AUSTIN | Hotel Van Zandt | 197 FEET | 16 FLOORS | Complete

[KevinFromTexas]

I don't know, it sort of works. I like the dark grey (or is blue or yellow? haha). It's sort of "conservative chic". I sort of like the bold structural look of it.

[the Genral]

The main entrance is what sold me. Take away the Rainey Street nighborhood and the image from this frame would look at home in NYC or Chicago. I like it, but it seems out of place in the Rainey St street grid. There should be a busy avenue in front of it. That being said, except for the exterior color, which I also like, the rest of the building is just...meh...

[JoninATX]

Maybe it will work, I guess I'm used to buildings with a lighter exterior facade. I will have to make a final decision once everything is completed. Btw one thing I do like is the main entrance.

[drummer]

^^ Ha, the fact that it's not off-white with blue windows...is that what throws you off in what you expect for an Austin building? jk

I personally like the black - not so much for the building itself but to add diversity to the skyline overall.

[ahealy]

hate that fucking westerny font. LOVE the neon "HOTEL".

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by ahealy

hate that fucking westerny font. LOVE the neon "HOTEL".

I agree that font needs to go.

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I agree that font needs to go.

Considering that the hotel is named after Townes Van Zandt, who was born in Texas, the font appears to be western appropriate. Its going to be everywhere, including on brochures so we might as well accept it. I think its better than plain block letters. Just learned that their in house upscale restaurant, Geraldine's was named after the New Guinea fowl that once roamed the area. Looks like they are doing their best to fit in...I can appreciate that.

[KevinFromTexas]

It's alright actually. I like the simplicity of it. It does seem kind of small, though. I am digging that steel girder look for the awning, and those horizontal grills over the windows look pretty cool. The entrance of this hotel looks like something from Blade Runner.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by KevinFromTexas

It's alright actually. I like the simplicity of it. It does seem kind of small, though. I am digging that steel girder look for the awning, and those horizontal grills over the windows look pretty cool. The entrance of this hotel looks like something from Blade Runner.

Blade Runner is one of my all time favorite movies, and I can see the science fiction noir. We just need some tall gas flares in the distance.

[ahealy]

Originally Posted by the Genral

Considering that the hotel is named after Townes Van Zandt, who was born in Texas, the font appears to be western appropriate. Its going to be everywhere, including on brochures so we might as well accept it. I think its better than plain block letters. Just learned that their in house upscale restaurant, Geraldine's was named after the New Guinea fowl that once roamed the area. Looks like they are doing their best to fit in...I can appreciate that.

I know I know....I appreciate the attempts to fit in. Something inside me just cringes with the name. Like, Townes Van Zandt would be excited about being named after an upscale hotel chain? It all makes me giggle, but that's Austin in a nutshell isn't it?

Back 2 topic, I love the color and can't wait to see this completely finished.

[JoninATX]

Originally Posted by drummer

^^ Ha, the fact that it's not off-white with blue windows...is that what throws you off in what you expect for an Austin building? jk

I personally like the black - not so much for the building itself but to add diversity to the skyline overall.

[KevinFromTexas]

The American-Statesman has an article on it that shows the music venue on the 4th floor. This photo showing the room has a sort of haunting look to it. I immediately thought of the Shining when I saw it.

http://www.mystatesman.com/news/ente...reet-at/npMKS/

[drummer]

Yeah, if I didn't know it was a recent photo, I'd think it was an attempt and futuristic something-or-other decoration from the 70s. It is a little creepy on top of that...interesting room.

[The ATX]

This hotel turned out to be a very pleasant surprise IMO - after about 10 years in the making.

[resansom]

Originally Posted by The ATX

This hotel turned out to be a very pleasant surprise IMO - after about 10 years in the making.

Any chance one of you could take some new pictures of the building? I was under the impression that the black portions would be covered with something (tile, bricks, stucco) - did they leave them black?

[MichaelB]

Went by last night to check out the interior.
Well done! Really beautiful.
The 4th floor bar and restaurant space is cool.
A good hang.
The bar manager is from Contigo.... so cocktails are spot on.
Pool area not open yet, but soon.
It's rare I recommend a stop at a hotel for a cocktail....but this is one to see.

Also.... random sidebar. Rainey street on a Wed night is really pleasant!

[atx-adam]

Great coffee shop accessible by the street. I stopped by for lunch yesterday and had a sandwich and pastry.

I have a friend who lives at SkyHouse and is excited to have a place on Rainey to stop by in the morning - opens at 6am.

[austlar1]

Great amenity that is long overdue in that area. Hopefully it has neighborhood (as opposed to hotel) prices.

[the Genral]

I'll have 2 short rib egg tacos please while I sit in what looks like the most comfortable chair I'll ever sit in while eating breakfast. Are those display shelves for souvenirs? Love the dark paint scheme, matches the exterior.

[atx-adam]

Originally Posted by the Genral

Are those display shelves for souvenirs?

A mix of souvenirs for Hotel Van Zandt and Geraldine's - traveler mugs, fleeces, etc. They also had some Willie Nelson and other Austin-themed musician books.