fbpx
Homepage » Downtown Development » Page 2

Downtown Development

The Austin Proper Introduces Four New Dining Concepts

by

The Austin Proper Hotel & Residences 
600 W 2nd Street

 

Since the grand opening of the Los Angeles based hotel & residences in downtown Austin in fall of 2019, the Proper has since introduced four new dining concepts to add to the captivating Austin cuisine.

Located in the Second Street District of Downtown Austin, it is in close proximity to the Google building, Facebook HQ, 360 Condos,  The Independent, The Bank of America offices, Urbanspace Real Estate + Interiors and Seaholm Residences. Being so close to the center of the downtown these new dining concepts give a grand dining experience for many to enjoy.
. 

Celebrity interior designer, Kelly Wearstler was the master-mind behind the lavish and urban design of The Proper and its four lush dining experiences. While local McGuire Moorman Hospitality, the team behind Austin hotspots like Elizabeth Street Cafe, Clark’s and Jeffery’s, exclusively partnered with The Proper to create these Four dining concepts.

 

The Mockingbird

The mockingbird offers mediterranean grab and go options in a sidewalk café. Here you can order morning pastries and coffees at the counter, savor contemporary takes on falafal in the afternoon or grab a rotisserie chicken with sides in the evening for a simple and smooth weeknight dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

The Peacock

Inspired by foods and flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean, such as North Africa, Greece, Israel , and Lebanon — The Peacock gives a new twist to the worldly decadent cuisine. Mezze and wood-grilled flare is colorful and loosely plated, healthy and wholesome. Natural wines, light mixed spirits with lots of fresh herbs, fruits and citrus add to the menu.

 

 

 

 

 

Goldie’s

Inspired by a little old-fashioned back room, with whispers of a Turkish bar translated with a touch of Austin’s cool, laid-back vibe. Seating at the actual sunken bar inspires in-depth conversations for guests to linger over boutique wines, supercall sips, and garden-fresh cocktails.

 

 

 

 

La Piscina

A vivacious poolside restaurant and bar serving Texas-inspired Mexican Cuisine for dinner, with lunch and brunch to come soon. The vibrant open space on the 5th floor, overlooks the downtown Austin bustle serving family-style platters, ceviches and table-top fajitas, with fresh seafood grilled over a wood fire and house-made tortillas from an open comal. The bar offers an accompanying selection of native spirts, frozen margaritas, and small batch tequilas and mezcals.

 

 

 

 

www.properhotel.com/austin

Two Popular Austin Bars to Be Bulldozed

by

Two Rainey Street establishments — Container Bar and Bungalow — are on track to be bulldozed to make way for a 53-story hotel and apartment tower.

On March 23, the Austin Historic Landmark Commission is scheduled to consider a proposal to demolish Bungalow, a former residence at 92 Rainey St. that dates back to the early 1900s. Container Bar, at 90 Rainey St., also is set to be torn down.

The developer of the high-rise plans to incorporate both bars into the new building. “The bars will stay open up until we start construction next year,” Kevin Burns, CEO of Austin-based Urbanspace Real Estate + Interiors, tells CultureMap.

The 582,513-square-foot, 606-foot-tall project features:

  • 349,508 square feet of hotel space, including 424 guest rooms.
  • 227,180 square feet of residential space, offering 198 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Nineteen of the units are earmarked for affordable housing.
  • 5,825 square feet of restaurant and bar space.

At 606 feet, the Rainey Street tower would be about 150 feet taller than the nearby Fairmont Austin hotel, which is the third tallest building in Austin (excluding its 139-foot-tall spire). The proposed site of the skyscraper covers a little over one-third of an acre.

Burns says construction is expected to start in mid-2021.

Read the full article at CultureMap.com »

Downtown Development Digest | Canopy by Hilton

by

West Sixth Street’s First Hotel

West Sixth Street has long been known as the mature, stylish sibling to the east side’s “Dirty Sixth,” yet a few development holes have remained. For some time there have been a few vacant sites in the area such as a decaying parking lot and several shuttered restaurants. Now at these sites will be filled with new eateries and a trendy boutique hotel that will amplify the strip’s reputation as a hip entertainment hub.

The construction started in July at 612 W. Sixth St. next door to Star Bar. Most people have no idea what to expect from a hotel designed for such an active commercial and nightlife district. This hotel is quite literally sandwiched between two bars. The Canopy by Hilton will be six stories tall, with an interior courtyard space that’s designed to insulate guests from as much 6th street noise as possible… we wish them luck with that on the weekends. The hotel will house 140 guestrooms, including five suites. Guests will be welcomed via an intimate lobby and a laidback open-air courtyard surrounded by natural materials and greenery. The bar and lounge concept will frame the courtyard and provide several seating options from sidewalk dining to cozy fireside enclaves. The restaurant’s theme isn’t yet defined, but the restaurant will likely have some healthier fare that won’t compete with the old-school diner experience of Holy Roller. The pool deck will serve as an elevated front porch, appointed with loungers and a bar pavilion. The hotel’s official name is Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown, and its grand opening is planned for January 2020.

This hotel will be unique for people visiting Austin as it will be in the heart of downtown. Guests will get to experience everything Austin has to offer with nightlife and great food all at their fingertips. We are eager to hear what the new restaurant will be and excited to see the finished product!

Photos and information from https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/06/21/real-estate-developer-coordinates-west-sixth.html and https://austin.towers.net/heres-a-new-view-of-canopy-by-hilton-west-sixth-streets-first-boutique-hotel/

Downtown Development Digest | Block 185

by

The new Google building will likely become a signature tower of the Austin skyline. The currently unnamed building is designed by internationally renowned “starchitect” Pelli Clarke Pelli. To achieve the title of starchitect, you’ve presumably got to design a lot of buildings considered iconic by the general public. This new building’s plan of a curved glass wall and tapered structure allows outdoor terraces on every level, creating the overall effect of a sail eternally catching a breeze from the lake across the street. It’s hard not to be excited about this tower’s look, which is immediately striking and pushes the boundaries of what we might expect from our growing skyline. The tower will have 793,883 square feet of office space—enough for about 5,000 people—and will include standard tech-company perks: a fitness center and recreation areas, lounges, kitchen and dining areas, conference centers, a bar/tavern, and, surely, more. Its 1,327 parking spaces will be on lower floors, with some of it underground. Google, which currently occupies a 29-story tower on another tract of the redevelopment site east of the new building site, has about 800 employees in Austin. While the upper floors of the new building will be occupied entirely by Google offices and parking, the structure will relate to its surroundings in a variety of ways. Retail businesses will occupy its ground floor, and its large, open lobby will provide access to the Second Street retail and entertainment district. The building also will have a plaza along Shoal Creek with bicycle and pedestrian access connecting West Cesar Chavez and West Second streets.

Photos and information from https://austin.towers.net/finally-weve-got-a-better-view-of-the-block-185-office-tower/ and https://austin.curbed.com/2019/4/2/18291500/google-building-austin-new-design-pelli

Downtown Development Digest | Natiivo

by

Natiivo Austin is a new concept in hospitality unlike any other. The long-awaited tower project at 48 East Avenue in downtown Austin’s Rainey Street District won’t be home to either condos or apartments. Instead, the 33-floor building will be built as a 249-unit hotel, but that’s really only half the story. Natiivo will be available for purchase— however, the buyers won’t be able to live there full-time. Instead they are encouraged to rent out their units on Airbnb when they aren’t staying there. The concept is different from a timeshare because buyers own their unit and don’t share it with other owners. Because the building is zoned as a hotel, owners can only reside in the building for a maximum of 30 days at a time. They can come back and stay as many times as they would like throughout the year. 

This flexible model combines the benefits of ownership with the ease and service of a high-end hotel. Units come stocked with premium linens, robes and slippers. There’s also in-room laundry and kitchens stocked with essentials. Ahead of their stay, owners and guests can request a stocked fridge, dog-walking services and fresh-cut flowers. Natiivo also has a 24-hour onsite concierge that can not only help guests navigate the city but also handle all reservation requests, check-ins and check-outs. Natiivo Austin will offer coworking spaces, a cafe lounge, a spa-inspired fitness center and a rooftop pool deck with private cabanas and lounge. 

Natiivo units are available for purchase online. They will range in price from the $300,000s to $1.2 million. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units will range in size from 454 square feet to 1,390 square feet.

Photos and information from https://austin.towers.net/airbnb-powered-home-sharing-concept-natiivo-heads-to-rainey-street-district/ and https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2019/06/18/airbnb-branded-hotel-coming-to-austins-rainey.htm

Downtown Development Digest | Austin Proper Hotel & Residences

by

The Proper Place To Live

Proper has hotels in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Downtown L.A., and now Austin, Texas. Opening Fall 2019, the new Austin Proper Hotel and Residences includes 32 stories of glass and skyline views with 244 rooms and suites; 99 branded residences; four unique settings for dining and drinks; a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center; plus a variety of atmospheric spaces for events. And it wouldn’t be Proper without a 5th floor rooftop pool deck offering small-batch tequilas and majestic lake views. The limited collection of 99 condominium residences and penthouses is part social club, part high-design hideaway—right in the cultural constellation of downtown’s Second Street District. Austin Proper Hotel and Residences offers an artful immersion in lifestyle and well-being. With emphasis on collaboration, the passionate, compelling vision of designer Kelly Wearstler meets the culinary creativity of Austin tastemaker McGuire Moorman Hospitality. 

“Each Proper Hotel is a reflection of its particular destination. Austin has a vibe, It’s casual yet sophisticated. Intelligent yet unaffected.” -Kelly Wearstler

Photos and information from https://www.properhotel.com/hotels/austin/

Relocating To Austin

by

No longer a hidden gem, Austin has become an international destination for businesses and tourists alike. Located in the heart of Central Texas and bordered by the scenic hill country to the west, Austin’s mild climate and relatively affordable cost-of-living appeal to many.

Austin is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the U.S., adding about 150 new residents each day in 2017, totaling nearly 55,000 newcomers in a single year. With predictions that the population is expected to double by 2040, we expect demand for housing to continue to strengthen.

While company expansions in Austin and the low employment rate are largely credited for the population boom, make no mistake Austin appeals to many purely from a lifestyle perspective. With ample parks and green space, miles of hike and bike trails and beautiful Lady Bird Lake meandering through the middle of town, newcomers and tourists flock to the city. The creative culture, live music and sheer energy of downtown Austin is contagious. And the tacos. Don’t forget the tacos.

Working with a great Realtor is invaluable when relocating to a new area. Urbanspace Realtors has specialized in the urban core and Central Austin area since 2000 and would love to be your go-to resource for all things Austin. Visit our team page to learn more about us, and our neighborhood page for unique market snapshots. Contact us for personalized assistance.

Click here for more helpful resources to help you with the move to Austin.

Downtown Development Digest | HEB + Favor

by

Hello Groceries

 

HEB is giving themselves a name in the digital retail market with Favor becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of their company. HEB and Favor are making a new home for themselves in Austin, Texas. Their creative tech facility and innovation lab will be in East Austin at 2416 East 6th Street. The 81,000 square foot building is being designed by IA Interior architects, and is projected to be complete in Spring of 2019. The building will be within walking distance of HEB’s 7th street store along with coffee shops, restaurants, and others.

In recent years HEB has started their curbside and delivery services that have been booming in cities around Texas. This new development will allow aggressive expansion of these services making our lives a whole lot easier. HEB is optimistic of their new development and is ready for Austin, “Bringing HEB and Favor closer together will allow us to promote collaboration between our two companies as we strengthen our commitment to building out HEBs omnichannel services”, says Jag Bath, HEB’s Chief Digital Officer. HEB being originally based out of San Antonio is excited to expand their footprint in Austin, Texas.  

 

 

Photos and information from https://newsroom.heb.com/h-e-b-announces-plans-to-develop-a-world-class-tech-facility-in-austin/ and https://austin.curbed.com/2018/9/5/17823380/austin-new-tech-headquarters-heb-favor

 

Downtown Development Digest | Waller Park Place

by

Rejuvenate Rainey

 

At the corner of Cesar Chavez and Red River keep an eye out for the largest private development project Downtown Austin has seen. The site will be the home to Waller Park Place a three tower development. Tower “A” will be an office building, Tower “B” will become a Multifamily apartment, and Tower “C”, will be a hotel condominium. Mixed-use development is the poster child for pedestrian friendly environments, and Waller Park Place has landed the jackpot for walkability. With so many things to do around the area such as jogging, eating, shopping, or just enjoying the Austin lifestyle, this has it all!

The proposed development by The Sutton Company incorporates the natural curves of the creek and enhances the area with terraces for people to enjoy the scenery. The 3 acre site is said to have 300,000 sq ft of office and residential space, 150 room hotel, 498 residential units, and 600,000 sq ft of retail space. The IBI Group is heading up the architectural design and aims to create a dramatic and sensory experience for all visitors.

This development is going to boost the overall worth of the Rainey Street area so get ahead of the curve and find your way into one of these new towers. Not only is this development going to help the economy and growth of Rainey, but it is also said to be in compliance with Austin Great Streets Program!

Get the best of both worlds with the new oasis being developed in Downtown Austin.

https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/07/07/developer-seeks-partners-for-1-billion-downtown.html

 

In the News | Why Are Companies Choosing to Expand in Austin?

by

A great deal of compelling information was shared at the recent Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) Exchange event held at the JW Marriott. One of the sessions, Why Are Companies Choosing to Expand in Austin, included panelists from Google and Merck, both expanding their presence in Austin.

Heather Paffe, Director of External Affairs for Merck, said they plan to hire several hundred people in Austin over the next 10 years. The emerging healthcare ecosystem and Dell Medical School opening made Austin a good fit for Merck. She credited the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce as well as community leaders for being pro-active in working with Merck to get them here.

Gerardo Interiano, Head of Local Market Staffing for Google, emphasized a focus on diversifying in an effort to prevent effects similar to the tech bust in 2000. At about 300,000 square feet and 800 employees in their downtown office, Interiano believes that Google’s growth is directly related to Austin. He noted that Austin’s culture has huge appeal for their employee base, and quipped that the city is the perfect intersection of fitness and food. He indicated that Austin is the ideal pilot market for Google Fiber and self-driving cars.

Paffe added that the spirit of collaboration in Austin is also a draw for Merck, versus the highly competitive environment of Silicon Valley. When asked who Merck is hiring, she said access to top talent is one of the main reasons they chose Austin. Internally, they refer to Austin as the IT hub. They also benefit from working closely with local universities to develop recruiting pipelines, which works well as graduates often state that staying in Austin is a big priority for them. However, she also notes that competition for top talent in Austin is high, and because senior level talent tends to be happy where they are, they must be creative in recruiting.

Interiano said Google staff in Austin consists largely of their recruiting team and sales team. He noted the soft skills for sales and recruiting tend to work well together, making cross-training easier.

Both Paffe and Interiano named transportation and infrastructure as the biggest challenges for their employees in terms of commute time, and both companies are seeking creative solutions. Google offers a Van Pool and picks up the tab on the van and gas for those willing to carpool. They are also trying incentives, like paying employees to find alternatives to driving to work. Merck hosts company events using public transportation to give employees a chance to experience the routes. Paffe says alternative transportation is a big focus for Merck, and that about 50% of the team does not drive themselves to work.

Aside from transportation woes, it came as no surprise that quality of life in Austin is a big draw for companies and individuals alike.

Downtown Development Digest | Arrive

by

Live Like the Locals

There will be a new kid on the block coming Spring of 2019 for Austin East-siders. ARRIVE is a boutique style hotel that provides rooms, retail space, restaurants, bars, and 3,500 sq ft of meeting/event space. This 83 room hotel will be front desk free putting check in at the bar. You saw it right the BAR! This unique design requires the guest to immerse themselves in the Austin culture right off the bat. ARRIVE is inviting locals to enjoy the restaurants/bars and make them apart of their own social scene.

“East Austin’s energy is magnetic. It is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country and one we are proud to join and celebrate. And we look forward to embracing and supporting the local community of East Austin.”

ARRIVE opened their first hotel in Palm Springs in 2016. The hotel was a huge success providing a new sense of community for the area. Locals thrive in the spaces provided by the hotel and welcome visitors with open arms. The culture of a neighborhood versus a standard hotel chain is refreshing and creates an environment that people are drawn to.

Invite your out of town friends to drop in and experience the Austin Lifestyle with us at ARRIVE! Be apart of the movement that is making waves! (P.S. you also get a free drink at check in)

Photos and information found  on www.arriveenterprises.com and www.mystatesman.com/arrivehotel

Downtown Development Digest | Hotel ZaZa + Gables Residences

by

The New Hotel ZaZa will be approximately 24 stories and include hotel rooms and some residences. This boutique hotel is a member of the Hotel ZaZa family, a group of luxury hotels you will only find in Texas. This new building, found at 401 Guadalupe Street, is set to open Summer of 2019. The hotel will go up to the 12th floor, with 160 rooms, and the 13th floor and beyond will be residences, 215 luxury apartments to be specific. The hotel will be considered a Austin Energy Green Building, with a two-star rating, thanks to energy-efficient appliances and other “green” features. The ground floor of Hotel ZaZa will have a fun bar area and a “Za Spa,” open to residents as well as the public. The residences will include a fitness center, a library, a pool and hot-tub, and an outdoor fireplace and lounge. There will be two pool decks, one for the residences and one for the hotel. Both decks and many other amenities on the site will have views of Republic Square Park and the downtown skyline. The residences will begin leasing late Summer 2018, with an opening date the following year. The lot at West Fourth and Guadalupe will add some incredible real estate to the downtown Austin experience.

 

FOLLOW US @URBANSPACEREALTORS

Login to Urbanspace Realtors

Welcome back! Please enter your details.
New to Urbanspace Realtors? Sign up now.

Close