Last month, TOWERS.net conducted the first of what will hopefully be a series of surveys, querying our readers on topics both silly and extremely silly in an attempt to better understand how Austinites feel about the city’s buildings, neighborhoods, grackles, and more. We promised to select one lucky respondent to receive a $30 gift card to…
Central Austin Development Roundup: Folks, Here Are Some Buildings
Happy Friday, everyone! I certainly hope you’re telecommuting (sheltering in place, as it were) on what might be Austin’s worst day of traffic all year, as the SXSW Doomsday Clock ticks towards midnight. Of course, you might be one of the locals who actually likes large crowds, and if so, who am I to judge? Enjoy your panels on whatever…
Does Austin Energy’s New Downtown Substation Have to Suck?
I’m fascinated by civic infrastructure. Despite their importance, the underlying systems enabling our lives within the built environment, from sewers to streetlights, are often concealed from view to the point that we’re only consciously reminded of their existence when they fail. But it’s not always possible — or financially reasonable, at least — to hide certain elements…
A History of Austin’s Famous Hike and Bike Trail, Which Wasn’t Always Green
It’s hard to imagine Austin without its crown — the 10-mile trail that encircles much of Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city. Officially known as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, the path offers a natural respite in Austin’s increasingly concrete core, serving the fitness and commuting needs of…
Inside the 70 Rainey Condo Tower, Underway on Downtown’s Eastern Edge
Though it feels like it’s been a million years since the building first broke ground in 2016, the 70 Rainey condominium tower is rising quickly in the Rainey Street District — it’s currently at 23 floors and counting, more than halfway to its total 34 stories. Despite the building’s growth, we haven’t heard many updates…
At the SkyHouse Austin Apartments, It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again
Am I the last person on earth to realize that downtown Austin’s SkyHouse apartment tower at 51 Rainey Street has identical twins all over the country? This may be common knowledge for the extremely cosmopolitan readership of TOWERS Austin, but it’s news to me that the SkyHouse residential brand by Atlanta-based developer Novare Group essentially reuses ….