Future Texas (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: fit in, 2015, hotels)

[TexasHorseLady]

I wasn't talking about the 80's, that's way too recent - I was talking about the (let me think now) - 50's and 60's. Speaking strictly to the types of buildings, by the way, not the use of them. A skyscraper is a skyscraper is a skyscraper, when you're looking at them. (Well, except for that one downtown that looks like the Fortress of Solitude from an old Superman movie.)

Note that the Capitol is lost in among all the skyscrapers. It's view corridor used to be protected by law, because it was one of the things that makes Austin unique AND because it's the state capitol. Guess that got sold out, too.

[HtownLove]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Note that the Capitol is lost in among all the skyscrapers.

Its going to be demolished to make room for a 12 level parking garage. Gotta make room for parking.

But don't worry, they are planning on adding a nice community garden on the roof top

[jr1038]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Note that the Capitol is lost in among all the skyscrapers.

I love it that way. Downtowns are for tall buildings. If you want to see the Capitol, go to the Capitol. At least the Congress Ave. viewpoints will be preserved indefinitely.

The sheer number of skyscrapers in that image seems quite generous, but what seems truly far-fetched is any sort of re-alignment/reconstruction of I-35. The small-minded NIMBY crowd in central Austin that has a chokehold on local politics will simply never allow that corridor to be expanded as it should be (even if such a project would not affect said NIMBY crowd).

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by HtownLove

Its going to be demolished to make room for a 12 level parking garage. Gotta make room for parking.

But don't worry, they are planning on adding a nice community garden on the roof top

You know, this is funny, but sad in a way because I'm pretty sure there are people who think that would be just the ticket. It doesn't occur to them to live in Dallas or Houston, where skyscrapers are wonderful and appropriate, rather than trying to turn Austin into skyscraper-land. I have absolutely nothing against Dallas or Houston, before anyone leaps to their defense, have lived in Dallas a couple of times, visit Houston often, like them both, they both have their positives as well as their negatives like anywhere else on the planet, but it's nice to have different options. Some people just don't get that and want everywhere to be just like everywhere else - different options seem to make them nervous, I guess, because they're unfamiliar, and they think all downtowns should be identical.

[HtownLove]

Originally Posted by jr1038

The sheer number of skyscrapers in that image seems quite generous, but what seems truly far-fetched is any sort of re-alignment/reconstruction of I-35.

I agree, the number seems to be larger than Downtown Dallas combined with Uptown. Seems more numerous than DT Houston.

Unless Austin contracts and a quarter of the population moves in around DT, I don't see that much development

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

You know, this is funny, but sad in a way because I'm pretty sure there are people who think that would be just the ticket. It doesn't occur to them to live in Dallas or Houston, where skyscrapers are wonderful and appropriate, rather than trying to turn Austin into skyscraper-land. .

I agree. I thought the whole point in moving to the hill country is to experience the scenery. Why turn it into a concrete jungle?

I keep saying population boom is going to ruin the Hill country.

at least the area Houston was built over wasn't very pretty to begin with

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by jr1038

I love it that way. Downtowns are for tall buildings. If you want to see the Capitol, go to the Capitol. At least the Congress Ave. viewpoints will be preserved indefinitely.

The sheer number of skyscrapers in that image seems quite generous, but what seems truly far-fetched is any sort of re-alignment/reconstruction of I-35. The small-minded NIMBY crowd in central Austin that has a chokehold on local politics will simply never allow that corridor to be expanded as it should be (even if such a project would not affect said NIMBY crowd).

According to who? Where is it written that the definition of downtown is "tall buildings"? Or is it just your personal preference?

[blkgiraffe]

This is how Waco could look in the future:

The Vision on Vimeo

[llmrkc07]

Originally Posted by blkgiraffe

This is how Waco could look in the future:

The Vision on Vimeo

This is great for the Waco region. I wish Beaumont/Port Arthur would remodel their area. But thats wishful thinking..

[JJG]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

According to who? Where is it written that the definition of downtown is "tall buildings"? Or is it just your personal preference?

I think he's saying that since it's a central business district (in America, no doubt), there should be more emphasis on building up more. It's not true, but I do agree.

Thing is, I understand some people don't want this. I live in Fort Worth and trust me, I see the same anti-skyscraper comments. Personally, I HATE that. I hate knowing that our skyline is pretty much stuck in the 80's. As an urbanist, I do love ground level development and think that's more important, but if it's a major city, you have to build up as well.

And Austin is growing at a fast rate. The way I see it, either you can build up within the city and make it a truly urban place (agree with me or not, that's what it's supposed to be being the 14th largest city in the country and all) OR you could just want to see more sprawl, taking up all the open surrounding land.

BTW, Austin has a bit more than just the Capitol that makes it unique in this state. This week alone is evidence for that city....

[HtownLove]

Originally Posted by JJG

The way I see it, either you can build up within the city and make it a truly urban place

You can build up without building waaaaay up. Some of the most bustling cities in the world are filled with mainly buildings 8-12 stories high. London, Paris, Berlin, Munich etc etc.