AUSTIN | Misc. Discussions - No Politics

[We vs us]

This is fun. Towers is kinda-sorta reporting a rumor that HEB is interested in building a downtown store. Even more interesting is that the store might happen in an existing building, rather than a new build.

They've got a poll/quiz thingy about which building in 78701 we think would be the best HEB contender, both existing and new build. It's quick and fun TOTALLY in our wheelhouse.

https://austin.towers.net/dreaming-of-a-downtown-austin-h-e-b/

For what it's worth, I'd love an HEB to go on the first floor or two of the Block 87 project . . . if we could get the ARCH/Salvation Army problem under control.

I really have no idea what existing building could handle a supermarket. I'm coming up blank on options.

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by gillynova

and I'm over here in San Jose and we JUST topped out on our new tallest twin towers at... 298' ....

Thank god I'm close to SF and Oakland and I can watch their skyline change

It's not the length, it's the quality that matters, at least that's what I keep telling myself...

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by We vs us

This is fun. Towers is kinda-sorta reporting a rumor that HEB is interested in building a downtown store. Even more interesting is that the store might happen in an existing building, rather than a new build.

They've got a poll/quiz thingy about which building in 78701 we think would be the best HEB contender, both existing and new build. It's quick and fun TOTALLY in our wheelhouse.

https://austin.towers.net/dreaming-of-a-downtown-austin-h-e-b/

For what it's worth, I'd love an HEB to go on the first floor or two of the Block 87 project . . . if we could get the ARCH/Salvation Army problem under control.

I really have no idea what existing building could handle a supermarket. I'm coming up blank on options.

The first I heard/read about the HEB rumor was from a post on 07/01 in Surly's downtown thread from poster Somnio whose photos I sometimes repost here:

...it will be in an existing property very near the center of downtown. The property takes up half a block, has frontage on three major downtown streets, and has lots of parking.

https://www.surlyhorns.com/board/index.p...projects/&do=findComment&comment=2363435

[urbancore]

I recall a rumor that HEB was to be included in the Green Water Dev. Maybe it goes at the bottom of The Sail?

[H2O]

Originally Posted by urbancore

I recall a rumor that HEB was to be included in the Green Water Dev. Maybe it goes at the bottom of The Sail?

No. Sorry. Stratus proposed an HEB at the base of Block 1 (NorthShore), but their proposal was not selected. Block 185 retail space is not large enough for an HEB.

[We vs us]

Originally Posted by The ATX

The first I heard/read about the HEB rumor was from a post on 07/01 in Surly's downtown thread from poster Somnio whose photos I sometimes repost here:


https://www.surlyhorns.com/board/index.p...projects/&do=findComment&comment=2363435

Hmmmmm, very interesting. Not a lot of half blocks left in DT with ample parking nearby and an existing structure to take over.

Austin Ballet?
Chase Bank/WP Engine office on 5th between Guad and Lavaca?
or the Chase parking garage on 5th between Lavaca and Colorado?

[Maximusx1]

Very exciting prospect.

I'm going to agree with Towers first suggestion a go with the Hobby Building. The potential is massive. Access from Lavaca and Guadalupe with prime street front on 4th and parking access on 3rd. Thy could revitalize the fountain/courtyard area and also possibly connect underground with the Republic Square subway station. You could get off work downtown, shop at HEB and then hop on the subway/light rail home. Amazing.

It would also have residential shoppers from the W, the Austonian, Republican Square, 6X, BBVA, Zaza, Ashton, both Amli's and 360 condos. The hard part would be re-configuring the Lavaca and Guadalupe street entrance ramps to be useful AND pedestrian friendly. But if anyone can tackle that project HEB seems like a great candidate.

Hobby Building revitalization gets my vote.

[lzppjb]

How about the Littlefield garage? Maybe the State is looking to offload it when their big dig project is complete. Fronts Brazos, 5th & 6th.

[lzppjb]

We vs us got it.

From Somnio on surly:

Still no timeline, and nothing is ever a done deal until the doors open, but I now feel comfortable in saying at some point an HEB will open at 504 Lavaca where the Chase drive through bank is currently.

There are currently six levels of parking above, so there should be no shortage of parking for the store.

Also, I believe HEB will be taking over all or some of the four levels of office space in the building.

During the construction of the store the entire building is to be renovated from top to bottom.

[The ATX]

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[We vs us]

Originally Posted by lzppjb

We vs us got it.

From Somnio on surly:

Ooo, I missed this - glad to see my google map reading ability is still up to snuff

Don't get me wrong -- a DT grocery is crucial as more DT residential comes online. But I'm kinda bummed that slice of the grid will stay at that height for much longer than it might otherwise. It's not under a CVC and right next to Republic Square (and all that entails). Could've been a great place for a substantial tower.

[mercury6]

Do you ever stop and realize there's only about 100 of us that have daily in depth discussion about Austin skyscrapers while 1,000,000 others couldn't care less? Cheers bros!

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by mercury6

Do you ever stop and realize there's only about 100 of us that have daily in depth discussion about Austin skyscrapers while 1,000,000 others couldn't care less? Cheers bros!

Hmmmm, I only see maybe a dozen or less regular posters here, but I get your point. I rarely stray from the Austin treads. Maybe San Antonio or the Houston threads occasionally, or NYC.
Out of my 3600 posts almost all of them are here. I honestly don't remember posting that many. Too much time on my hands I suppose.

[mercury6]

Originally Posted by the Genral

Hmmmm, I only see maybe a dozen or less regular posters here, but I get your point. I rarely stray from the Austin treads. Maybe San Antonio or the Houston threads occasionally, or NYC.
Out of my 3600 posts almost all of them are here. I honestly don't remember posting that many. Too much time on my hands I suppose.

Did you fact check an obvious exaggerated post? Oh geez haha

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by mercury6

Did you fact check an obvious exaggerated post? Oh geez haha

Ok, really???

[mercury6]

Originally Posted by the Genral

Ok, really???

it's just jokes my man, hence, haha

[corvairkeith]

Butler park is starting to look pretty nice. Big improvement over what was there. Seems almost done although the fencing may stay up for a while due to COVID.

[Echostatic]

The heck is that project with the blue crane back there?

[lonewolf]

"Alliance childrens garden" sounds....dystopian. is that an old name?

edit: yes it is an old name "Town Lake Park Alliance" circa 1984.

sounds like the children are about to march into battle lol

[corvairkeith]

Originally Posted by Echostatic

The heck is that project with the blue crane back there?

That's 1155 Barton Springs, not sure what it's being called now.

https://austin.towers.net/the-ballad-of-...rs-of-bad-luck/[email protected]