Austin’s Skyline Set to Change with New 66-Story Tower Proposal
Austin is gearing up for a dramatic shift in its skyline as plans for a new residential tower on West Sixth Street have been unveiled. The proposed structure could reach up to 66 stories and stand tall at an impressive 751 feet. This ambitious project, located at 701 W. Sixth St, is set to be developed by Kairoi Residential, a San Antonio-based company.
Project Details and Background
Kairoi Residential is already known for its significant projects in Austin, including the construction of the city’s tallest building, which is also the tallest in Texas. The company purchased the land for this new tower in 2020 for an undisclosed amount. At that time, Michael Lynd, CEO of Kairoi, highlighted the site’s fantastic location near nightlife, dining options, and job opportunities, making it ideal for residential development.
The new tower is expected to feature a total of 394 apartments or condos along with around 4,500 square feet designated for a restaurant or bar. The design team is suggesting that the total space of this new construction will be 567,000 square feet, slightly more than the Frost Bank Tower in downtown Austin. However, unlike many other developments in the area, the new tower will not include any office space, which is a crucial consideration in the current market due to its oversupply.
Design Considerations and Community Concerns
As part of the project proposal, Kairoi Residential seeks to increase the building’s density through Austin’s Downtown Density Bonus program. They are pushing for a floor-area ratio of 30:1 to enhance the project’s viability. However, the new tower design must comply with the city’s capitol view corridor guidelines, which restrict building heights to preserve the views of Austin’s iconic Capitol building.
On September 23, the Austin Design Commission reviewed the new renderings of the proposed tower. While the commission recognized the project’s potential, they voted that it does not meet the urban design guidelines that are meant to maintain the city’s unique character. It’s important to note, however, that this vote is merely an advisory recommendation for the City Council.
Commissioners raised multiple concerns during their discussions, particularly regarding the possible impact of the new tower on the vibrant local scene. Currently, the site is home to the popular Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Icehouse and a bustling food truck court that opened its doors in 2018. Some members of the Design Commission expressed worries that replacing these venues with a residential tower offering only a small amount of commercial space could diminish the area’s vibrancy. Commissioner Brendan Wittstruck remarked, “It feels like a step backward, in terms of the vibrancy that this location offers in Austin.”
Parking and Traffic Considerations
Another concern from the commissioners involved the proposed design for the parking garage, which currently includes two entrances directly on Rio Grande Street and Sixth Street. Some members preferred having the entrances located in an alleyway to minimize potential conflicts with pedestrians. With the growth of residential spaces in urban areas, managing traffic and pedestrian safety continues to be a critical issue in Austin’s development plans.
Next Steps
As the proposal moves forward, Kairoi Residential has chosen not to comment on the current status or details of the new renderings. The project will require further evaluation and approvals from the city, and stakeholders will continue to weigh in on the impact that this proposed tower could have on the local community and Austin’s landscape as a whole.
Austin residents, city planners, and developers will be watching closely as this significant building project progresses through the review stages. As Austin continues to grow and evolve, developments like the proposed West Sixth Street tower play a crucial role in shaping the city’s urban character for years to come.
