Construction Photos from The Austinist
Monthly Archives: February 2009
The Austonian in Celebrated Living
The Spring 2009 issue of Celebrated Living includes The Austonian on the CL 75 Real Estate Hot List, which profiles destination clubs, residences and resorts around the globe. The Austonian is the only luxury-high rise condominium project in Texas to be mentioned in the Hot List’s Second Home and Resort Communities category. Here is what Celebrated Living had to say about The Austonian:
THE AUSTONIAN, AUSTIN, TEXAS
Many travelers prefer their getaways to have an urban flavor. If so, you may be drawn to The Austonian. The 56-story, enviro-conscious high-rise will be almost like a city unto itself, with a theater screening room, luxury pool cabanas, and a 6,000-square-foot fitness center. (866) 396-7128, www.theaustonian.com
Austin Holds #2 Ranking in a Survey of the Healthiest Housing Markets in 2009
Builder magazine, in conjunction with Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, ranked Austin #2 in a list of the 15 Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009. While a market decline at a macro level is apparent, a closer look at four-year trends shows that some markets are performing and are likely to continue to perform in the future.
In the study, the top 75 housing markets were analyzed using the following criteria: population trends, job growth, trends in home prices and number of building permits issued.
The addition of 17,400 jobs last year, increasing median home prices and home-building activity (Austin is the sixth-largest home-building market) contributed to Austin’s high ranking. Joining Austin in the top five were Houston (#1), Fort Worth (#3), San Antonio (#4) and Dallas (#5).
Read the full Builder magazine article here.
The Austonian Lands Cover of Texas Construction
The Austonian was recently featured on the cover of Texas Construction and the subject of an article titled “Urban Growth Equals Smart Growth.” The article highlights urban core projects that are continuing to show payoff, including The Austonian.
John O.Norquist, president and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism, a Chicago-based organization promoting neighborhood-based development,states that Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio are moving toward smarter growth. The magazine alsoasserts that these projects will continue to show payoff and be able to weather the ups and downs of the economy.
To read the full article, click here.
The Austonian: More About the Building
The Austonian has reached the 32nd floor in the construction process. As the luxury high-rise grows to its full height of 56 stories, we take a look back at its roots.
Consideration of the location and environment, a focus on sustainability, and the needs of residents were major factors in The Austonian’s planning process, which was led by Ziegler Cooper Architects.
Located in the heart of downtown at 2nd and Congress, The Austonian will be an iconic structure. The unique elliptical design allows for the building to occupy only one-third of a city block, maximize views for each unit and protect the corridor view down Congress to the Texas State Capitol. The foundation of the building (which will be the tallest in Texas upon completion) is made up of 480,000 pounds of structural steel which connects to 47 piers reaching deep into the bedrock below. Because of the building’s unprecedented height, Ziegler Cooper wanted the top of the structure to be significant yet compliment the existing Austin skyline. To punctuate the building’s soft, slender shape and height, an illuminated lantern element crowns the top two floors.
In an effort to further integrate The Austonian with the landscape, Ziegler Cooper chose the building’s elements with Austin’s natural beauty in mind, incorporating limestone and a neutral color palette. Floor-to-ceiling window walls create a sleek shape in the skyline and offer unparalleled views of Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.
The building continues to climb one level per week and is on schedule to top out this summer. The following picture was taken from Level 32, which was poured last week.
Signs of Progress at The Austonian Construction Site
As you drive by The Austonian site over the coming weeks, you may notice these changes:
The construction trailers near 3rd and Congress have been removed and the Balfour Beatty construction team has relocated to temporary offices on the 7th floor of The Austonian parking garage.
The luffing crane, which transports items within a confined space, is no longer needed and will be removed next week. The tower crane will continue to support construction as The Austonian climbs to its final 56 story-height.
The Austin Business Journal covered the construction changes this week. Read the full article here.
