Austin | Wilson Tower (410 E. 5th) | 519 Feet | 44 Floors | Demo - Page 22

Jdawgboy · #**421** Posted **Aug 1, 2023, 2:13 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ATX

The City never rejected the height or original proposal. The developer changed plans.

I thought it had to do with its location by Brush Square, setbacks and street activation issues?

Also my next question would be if I were a developer, why would I purposely announce a supertall, but not really intend to build it at that height? Why would investors want to jump on with what is as you put it a "bait & switch"?

the Genral · #**422** Posted **Aug 1, 2023, 2:37 AM**

I submit that they were top down selling their proposal.

The ATX · #**423** Posted **Aug 1, 2023, 3:16 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I thought it had to do with its location by Brush Square, setbacks and street activation issues?

Also my next question would be if I were a developer, why would I purposely announce a supertall, but not really intend to build it at that height? Why would investors want to jump on with what is as you put it a "bait & switch"?

The requested FAR for this tower to make it a supertall was not the issue - the height was perfectly OK with current zoning. But about half of the projects that request additional FAR from the Design Commission are not approved at the project's initial meeting. The DC typically wants some minor changes to public street level activation like art, more retail, different pavers, more seating, etc. That was the case for this project. In fact, this project still needs to go back to the DC to get approval for the 519' height. The next DC meeting is 08/28. This tweet (or post as they are now called) shows the street level changes that were made after the project's first DC meeting:

https://twitter.com/TheATX1/status/1682725751190085633

The ATX · #**424** Posted **Aug 1, 2023, 5:25 AM**

An official groundbreaking was held this week despite the tower not being approved.

drummer · #**425** Posted **Aug 1, 2023, 1:23 PM**

I like the ambition. If only they could ambitiously build it to the original height.

We vs us · #**426** Posted **Aug 1, 2023, 2:14 PM**

Gotta knock that building down before Rent-a-Center decides to take their fencing back.

JoninATX · #**427** Posted **Aug 2, 2023, 3:54 AM**

I gotta admit, I had my doubts that any groundbreaking would occur this year. Glad I was wrong.

ILUVSAT · #**428** Posted **Aug 2, 2023, 4:09 PM**

I wouldn't be shocked if the site permit is denied or delayed further. Wasn't it the design commission that expressed great concern with the public space/interaction of this tower at the lower levels? It seems the only thing Wilson did is cut the tower's height in half (keeping the original height of the podium). I haven't heard anything pertaining to public space/interaction improvements.

We vs us · #**429** Posted **Aug 4, 2023, 8:28 PM**

Hilariously, drove by today and all the fencing is completely gone.

The ATX · #**430** Posted **Aug 4, 2023, 8:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by We vs us

Hilariously, drove by today and all the fencing is completely gone.

So it was only for a fake groundbreaking photo Op. SMH.

randalls · #**431** Posted **Aug 4, 2023, 8:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ATX

So it was only for a fake groundbreaking photo Op. SMH.

Wow.

The ATX · #**432** Posted **Aug 4, 2023, 8:46 PM**

Also, the ROW closure date on the permit starts 08/14. So they may have installed the fence too early which makes me believe it was just for a photo Op.

davidberko · #**433** Posted **Aug 5, 2023, 1:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by randalls

Wow.

Yeah I drive Uber full time and am downtown all day long and noticed the fencing was down. LOL'd at that rent-a-center comment because it's a little too accurate. Wilson is a joke

Altoic · #**434** Posted **Aug 5, 2023, 6:08 AM**

Fake groundbreakings, from what I've seen, can be pretty common. At least this means they're serious about getting some type of movement! There's some positive about this.

etmav · #**435** Posted **Aug 5, 2023, 9:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidberko

Yeah I drive Uber full time and am downtown all day long and noticed the fencing was down. LOL'd at that rent-a-center comment because it's a little too accurate. Wilson is a joke

Who was the other guy, that teased for years, about building a tall building on congress ave?

The ATX · #**436** Posted **Aug 5, 2023, 9:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by etmav

Who was the other guy, that teased for years, about building a tall building on congress ave?

Tom Stacy

etmav · #**437** Posted **Aug 8, 2023, 2:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ATX

Tom Stacy

Yes, now I remember. If I am correct, he died a few years back.

GoldenBoot · #**438** Posted **Aug 8, 2023, 4:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by etmav

Yes, now I remember. If I am correct, he died a few years back.

Last I checked, he's alive and well. He co-founded a new venture, CapRidge Partners, LLC, in 2012...and is still active there and in other community roles.

etmav · #**439** Posted **Aug 10, 2023, 2:23 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Last I checked, he's alive and well. He co-founded a new venture, CapRidge Partners, LLC, in 2012...and is still active there and in other community roles.

Yes he is, I got that wrong. Thanks

Urbannizer · #**440** Posted **Aug 22, 2023, 6:49 PM**