickly in front of Gregory Gym. I work @ UT and they plan to have the section by Gregory partially open by the start of the Fall semester. I walk by every day, and the pace has really picked up as of late.

When the entire project is done, the pedestrian street will stretch from the Blanton to Dean Keeton. Pretty awesome.

That's really nice looking tile. Very exciting and thanks for sharing!

[hotwheels]

The 5 Tallest Buildings Currently Under Construction in Austin

Of all the American cities experiencing widespread transformation and revitalization, Austin is perhaps the most surprising. It's long been overshadowed by Houston and Dallas, but the Texas capital is quickly gaining ground in the development department. One look at the skyline will yield a forest of cranes and glass, emblematic of the city's strong demand for contemporary office space, hotels, and residences. Nine of the ten tallest buildings in Austin were built in the last 15 years. And there's a lot more to come, including a new tower that will take away the tallest title from the 2010-built Austonian.

[JoninATX]

We need another update list. With Hotel ZaZa, 70 Rainey, Austin Proper, and Skyloft with either has broken ground or about to.