On the trail: a beautiful spring day on the Four Seasons lawn

Over the weekend we were able to take a guided tour of downtown Austin’s Four Seasons Residences.  What we have are raw snap shots of views, as captured in the middle of a construction area.  Anytime a building provides access prior to completion I am especially grateful, and it speaks to their confidence in the project.  Like our tour of the Austonian last week, it was requested that we not photograph the interiors until construction is complete, which we respected.  You can get a sense for what the interiors of Austin’s Four Seasons Residences will look like here.

As we see it, the Four Seasons is betting that true luxury buyers are seeking something warmer, more rooted in tradition and familiar with the Four Seasons brand, as opposed to the sleek monolithic aesthetic of the W, or the high profile of the Austonian.  I’ve always been excited about this project, and the building did not disappoint.  Smart layouts, impressive views, and most evident was the level of amenities that would come with home ownership.  Being connected to the Four Seasons has its perks.

west facing terrace with views of the city and lake

The terraces are incredible in every unit.  Unlike many buildings that provide terraces which do no more than defy you furnish one of them, these are large and airy spaces that could be used as outside rooms.  The west facing terraces (above) were my favorites and are available with the Austin and Upper Combo West floor plans.

Like Austin’s W Hotel Residences, the Four Seasons is oriented length wise along Lady Bird Lake.  This orientation maximizes the desirable southern sunlight.  Half way up the building, the views shift from living “in the city” to “above the city”.   In my experience, there are buyers that seek out the former and the latter.  In general, the lower floors will provide better value and a sense of living in the mix of city life.

We’ve confirmed that the 11,000 ft penthouse (31st floor) of the building has been purchased for an undisclosed amount.  We estimate ~$8-9MM [for the shell space] based on pricing released last year.  Interestingly, it is rumored that as part of the deal the Four Seasons agreed to increase the height of the top floor, and perhaps the building, by two feet.

Entire penthouse (31st floor) purchased. Estimated purchase price between $8-9MM for the shell space.

In our office we discuss how the personalities of the “luxury bunch” are different.  Using comical generalizations, W buyers might tell you that “Our family splits time between Austin and Zermatt”.  Austonian buyers might tell you that “Our company just raised $20MM in VC and is planning its IPO next year.”  The Four Seasons buyer might tell you “I’m a fifth generation Texan, fourth generation Longhorn, and my roots run deep.  Hook’em!”

Thanks to Ian Stonington for setting this up.  Ian is a consummate professional that knows everything about his building, including the answers to the most esoteric questions, like “who makes the light switch?”.

Full Slideshow @ Flickr

-Jude

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