AUSTIN | Project Updates Thread Part II - Page 107

paul78701 · #**2121** Posted **Jun 2, 2015, 5:05 PM**

I'm not sure of the status of the latest rumors, but I recently heard that they have been drilling the Austin Music Hall site in order to determine what type of foundation would be needed for a 28 story office tower. Could we see an announcement by the end of the year? If not sooner?

LoneStarMike · #**2122** Posted **Jun 2, 2015, 6:16 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hill Country

I also find it curious that it was announced after major flooding. Hawaiian Falls took a lot of criticism about water usage when it was announced during the drought.

This article from the Austin Business Journal mentions:

Quote:

Also, the NLand website says the lagoon will be filled with "self-sustaining" rainwater, able to operate even in the driest of Texas droughts.

AusTxDevelopment · #**2123** Posted **Jun 2, 2015, 6:29 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneStarMike

This article from the Austin Business Journal mentions:

Quote:

Also, the NLand website says the lagoon will be filled with "self-sustaining" rainwater, able to operate even in the driest of Texas droughts.

Hmmm. That makes no sense. If there is no rain ~ during a drought ~ there is no rainwater, and therefore how can it be self-sustaining? All that surface area in those huge pools will have significant evaporation. They will have to replenish it from somewhere. Maybe they plan on collecting and storing rainwater during wet months, but I would imagine a multi-year drought would wipe out stored water. I guess we'll learn more on Thursday when they make the official announcement.

the Genral · #**2124** Posted **Jun 2, 2015, 11:45 PM**

Why can't they use salt water from the gulf? I know trucking it in would be a logistical challenge, but surfers are used to salt water and I'm sure it will cost more than a few dollars to get in. And it would be an inexhaustible water supply...just my 2 cents...

lzppjb · #**2125** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 12:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummer

So, I'm all for neighborhoods creating an identity - or being proud of one that exists and marketing themselves from the history and culture of the area...all very important for a good city.

That said...SoChaca? Really?

http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/s...s-join-forces/

I hate SoChaca more than I hate SoCo, SoLa, SoFi, LoBurn or whatever other stupid ass names people come up with. How hard is it to say South Congress or South Manchaca? I hate trendy.

I like the idea of the South Manchaca businesses joining forces. I just hate the name.

LoneStarMike · #**2126** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 12:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzppjb

I hate trendy.

I hate it, too. It's why I refuse to call SXSW "South By" and I refuse to call ABIA "the port." What's next? I suppose we'll start calling the northern part of Gaudalupe "Guano."

lzppjb · #**2127** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 12:19 AM**

Wait. People call ABIA "The Port?" Ugh...

Urbannizer · #**2128** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 12:22 AM**

Rio Flats

LoneStarMike · #**2129** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 1:08 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hill Country

Another water park of sorts is planned - this one looks to be by the airport:

Here's a second article from the Austin Business Journal

5 things to know about Austin's newest water park
Jun 2, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzppjb

Wait. People call ABIA "The Port?" Ugh...

Only on this forum.

The ATX · #**2130** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 2:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneStarMike

I hate it, too. It's why I refuse to call SXSW "South By" and I refuse to call ABIA "the port." What's next? I suppose we'll start calling the northern part of Gaudalupe "Guano."

I also have never spoken the term "South By" even though it's easier to say that the full SXSW. It seems so fake hipster trendy.

drummer · #**2131** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 5:54 AM**

Yeah, I don't mind nicknames for areas, but I don't think we need to copy other cities. I agree with trendy being dumb because trends are in and of themselves indefinite...so why not pick something that'll stick? SoHo in NYC is unique. SoLa is not. It's copying NYC. I'm also perfectly fine to take the time to say the full name of an area...or a festival. Perhaps we should just say "S" "X" S" "W"?

In any case, the purpose of the article was talking about businesses on South Manchaca uniting - of that I am absolutely a fan. That's a great step for that area.

Haha, I noticed the "Guano" for Guadalupe...surely it's cleaner now than it used to be, so no need to call it bat crap...we can call the portion of the trail under the Congress Bridge "Guano"...

austintilIdie · #**2132** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 1:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hill Country

I also have never spoken the term "South By" even though it's easier to say that the full SXSW. It seems so fake hipster trendy.

It also strikes me as a lazy and pretentious to not to be bothered with taking another .75 seconds to say Southwest!

However if someone can say S-X-S-W 5 times, I'd be impressed.

the Genral · #**2133** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 6:59 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by austintilIdie

It also strikes me as a lazy and pretentious to not to be bothered with taking another .75 seconds to say Southwest!

However if someone can say S-X-S-W 5 times, I'd be impressed.

As a fellow member of the ASPF, I agree with all the comments on this subject. We ASPFers stand united against acronyms and trendy abbreviations!

LoneStarMike · #**2134** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 7:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hill Country

A site plan was filed for a hotel and art gallery called The Zilker at 1210 Barton Springs:

https://www.austintexas.gov/devrevie...erRSN=11329864

I noticed that the site plan has expired and the whole project has dropped off the emerging projects list.

ivanwolf · #**2135** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 8:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by drummer

I was wondering the same thing. The address is East Tx 71, so I think it might actually be on the south side (along the eastbound side of the road, that is). That said, the lot looks a bit narrow and long for that sort of thing. I read the article earlier today and if I remember correctly it said the lagoon would be about nine football fields in size. If that's the case, the lot would be plenty big (compare to the Del Valle HS stadium just to the west). Appearances can be deceiving on satellite images until something is constructed, I suppose.

Either way, this is an interesting project and I think it has the potential to do well here. If another amusement/waterpark came in the same area and had a working relationship with them, it'd certainly be a win-win.

Its in the southern parcel off 71

lzppjb · #**2136** Posted **Jun 3, 2015, 11:48 PM**

The parking lot next to Frank, across from Truluck's (NE corner of 4th & Colorado) is finally getting developed. Will be another office tower with structured parking.

http://www.statesman.com/news/busine...-austin/nmTxM/

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/bl...al-office.html

MichaelB · #**2137** Posted **Jun 4, 2015, 1:06 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzppjb

The parking lot next to Frank, across from Truluck's (NE corner of 4th & Colorado) is finally getting developed. Will be another office tower with structured parking.

http://www.statesman.com/news/busine...-austin/nmTxM/

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/bl...al-office.html

While I am happy to see that lot finally developed ( vacant for at least 28 years.... not sure how long). However, a quick search thru the developing company portfolio shows all suburbanish or corporate park buildings. There are 2 towers in Philly... but very bland.
Fingers crossed they find some style for Austin. !!!!!!
#nomoreblandbuildings

AustinGoesVertical · #**2138** Posted **Jun 4, 2015, 2:24 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzppjb

The parking lot next to Frank, across from Truluck's (NE corner of 4th & Colorado) is finally getting developed. Will be another office tower with structured parking.

http://www.statesman.com/news/busine...-austin/nmTxM/

http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/bl...al-office.html

Big news! A legit business district is developing along Colorado street now. Office space will make residential units downtown more viable. No height restrictions on this one, so could it just maybe crack 700 ft? We shall see. I hope it's a point tower and not another 400 ft rectangle.

lzppjb · #**2139** Posted **Jun 4, 2015, 2:39 AM**

I thought you said "power tower" instead of "point tower."

I now think I will adopt that term for a big/tall/dominating tower...POWER TOWER!

AustinGoesVertical · #**2140** Posted **Jun 4, 2015, 2:48 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzppjb

I thought you said "power tower" instead of "point tower."

I now think I will adopt that term for a big/tall/dominating tower...POWER TOWER!

Power Tower (noun): A dominant, overpowering building that claims an iconic presence.

Sentence: The Independent could have been a POWER TOWER but then the developers went with 10 foot ceilings.