The team at Mutiny Bikes mounted a camera to an RC helicopter to get this great footage of Downtown Austin’s new BMX park. Thanks to Mitch McGovern for the tip!
Imagine Downtown Austin…
…with audacious building heights. From the awesome “Austin, what if?” thread at Skyscraper Page (pic by The Genral and Priller).
New Renderings Of Park Plaza Tower
Architect Ziegler Cooper has posted new renderings of Gables Park Plaza’s nascent mixed-use neighbor. Site plan approval from the city has been extended through February of 2012.
Near the intersection of Cesar Chavez and Lamar, back in the day this site was home to Cedar Door (910 Cesar Chavez) which was moved to Brazos @ 2nd.
I like the design. It successfully handles a few site specific challenges, notably a Capitol View Corridor and train track. Thanks to downtown resident Mitchell McGovern for the heads up! Pics after the jump…
Bicycle Boulevard Progress
Here are visible signs that the “Bicycle Boulevard” and the accompanying traffic calming improvements are taking shape. After breakfast, yesterday, I snapped this photo of the construction at Rio Grande and 10th Street (POV is south along Rio Grande).
I really like this. Traffic circles are… just… charming. This should be complementary to the Original Austin neighborhood.
Rainey Street has one that I go around most days. It seems to be effective. They encourage drivers to pay more attention, and to interact with other drivers through gazes, gestures, and waves.
And Then There Were Two
A well timed announcement for a 50+story hotel at Red River and Cesar Chavez has shifted the attention away from the Mariott Marquis seeking a waiver of $4MM in development fees.
The latest hotel announced by Manchester Texas Financial Group is receiving good reviews for its design, ambition, and potential for embracing the Waller Creek District Master Plan.
To be clear, there really isn’t a choice here. Each project is pushing forward on their own merits. But the timing begs the question “which building can break ground first?”.
Both would be significant additions to the skyline and economy. Development fee waivers, if any, will likely go to the project that is most prepared and that can begin construction soonest.
That’s incentive!
Below is a rendering of the “Grand Hotel” at Waller Creek
