The bridge carrying First Street across Lady Bird Lake has held the official title of the “Drake Bridge” for 63 years of its 65-year existence — in other words, not exactly breaking news. Still, I’d bet my life that a vast majority of Austinites have no idea this is the case, perhaps even many of…
South Lamar’s Dead Taco Cabana Rides Again, With a Hotel and Condos on Deck
Everything old is new again at the southeast corner of South Lamar Boulevard and West Riverside Drive, as a long-delayed project perhaps best known for irritating its neighbors and not being built for years finally springs into action once more. That’s at least the impression recent city filings give us regarding the 0.93-acre property at…
At Fifth and Nueces, Downtown’s Next Tower Is Only a Matter of Time
A two-story building in downtown Austin’s curious agglomeration of low-rise regional banks might do a little growing in the near future, judging by city development filings from earlier this month. A site plan application dating back to April 10 indicates the building at 600 West Fifth Street — currently home to Horizon Bank and a fairly substantial parking lot for…
At a Shuttered East Side Barbershop, Five Floors of Apartments May Fit Fine
A five-story apartment building could soon rise atop the site of a former East Austin barbershop, per recent city filings. Located on a roughly .22-acre assembly that includes 1812 and 1814 East Sixth Street, both addresses are now owned by corporate entities connected with local design and construction firm Novium Group. Site plan proposals filed last week…
Central Austin Development Roundup: Blue Skies, Big Towers
The weather’s great lately in downtown Austin, and that never lasts long — meaning now’s the time to hike around and take some photos of projects underway in the central city. You may have forgotten about some of them! 300 Colorado Did you remember the office tower currently under construction at 300 Colorado Street? This 32-story development by…
Downtown Austin’s Least-Loved State Offices Could Be Bound for Auction
The Texas Facilities Commission is sailing clear through the Texas Legislature with its plans to sell the Hobby Building state office complex at 333 Guadalupe Street. On Wednesday, the Texas Senate placed the acting legislation regarding the building’s sale, SB 1394 , on its uncontested calendar. When the bill was first heard in committee on April 2,…