Hating on the Highrises (Austin, West: rentals, hotels, houses)

[CptnRn]

OMG! Is that the state capital in the background?


Image from wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Batmanlee.png

[twange]

I don't mind the Frost Tower but I find it a bit too short for its girth. I heard this story:

During its construction, the city exercized a height restriction that the architects were not aware of - how the design got approved in the first place causing this "failure to communicate", I have no idea...Apparently, the original architect said "no way, I'm out" and so another came in and finished out the top by adding an atrium on the top several floors. Being a Rice graduate, they incorporated the "Owl face" into the design. It was not originally supposed to look like that...So you end up with a building that maybe isn't quite as effective due to height restrictions that have now been eclipsed anyway.

I suppose it's an interesting story never-the-less.

[jobert]

I'm sure that having FROSTed polycarbonate panels arranged to mimic a FROST crystal on the roof and a giant FROST logo on each face of the FROST BANK building has nothing to do with metaphor or brand association that the architect was providing for the client, FROST BANK.

Originally Posted by twange

I don't mind the Frost Tower but I find it a bit too short for its girth. I heard this story:

During its construction, the city exercized a height restriction that the architects were not aware of - how the design got approved in the first place causing this "failure to communicate", I have no idea...Apparently, the original architect said "no way, I'm out" and so another came in and finished out the top by adding an atrium on the top several floors. Being a Rice graduate, they incorporated the "Owl face" into the design. It was not originally supposed to look like that...So you end up with a building that maybe isn't quite as effective due to height restrictions that have now been eclipsed anyway.

I suppose it's an interesting story never-the-less.

[mimimomx3]

Originally Posted by pbnj07

What's truly interesting is people who think that because they've lived here for a long time, that somehow their opinions carry more weight than someone who's recently relocated. When I bought my house here, I didn't think I was moving into someone else's house and trying to redecorate. I work and pay taxes just like someone who's been here for 50+ years. This is my hometown now just as much as anyone else's. To suggest otherwise is egomaniacal and pompous.

Don't know if that was directed at me or not but I don't think my opinions are any more important, significant or interesting than anyone else's. Where did you come from? Has it changed since you were a kid? Do you miss what it was like back in the day? That's all. Just random thoughts. Enjoy Austin.

[readymade]

I grew up in Boston, and I have to say, when I go back home for a visit, I never think "Wow, everything is so different!"

It seems pretty much the same to me. Maybe because it's a much older city than Austin? Or maybe I just don't pay attention.

[nomore07]

Originally Posted by readymade

I grew up in Boston, and I have to say, when I go back home for a visit, I never think "Wow, everything is so different!"

It seems pretty much the same to me. Maybe because it's a much older city than Austin? Or maybe I just don't pay attention.

LOL. Boston does not change much, you could visit 20 years from now and it would look the same.

Southwestern cities are at the other extreme, development on steroids

[llkltk]

Originally Posted by jobert

Just wait til the three major projects along Chavez west of San Antonio spring up. The treatment plant will be a multi-towered retail/living hub with a CM grocery, the power substation next to it will be the new downtown library with Shoal Creek integrated into the design, and then next to that is the old Power and Light building - a prime example of Art Deco architecture (think Hollywood circa 1930) that will be infilled with condos. You think Austonian was expensive? This last project will be one-of-a-kind and can't be reproduced... Exciting times indeed.

I can't wait for those to be done. They seem pretty cool to me. Downtown Austin needs a Central Market. It's good for the Austin economy.

[jobert]

Let me amend that statement, it was proposed by one of the developers during the competition but is not for sure. It would be nice though, because the next closest large grocery market is about 5 blocks north and 3 blocks west. If this area of town becomes as dense as they plan to make it, they will need another market. A store here could service the Austinite, the Ashton, 360, the other hi-rise on 2nd/San Antonio, the development on site and possibly the Four Seasons with pedestrian traffic alone.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Well, having been down there recently, I'll just say that if I'd wanted that kind of downtown, I'd have stayed in Dallas or moved to Houston.

So what kind of downtown do you want? Share your vision. Do you think it is possible for that to thrive on that expensive real estate?

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by jobert

I think the point is that people who live here are referred to as "Austinites", not "Austonians" - as we don't live in "Auston"

The name smacks of developer ignorance.

I don't know, given Austin's slacker heritage and stoner history,

"AuSTONian" may be entirely appropriate.

Or perhaps "AuSTONER" is even more appropriate...

since it seems like what most people bemoan as having been lost in Austin is the hippy ambiance from the 1970's.

Which is fine by me, Class of 1969!

http://www.dvorak.org/blog/wp-conten...on-posters.jpg

http://www.ratemyeverything.net/imag...oner_baby.ashx

http://media.urbandictionary.com/ima...ppie-48540.jpg

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlL...al/hippie.jpeg