Austin is an amazing place. My daughter lives there and we go down pretty often. Was there over Labor Day weekend and stayed in an AirBNB just a couple blocks off S. Congress. There was a house across the street which they were working on pretty hard over that weekend. I pulled it up the other night and it is 2100 feet (not quite) and listed for $1.9 million. Eye popping real estate market.

Austin is an amazing place. My daughter lives there and we go down pretty often. Was there over Labor Day weekend and stayed in an AirBNB just a couple blocks off S. Congress. There was a house across the street which they were working on pretty hard over that weekend. I pulled it up the other night and it is 2100 feet (not quite) and listed for $1.9 million. Eye popping real estate market.

Victim of their own success. I like the city too but don’t understand the extreme high cost of living compared to other more interesting cities. I would love to see a fraction of their development up this way though

In this news article by CNBC it list Austin as the second fastest growing U.S. City in
2022. The article contains a link to a study showing the fastest growing US cities and
OKC ranks 17th. I think is pretty awesome!
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/money-report/10-u-s-cities-that-are-growing-the-fastest-and-new-york-city-isnt-one-of-them/3120314/

I was just in Austin last week. Really fun city but holy crap there are so many people. Between the roads and airport, they are at max capacity.

Another record breaking supertall announced for Austin

https://towers.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/WilsonTower_View6_HKS-1536x1024.jpg


JAMES RAMBIN
NOVEMBER 14, 2022

Austin-based real estate development firm Wilson Capital announced this morning that its redevelopment of the Avenue Lofts site will be significantly larger than previously reported. The multifamily residential building planned for the 0.8-acre property at 410 East Fifth Street, now known as Wilson Tower, is set to rise 80 floors to a total height of 1,035 feet — and yes, that would make the project the new tallest tower in Texas upon completion, exceeding the height of the Waterline supertall project currently under construction a few blocks away by 13 feet.

Wilson Tower is described by its developer as a signature 450-unit apartment building with residences ranging from studios to 3 and 4-bedroom penthouses. Designed by the Austin office of global architecture firm HKS Inc., the building’s impressive height is matched by a remarkable appearance — its signature design feature is a brise soleil, or shade structure, wrapping the tower’s entire glass exterior on the eastern and western elevations. It’s one of our favorite architectural touches on many midcentury buildings including the nearby Cambridge Tower, and seeing this sort of design updated for a modern tower is a welcome addition to the Austin skyline:

“Our vision for Wilson Tower is to set a new bar in skyscraper residences for Austin that we believe will foster creativity and social connection. Along with welcoming outdoor terraces and gardens, the tower itself is wrapped in a brise soleil that offers protection from the hot Texas sun and wind while also providing structural strength. This brise soleil gives the building uniquely shaded and comfortable outdoor living spaces on every level.”
https://austin.towers.net/austins-next-record-breaking-supertall-tower-announced-at-fifth-and-trinity/

Okay i love that building's design. Austin's boom is absolutely wild.

Austin has been in a boom for the last 15 years.

Love the Design!

Paseo (80 Rainey) | 567 Feet | 48 Floors | U/C
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1664413739411-png.3898429/

Update from mid January
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1673897453666-png.4458635/

Modern Austin Residences | 658' | 55 FLOORS | U/C

https://modernaustinresidences.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/TheModernAustinResidences-hero2022-994x1024.jpg

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1676286227189-png.4611320/

Vesper (84 East) | 452 Feet | 41 Floors | U/C

https://austin.urbanize.city/sites/default/files/styles/950w/public/field/image/84%20East%20Pearlstone%20Partners.jpeg?itok=DesabP z5

https://i.imgur.io/HkRl2Ds_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

And they're getting a two story HEB grocery store!!

And they're getting a two story HEB grocery store!!

Sure are! :) I miss HEB, since I live in Las Vegas now.

Recent drone shot of Austin. That whole right side will be full of towers by 2025.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52683311043_4ede055d82_h.jpg
Thanks to Riverranchdrone from SSP

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1679260231385-png.4809066/
http://instagr.am/p/Cp5NX4ZOpJH/

Well this is disappointing news. Austin’s transit plans have had a massive scale back where the voter approved transit plan has basically been cut in half. They’re blaming a huge cost increase but if that’s true(which I believe it is) then spread out the projects, build the subway tube first since it’ll be the most crucial segment in the heart of downtown, and go for a quality over quantity approach.

Instead they’ve canceled the subway and cut almost every single planned light rail in half. What a joke.

https://www.kut.org/transportation/2023-03-21/austins-light-rail-plans-have-shrunk-here-are-five-new-options

Here’s Urbanize Austin: https://austin.urbanize.city/

https://www.kvue.com/article/money/economy/boomtown-2040/tallest-skyscraper-45-stories/269-96647a6b-636e-43e0-946c-f7e22f89cae9

I know, still 45 stories. But proof that it isn't just OKC that has projects downsize. It happens everywhere, and at a high rate like here.

This is still a great project.

https://www.kvue.com/article/money/economy/boomtown-2040/tallest-skyscraper-45-stories/269-96647a6b-636e-43e0-946c-f7e22f89cae9

I know, still 45 stories. But proof that it isn't just OKC that has projects downsize. It happens everywhere, and at a high rate like here.

This is still a great project.

Damn that is quite the haircut. I love the look of this tower still, though.

With housing prices soaring in Austin--and with Austin now considered one of the most overpriced housing markets in the US, according to some analyses--it doesn't seem wise for the city to effectively be cutting the number of units in that development.

It’s not about it *only* happens in OKC. It’s just that OKC doesn’t seem to get very truly exciting projects that aren’t in some way always seemingly downsized or “value engineered.” I see stuff in LA get haircuts all the time and scaled back. But they still have dozens of more amazing projects that would be amazing for OKC if just one of them happened. I’m also aware there’s great projects moving forward that almost seem like they have been scaled up like OKANA and OAK.

Here’s an example of a recent proposed building that had a pretty big haircut too. The second one: https://la.urbanize.city/post/another-haircut-proposed-apartment-complex-845-s-olive-street-dtla

I flew had a connecting flight at the Austin airport last Wednesday on our way to Orlando and then again on our way back home to OKC yesterday and I can't believe they don't have a larger airport. There are only 34 gates there (OKC has 24, Tulsa has 22) and it was the most crowded airport I have ever been to. It looks like they did an expansion in 2019 to get it to 34 gates and it looks like they are talking about another expansion, but not for years out.

I flew had a connecting flight at the Austin airport last Wednesday on our way to Orlando and then again on our way back home to OKC yesterday and I can't believe they don't have a larger airport. There are only 34 gates there (OKC has 24, Tulsa has 22) and it was the most crowded airport I have ever been to. It looks like they did an expansion in 2019 to get it to 34 gates and it looks like they are talking about another expansion, but not for years out.

Not that it makes that much of a difference but OKC actually only has 21 currently since the gates in the middle continuing even numbering for that side of the airport but there are no odd number gates on the other side (where the restaurants and exits are).

I flew had a connecting flight at the Austin airport last Wednesday on our way to Orlando and then again on our way back home to OKC yesterday and I can't believe they don't have a larger airport. There are only 34 gates there (OKC has 24, Tulsa has 22) and it was the most crowded airport I have ever been to. It looks like they did an expansion in 2019 to get it to 34 gates and it looks like they are talking about another expansion, but not for years out.

The main reason for the delay is that there's been an on going lawsuit filed by the land operator (Lonestar holdings) and The city of Austin over the South Terminal expansion. It wasn't til recently a few days ago that a deal was reached.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/88m-settlement-approved-for-critical-austin-airport-expansion/amp/

The Manhattanization of Austin continues

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxqAZgPWcAM-fCo?format=jpg&name=large
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1664784193971257344

Austin is now the 10th Largest City in the U.S.

https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Housing_%26_Planning/Demographics/2022%20Census%20Bureau%20Release%20(Table%203).png

https://www.austintexas.gov/news/austin-now-10th-largest-city-us

Downtown not the only place that's growing. West Campus (University of Texas) is also undergoing and skyscraper renaissance.

Icon l 307ft l 30 Floors l Site Prep
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1685928844147-png.5263896/

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1685928898776-png.5263901/
By Urbannizer

24RG | 312 Ft | 31 Floors | Site Prep
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1685929199178-png.5263916/

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1685929233270-png.5263919/
By Urbannizer

I truly can't believe people have been upset by the growth there. Citizens there are mad at Austin losing what made it cool. I think they are gaining things that make it cooler.

I truly can't believe people have been upset by the growth there. Citizens there are mad at Austin losing what made it cool. I think they are gaining things that make it cooler.

Alot of what made Austin is now long gone, which does upset the natives outhere here including myself. Austin has always been that weird, pot smoking, hipster type city that traditionally was completely different from the rest of Texas. Wasn't til the mid 00's when everything started changing. As everyone discovered Austin in a way how people discovered Portland and Seattle, people started moving here in masses and changed was once a small laid back city into another Texas metropolis.

Btw I'm pro growth and welcome everyone to this great city. Just dislike when places that made Austin unique have to shutter cause of the high cost.

https://www.newsweek.com/austin-housing-market-crash-real-estate-alarm-bells-1804459
Home values are dropping here faster than anywhefe else.

https://www.newsweek.com/austin-housing-market-crash-real-estate-alarm-bells-1804459
Home values are dropping here faster than anywhefe else.

I see this as a good thing. Homes here in Austin are so inflated that a market correction was bound to happen.
This trend will most likely continue as develepers play catch up.

Texas is really f@cking over its cities but not investing in HSR. Can you just imagine the growth of the triangle cities if the HSR triangle system was built?

Texas is really f@cking over its cities but not investing in HSR. Can you just imagine the growth of the triangle cities if the HSR triangle system was built?

I can picture the growth without it! Lol... though I'm still not giving up on HSR. I would like to see it built between the Austin/ San Antonio corridor. With a population already over 5+ million between the two cities, and another 4 - 5 million on top of that by 2060, traffic is going to be a nightmare.

I can picture the growth without it! Lol... though I'm still not giving up on HSR. I would like to see it built between the Austin/ San Antonio corridor. With a population already over 5+ million between the two cities, and another 4 - 5 million on top of that by 2060, traffic is going to be a nightmare.
Oh I’m sure the growth is coming with or without it but imagine how differently the cities would develop. There would still be sprawl but I would imagine the cores would become much more dense and it would attract more development around them.

Oh I’m sure the growth is coming with or without it but imagine how differently the cities would develop. There would still be sprawl but I would imagine the cores would become much more dense and it would attract more development around them.

Let's hope it does become a reality.

Let's hope it does become a reality.
Without getting too political I think a new government needs to be voted in. I’ll just leave it at that.

Let's hope it does become a reality.

I do know that completing the Texas Triangle is among Amtrak's higher priorities - though for now they're talking conventional passenger rail, not HSR. Even just adding additional conventional passenger service would help fill a big gap. https://www.amtrakconnectsus.com/maps/

$18M federal grant to support Red Line rail double-tracking, East Austin mobility upgrades

https://communityimpact.com/uploads/images/2023/06/28/262805.jpeg


By Ben Thompson
June 28th 2023

Newly announced federal funding will support Capital Metro's plans to double-track a portion of its Red Line commuter rail line, upgrade the Plaza Saltillo station, and bring other mobility and safety improvements to East Austin.

https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/transportation/2023/06/28/18m-federal-grant-to-support-red-line-rail-double-tracking-east-austin-mobility-upgrades/

As we talked about the much needed rail expansion in Austin earlier last month, this is some much needed news as our commuter rail is near capacity.

ATX heatwave

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53123175572_a54b2f7245_h.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabetakesphotos/

https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1690948930676-png.5601370/
From there Instagram page

The Waterline getting bulky
https://www.skyscrapercity.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=192 0,fit=scale-down/https://www.skyscrapercity.com/attachments/1692234166996-png.5688353/
Taken from the Austin SSP forum

Go Texas! Beat OU! Hook'em

Go Texas! Beat OU! Hook'em

I would scold you for being on your phone while sitting in traffic but then I remembered you Texas fans have a lot of experience distracting yourselves while stuck and going nowhere. Boomer Sooner!

I would scold you for being on your phone while sitting in traffic but then I remembered you Texas fans have a lot of experience distracting yourselves while stuck and going nowhere. Boomer Sooner!

Well it was a bit heartbreaking as a Longhorn fan, but OU was the better team last week. Texas didn't have their head in the game til the 2nd half and took the lead then OU took us by surprised with just over a min. But at least it wasn't a blow out like last year. Lol

A massive tech company exodus is occurring in Texas, reports show

https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/austin-loses-tech-companies-18541636.php

At the same time, Austin metro is fastest-growing in the US for 12th year in a row. With the tech slowed down this year, Austin didn't see a mass exodus has the media protrays. The city kept booming with the expansion of Tesla, & Samsung just to name a few. Now that 2023 wrapping up, it looks like another prosperous year for Austin in store as other projects that where put on the back burner are now ready to break ground in 2024.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Austin

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53422546883_c743b1b018_h.jpg
By Gabetx

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Austin

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53422546883_c743b1b018_h.jpg
By Gabetx

Awww stunning!! Merry Christmas!

https://youtu.be/_O7vTNcvQrA?si=CJF5Wg2znQ57e3PO

https://i.imgur.com/OxxZBWz.png
https://i.imgur.com/ok9fX4L.png
By Mopacs from SSP
Looking SW from WB 290 to SB IH-35

MLB expansion: Potential cities, top locations to land teams

https://i.imgur.com/At1WO1H.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/bzwBoGc.jpeg
Concept renderings by zrk229



Feb 21, 2024

Major League Baseball expansion is coming -- it's just a matter of when ... and where.

While the timeline for MLB to go to 32 teams remains a bit murky, commissioner Rob Manfred recently said he hopes to have a process "in place" for the league to expand to 32 teams before he retires in 2029.

Austin/San Antonio (Texas)
City population: 961,855 (Austin); 1,434,625 (San Antonio)
Metro area population: 2,421,115 (Austin); 2,655,342 (San Antonio)
TV market rank: 35 (Austin); 31 (San Antonio)

Most likely nickname: Austin has the largest urban bat population, so The Austin Bats is a strong option, but they would have to share it with the minor league team in Louisville.

Most likely stadium location: According to Austin journalist Bryan Parker, the area east of the city could work. It includes a newer toll road, and it's where Tesla has headquarters as well as where the airport is located.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39563422/mlb-expansion-potential-cities-candidates-teams-austin-montreal-nashville-orlando-portland-raleigh-salt-lake-city

I'm thinking with the A's expansion into Las Vegas, we can officially begin to see new teams in cities like Austin, San Antonio, Nashville, Charlotte, and possibly a future Oklahoma City MLB team.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53614193995_5b6262b3de_h.jpg
Credit to RiverRanchDrone

Updates from this week

The Waterline (Texas Tallest) 1,022 ft.
https://i.postimg.cc/X4c0tfVs/IMG-0315.jpg
The Republic 710 ft.
https://i.postimg.cc/GRzgHBZS/IMG-0271.jpg
Modern Residence 658 ft.
https://i.postimg.cc/y7pFr1ZV/IMG-0148.jpg
By Urbannizer

Samsung is going to build a second factory in Taylor! Announcement scheduled for April 15th.

Samsung Doubles Down on Texas as U.S. Chip Center
South Korean firm ramps up investment to $44 billion for hub near Austin making advanced semiconductors.

https://www.wsj.com/tech/samsung-to-fortify-u-s-chip-revival-by-swelling-its-texas-investment-to-44-billion-6d2d1799?st=ssld2rqq77cgpus&reflink=article_email_share

A drone video shows the current expansion in Taylor.

https://youtu.be/1KQ-TmT6XkI?si=MO4cGyqHbs4HtoAB
Credit by Airways Dynamic

Can these companies not spread the wealth around to other states? WTH?

Can these companies not spread the wealth around to other states? WTH?

Blame our state department of commerce or whatever is in charge of economic development for not trying harder.

Texas business climate is hard to beat. With no corporate or personal income tax, and reasonable regulatory climate makes Texas a top dog in doing business.

If anything, Oklahoma is certainly doing better than states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico to name a few.

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2024/06/10/buc-ees-opening-luling-texas-gas-station-convenience-store-travel-center-locations/74042788007/

Another "Worlds Largest Buccees"

Everything bigger in Texas!