AUSTIN | Projects & Construction II - Page 176

JGFrisco · #**3501** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 5:58 PM**

A request for those occasionally taking photos. The next time you have an opportunity, I'd love to see a wider-angle view of how downtown looks. The best is from I-35 on the upper deck (but kind of difficult to photograph!) but there are other places around town too.

Can you help?

priller · #**3502** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 6:12 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northcrossed

This site (http://walkscore.com) calculates the walkability for any address based upon the availability of ammenities within walking distance.

I did that for my address a few months ago. It listed a library within 0.2 miles. I had no idea what it was talking about, until I realized it was referring to the Library bar on 6th street. Their algorithm needs a little more work.

StoOgE · #**3503** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 6:33 PM**

Mine got a rating of "very walkable" (a 78) which I think is about right.. although they considered a comic book store a book store and a bridal shop clothing.

But it did leave off two bars that are right across the street so I guess it sorta evens out.

JAR512 · #**3504** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 8:22 PM**

Is there a forum created for the East Avenue project?
New crane is up for what I assume is the Texas Monthly building.

MichaelB · #**3505** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 9:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northcrossed

This site (http://walkscore.com) calculates the walkability for any address based upon the availability of ammenities within walking distance. It rates 200 Congress, to pick an arbitrary address, as a "Walkers' Paradise".

Fun Site! I got an 88! I wonder where they get their info. There are a lot of places left out. And some very odd ones included.

OU812 · #**3506** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 9:33 PM**

What about Disneyland for the southwest in Austin??? I guess it would create an actual tourism industry here (not that Austin really needs one).

jgouger · #**3507** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 10:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by OU812

What about Disneyland for the southwest in Austin??? I guess it would create an actual tourism industry here (not that Austin really needs one).

Hmmm... That's a hard sell on that one. I'm more partial to Houston having a disneyland like theme park than Austin. Houston simply has much better existing infrastructure to support something of that scale than Austin does. Not to mention an abundance of cheap, flat land. That and I like not having a heavy volume of traffic on the freeways here during the summer

KevinFromTexas · #**3508** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 10:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAR512

Is there a forum created for the East Avenue project?
New crane is up for what I assume is the Texas Monthly building.

Welcome to the forum, JAR512,

Yes, there is a thread about the project in the Texas section of the forum. Go here:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=154419

Mopacs · #**3509** Posted **Jul 17, 2008, 10:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northcrossed

This site (http://walkscore.com) calculates the walkability for any address based upon the availability of ammenities within walking distance. It rates 200 Congress, to pick an arbitrary address, as a "Walkers' Paradise".

This is a very interesting site! When it comes to the suburbs, it is EXTREMELY hit or miss. I have a friend that has only one way out of his neighobrhood, and is separated by a freeway to most 'destinations' listed. A walkability score of a 74 is rather funny. Truth is, only a Lack's is within easy walking distance. So there's other factors they need to take into account.

MichaelB · #**3510** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 12:07 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mopacs

This is a very interesting site! When it comes to the suburbs, it is EXTREMELY hit or miss. I have a friend that has only one way out of his neighobrhood, and is separated by a freeway to most 'destinations' listed. A walkability score of a 74 is rather funny. Truth is, only a Lack's is within easy walking distance. So there's other factors they need to take into account.

Oh Yeah Priller... I just spent way to much time looking at this site. At first it was fun... then I started looking deeper... then checked out the "National Ranking". I looked at a few cities I have worked in and was shocked to see them listed above Austin. Louisville, Really? I work there A LOT during the year and and stay in Downtown Louisville weeks at a time. The Grocers that are listed are like 7-11's for the most part and the only real grocery store is in an area you would not walk in after dark. Also, so many places are not open at night. AND THE WORST>>>>> Not even a Starbucks open after noon on Sunday! Gotta get in a car to get coffee! That's not a "walkers paradise"! So, yeah, the criteria has to be looked at.

Let me also say I Love Louisville and "they" are working hard to develop the downtown. THink Austin 10-15 years ago. With one big commercial block of chain restaurants (called 4th Street Live!)

Alec_of_the_ATX · #**3511** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 1:03 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by StoOgE

While Cedar Park does have alot of nice rides, just like the mega Six Flags (LA, Jersey) its really dirty and just not a fun place to be. I enjoy the rides, but I much prefer parks like Bush Gardens that are clean and well themed. Maybe I am just old and lame.

As far as Austin getting a theme park.. I always wanted us to get one, and we had a shot at Sea World back in the day.. but with San Antonio having two of them ,and Fiesta Texas (while having pretty lame rollercoasters other than Superman) is a pretty big one, I dont see it happening anytime soon.

I wouldnt mind a smaller park like a Kennywood in Pittsburgh, something with charachter and not a giant corporate theme park built on a parking lot. A park that is more like an old school boardwalk (well, in Kennywoods case its a hundred years old so it is an old school boardwalk) with a handfull of small (but good) rides.

Also, who is the smart guy that decided to give Fiesta Texas a "new" ride this year that is the exact same ride already at Seaworld and Six Flags in dallas (well, most six flags really?).

Wait wait wait a minute. Didnt Austin talk about this already? im pretty sure they declined such a thing. Thats why they gave us Austins Park and Pizza.
Just sayin

OU812 · #**3512** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 8:33 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgouger

Hmmm... That's a hard sell on that one. I'm more partial to Houston having a disneyland like theme park than Austin. Houston simply has much better existing infrastructure to support something of that scale than Austin does. Not to mention an abundance of cheap, flat land. That and I like not having a heavy volume of traffic on the freeways here during the summer

Yeah, no doubt it's a radical idea. I mean I wouldn't expect it to ever happen but it's kind of an interesting thought considering Austin's sort of quirky reputation- perfect for a fantasy theme park of cartoon characters! A Disney franchise here would be kind of a neat fit.

By the way, in terms of size compared to Dallas/Houston- the biggest Disney location, Disneyworld which is in Orlando- is a similar sized city to Austin. Although I'm not sure what their road infrastructure is like, I assume it's a bunch of toll roads (like most of Florida). The same thing Austin has and is getting more of, so I guess we could feasibly support the extra traffic.

In terms of location, ever take a drive on the new Tollway 130? Vast amounts of undeveloped open space with easy access to the airport. Perfect for the tourists to get in and get out without ever seeing them lol.

LoneStarMike · #**3513** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 9:48 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGFrisco

A request for those occasionally taking photos. The next time you have an opportunity, I'd love to see a wider-angle view of how downtown looks. The best is from I-35 on the upper deck (but kind of difficult to photograph!) but there are other places around town too.

Can you help?

Nothing real recent, but here's three wider angle views taken over the last three months

April 5, 2008 from Mopac

April 18, 2008 from Mount Shepherd

June 14, 2008 from St. Edward's University

jrebubula · #**3514** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 2:42 PM**

I believe Disney bought a bunch on land northeast of San Antonio and southeast of San Marcos a couple of years ago in the same way they bought land parcels in Orlando (different names on each parcel, none are Disney), maybe someday they will do something with it?

priller · #**3515** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 2:53 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGFrisco

A request for those occasionally taking photos. The next time you have an opportunity, I'd love to see a wider-angle view of how downtown looks. The best is from I-35 on the upper deck (but kind of difficult to photograph!) but there are other places around town too.

I don't have any photos from that angle, north of town from I-35. I agree, it's a good view from there, but it would have to be a drive-by shot. I wanted to go to the Concordia site this weekend, so I'll try to get a shot of downtown from that area also. I would love to go up in the football stadium and get some downtown shots, but I guess I would actually have to go to a game to do that.

The only thing close that I have is this pano from the east side:

A few other recent shots:

zx14 · #**3516** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 3:52 PM**

The altavida is on floor 33 and apears to be around 350 feet a this time. How will it be another 60 plus feet taller with just 4 more floors? The math does not look right.

austin242 · #**3517** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 3:58 PM**

We don't need a disney land, we need something better! Something new and unheard of, something that is not a large franchise, Something new like fiesta texas with all its concerts before it became six flags but even better with more rollercoaster More concerts & More everything in a an area about the same size.

Alec_of_the_ATX · #**3518** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 6:34 PM**

You know what would be awesome. Im sure all of you have had a look at the buildings in motion. like they spin in stuff. I know the TStacy buildings have the curve to do it, but it must add millions already on top of what there already spending. but i could totally see this building spin if thats what they go for

Jdawgboy · #**3519** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 7:32 PM**

Rumors about Disney have been flying around for years. I even heard one not too long ago that Disney supposedly bought alot of land near Killeen.

Check out this link about a possible new large water park for the Austin area...http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/07/21/story1.html

Very interesting to see what happens with that.

the Alta Vida Tower (Ashton) will have an arching roof over the smaller 37th floor wich would bring it to its final height.

KevinFromTexas · #**3520** Posted **Jul 18, 2008, 8:17 PM**

What is it about Disney?

And spinning buildings? Only Dubai is that crazy.

The Da Vinci Tower
http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=2utouc0ot3.jpg
http://news.cnet.com/2300-1008_3-6242770-2.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5245184
http://www.5min.com/Video/Dubai-Skyscraper-with-Rotating-Floors-4272393

There's even this project, Marina 101, which is a 1,352 foot tower with 102 floors. The building's crown bares a striking resemblance to our own Frost Bank Tower.
http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imresolt089wm6bv9.jpg
http://img254.imageshack.us/my.php?image=142wf9pb0.jpg
http://img70.imageshack.us/my.php?image=marina1012pn.jpg