Quote:
Originally Posted by scraperfetish
Just about every report that I've heard about the proposed new Frost Bank Tower indicates that the stakeholders want the building to be "iconic" and that it should galvanize a lot of future downtown development, such as the Frost Bank in Austin is and has done. Here's hoping the same thing.
One thing that the designers are sure of: the building will not feature the same earth tones which currently blanket the majority of SATX downtown buildings. There are rumblings that the new Frost Bank building will be the new tallest building in the city, barring, perhaps, the Torre de las Americas. However, Emporis estimates that the Frost building may reach 50 stories (Hallelujah and at last!) to a height of 652' (which is about right for 50 stories) and is scheduled to be completed in around 2018 (apropos because the Tower of the Americas will be 50 years old in 2018). If built according to these estimates, the Frost Bank would eclipse the Tower of the Americas (at 622') by 30 feet, hardly noticeable from a distance, but still a triumph. These proposed dimensions could and probably will change given the obvious affinity that some SATX historical preservation groups/planners have with short, fat buildings.
What would be really cool would be if the Frost Bank Tower could climb to at least 752', causing it to overtake the Tower of the America's total height (which is 750', including the antenna).
The energetic and savvy folks at the Weston Development Group are steering this Frost Bank effort so who knows for sure? Stay tuned...
|
WARNING: I wouldn't take most information from Emporis as a statement of fact! That site has become worse than Wikipedia in terms of obtaining true data.
1) It's not "Weston Development Group" - it's
Weston Urban who is leading this development
2) A design firm has not been selected for SA's Frost Tower, yet.
3) "Iconic" is subjective. Additionally, it does not need to be tall - or the tallest - to be considered "iconic." As an example, some say Frost Bank Tower in Austin is "iconic." However, it is not the tallest building in Austin.
4) Initial indications is that this tower will be the new tallest. But, more likely between 500' and 600' tall (given the initial reported SF of the tower; ~400,000 RSF). In fact, Weston's presentation to the city had the tallest version pegged around 520' (not including any sort of crown or spire).
5) The current estimate floor count is between 30 & 40 (again based on the RSF initially indicated by Weston and his presentation). The final floor count will also depend on where they place the parking structure.
6) The estimated delivery of this tower is 2019 - not 2018 (per Weston).
In any case, exciting times in SA!