AUSTIN | Projects & Construction III

[wwmiv]

Originally Posted by MAC123

The building overall is fine, but that entrance is spectacular

The entrance design is ADA compliant, but still awful for anyone not fully physically capable.

[IluvATX]

Originally Posted by wwmiv

The entrance design is ADA compliant, but still awful for anyone not fully physically capable.

If one’s not physically capable of going up one flight of stairs or the ramp equivalent then I think they have bigger problems to worry about.

[The ATX]

That area of downtown is in a flood zone, and main entrances are required to be above street level.

[wwmiv]

Originally Posted by IluvATX

If one’s not physically capable of going up one flight of stairs or the ramp equivalent then I think they have bigger problems to worry about.

That’s heartless.

[wwmiv]

Originally Posted by The ATX

That area of downtown is in a flood zone, and main entrances are required to be above street level.

That’s fair, but the design could accommodate a ramp that doesn’t require that someone in a wheelchair be forced to enter alongside cars to a side entrance.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by wwmiv

That’s fair, but the design could accommodate a ramp that doesn’t require that someone in a wheelchair be forced to enter alongside cars to a side entrance.

There is an ADA compliant elevator (not shown in renderings) to allow access to the retail level.

[IluvATX]

Originally Posted by wwmiv

That’s heartless.

Not trying to be, but like 5th and West it’s in a flood plain and they did the best they could for ADA compliance. Also, most people in wheelchairs are actually in pretty good shape and would have no problem ascending ~12 feet. Or just use the elevator.

[drummer]

My son has physical disabilities and uses a walker. We acknowledge the fact that he can't do everything but he is able to do a lot more than some because he's in a walker and not a wheelchair. He physically can't lift his legs high enough for steps in most cases due to constraints with his hips. We often utilize ramps and/or elevators in suburban and urban settings. It takes some creativity, but that's life for our family - we know it and he knows it. While there are some legitimate concerns around accessibility, most parents of disabled kids and most disabled individuals are incredibly resilient and adaptable.

Just don't store stuff on or in front of a ramp and we're good. And for the love of all things good in the world, don't chain your bike to a pole on a ramp. It happens more often than you may think.

[lzppjb]

I think IluvATX was talking about overweight people not being able to get up some stairs. That's why it was a little harsher sounding. He certainly wasn't bagging on people in wheelchairs and stuff.

[IluvATX]

Y’all are taking this out of context. We’re all aware it’s ADA compliant, but I was joking about those who are not “fully physically capable” as wwmiv said. I guess it was a jab at lazy or overweight people, but not intended to disparage disabled people.

[H2O]

I'm not sure what the slope of that driveway adjacent to the retail is, but there should be a sidewalk along it. Also, I don't understand why there are separate curb cuts for the parking and fire lanes. They could both just use the fire lane and provide additional space for the lobby and / or retail.

[The ATX]

Originally Posted by H2O

I'm not sure what the slope of that driveway adjacent to the retail is, but there should be a sidewalk along it. Also, I don't understand why there are separate curb cuts for the parking and fire lanes. They could both just use the fire lane and provide additional space for the lobby and / or retail.

The final version only has one curb cut. The back up file shows both the version with two curb cuts and the final version with one curb cut based on feedback from a DC working group meeting.

This is the version with two cuts:



This is the final version with one cut. The driveway on the right is the neighboring property.

[Urbannizer]

$1.6B Austin Convention Center expansion plans move forward

Austin has opened bidding for planning services for a proposed $1.6 billion expansion of the city's downtown convention center, moving forward a long-anticipated civic project that has weathered years of uncertainty.

On May 22, Austin published a request for qualifications, or RFQ, for a firm to work on design, architecture and engineering for a convention center expansion.

In a press release, city leaders highlighted the RFQ's release as a notable step toward a new convention center and its related effects on Austin's economy.

"With an inadequate convention center, we lose out to competitors and, consequently miss out on millions of dollars for our Austin community. With a bigger convention center, the economic impact to our city is estimated to jump to over $750 million annually, from the current $468 million. A larger facility also means more travelers to Austin and jobs in the Austin hospitality industry," Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement.

According to the city's convention center department, the $1.6 billion dollar project would result in the current building's closure from April 2025 through early 2029. However, the department said the convention center would continue to operate during that time in partnership with nearby hotels and the Palmer Events Center south of downtown.

[clubtokyo]

We desperately need a new convention center, glad to see it moving forward!

[H2O]

Originally Posted by The ATX

The final version only has one curb cut. The back up file shows both the version with two curb cuts and the final version with one curb cut based on feedback from a DC working group meeting.

This is the version with two cuts:


This is the final version with one cut. The driveway on the right is the neighboring property.

Thanks. I was basing my comment on the plan included in the DC back up. I guess they did not update that.

[clubtokyo]

Looks good!

[unit]

Anyone know if a general contractor has been selected for the 62 East Ave tower?

[clubtokyo]

Not sure, hopefully someone will chime in!

[unit]

Also, is Phase II of The Travis still happening? I haven't seen any updates.

[ILUVSAT]

Originally Posted by unit

Also, is Phase II of The Travis still happening? I haven't seen any updates.

No new updates on the Ritz.


**If you want to stay as up-to-date as possible on all Austin projects, I suggest you go here:

https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/for...hp?forumid=446