In downtown Austin, there are two classes of new condo projects. There are upscale projects like 360, Austin City Lofts, Milago, and the Nokonah. About a dozen of these projects have been completed over the decade and almost all are sold out at this point. Only Spring still has new units left to sell. These projects have sold well featuring mostly 1-2 bedroom units priced under $600K.
The second category includes the three super high-end projects now under development: the Austonian, the Four Seasons, and the W Hotel and Residences. These projects typically start around $600K and feature many units priced over $1 million. This is a new market for Austin, and the timing of construction has been difficult for the developers. All three projects are believed to be 40% – 60% sold at this point in time.
This month, two of these projects — the Austonian and the Four Seasons — will open and welcome their first residents. The W is scheduled to open in December. Between the three buildings, 501 new high-end units will hit the market this year:
– The Austonian begins welcoming residents next week. The 56-story, $250 million, 188-unit luxury condo tower is the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi.
– The Michael Graves-designed Four Seasons Residences opens later this month. The 32-story project features 148 units and a 32nd floor sundeck, fitness center, party room, catering kitchen, and resident library. The project also includes valet parking, a 24-hour concierge, in-room dining, housekeeping, and daily linen service through the hotel.
– The W will open in December. The $295 million 36-story project will include 252 hotel rooms, 165 condos, 35,000 square feet of office, retail and restaurant space and a new theater to host Austin City Limits on Second Street.
For these projects, the next few months will be essential. With many units yet to sell, developers are hoping that potential-residents will appear now that the projects are ready for occupancy. With the economy and real estate markets improving, sales activity has been picking up at all three projects. While developers have not announced any public discounts, this should be a good time to negotiate, especially for buyers who are willing to consider any of the three projects.
