In recent years, the area around The Austonian luxury condominiums in downtown Austin has grown tremendously, turning the 2nd Street District and Congress Avenue areas into a hub for some of the best living, eating and entertainment in the city. As a testament to this progress, The Austonian is gaining some new neighbors in the near future.
Downtown Austin’s newest office tower, currently under construction at 3rd and Colorado, is 95% leased. Downtown office space is among the most desirable in the city, and sophisticated new commercial space attracts high caliber businesses to the neighborhood. This building is just one of many new office spaces currently changing the downtown Austin skyline, with the IBC Bank Plaza taking shape just a few blocks west of The Austonian, and a new 20-story tower to support the corporate expansion of the Whole Foods Headquarters in the works. In addition to offices, the JW Marriot across the street from The Austonian on Congress Ave is slated to open in 2015, bringing in visitors who will continue to stimulate the downtown neighborhood’s rapid growth.
These buildings will not only change the shape of the Austin skyline, but will also come to shape the growth and direction of both the city’s economy and the feel of downtown. And while the Austin skyline is set to grow and change, The Austonian rises high above the rest of the city at 56 stories, guaranteeing residents of the building unimpeded views of the city, Lady Bird Lake, the Central Texas Hill Country for years to come.
To support the influx of new business and activity downtown, new restaurants are also flocking to Congress Avenue, including Cooper’s Old Time Pit Barbeque. Cooper’s has been cooking Texas BBQ out of Llano, Texas since 1963, and after opening a New Braunfels location in 2008, they are bringing their renowned barbeque to downtown Austin. The location at 217 Congress will feature a rooftop terrace, full bar, and capacity for live music. Construction has already begun, and residents of The Austonian will be able to walk down the block to get some of the best barbeque in Texas later this fall.
Another unique, upscale dining experience coming to downtown Austin is Counter 3. Five. VII.,which will open its doors this winter at 315 Congress, right under Swift’s Attic. This counter-only dining experience from Chef Eric Earthman allows the restaurant’s chefs to interact directly with the diners as they enjoy their meal. The seasonally-inspired menu is fixed course, and diners can choose to enjoy either three, five, or seven courses, from which the unusual name is inspired. Chef Lawrence Kocurek is leaving his position at TRACE at the W Hotel Austin to be both partner and executive chef at Counter 3.
These are just some of the changes happening in downtown Austin in the near future. As Austin continues to attract more people to the city each day, the downtown area will continue to revitalize and expand—and residents of The Austonian will be right in the heart of it.
