Austin’s Record-Setting Waterline ‘Supertall’ Reaches Halfway Point in Construction

On June 18, 2024, the Austin skyline took on a new silhouette as the Waterline tower, a “supertall” skyscraper, reached its halfway point in construction. This marks a significant milestone for the 74-story building, which upon completion in late 2026, is poised to become the Texas’ tallest structure.

About The Project

The project, a collaboration between Lincoln Property Company and Kairoi Residential, is a mixed-use building slated to offer 703,000 square feet of office space, 352 apartments, a five-star hotel with 252 keys, and 27,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space at ground level. Surpassing the 75-story JP Morgan Chase Tower in Houston, Waterline is set to stand at an impressive 1,022 feet, a hefty 20 feet taller than the current record holder.

The Development Team

Lincoln and Kairoi have brought together an all-star development team for this project, which includes general contractors DPR Construction, civil engineers WGI, hotel partner 1 Hotels, and several design firms such as KPF, HKS, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Studio Mai, TBG Partners, and Nudge Design. A prime example of this collaboration is the building’s recently updated site, now featuring detailed 3D renderings and an impressive virtual tour designed by architectural visualization firm TMRW, showcasing the various sections of the towering structure.

Impact on Austin’s Urban Landscape

Beyond the sheer size of the building, what truly stands out about Waterline is its expected impact on city life. Its integrated retail component and alignment with the Waterloo Greenway trail network along Waller Creek make it a potential hub for recreation and leisure for locals. Nudging against the Rainey Street District at the corner of East Cesar Chavez and Red River Streets, the structure is positioned to provide an informal entry point, integrating the rest of downtown with the bustling life of the Rainey neighborhood.

Construction status

So far, the construction is following its schedule with the structure now surpassing the halfway mark. As of today, a significant portion of the building is visible, and locals have already spotted the structure steadily rising past the 35-floor mark against the downtown Austin skyline.

The Future of Waterline

Impressive as its height might be, the eventual success and significance of the Waterline tower will likely be determined by the quality of its street-level and creekside spaces. While height records are indeed made to be broken, the lasting impact of this structure will likely be its contribution to urban life in Austin, establishing a novel entertainment hub, enhancing connectivity, and adding a new and exciting dimension to the city’s skyline.