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We have a lot going on -- and some potentially huge projects that may be about to start...but Austin's growth rate is on another level. I think at present, we have about as much as Charlotte has going on, maybe more, maybe less.
For estimates sake, there are about 12 buildings U/C downtown that are 100+, most 200+ with half 400+. There are at least double that in various stages of planning from proposed to working out permits/financing. Besides that, there is a tremendous amount of infill going on around downtown adding density via 3-8 story apartments and condos.
In summary, I love construction and I am honestly worried about the current rate of growth/building in Austin. It feels dangerously close to out of control as it has been speeding up instead of slowing down. One of the biggest points of contention right now is how to best implement urban rail to connect to our commuter rail. Expanding roads won't be enough.
Honestly, that is very comparable to Charlotte's projects in the high-rise/mid-rise category and urban infill. Austin does have more currently under construction, or about to start. Within a year, Charlotte will be catching up to Austin on high-rises being built, assuming some of those proposed projects in Austin don't take off.
Charlotte has more light rail being built as we speak, plus streetcar and massive freeway widening and new one's being built and/or retrofitted for freeway (US 74 in East Charlotte, Monroe Bypass). Austin has none of that being built that I can see.
I'm a little confused as to why Austin is ahead of Charlotte on this poll, when they are winning on high-rises, but not even in the same stratosphere on infrastructure/rail? Maybe I'm missing something there....
Last edited by R.Talbott; 05-22-2014 at 07:53 PM..
I didn't get into infrastructure projects. There is a lot going on, but it still isn't enough. Mopac and 35 are getting additional lanes and other highways are being built. Airport terminal is being expanded as well. New bikeshare program as shattered expectations and is being expanded. Urban Rail is being voted on this fall. A new rapid bus service was implemented in the central core.
Non-transportation wise, we are getting gigabit internet from multiple providers (Google, ATT, and Verizon) and TWC is bumping speeds up to 300mbps. Within a couple years, most of the whole city and suburbs should have at least one provider offering gigabit speed. There is also the Medical School project mentioned above in addition to things like the Boardwalk opening in June that connects miles of parkland and trails over Town lake and the Waller Creek project that is creating a 20+ft diameter tunnel to reduce flood plain and renovate creeks/parks and add additional land for development on the east side of downtown.
Last edited by mightyyoda; 05-23-2014 at 01:19 PM..
Its skyline looks like Dubai right now with all the cranes.
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