AUSTIN | Nahua Tower | ??? FT | 34 FLOORS

GoldenBoot · #1 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 6:46 PM**

Does anyone know about this 34-story tower proposal slated for a site in the Waterfront District; near the MACC? It's being designed by a local architectural firm, Bercy Chen Studio LLP

God I hope this one is real and gets built! It's BY FAR the most original, modern, and contemporary design I've seen for a downtown Austin tower thus far.

ATXboom · #2 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 7:11 PM**

WOW... that's bad ace and iconic.

I have a feeling this is some fluff from an architecture firm trying to get recognition.

It could aslo be something paid for by Lorenz and the developers/sellers of real estate in that area to provide some type of vision hoping it stimulates a purchase/actual development.

ATXboom · #3 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 7:12 PM**

Where did you find that Boot??? Was that on the city site?

Dragonfire · #4 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 7:13 PM**

I've never heard of it, but that is quite possibly the ugliest tower proposal I have seen so far. When I first saw it I thought of Sauron's Tower in Mordor, in the Lord of the Rings.

ATXboom · #5 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 7:32 PM**

OK... my best guess is this is a quick turn concept for the effort outlined here:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/..._data_0308.pdf

See R 61

Saddle Man · #6 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 7:33 PM**

That thing is badass. Build it yesterday.

deerhoof · #7 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 7:58 PM**

i actually saw this about a month ago on a developer's website (esperanza). but, i never heard anything about it, so i didn't bother to even post it in here. go to this website and click on developments:

http://www.esperanzadev.com/

JAM · #8 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 8:02 PM**

GB - Did the rendition come from a reliable source? The position of the building seems impossible. The MACC owns the land between its current building and Town Lake, and any remaining land is parkland and couldn't fit a building anyway. Not unless the MACC sold some of its land, which seems unlikely.

Dragonfire · #9 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 8:55 PM**

All of the renderings are on the architectural firm's website.

MichaelB · #10 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 8:58 PM**

WOW!!!!!! I would love to see that built! OMG.... not a glass box!

M1EK · #11 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 9:15 PM**

Somebody's computer is set a day early.

JAM · #12 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 9:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonfire

All of the renderings are on the architectural firm's website.

Ah - thanks. Video 1 would be more accurate, Video 1 shows the building in the MACC parking lot.

My guess is the building would most likely be located on Rainey St. a little further away from the MACC than portrayed. There is a vacant lot on Rainey St directly east of the MACC that is being marketed for such a project.

KevinFromTexas · #13 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 11:34 PM**

Never heard of it. As others have said, it's probably the architectural firm trying to stir up a buzz. This "project" sounds more like a vision from the architect and developer than an actual proposal. The architect's website isn't too impressive, several of the links don't work. And they don't seem to have a firm grasp on what the building would be used for. They seem to be pandering for investment and ultimately, ideas.

As for the design, meh. While it is slick, I get tired of overly modern designs. I could see this building not aging very well. It looks like they just plopped it there, which is fairly accurate considering it doesn't seem to be a serious project. I'd list it in the project list, but only under 'Vision'.

Jdawgboy · #14 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 11:52 PM**

In the first rendering, it almost looks as if it is somehow connected with the Mexican-American Cultural Center. Even the design has similarities with the Pyramids in Central Mexico. (Look at the base of the tower). I actually wouldn't mind if this tower was built. Definatly different for Austin but I think it would look cool on the skyline.

shanny · #15 Posted **Mar 31, 2008, 11:52 PM**

that is sweet...although im not really sure it fits...we dont have any buildings that are even remotely that style. it will look really weird next to legacy which has the miami look.

KevinFromTexas · #16 Posted **Apr 1, 2008, 12:15 AM**

By the way, that skyline shot, isn't that your photo, Mopacs? I wouldn't put much stock into a project that uses someone's photo, and presumably without even asking, rather than creating their own rendering.

shanny · #17 Posted **Apr 1, 2008, 12:37 AM**

i was thinking the same thing when i saw it...they completely ripped it off the forum

The Nano · #18 Posted **Apr 1, 2008, 1:30 AM**

Wow, thats a trip, i like the name too.

KevinFromTexas · #19 Posted **Apr 1, 2008, 3:17 AM**

Here are the two videos posted at the architect's website via Youtube.

If you have a Youtube account you can comment on the videos.

• Video Link

Mopacs · #20 Posted **Apr 1, 2008, 10:02 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

By the way, that skyline shot, isn't that your photo, Mopacs? I wouldn't put much stock into a project that uses someone's photo, and presumably without even asking, rather than creating their own rendering.

Ugh... yes it is. In most cases I would be flattered, but here we're dealing with a 'professional' entity that specializes in creative design. A bit tacky I might say... epecially lifting it from a forum.

This is the rendering I put together last year, using a skyline shot taken in November 2005

..As for the building? Its definitely a bold statement... and it could just work! At this point I would have to agree with Kevin... its a 'vision' Time will tell.