Seaholm Intake Design Competition

[the Genral]

I gave #1 all 'A' and #2 an average of 'C'.

[KevinFromTexas]

Definitely like the first one much better. I like the idea of the mini-boardwalk, and I like the idea of the rooftop terrace. The views from up there of the river will be very nice.

Originally Posted by jbssfelix

Only negative about #1 is that big spiral staircase is going to burn the everlasting crap out of anyone who touches it in the summer time.

I was disappointed when I realized it wasn't an adult slide.

[drummer]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

I was disappointed when I realized it wasn't an adult slide.

...who says it isn't? As a kid, I found that flattened cardboard boxes create great sleds for stairs or hills with 3/4" of snow on them....

[Syndic]

My grades also favored #1 but I must admit that I was torn. The idea of the Intake Facility becoming everything that Seaholm should have been turned into (gallery space, event venue, etc.) but wasn't was an alluring idea. But ultimately #2 was just too plain and boring and #1 seemed to offer more to the community.

[jbssfelix]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Definitely like the first one much better. I like the idea of the mini-boardwalk, and I like the idea of the rooftop terrace. The views from up there of the river will be very nice.



I was disappointed when I realized it wasn't an adult slide.

I despised those big metal slides. Elbow burns for days.

[urbancore]

Originally Posted by jbssfelix

I despised those big metal slides. Elbow burns for days.

http://www.austinmonitor.com/stories...eaholm-intake/

Parks and Rec endorse Stratus

[the Genral]

I'm hoping and assuming Stratus presented the first rendering. If that's the case, woohoo! The modern elements, including the slide, are better suited as a forefront to the modern highrises behind it. Also, the boardwalk design is large and very accommodating. Great for Austin and the lucky folks living in and around it.

[MichaelB]

Originally Posted by Dcbrickley

http://www.austinmonitor.com/stories...eaholm-intake/

Parks and Rec endorse Stratus

That is indeed option #1 !! Yes!

[drummer]

That was certainly my favorite. Glad to see it.

[GoldenBoot]

Well...typical Austin government.

Austin to issue new call for developers of Seaholm

**Hope the link works...

[ahealy]

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

Well...typical Austin government.

Austin to issue new call for developers of Seaholm

**Hope the link works...

Isn't this like the 3rd time they've done this? Reminds me of that historic bakery building near the capital that did the same thing, then sat vacant for the next 5 years.

[the Genral]

I strongly liked the previously winning design. That being said, as far as repurposing the building in a way that would maintain its identity, the runner up did a better job at that, assuming that was one of the criteria. And if that's the case, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they protested the winning design.
Basically, the winner kept the front and back end of a Kia and put a Lexus in the middle, if you'll parden my weak analogy. If they decide to stay true to form, we may end up with something boring but only because we will forever remember design #1. Let's hope the lakefront part over the water is nice and grand like piers and boardwalks.

[drummer]

Here's an idea: Work with the developer that won the original contest and allow them to make the necessary changes keeping a similar theme....is that feasible?

[wwmiv]

I agree. They won the competition in the first place. Their design was by far and away better, even in the areas that aren't affected by this oversight. They should be given a chance to fix their proposal to reflect current legal requirements and have that proposal be subject to a yea or nay vote prior to opening the process to other bids.

[AusTxDevelopment]

Originally Posted by drummer

Here's an idea: Work with the developer that won the original contest and allow them to make the necessary changes keeping a similar theme....is that feasible?

They apparently lost interest.

Austin Business Journal
Stratus won't renew bid to develop Seaholm Intake facility; cites other priorities
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/bl...lm-intake.html

It's behind the paywall but here are some quotes:

The city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department had recommended Stratus last October for the plum assignment after polling citizens in a design contest. Stratus (Nasdaq: STRS) beat a proposal from Southwest Strategies Group, the company that redeveloped the nearby power plant.

The deal between Stratus and the city was never finalized, however, and Stratus President and CEO William "Beau" Armstrong said the company now has too many projects in the pipeline to take on the redevelopment at this time, now that the city is calling for bids again.

He said he has no hard feelings about the fact that Council never ratified the deal — he's not even sure why it never came to vote.

"It's a guess on my part," he said, that council's agenda was too packed to take up the matter before the end of the year. By the time 2016 rolled around, concerns had surfaced that the original request for solicitation didn't sufficiently highlight the historic significance of the property.

[drummer]

^ Bummer. Makes sense, though. I don't know that I'd want to put forth the effort since the council didn't have all their ducks in a row the first time.

[KevinFromTexas]

Yes, bummer. Stratus was the one I was also hoping would get the Green Water contract. They do good work.

[Novacek]

I just noticed that the August meeting of the downtown commission had a presentation on the intake.

Not super informative (and the document seems a little corrupt to me, but maybe you'll have better luck).

http://austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boa...tings/24_1.htm

[KevinFromTexas]

https://www.statesman.com/news/local...yZgvq75xBwLUO/

Report envisions Seaholm facility as home to concerts, kayaks and more

3 hours ago
By Elizabeth Findell, American-Statesman Staff

Austin’s waterfront Seaholm facility should become a multifunctional meeting space, with a coffee shop, food trucks, large yard and kayak docking, according to a recommendation commissioned jointly by the city and outdoor nonprofits.

The report, from Studio Gang, included three layouts for the former power plant on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake, and numerous renderings showing yoga classes, art shows and concerts that could happen there.

[chundercracker]

TOWERS had a pretty in-depth post about this last week.

https://austin.towers.net/digging-in...ited-redesign/