Austin Unveils Sixth and Guadalupe Tower: A New Skyscraper

News Summary

The Sixth and Guadalupe Tower, Austin’s tallest skyscraper, has officially opened. Standing at 865 feet, this mixed-use tower features residential units, office spaces, and retail options. Designed by Gensler, it includes numerous amenities and a rooftop park, fostering urban living and sustainability. Completing the downtown skyline, this landmark represents a shift towards vertical developments in Austin amidst growing housing demands.

Austin Celebrates the Opening of Sixth and Guadalupe Tower

What Happened

The construction of the Sixth and Guadalupe Tower in downtown Austin has officially been completed, marking the opening of the city’s tallest skyscraper. The tower opened its doors to the public in the fall of 2023 and stands at an impressive 865 feet tall (264 meters). It is notable for being the first mixed-use vertical tower in the city, designed by the renowned architecture firm Gensler.

Building Features

The design of the Sixth and Guadalupe Tower features a unique structure resembling three angled stacked blocks. The building incorporates a comprehensive mixed-use program that includes 349 apartments situated above 589,000 square feet of office space. The ground level boasts retail spaces, enhancing the building’s multifaceted functionality. Additionally, there is a 33,900 square foot outdoor park located on top of the parking garage, accompanied by outdoor terraces on each residential floor to promote an outdoor lifestyle.

Residential Offering and Amenities

The residential units available in the tower include diverse options ranging from studio to three-bedroom floor plans, with rental prices starting around $2,400 per month. Residents can enjoy various amenities, which encompass multiple pools, a fitness center, a clubroom, conference facilities, a media room, a golf simulator, an indoor theater, a dog run, and a rooftop lounge. These amenities reflect Austin’s vibrant culture and lifestyle, appealing to residents who seek a blend of comfort and luxury.

Impact on Local Context

With a project footprint of approximately 2.3 million square feet, the completion of the Sixth and Guadalupe Tower marks a significant milestone for Austin’s skyline. This development aligns with a broader trend towards vertical mixed-use projects in urban environments, driven by increasing land costs. The architectural design of the tower also respects mandated Texas Capitol View Corridors, ensuring that the views of the state Capitol remain unobstructed, which highlights the importance placed on preserving the city’s historical landmarks.

Official Response

The construction of the Sixth and Guadalupe Tower was executed through a partnership between Lincoln Property Company and Kairoi Residential. The project was initiated in 2018, reflecting a commitment to not only meet housing demands but also to provide modern office spaces that cater to the evolving needs of businesses in the area. The tower is on a path to achieve targeted LEED Gold certification and aims for a 3-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency.

What’s Next?

As the Sixth and Guadalupe Tower joins several skyscrapers that are either under construction or recently completed in Austin, its opening marks a significant step in the transformation of the downtown area. Notable nearby projects include KPF’s Waterline Tower, which will claim the title of Texas’s tallest building upon its completion. The ongoing trend of vertical mixed-use developments signals a shift in urban planning, responding to the needs of a growing population and the challenges posed by limited land availability.

In conclusion, the opening of the Sixth and Guadalupe Tower represents more than just the completion of a construction project; it symbolizes a new era of urban living in Austin, characterized by a blend of living, working, and recreational spaces in a single vertical structure. This development is anticipated to contribute significantly to the local economy, enhance the urban landscape, and provide residents with a modern lifestyle balanced with environmental considerations.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Falling Glass Panels from Downtown Austin Construction Site

Additional Resources

• KVUE News: Austin’s Sixth and Guadalupe Tower Completion
• Wikipedia: Sixth and Guadalupe Tower
• Dezeen: Gensler Austin Skyscraper
• Google Search: Gensler Sixth and Guadalupe
• Eater Austin: The Kitchen at Sixth and Guadalupe
• Google Scholar: Kimbal Musk The Kitchen Austin
• REBusinessOnline: Lincoln & Kairoi Tower Completion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sixth and Guadalupe Austin
• Community Impact: Black Sheep Coffee in Austin
• Google News: Black Sheep Coffee Austin