The Transformation of South Lamar - Page 2

LoneStarMike · #21 Posted **Aug 22, 2012, 5:53 PM**

yeah, you're right. Here's a couple of others I found

From the Wayback Time Machine.

image #1

image #2

The above links take about 5-10 seconds to load, so be patient

And from loopnet

source

KevinFromTexas · #22 Posted **Aug 22, 2012, 7:53 PM**

That sure did have a lot of surface parking. At least this new version (Gibson Flats) has underground parking.

LoneStarMike · #23 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 3:59 AM**

Some photo updates from August 29, 2012 of three projects along South Lamar.

1. Zach Topfer Theatre from the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge

2. Zach Topfer Theatre from Lamar & Riverside

3. Gibson Flats from Gibson Street

4. Gibson Flats from Gibson Street

5. Gibson Flats from Gibson Street

6. Gibson Flats from Gibson Street at Lamar

7. Post Lamar

8. Post Lamar

9. Post Lamar - the three buildings behind the main one on S. Lamar Blvd.

10. Backside of the main building that faces S. Lamar & the three buildings behind it

11.Post Lamar - front

BevoLJ · #24 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 7:07 AM**

Zack is looking good!

For a while there it was just a kinda ugly concrete box, and I was a bit worried how it would look. But now with its make-up on it is looking nice.

migol24 · #25 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 9:50 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneStarMike

1. Zach Topfer Theatre from the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge

I'll bet you guys anything there will be people (nimbys) who will dare to say that this looks ugly.

I think this part looks pretty awesome. I was in Austin back in March and already so much looks different.

nixcity · #26 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 11:38 AM**

I really like the Post, the front looks like it could belong in Berlin,

BevoLJ · #27 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 4:15 PM**

I was thinking Scandinavian, but you are right. I does look like something from Berlin.

How many units does it have? It looks like it must have a crapload in there.

LoneStarMike · #28 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 4:58 PM**

Post Lamar has 298 units.

Downtown_Austin · #29 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 8:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneStarMike

Post Lamar has 298 units.

That ultra-wide sidewalk in front of Post Lamar is a game changer or this corridor. Great to see.

On a side note, Lamar Plaza Drugstore is moving out within the next 30 days, and into their new home across the street from Post Lamar (old Slick Willies, I think).

the Genral · #30 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 9:39 PM**

I like the way the Zach theater came out except the drastic blue color and glass makes the grey brick look like its unfinished, too much of a contrast between intense color and nothing, Dark grey or charcoal would have looked better, plus would have made a better backdrop if they decided to use that wall for hanging banners for upcoming events. All in all, the Post, Zach is the punch in the arm needed there.

KevinFromTexas · #31 Posted **Aug 30, 2012, 10:40 PM**

I think it looks great. Whatever arguments against this stuff the Nimbys had, I think the buildings are very respectful of the area.

nixcity · #32 Posted **Aug 31, 2012, 4:38 AM**

Surely even the NIMBYs have to admit this looks way better than a strip mall, how can you fight against this and not even blink when they put nasty strip malls.

migol24 · #33 Posted **Aug 31, 2012, 4:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by nixcity

Surely even the NIMBYs have to admit this looks way better than a strip mall, how can you fight against this and not even blink when they put nasty strip malls.

I guess they're just pretty convinced they understand something we don't.

nixcity · #34 Posted **Aug 31, 2012, 4:23 PM**

Yea, they must understand that ugly anytown USA is really what we need here in ATX to keep it weird...lol. I guess global climate change is something they also support.

austlar1 · #35 Posted **Aug 31, 2012, 9:08 PM**

All the new apartment complexes are great, and hopfully the new residents will demand a better sidewalk and streetscape. Let's face it, the sidewalk situation along S. Lamar is terrible. Narrow sidewalks adjacent to a street that carries a very high volume of through traffic. It is not at all pedestrian friendly and unless that streetscape improves dramatically, we are going to have lots of new apartment complexes with huge parking garages attached, and people will continue to drive rather than stroll because the latter will remain dangerous and unpleasant. At the very least, any new development should be required to provide extra wide sidewalks with enhancements such as planting and seating. Eventually that should be the standard for the whole length of S. Lamar all the way to Ben White.

Syndic · #36 Posted **Sep 3, 2012, 2:32 AM**

Before it was built I said the Zach (Topfer?) Theater was ugly and I still think it is. Theaters have a chance to be really classy places and to me it just looks bland. Better than a strip mall, of course, but still very unimpressive.

wwmiv · #37 Posted **Sep 3, 2012, 3:36 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndic

Before it was built I said the Zach (Topfer?) Theater was ugly and I still think it is. Theaters have a chance to be really classy places and to me it just looks bland. Better than a strip mall, of course, but still very unimpressive.

It looks great in the picture. I'll have to drive by this coming weekend when I'm in town in order to better evaluate it.

migol24 · #38 Posted **Sep 3, 2012, 3:38 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndic

Before it was built I said the Zach (Topfer?) Theater was ugly and I still think it is. Theaters have a chance to be really classy places and to me it just looks bland. Better than a strip mall, of course, but still very unimpressive.

I strongly disagree with you. Sure, it's not the greatest architecturally but it's still a pretty cool building... at least from the photos. I agree with wwmiv.... I'll have to see it in person to see for myself but from the photos it looks very nice.

austlar1 · #39 Posted **Sep 3, 2012, 7:43 PM**

I thinks the Zach looks pretty slick. I am looking forward to going to see Ragtime there next month and checking out the interior and overall theater-going experience. It should be nice to be able to stroll from there over to downtown and get something to eat afterwards.

LoneStarMike · #40 Posted **Sep 18, 2012, 10:59 PM**

Developer completes Lamar Plaza purchase
By Gary Dinges
Austin American Statesman
September 18, 2012

Quote:

It's a done deal.

After hitting a few bumps this year, developer Greystar said it finalized the purchase of Lamar Plaza on Monday, clearing the way for the aging South Austin strip mall to be remade into a bustling mixed-use project with more than 400 apartments, shops and restaurants, a rebuilt and relocated Highball bar, and an expanded Alamo Drafthouse movie theater.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

The article says Highball will close November 17 and the Alamo Drafthouse will close on January 3. Both are expected to re-open sometime during the 3rd quarter of 2013, although Highball will no longer have any bowling lanes.

The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.