Austin | Block 32 (3rd & San Jacinto) | 604 FT, 54 FLRS | 466 FT, 41 FLRS | Proposed - Page 6

zrx299 · #**101** Posted **Sep 12, 2023, 3:13 PM**

Wait, wait, hold up... they forgot the exposed angular support beams on the amenity levels. Everything else is there with this generation of "architecture":

Unnecessary staggered windows and vertical lines? Check.
Obnoxiously sized parking podium? Check.
Trademark "Austin Screen" on said parking podium instead of being integrated into overall design? Check.

Send this back to the drawing board so we can get the angled exposed support beams and we'll have all the boxes checked.

the Genral · #**102** Posted **Sep 12, 2023, 4:33 PM**

This is what happens when the architects from the Proper and One American Center have a collaborative brain fart together.

The ATX · #**103** Posted **Nov 9, 2023, 4:29 PM**

Elevations showing the downsizing were released. The buildings gained a few feet now that mechanical is included, but that that needed to be estimated. The Phase II tower is back over 600'.

https://abc.austintexas.gov/public-s...rtyrsn=3186994

Sigaven · #**104** Posted **Nov 13, 2023, 3:29 PM**

Unbelievable to me that they are doing a plain mesh screen for the parking garage when they literally have a cool template they could use as a screen design with the facade above, to make it look fully integrated with the building. Just awful.

IluvATX · #**105** Posted **Nov 13, 2023, 3:50 PM**

Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t stand buildings that get wider as they rise.

chinchaaa · #**106** Posted **Nov 13, 2023, 4:18 PM**

this city is going to be filled with the ugliest buildings imaginable in 100 years. future austinites will look back wondering wtf went wrong.

Jdawgboy · #**107** Posted **Nov 15, 2023, 1:04 AM**

I kinda feel with the overall downturn, this tower won't be built anytime soon and perhaps another design change.

Urbannizer · #**108** Posted **Nov 17, 2023, 2:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I kinda feel with the overall downturn, this tower won't be built anytime soon and perhaps another design change.

I too have my doubts. Manifold Real Estate has never produced any residential nor built anything above 5-stories.

Urbannizer · #**109** Posted **Feb 28, 2025, 10:58 AM**

https://services.austintexas.gov/edi....cfm?id=445051

https://citizenportal.ai/articles/23...32-development

Quote:

The Austin Housing Public Facility Corporation (AHPFC) convened on February 13, 2025, to discuss a significant development project aimed at enhancing the city’s housing landscape. The meeting, led by Housing and Community Development Officer Jamie May, focused on a single agenda item: the approval of an inducement resolution for the allocation of private activity bonds to Manifold Development for the construction of Block 32 at 304 East Third Street.

This initiative is noteworthy as it represents a step forward in addressing housing needs within the community. The private activity bonds, which will be repaid by the developer, carry no fiscal impact for the city, making this a financially sound decision for local governance. The board members unanimously supported the motion, with no public opposition or speakers present to voice concerns.

The approval of this resolution is expected to facilitate the development of new housing options in Austin, contributing to the city’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and affordability in the housing market. As the city continues to grow, such developments are crucial in ensuring that residents have access to quality living spaces.

In conclusion, the AHPFC's decision to endorse the allocation of private activity bonds marks a positive move towards enhancing housing opportunities in Austin. The board's swift approval reflects a commitment to fostering development that aligns with community needs, paving the way for future projects that can further benefit residents.

Bblasa · #**110** Posted **Feb 28, 2025, 2:21 PM**

Well we know this tower isn’t going anywhere. It has an ugly podium so will def get built in some form! Haha

Urbannizer · #**111** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 8:00 AM**

https://zoa3d.com/project/block-32/?...ntent=carousel

This was shared by Rhode Partners via LinkedIn. Manifold has placed the project on the back burner for now.

Quote:

The Block 32 project is a residential tower featuring a sleek, rounded glass facade and a rectangular-shaped, metal-covered multi-story parking. Proposed by Manifold Real Estate and designed by Rhode Partners, the tower is located along Austin’s future light rail line. Respecting Austin’s urban design guidelines, the tower rises to heights of 595 feet, positioning itself as a bold yet considered addition to the city’s skyline.

Beyond its residential purpose, B32 features a public plaza with 4,000 square feet of retail offerings, a thoughtfully integrated above-ground parking area, and art installations, including murals and sculptures, to create an inspiring, human-scaled streetscape while discreetly keeping cars out of sight.

The downtown plot features the shopping area on the ground floor facing the street, followed by the rectangular-shaped, built-in parking structure clad in a metal lamella facade.

Additional greenery lines the edges, helping the building stand out from its surroundings. For the cylindrical upper structure, the client specified windows with varying transparency levels to create a heterogeneous effect across the shimmering glass facade.

Last but not least, the podium will house a café, a restaurant, and a panoramic terrace for future residents, while the rooftop boasts a garden and a pond-like swimming pool.

the Genral · #**112** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 1:17 PM**

What does a "pond like" swimming pool even mean?

drummer · #**113** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 2:02 PM**

It means they won't clean it and it will naturally grow stuff.....?

WestAustinite · #**114** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 2:24 PM**

Look at all those lovely vines covering the podium. How charming.

The ATX · #**115** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 2:25 PM**

That's an old rendering when the project had round corners. You can tell by looking at the earlier elevations in this thread and comparing them to the new ones where this is now a typical rectangular shaped tower. The latest elevations were added to the site plan in January, and nothing has changed.

Sigaven · #**116** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 3:35 PM**

Quote:

a thoughtfully integrated above-ground parking area

Oh is that what we are calling metal screens slapped on 20 stories of parking now? that's about 5 seconds' worth of "thoughtfulness"

ILUVSAT · #**117** Posted **Mar 27, 2025, 11:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ATX

That's an old rendering when the project had round corners. You can tell by looking at the earlier elevations in this thread and comparing them to the new ones where this is now a typical rectangular shaped tower. The latest elevations were added to the site plan in January, and nothing has changed.

I trust ya, amigo. However, there was nothing posted on this thread that looks anything like the "new" renderings shown in Post #111. Also, we're looking at a single tower - not two. Maybe a Phase 1? Or a completely different proposal?!? The tower, according to the sited website states a tower of 595'.

The ATX · #**118** Posted **Mar 30, 2025, 12:06 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVSAT

I trust ya, amigo. However, there was nothing posted on this thread that looks anything like the "new" renderings shown in Post #111. Also, we're looking at a single tower - not two. Maybe a Phase 1? Or a completely different proposal?!? The tower, according to the sited website states a tower of 595'.

I aways go by what current permitting i.e. site plans shows is happening - especially when compared to renderings of an unknown date of origin.

ILUVSAT · #**119** Posted **Mar 30, 2025, 4:40 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by The ATX

I aways go by what current permitting i.e. site plans shows is happening - especially when compared to renderings of an unknown date of origin.

Yes. And that should be what one does - go by the current site plan. However, you did state that the rendering posted by Urbannizer was an "old rendering" in post #115. If it was a rendering "of an unknown date of origin" - how could you know its age?!?

The older, rounded design had a completely different base of the tower than what is depicted in the renderings Urbannizer posted.

Regardless...could this be a very old (original vision) of the project - yes. Could this be something new - maybe. I guess we'll find out...

Urbannizer · #**120** Posted **Jan 9, 2026, 5:49 PM**

https://austin.culturemap.com/news/r...young-closing/

Quote:

After 15 years, Vince Young Steakhouse is closing January 24. Although it bore the football star's name, it was operated by husband-and-wife duo Phil and Laura Brown. Although they did not provide a firm reason for the closure, a release alluded to business struggles and high costs for "independent, single-location restaurants." The Browns expressed gratitude for their team and guests, and Young himself pitched in some words: “I’m incredibly proud that my name was part of a downtown Austin staple, run by some of my best friends, in a city that means so much to me. ... This isn’t goodbye to Austin; it’s a thank you.”