Austin - W Hotel / Block21 getting underway

ATXboom · #1 Posted **Jul 24, 2007, 6:46 PM**

According to Jgouger the blockades and ground breaking prep have started at Block 21.

We should see "official" ground breaking very soon! Spring was supposed to break ground today.

GoldenBoot · #2 Posted **Jul 24, 2007, 7:14 PM**

Let's not jump the gun here!!! "Site prep" activities may have begun - but not actual "construction" of the project!

The site plan for Block 21 has not been approved and building permit applications have not been filed. Thus, actual "construction" of Block 21 cannot proceed at this point.

A September 2007 ground breaking is anticipated for this development.

On the same note, the W Austin Residences website has been updated. It definitely is not the best site I've seen (by far), but it does have condominium floor plans included...

paulsjv · #3 Posted **Jul 24, 2007, 8:14 PM**

Much to MEK1's chagrin I can't wait to move into Mueller and take the train into downtown and experience all of this stuff! I'm very excited!

john_mclark · #4 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 3:57 AM**

does anyone have a picture of the W thats going to be built

KevinFromTexas · #5 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 4:04 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_mclark

does anyone have a picture of the W thats going to be built

Click on the thumbnails below to see.

The height we've heard says it'll be 433 feet with 36 floors.

Street level view on the southeast corner. The building will be the new home of Austin's PBS affliate, KLRU, and the new studio for Austin City Limits. There will also be retail and restaurant space.

austin_bound009 · #6 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 4:30 AM**

this looks really nice. can't wait for it to be built!

Kevinb · #7 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 2:12 PM**

Shot with BlackBerry 8100 Series at 2007-07-25

GoldenBoot · #8 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 2:29 PM**

WOW! How unimpressive and disappointing the external design of this building is (at least from the current renderings and model shown above)!?! I truly hope it looks MUCH better in real-life. Heck, it’s a W and is meant to be a focal point in downtown.

It seems to be obvious that Stratus Properties identified external design as one of the places it could cut-back on soft costs for this project! How original can a box be? Give it a little bit of life and originality. At least have a decorative crown. The structure just seems so cold.

**This is just my opinion…

paulsjv · #9 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 2:32 PM**

wow that's one tall building when compared to the already tall amli building right next to it....

KevinFromTexas · #10 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 2:50 PM**

I'm kind of surprised at your comment, Goldenboot. You're usually pretty neutral on commenting on designs.

I too hope this project isn't quite so boxy, but it's no surprise, I mean we've known of this design for months.

I really wish AMLI had been picked for the job. Their 28-story design was gorgeous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulsjv

wow that's one tall building when compared to the already tall amli building right next to it....

I think that model is off a bit height-wise, at least for AMLI II. AMLI II looks to be about the same height as the Hobby Building there, (building behind the W). AMLI II is 224 feet while the Hobby Building is just 177 feet, even though they're shown to be about even.

tildahat · #11 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 3:03 PM**

What is a W hotel, and why do people care?

Seriously, people seem really excited specifically about the brand, and I don't get it.

GoldenBoot · #12 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 3:18 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

I'm kind of surprised at your comment, Goldenboot. You're usually pretty neutral on commenting on designs.

I too hope this project isn't quite so boxy, but it's no surprise, I mean we've known of this design for months.

Yes, I'm usually not so critical of designs - at least publically, in this forum. Maybe I'm just having one of those days and I guess the pictures of the model were the preverbial last straw. It's not a horrid design. I was just hoping for something more interesting, unique...

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

I really wish AMLI had been picked for the job. Their 28-story design was gorgeous.

I think that model is off a bit height-wise, at least for AMLI II. AMLI II looks to be about the same height as the Hobby Building there, (building behind the W). AMLI II is 224 feet while the Hobby Building is just 177 feet, even though they're shown to be about even.

I would tend to agree. I believe the model could possibly be the older design. The original design seemed to be shorter and wider. The newer one, obviously, seems to be taller and thinner - which I think will look better, especially since it's an inverted rectangular box. Please see differences below:

Old/Original Design (circa fall 2006):

Newer design (circa April 2007):

paulsjv · #13 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 3:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tildahat

What is a W hotel, and why do people care?

Seriously, people seem really excited specifically about the brand, and I don't get it.

Check out their web site:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotel..._hotels_122705

As far as I understand it they are just really slick and have that modern/urban thing going for them. I know when they open I'm going to try and get a room there to "get away" for a night or two.

ATXboom · #14 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 4:21 PM**

It looks like the new design... but the proportions are off for some reason.

All of the "boxy" details are there in foam core. I think the design is totally dependent upon materials and finsh and some of the translucency shown in the renderings.

Stratus is probably more cost ruthless than Amli and others... so maybe they did scale way back. I would think W would have a strong say in that though as they are so image concious.

W's are high design, high aesthetic hotels and they aren't everywhere.... yet

They typically have well know clubs integrated... this would help support the ACL portion of the development.

JRCool · #15 Posted **Jul 25, 2007, 7:49 PM**

I think the design is BEAUTIFUL!!!! and trust me W is an awesome brand, probably the most popular brand in the industry right now.

MichaelB · #16 Posted **Jul 26, 2007, 12:51 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenBoot

WOW! How unimpressive and disappointing the external design of this building is (at least from the current renderings and model shown above)!?! I truly hope it looks MUCH better in real-life. Heck, it’s a W and is meant to be a focal point in downtown.

It seems to be obvious that Stratus Properties identified external design as one of the places it could cut-back on soft costs for this project! How original can a box be? Give it a little bit of life and originality. At least have a decorative crown. The structure just seems so cold.

**This is just my opinion…

I agree.... I hope that is not a finished model.... looks like they lost all the architectural interest on the lower part of the facade. I have said a million times.... there is a fine line between minimal/sleek.... and boring! I agree with others in that W is involved and they ususally command interesting designs.

And G'B.... Glad to here your opions!

GoldenBoot · #17 Posted **Jul 31, 2007, 2:58 PM**

FYI...Banners, advertising the W Austin Hotel & Residences, are being installed on the fence surrounding the Block 21 site.

greenbelt · #18 Posted **Jul 31, 2007, 3:30 PM**

That's fantastic news Golden Boot! I drove by last week and saw 2 tractors on the lot. Just for kicks, here's a side by side of the Austin W plan, next to the very sucessful Dallas W. By the way, I think our W will look AWESOME when all is said and done. I really like too, how this really slick, upscale highrise (celebrity sightings central), will also be home to some really outstanding Austin things. Namely, the new Austin City Limits home, and The Dell Childern's Museum. This will be great contrast. Also, just by taking a short stroll down 2nd street (just past DWR) you'll see the Austonian (our tallest 700+) and Altavida. Wow.

KevinFromTexas · #19 Posted **Jul 31, 2007, 4:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenbelt

you'll see the Austonian (our tallest 700+)

Actually, The Austonian will be 683 feet tall with 56 floors. I got that height from the vice president of Benchmark Development, the company developing the tower. The height came from the blueprints.

GoldenBoot · #20 Posted **Jul 31, 2007, 5:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

Actually, The Austonian will be 683 feet tall with 56 floors. I got that height from the vice president of Benchmark Development, the company developing the tower. The height came from the blueprints.

It was also listed as 683' on their white paper - which you may read on their website.