Austin Still Desirable for Relocation

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Chris Kelley

(Photo credit: Forbes Magazine)

At a time when the country as a whole is experiencing an economic slowdown, some cities continue to boast consistent, healthy growth. Austin was recently included in Forbes magazine’s list of top 10 cities in which to relocate. Ranked second behind only Raleigh, North Carolina, the article credits factors such as weather, affordable housing and more business opportunities for the city’s relocation desirability.

The article cites the city’s biggest employers as the University of Texas, Advanced Micro Devices and Dell, which may have something to do with Austin’s low January 2009 unemployment rate of 6.4 percent.

Read the full Forbes article here.

Austin’s economy also recently made news for its capacity to support economic growth in a study conducted by Pitney Bowes Business Insight. Four of the top five cities are in Texas, but Austin takes the top spot because of its “consistent healthy growth in gross metropolitan product, personal disposable income and consumer expenditures, coupled with a decline in personal bankruptcies.” Read the full Austin Business Journal article here.

The Austonian Caters to Four-Legged Residents

Posted on May 21, 2009 by Chris Kelley

At The Austonian, we strive to provide our residents with the most luxurious and elite services available. Dogs are part of our families and our culture. In our effort to support the facets of daily life, The Austonian has taken care to ensure that four-legged friends are fully supported on site.

While the lake and the pet-friendly trails offered are a short walk from our 2nd Street lobby, we know that most pet owners don’t want to have to go to the ground floor to let their dog out at inconvenient times (e.g. late at night or when in pajamas). That’s why we created a 600 square foot dog park on the 10th floor. Available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the dog play area includes a sanitation system and is adjacent to a dog wash area.

With staff available around the clock, pet owners can rest assured that a delay or inconvenience does not impact their pet’s quality of life. Held up in traffic or on a late flight? Give an Austonian Assistant a call and they can look in on your dog and take it for a trip to the pet park or a walk around the block.

A luxury lifestyle for my Labrador? Yes, it can exist – at The Austonian.

The Austonian: Construction Update

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Chris Kelley

Over the past several weeks, we’ve focused on interior descriptions of The Austonian. The luxury high rise project continues to ascend into the Austin skyline and now it’s time for a report on construction progress.

Level 45 of The Austonian was poured on May 18, bringing the overall height of the building to 500 feet. Level 47, scheduled to pour in the next several weeks, will take the elevation of The Austonian higher than the Frost Bank Tower. It’s not long until The Austonian is the tallest building in Austin.

As far as interiors go, the catering kitchen and spa framing on level 10 is complete and condo framing has reached level 22. The permanent chilled water supply powering the AC system has been turned on and construction of Building Management offices is underway on Level 9.

For more information about The Austonian, Austin’s premier luxury high rise condominiums, visit www.theaustonian.com.

The Austonian Featured in Robb Report Vacation Homes

Posted on May 14, 2009 by Chris Kelley

The Austonian is featured in the April/May issue of Robb Report Vacation Homes, which cites Austin’s rising popularity with second home buyers who find respite in the city’s eclectic and rich culture.

The story speaks to the second home choices in Austin that range from rural acreage to sophisticated urban luxury living and the introduction of “a level of refinement previously unseen in Austin.” The Austonian’s location and amenities, including one of the largest rooftop gardens in the state, are noted in the article.

MAX’S Wine Dive Brings Gourmet Food and Fine Wines to Downtown Austin

Posted on May 13, 2009 by Chris Kelley

Located at the corner of 2nd and Congress, The Austonian is within walking distance of over 100 restaurants and entertainment attractions in downtown Austin. The newest addition to delicacies in our backyard is MAX’s Wine Dive, which opened yesterday at the corner of 3rd and San Jacinto.

Originated in Houston, MAX’s Wine Dive features gourmet comfort food and wines from around the world and was named one of the “Hot 10” wine bars in the U.S. by BON APPETIT Magazine. The Austin space includes more than 3,000 square feet of space at street level and an additional 2,100 square feet of space in the basement of an old refurbished warehouse. The main restaurant’s interior design invokes comfort with an industrial edge. The basement, dubbed “MAX’s Underground,” is a private event space with antique carpets, candlelight, low ceilings and seating for 120 guests.

MAX’s claim to fame is their “reverse happy hour,” which takes place at the end of the night: 10pm to 2am Mon-Weds and 12am-2am Thurs-Sat. Sunday brunch fare includes fried chicken, pancakes and mimosas.

MAX’s menu juxtaposes fine wines with hearty food – a Pinot Noir and a Texas Haute Dog, for example.

Guest Suites Offer Privacy in a Luxury Setting

Posted on May 12, 2009 by Chris Kelley

The Austonian stands alone in its own class of Austin luxury real estate due in part to the deluxe services and over 40,000 square feet of amenities offered exclusively to residents and their invited guests.

One amenity homeowners and their guests will appreciate is the set of 10th-floor guest suites available via reservation. Four guest suites offer privacy and comfort in a style that is distinctively Austonian. Designed by award-winning international firm Gary Lee Partners, the interiors of these rooms are sleek and sophisticated, incorporating brown and cream with touches of blue. Each suite has luxurious custom bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets, a flat-panel television, miniature refrigerator and both wired and wireless Internet access. Four separate private terraces offer views of the city nearby Lady Bird Lake. Directly across the elevator lobby from the suites is a 10th-floor indoor lounge area.

Additional 10th-floor amenities include a 75-foot lap pool, hot tub, 600 square foot secured dog park, private luxury cabanas outfitted with flat screen televisions, a catering kitchen, private spa treatment rooms, a theatre screening room, an executive meeting room with seating for 12 and more. The Austonian’s amenities will be supported by a staff of Austonian Assistants, who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

More information about the amenities available to homeowners and their invited guests is available at www.theaustonian.com. Additional descriptions of Gary Lee Partners designs for The Austonian are available at the following posts:

The Austonian: Interior Design by Gary Lee Partners
The Austonian Lobby: Elegant Interior Design by Gary Lee Partners
At Home with Luxury: The Billiard and Game Room
Focus on Amenities: A Screening Room for Cinephiles
The Austonian Club: Entertainment at its Highest Level
The Austonian: Event Space Above All Others

The Austonian Lawn: An Oasis Not So Far From Home

Posted on May 8, 2009 by Chris Kelley

When complete in 2010, The Austonian will be the pinnacle of luxury living in Austin with unparalleled services and amenities. One feature that sets this luxury real estate project apart is the privacy and exclusivity of the amenities, which are available exclusively to The Austonian residents and their invited guests.

The 10^th floor of The Austonian is a community space designed for indoor and outdoor entertaining and relaxation. Inside one will find a Billiard and Game Room, theatre screening room, executive meeting room, private guest suites, a spa area and a pet grooming area.

The large rooftop area on 10^th floor encompasses The Lawn, a 12,000 square foot outdoor entertainment space. The Lawn includes a 75-foot pool with fountains, an in-water sitting area and a reflecting pond. Eight private, shaded cabanas outfitted with flat screen televisions will be located in the pool area. The Lawn also includes a hot tub, promenade sundeck, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, sunset viewing terraces, herb garden, wireless Internet and a dog park.

The Lawn will feature Janus et Cie furniture. The woven, dark chocolate resin pieces will be accented with cushions of bright colors including sunshine yellow, white and chocolate.

Considered one of the largest urban gardens in Texas, the landscape design by TBG Partners incorporates native plantings and an herb garden into a design supported by a rainwater collection system. The succulents and perennials for the gardens were selected together with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

2nd Street’s Newest Culinary Addition Celebrates Cinco de Mayo Tonight

Posted on May 5, 2009 by Chris Kelley

The Austonian, scheduled to be open in spring 2010, is located in the heart of downtown Austin along Congress Avenue and in Austin’s up-and-coming 2nd Street District. The luxury condominium project’s location allows residents to enjoy dining, retail and entertainment — all within walking distance.

The latest culinary addition to the 2nd Street District is La Condesa at 400 West 2nd Street. Opened in February, La Condesa offers contemporary cuisine and innovative cocktails reflective of Mexico’s regional diversity and culinary trends. Chef Rene Ortiz, known for his work at La Esquina in New York, has created a menu with dishes ranging from authentic street food, to classic cantina staples to sophisticated specialties.

The restaurant’s unexpectedly fresh and modern space was created by architect Michael Hsu and interior designer Joel Mozersky, the dynamic duo behind projects like Uchi and The Belmont.

Upstairs from the restaurant is the adjoining bar and lounge, Malverde. Malverde’s second-story perch offers a panoramic view of downtown Austin, al fresco seating, nightly DJs and occasional live music performances. The lounge serves inventive cocktails created by internationally renowned mixologist Junior Merino. Over 80 premium 100% blue agave tequilas and custom-infused liquors are offered.

In a nod to Cinco de Mayo La Condesa and sister restaurant Lamberts Downtown Barbecue will be throwing a free block party this evening from 5-10 pm between Guadalupe and San Antonio streets. Join the restaurants for barbecue, roasted corn, tacos, raspas, Mexican beers, margaritas and live music.

To learn more about La Condesa visit www.lacondesaaustin.com. For more information on Malverde, go to www.malverdeaustin.com.

(Photo credit Paul Bardagjy)

The Austonian: Event Space “Above” All Others

Posted on May 4, 2009 by Chris Kelley

The Austonian stands alone in the class of luxury and services provided to residents. When complete in 2010, The Austonian will be located on the main street of Texas, Congress Avenue, with places to work, dine and play all within walking distance. Austonian residents are one-of-a-kind so we’ve raised, quite literally, the level of entertainment available at The Austonian.

The 55th floor Austonian Club, described briefly here, will be available for resident use for events including wedding receptions, private parties, events and more.

The large event room is a luxurious canvas for the event design of your choice. Deep chocolate wool carpeting lines the floor while bronze colored silk covers the walls and bronze coil draperies provide texture to the room. Three large iron globe chandeliers provide luminescent lighting complimented by the city lights below.

Bring in your favorite caterer and event planner or choose from The Austonian’s list of local professionals. The unfurnished space is designed to be set up for any type of event including buffet placements, dance floors, round tables for elegant dinners and more – all at the highest entertainment space in the city.

For more information about the services and amenities offered exclusively to residents at The Austonian, visit www.theaustonian.com.

Additional descriptions of Gary Lee Partners designs for The Austonian are available at the following posts: