I’m fascinated by civic infrastructure. Despite their importance, the underlying systems enabling our lives within the built environment, from sewers to streetlights, are often concealed from view to the point that we’re only consciously reminded of their existence when they fail. But it’s not always possible — or financially reasonable, at least — to hide these complex... ...
A History of Austin’s Famous Hike and Bike Trail, Which Wasn’t Always Green
It’s hard to imagine Austin without its crown — the 10-mile trail that encircles much of Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city. Officially known as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, the path offers a natural respite in Austin’s increasingly concrete core, serving the fitness and commuting needs of... ...
Inside the 70 Rainey Condo Tower, Underway on Downtown’s Eastern Edge
Though it feels like it’s been a million years since the building first broke ground in 2016, the 70 Rainey condominium tower is rising quickly in the Rainey Street District — it’s currently at 18 floors and counting, more than halfway to its total 34 stories. Despite the building’s growth, we haven’t heard many updates... ...
Austin’s SkyHouse Apartments: It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again
Am I the last person on earth to realize the SkyHouse apartment tower at 51 Rainey Street has identical twins all over the country? This may be common knowledge for the extremely cosmopolitan readership of TOWERS Austin, but it’s news to me that the SkyHouse residential brand by Atlanta-based developer Novare Group essentially reuses a design... ...
Developers Plant Their Flags on Trinity Park’s Future
The ongoing design and financing effort to create the Trinity River park has given a new meaning to the notion, “If you build it, they will come.” For nearly 20 years, the concept of a major urban park south of downtown was held up by an inability among policymakers to reach consensus on its purpose. Transit-oriented planners kept... ...