I think most cities will be glad they weren’t part of the high tech boom. They look at what has happened to these once-great cities and don’t want to replicate it.

Agree with this to a certain extent, OKC and other non-glamorous cities such as Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati can absolutely carve out a niche in terms of attracting non-glamorous industries and keeping cost of living noticeably lower than cities that are part of the tech boom. Of course, housing policies also play a huge role in terms of why cities such as San Francisco and Seattle have gotten so unaffordable.

Austin tallest tower lights it's crown tonight

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQOrbGkXUAAY4SN?format=jpg&name=medium
Picture credit by Deerhoof

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/independent-crown-lights-up-for-the-first-time-in-downtown-austin/amp/

Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin | 346 FEET | 31 FLOORS l Site Demo

https://nelsenpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Night_Street-Level_8th.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/8jcGSGV/IMG-20200206-162835.jpg
Photo credit to ThyPiGuy from SSP

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=222194&page=13

425 Riverside l 234FT l 15 Floors l U/C

https://i.imgur.com/qveGAxC.png

https://i.imgur.com/m91AZfE.jpg
Photo credit to The ATX

https://austin.towers.net/for-bouldin-creeks-hooters-preservationists-size-definitely-matters/?agent=caitlyn@towers.net

Wanted to post this article link as it discusses their homeless problem.

Austin Businesses Sound Alarm over Homelessness Hitting 'Boiling Point'

The homelessness problem is getting out of hand and increasing the risk of danger, a steakhouse owner in Austin, Texas, said recently.

“Our biggest thing is this isn’t safe for anybody, and that includes the homeless population,” Vince Young Steakhouse’s Executive Chef Phillip Brown told KXAN.

On Twitter Wednesday, Brown shared photos he took of a large cardboard box behind his restaurant where people had set up camp:

While there are now more police in the area, Brown said, “They can’t be everywhere all the time.”

Continue reading at:

https://www.breitbart.com/crime/2020/02/18/austin-businesses-sound-alarm-over-homelessness-hitting-boiling-point/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

The most ambitious transit proposal for Austin is being recommended which I am elated to see but I fear many in Austin won’t go for it.

Lately we’ve seen some big hits on transit systems in Seattle, Nashville, NYC(though I would argue this is for the better as congestion pricing was a horrible idea) and I am worried the proposed Houston downtown freeway expansion project will be reduced in scope but I hope I’m wrong in that.

Some great news out of Austin is that the central portion of the massive I-35 expansion project has found funding! Now if they can just get this mass transit package to pass along with all of the other freeway projects underway in Austin we might see some real progress on easing congestion there.

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/21128755/tx-cap-metro-recommends-downtown-subway-system-in-multibilliondollar-light-rail-system

Hope u guys in OKC are good. In Austin the streets are deserted and 6th Street boarded up.

Empty Congress Ave
https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/90884825_10158334720364208_1448824891372470272_o.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_sid=2d5d41&_nc_ohc=_RK4xP1uRf4AX9jHT5E&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=76c9a0b60756a1d77cb32914bfe4bd38&oe=5E9E73E8

https://m.facebook.com/statesman/photos/a.82988694207/10158334720359208/?type=3&theater

Here's a live shot of downtown Austin looking a the future home of Hyatt Centric.

https://www.katerra.com/webcams/hyatt-austin/

The most ambitious transit proposal for Austin is being recommended which I am elated to see but I fear many in Austin won’t go for it.

Lately we’ve seen some big hits on transit systems in Seattle, Nashville, NYC(though I would argue this is for the better as congestion pricing was a horrible idea) and I am worried the proposed Houston downtown freeway expansion project will be reduced in scope but I hope I’m wrong in that.

Some great news out of Austin is that the central portion of the massive I-35 expansion project has found funding! Now if they can just get this mass transit package to pass along with all of the other freeway projects underway in Austin we might see some real progress on easing congestion there.

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/21128755/tx-cap-metro-recommends-downtown-subway-system-in-multibilliondollar-light-rail-system

Glad to finally see something being done about IH 35. I've been saying that they should cap IH 35 through downtown and put side streets and rail on top. I would like to see downtown connect with east Austin.

You can see in this photo where 35 splits downtown and East Austin.
https://i.imgur.com/Mtd7PX7.png

Crane base installed for 6 X Guadalupe (Austin Tallest)

https://i.imgur.com/SjKUxqZ.png

300 Colorado & Hanover Republic Square progress

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49644998486_6d2c000126_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49676865257_bb5f3e06bf_b.jpg

Indeed Tower
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49644455293_43430bf3c9_b.jpg

https://www.surlyhorns.com/board/index.php?/topic/254-downtown-projects/page/12/&tab=comments#comment-2135779

Glad to finally see something being done about IH 35. I've been saying that they should cap IH 35 through downtown and put side streets and rail on top. I would like to see downtown connect with east Austin.

You can see in this photo where 35 splits downtown and East Austin.
https://i.imgur.com/Mtd7PX7.png
Agreed. I hope Houston gets their downtown rebuild through also though I’m worried this economic impact might put a dent in the plans or at least the schedule.

BTW, did Austin’s transit package make it through to vote?

Sadly it failed a 3rd time. It's up for debate this November. Fingers crossed that it passes.

https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2020-03-13/big-bold-and-costly-austins-makes-a-third-try-at-rail-transit/

Austin still remains one of the fastest growing big cities in The country


For the ninth-straight year, Austin is the fastest-growing major metro in the country. The estimated 61,586 increase in the Austin metro population from mid-2018 to mid-2019 equates to about 169 people added per day.
https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2020/03/26/austin-remains-fastest-growing-big-city-in-country.html?iana=hpmvp_aus_news_headline

Austin over took Cincinnati as the 29th largest MSA

29. Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX, 2,227,083

30. Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN, 2,221,208

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/data-sets.html

Bad news as construction stops across Austin


By Jay Koziarz March 26th.

Austin’s largest and longest-running building boom is on pause and faces an uncertain future following a stay-at-home order from city officials to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/austin.curbed.com/platform/amp/2020/3/26/21194388/construction-austin-coronavirus-development-stay-home

This only applies to the city of Austin not the surrounding communities such as Round Rock, Georgetown, San Marcos. Those cities will continue their construction projects.

This doesn't mean that construction will completely stop on all projects. There are some guidelines that will keep some construction projects essential.


Those facilities include:

•Public works construction projects
•Affordable housing projects
•Construction of facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness
•Construction of facilities that provide social services
•Construction of facilities that are defined in the order as essential businesses, essential government functions, or critical infrastructure
•Construction of facilities specifically required by the City in response to the current COVID-19 emergency.

https://www.kvue.com/mobile/article/news/local/construction-sites-and-the-austin-stay-at-home-order/269-55d6e056-23aa-4e17-a2fa-3387b91aa383

I don't think it's a smart idea to shut down construction sites.

Austin kills construction ban after Governor Abbott's order


By Daniel Salazar
April 2nd 2020

This ends more than a week of uncertainty around whether commercial and residential construction can continue in Austin during the coronavirus pandemic — and it's another example of the state overriding city regulations. The city will continue to monitor sites to "ensure that social distancing and recommended hygiene practices are being observed."

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2020/04/02/austin-kills-construction-ban-after-abbotts-order.html

Webcam is up for 6 X Guadalupe

http://webcampub.multivista.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=aPublicWebcam.page&WebcamPublicPageUID=3541F03E-9E1B-4E7D-A2A6-E3C4B0C3B2C1&fbclid=IwAR2kRZkguZO_bkTugNsq46ueu9d8e-AN5oYVCXF0aSPVThvExabt8o5nixY

Despite the Pandemic, Ryan Companies are moving forward on both of their biggest Austin projects early next year.

658'ft Tower 5C:
https://i.imgur.com/cYSPki4.png

778'ft BBVA Bank & Residential
https://i.imgur.com/DQPKKHE.png

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2020/05/05/ryan-companies-to-proceed-with-downtown-towers.html?iana=hpmvp_aus_news_headline

Picture taken from another crane operator. Installing the crane for the tallest building in Austin.

https://i.imgur.com/TcHLd6i_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

https://www.houstonarchitecture.com/haif/topic/37598-600-guadalupe-st-65-stories/?tab=comments#comment-617428

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50001486721_712f1d4a28_h.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/oscar_amos/

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49988033862_a124f03b1c_h.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/byeagle/49988033862

Incredible.

Austin is beautiful and booming

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/104317116_10158256166503516_3047531472800267746_o. jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=d4cf07&_nc_ohc=TedCCL-HtM8AX996cD1&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=8f9eefd926888f0389f3534ab7b55e1f&oe=5F0CE6EC

The Alexan

https://i.imgur.com/svs8OsM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/F9pqUU6_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium

https://i.imgur.com/GaJGx48.jpg

By Corvairkeith

Canopy by Hilton now open

https://i.imgur.com/fAnEwfG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FQ6egGb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UzS5Wsq.jpg

https://austin.towers.net/lake-flato-designed-canopy-by-hilton-hotel-opens-tomorrow-on-west-sixth/

Capitol Complex Construction

https://i.imgur.com/dzUddIth.jpg

Click on the link below to view renderings.
https://vimeo.com/375944117

Austin on brink of becoming 10th largest U.S. city

https://res.cloudinary.com/culturemap-com/image/upload/ar_4:3,c_fill,g_faces:center,w_1200/v1529437010/photos/277154_original.jpg


It appears Austin soon will join Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas in an elite club — the 10 largest cities in the U.S.

As it stands now, Austin ranks as the 11th largest city in the country, right behind San Jose, California. But a new projection from the City of Austin indicates that sometime next year, Austin will leapfrog San Jose to claim the No. 10 spot

https://austin.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-16-20-austin-expected-to-break-into-ranks-of-10-largest-us-cities-in-2021/

As of now, Austin city proper has surpassed the 1 million mark.

Texas now has 4 cities over 1 million people with Fort Worth trailing Austin with its population of 900,000. Ft. Worth will no doubt hit 1 million in the next few years becoming Texas 5th 1 million city.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50072663452_1694289d60_h.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/189196706@N08/

@JoninATX How many towers are currently under construction in Austin? I know things have probably been slightly disrupted by everything going on but I remember reading there was something to the tune of 30 towers planned/proposed or under construction. Anyway, the Jenga tower looks great I love the modern design.

Thanks for the big update! Those newly completed developments are amazing looking. What I would give for just a smidge of that in OKC.

@JoninATX How many towers are currently under construction in Austin? I know things have probably been slightly disrupted by everything going on but I remember reading there was something to the tune of 30 towers planned/proposed or under construction. Anyway, the Jenga tower looks great I love the modern design.

There are 78 proposed and U/C projects that are at least 150' tall. There are at least 47 projects over 300'. There are at least 22 projects over 500'.

So to put that into perspective, Austin will continue to alter its skyline for the foreseeable future. Austin will be like Seattle.

Thanks for the big update! Those newly completed developments are amazing looking. What I would give for just a smidge of that in OKC.

Austin would be more than happy to throw some towers OKC way, and one day y'all will have your moment to shine.

Del Valle school district approves incentives deal with Tesla


July 9th 2020

DEL VALLE, Texas (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Del Valle Independent School District approved an incentive agreement with Tesla, which would allow the car maker to build a 4-5 million square-foot electric vehicle manufacturing facility on district land.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kxan.com/news/business/del-valle-isd-approves-land-usage-for-tesla-gigafactory-to-be-built/amp/

This doesn't mean Tulsa out. Elon Musk said there's room for expansion. He is considering Tulsa for the next plant after Austin.

Hanover Brazos St.
https://i.imgur.com/ot75am2.jpg

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/hanover_brazos_street_north_view_1-1334x2048.jpg

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/hanover_brazos_street_corner_view_1-e1592510159915.jpg
https://austin.towers.net/heres-hanover-brazos-street-ready-for-its-close-up-in-downtown-austin/?agent=caitlyn@towers.net

2400 Seton will be the tallest tower in West Campus. 320Ft l Site Prep

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e18e22e04b32d680dee3c2d/1583800351696-GXP8I3DC5C0KMFRP22JF/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H7 8H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLf rh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fK TrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/_2400-seton_C01-01_FINAL.jpg?format=1600w

https://www.lincoln-ventures.com/2400-seton-alt

Austin New MLS Stadium Progress

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/107913463_10158336715653516_5418784974258578641_o. jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=xIdisbxnkdAAX90ker_&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=de1e1ca378a5bc770f866e84f59f7e97&oe=5F2F74CF

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/108177010_10158336715603516_1132116161004684604_o. jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=UJ7JAjqvaxcAX8hW782&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=c41fa811ceb1cee311b5e35dc05e62a6&oe=5F325941

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/107922449_10158336713738516_5278041401561907837_o. jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=Xtf72pmabYMAX_xgrth&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=f04144c7b2a9ebec41a63d174cfa2969&oe=5F304CC4

By Riverranchdrone.

http://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235437&page=39

6 X Guadalupe when completed

https://i.imgur.com/s0AoVhr.png

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC59i9KlHNd/

There are 78 proposed and U/C projects that are at least 150' tall. There are at least 47 projects over 300'. There are at least 22 projects over 500'.

So to put that into perspective, Austin will continue to alter its skyline for the foreseeable future. Austin will be like Seattle.

Absolutely insane! Congrats and I hope most of those come to fruition.

Tower 5C l Proposed

https://i.imgur.com/vEf6fbI.png

https://i.imgur.com/WueeBZe.jpg
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAbMCGPFR0x/

Thanks! Same to u guys in The OKC! U guys have made tremendous strides and very impressed with all things going on. I know OKC will have a skyscraper boom in the near future once Maps project is finished.

Thanks! Same to u guys in The OKC! U guys have made tremendous strides and very impressed with all things going on. I know OKC will have a skyscraper boom in the near future once Maps project is finished.

Nah, we don't value education enough to get large companies to open offices here. But I am glad Austin is getting them!

Austin most interesting tower

https://i.imgur.com/v9vbwl3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/v7m2XcF.jpg

Construction Progress
https://i.ibb.co/NVnZy82/IMG-3026.jpg

I'm not a fan of big parking garages, but will say this tower is unique. Also the rainbow lighting does add a touch since it's right near Austin's Gay District.

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2020/07/13/first-look-austin-405-colorado-tower.html?iana=hpmvp_aus_news_headline#g/469565/1

Austin Waterloo Park taking shape

Looking NE. You can see Austin new innovation district taking shape.
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/99368823_3102196226486486_1813181269333245952_o.jp g?_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=9e2e56&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=TkWTsopL-mQAX8SxNG9&_nc_oc=AQltzkl26CIdYTc2TKyrzpZmQrydJMs_miGQZRU7PXH c6_a9If8Mm1BDCLzfKl9_5qo&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=b2b4a6bbf25177353b31331e94a02185&oe=5F3DB642

Looking South towards downtown Austin. To the right (white area) is the new Pavilion Center.
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/95673498_3034258703280239_4606743580516548608_o.jp g?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=2d5d41&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=TWyq1s-PdZAAX934zU7&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=bd9e6126a9b07feb804b1ac7ec5507dc&oe=5F3C93AF

Night Rendering
https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/77391116_2696638937042219_447643632145530880_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=9e2e56&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=jLMJagGnMTQAX_w_mXf&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&tp=14&oh=ff5e94bc7d6d1268548b7da7b48169d7&oe=5F3BCAA9

https://waterloogreenway.org/

Tesla will build Cybertruck factory in Austin, Texas


By Sean O'Kane Jul 22, 2020,

Tesla will build its next US factory in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk announced today, wrapping up a months-long search for a location to build the upcoming Cybertruck. Construction work is “already underway,” Musk said. “It started this weekend.”

The new factory in Texas will be open to the public, Musk said. “It’s going to basically be an ecological paradise.” In addition to the Cybertruck, Tesla will also build Model Ys and Model 3s destined for the East Coast, as well as the Tesla Semi, Musk said. It will be the company’s fourth factory in the US.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/22/21334860/tesla-cybertruck-factory-austin-texas-location-model-y

Apple Campus Expansion

https://i.imgur.com/Bmlz2moh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EguFEjSh.jpg

Rendering
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/images/values/corporate/Apple_Austin-Campus_112019_LP_hero.jpg.og.jpg

Picture credit by We vs Us on SSP.

The expansion also includes a state of the art hotel.

Tesla Austin


https://youtu.be/iblS4C2VVms

The Hatchery redevelopment

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/hatchery_aerial_3-scaled.jpg

https://austin.towers.net/?agent=caitlyn@towers.net

https://youtu.be/BKHUwTJoO00

Kalahari Resorts

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116624617_287541329364098_4462061205555837180_o.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=5LopXMmJMwcAX-SVdlb&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=e0034d1097cf6d58dfbe7d0ff684a37d&oe=5F4F2830

Note you can see the Austin skyline in the distance which is approx 22 miles, as well as The Domain (13 miles) to the right of it.

Dell Diamond

https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/116871804_287541822697382_1476711627325615441_o.jp g?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=WfvmSDBj8vIAX-IxO15&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=c20a4e32f16f4dcc79305fb91bed7afa&oe=5F5103A9

Dell Diamond in Round Rock with explosive growth going around the stadium. Also Kalahari is just to the right of the stadium across Hwy 79.

Picture credit goes to RiverRanchDrone from SSP.

TIKTOK PLANNING TO BRING HUNDREDS OF JOBS TO AUSTIN, DESPITE TRUMP'S ORDER


AUSTIN, Texas — Despite President Donald Trump last week ordering a ban on dealings with the Chinese owners of the popular social media apps WeChat and TikTok, the latter says it is still planning on bringing hundreds of jobs to the Austin area.

"We're proud to build our presence in Austin and be a part of the thriving business and tech community locally," said Blake Chandlee, VP of global business solutions for TikTok, an Austin resident. "The Austin community embodies the same creative and entrepreneurial spirit that defines the TikTok community, and we are going to do all we can to ensure our company's future in Texas and the U.S. Our goal is to be here for years to come for our users, our creators and for the 1,500 people we currently employ in America, the 10,000 people we intend to hire here, including the hundreds of new jobs we're bringing to Austin."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.kvue.com/amp/article/money/business/tiktok-jobs-in-austin/269-c77a10b6-3a56-419d-b01f-1a80f2184246

Tech giant BAE Systems plans new $150M campus in Austin

https://i.imgur.com/DyvdAWJ.png


Aerospace and defense technology giant BAE Systems is planning a major expansion in Austin with a new $150 million campus that will add about 700 jobs over the next several years, the company said Tuesday.

When completed, BAE Systems’ new campus in the Parmer Austin Business Park will be able to accommodate more than 1,400 employees, the company said. It will include engineering, manufacturing, laboratory and office space to primarily support U.S. Department of Defense customers, including the U.S. Army’s Futures Command, which is based in Austin.

BAE Systems is working with Karlin Real Estate on construction of the new 390,000-square-foot-facility. Construction will begin this year and is expected to be completed in 2022, the company said.

https://www.statesman.com/business/20200811/tech-giant-bae-systems-plans-new-150m-campus-in-austin

405 Colorado Update

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EfEg1n7XkAEl14p?format=jpg&name=large

Testing the led lighting. Picture by Deerhoof.

Indeed Tower from KXAN Webcam

https://i.imgur.com/xd9uKn6.png

https://i.imgur.com/wguKybK.png

https://i.imgur.com/LoxZqTh.png

https://www.kxan.com/webcams-two/

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50284232432_e6d99999e5_h.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25614386@N05/50284232432

The Linden (17th & Guadalupe) | 333 Feet | 28 Floors

https://austin.towers.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/17th_street_condo_feature-e1557951535744.jpg

https://www.thelinden.com/

Breaking ground soon.

Austin the "San Francisco" of Texas

https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/118946214_10158488882898516_3518046270193826733_o. jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=zBldhZT-IjIAX-A-MBs&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=2237c503ab27be1af6fb027cf041ddea&oe=5F7C371B

Pic credit by RiverRanchDrone from SSP.