AUSTIN | Project Updates Thread Part II

[urbancore]

Originally Posted by We vs us

Does it include the Trulucks building?

I have to assume you'd need at least a full quarter block to build up to the max FAR.

nope...just the old Saba/Malaga buildings and Cedar Street Courtyard.

[GoldenBoot]

Originally Posted by We vs us

I have to assume you'd need at least a full quarter block to build up to the max FAR.

The "max FAR" is what it is...regardless of the size of the property. Thus, the more land one has, the more square footage one can build on said land.

[ATXboom]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

The "max FAR" is what it is...regardless of the size of the property. Thus, the more land one has, the more square footage one can build on said land.

If the city were serious about affordability we would have minimum FARs not maximum FARs. I understand it is a mechanism to derive benefits from developers but it does jack with costs.

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by ATXboom

If the city were serious about affordability we would have minimum FARs not maximum FARs. I understand it is a mechanism to derive benefits from developers but it does jack with costs.

Please expound on that idea? I see a lot of empty lots should a city demand a minimum FAR on certain plots of land (especially if that minimum is extraordinarily high).

Thanks.

[KevinFromTexas]

Originally Posted by Sigaven

Also, Rio Grande isn't a very bumpin' street. You basically walked through a quiet neighborhood near downtown...so of course it's gonna be dead lol. There's definitely vibrancy downtown, just not Rio Grande.

That side of downtown is also really hilly, and it's going to be somewhat prohibitive to a lot of street interaction and buzz. Not so much foot traffic, but I can tell you that area is no fun on a bicycle. lol I rode up there to see the University Towers demo and also any time I want to go into West Campus, and it's a hard ride to do with the hills. Thankfully, there isn't a lot of car traffic otherwise it would be worse. Of course, I was still stopping at each intersection that had a stop sign, which makes it even worse on the hills. Most of what's there are older single family homes filled with law firms.

[ATXboom]

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

Please expound on that idea? I see a lot of empty lots should a city demand a minimum FAR on certain plots of land (especially if that minimum is extraordinarily high).

Thanks.

Your point is well taken and I generally agree. I guess my macro point is FAR is a constraining mechanism. Other than a means to get public benefits from developers, why institute a height cap at all? Public bennys are great but there has to be another way to get them...

[urbancore]

Originally Posted by ATXboom

If the city were serious about affordability we would have minimum FARs not maximum FARs. I understand it is a mechanism to derive benefits from developers but it does jack with costs.

No doubt. I agree 100%.

Though I have to admit, if I’m being honest, restricting housing supply has made me “property rich”, something I never expected. It’s fucked up and goes against my personal/professional beliefs....but damn....it’s true.

I’ve even personally and publicly thanked the nimbys in my hood for the value of my home TRIPLING in 10 years.

[H2O]

Originally Posted by urbancore

208 W 4th St is under contract...its 2 buildings with Cedar Street Courtyard between them. It has 25/1 FAR possibility. The current leases expire 2027. It will be interesting to see what is done with this place. These buildings are gorgeous. I've spent a TON of time at Cedar Street, Saba, and Malaga...back in the day.

Under contract to whom? If they are redeveloped that is the end of the Warehouse District.

[Sigaven]

Isn't the Cedar Street venue the project that kicked off the nightlife scene in this area in the first place?

[urbancore]

Originally Posted by Sigaven

Isn't the Cedar Street venue the project that kicked off the nightlife scene in this area in the first place?

it brought the yuppies out to try cigars and listen to jazz.

Prior to Cedar Street, it was mostly gay bars and late night dance clubs...and Ruta Mya of course. The Warehouse District was definitely a busy before CS. Mezzaluna first brought the Yuppies, then came CS...Fado and the rest.

[Jdawgboy]

Cedar Street has more recently begun to bring in House and Trance DJs among other EDM genres.

Speaking of DJs, Looking forward to Genix at Parish tomorrow night woohoo!

[enragedcamel]

So what are the chances that we get a 1,000+ ft project proposed this year?

[psychlotron]

Anybody know what they're building on the southeast corner of Koenig and Lamar? The lot isn't especially large, but the site prep sure looks elaborate to me.

[Sigaven]

Originally Posted by psychlotron

Anybody know what they're building on the southeast corner of Koenig and Lamar? The lot isn't especially large, but the site prep sure looks elaborate to me.

https://austin.towers.net/aura-on-lamar-apartments-head-for-north-loops-friendly-whale/

Looks like they're doing a lot of grading right now.

[psychlotron]

Thanks! I'm really not seeing the whale. The author was seemed very excited about it. Maybe his imagination is better than mine?

On the other hand, I'm happy to see that restaurant space will be included. This is walking distance from my house. That corner already has Titaya's, El Caribe, and DK Sushi (also KFC!)...one or two more decent restaurants would be fantastic.

[Sigaven]

Originally Posted by psychlotron

Thanks! I'm really not seeing the whale. The author was seemed very excited about it. Maybe his imagination is better than mine?

On the other hand, I'm happy to see that restaurant space will be included. This is walking distance from my house. That corner already has Titaya's, El Caribe, and DK Sushi (also KFC!)...one or two more decent restaurants would be fantastic.

I think it's cause of the teardrop shape of the lot from above...he even drew an eye and a smiley face to help you visualize lol. I can see the whale, although it's more like a cartoon whale.

[KevinFromTexas]

I have a whale Christmas ornament that I got from Pier 1 that looks pretty much exactly like the "whale lot". Why a whale for a Christmas ornament? Why not?

[StoOgE]

An interesting thought is an underuse tax.

I know a lot of cities are starting to consider hefty unoccupied housing taxes to punish speculators/short term lease issues that are absolutely driving up cost of living in cities.

I could also see a proposed property tax for underutilized lots. Base it off a minimum % of land use vs total development rights with some carve outs for historic businesses.

[ATXboom]

Originally Posted by StoOgE

An interesting thought is an underuse tax.

I know a lot of cities are starting to consider hefty unoccupied housing taxes to punish speculators/short term lease issues that are absolutely driving up cost of living in cities.

I could also see a proposed property tax for underutilized lots. Base it off a minimum % of land use vs total development rights with some carve outs for historic businesses.

Love these as idea starters... if only government were innovative lol.

[StoOgE]

I mean, from a policy perspective it's kind of funny we punish developers for maximizing their rights by only taxing property value.

So WCC pays less on an empty lot harming the city than an apartment building would