by jude galligan
To the chagrin of everyone who lives, works, and drives through Downtown Austin, the former office of the Texas Comptroller has owned, occupied, vacated, and allowed to rot, this remarkable piece of real estate. I can’t imagine how many thousands of people have attempted to peer through the windows that were covered from the inside with thick construction paper. From the outside, the building always had a cool mid-century modern design. Located at the corner of 6th and Colorado, and not burdened with a Capitol View Corridor, I expect this building to get the attention of some big developers. The listing gives it an address of 107 w 6th, 78701. Traviscad has no address for it other than “W 6th”.
I’ve heard developers say that the mid-century architecture would be the perfect specimen for an adaptive-reuse hotel. I think they’re right. Traviscad has the building appraised at $7.3MM.
From the listing (pdf):
“The Starr Building is being offered on an unpriced basis. Offers will be reviewed beginning December 1, 2008. At closting, Buyer will pay a statutory sales fee equal to 1.5% of the Purchase Price, as required by Texas Natural Resource code, Section 32.110. – CBD redevelopment opportunity: CBD zoning allows for hotel, retail, office, residential, or mixed use development. Lies outside of the Capitol View Corridor providing greater development flexibility with unrestricted height – Four level parking garage has generated over $99,000 in revenue YTD – Vacant building with numerous use options including remodeling to accomodate office tenancy or demolishing to construct a new multi-story building – Incredible views of the city and Texas Hill Country – Solid wood paneling and bookend matched marble interiors – One of a kind mural painted by renowned artist Seymour Fogel in 1954 – Unique modern design”
