The Austonian Blog - Downtown Luxury Condo in Austin, Texas

The Austonian Featured in Architectural Record

The Austonian is featured in the February 2009 issue of Architectural Record. The article highlights the amenities and sustainable features of the building and includes an interview with Scott Zeigler of Ziegler Cooper Architects. Read the complete story here.

Meet Construction Manager Bob Albanese

The Austonian began as a vision, but as the building continues to grow higher into the Austin skyline, that vision is turning into reality. We’d like to introduce you to the man responsible for leading the team that’s making it happen: Bob Albanese. Bob, the construction manager who oversees the Balfour Beatty construction team for The Austonian, has been working and living in Austin for 23 years. A graduate of Texas A&M where he studied Construction Science in the School of Architecture, Bob has been involved in the construction and restoration of downtown Austin’s most iconic buildings since the 1990s. Starting with the Capitol and ending with current project The Austonian, Bob has worked on over nine projects on or near Congress Avenue, with budgets totaling $175 million.

Bob’s portfolio includes renovation and restoration of the exterior and grounds of the Texas State Capitol, the Sam Houston Building, the Texas Governor’s Mansion and the Stephen F. Austin Hotel; renovation of the exterior of 816 Congress; and construction of the Bob Bullock Museum, the Frost Bank Tower and, currently, The Austonian.

Through Bob’s diverse portfolio of projects tied to the past, present and future of Austin, two things stay consistent: his focus on improving downtown Austin and the excellence he brings to his work. The Austonian team is pleased to have a construction manager with as much experience in construction and vision for downtown Austin as Bob Albanese.

Laura Britt Design Offers Tips for Streamlining Your Space in 2009

 

Because of the array of options to choose from for the interiors of individual condos, The Austonian has commissioned Laura Britt of Laura Britt Design (http://www.laurabrittdesign.com/) to consult with homeowners in the selection of finishes for their residences.

The New Year is a good time for a fresh start, so The Austonian team asked Laura to share her design savvy, offering tips on streamlining living spaces and making the most out of every square foot.

Laura’s tips for sophisticated, streamlined living follow:

Purge and Organize

Not the most visible part of a design plan, but it is important nonetheless to consider your functional requirements and accommodate them seamlessly into the overall plan for rooms in your home. Consider the closet and other storage systems that really work for you and the items you need easy access to.

Think Vertically

We encourage The Austonian homeowners to use the generous ceiling height in their homes to amplify the visual impact of the interior architecture and create functional storage. Furnishings and custom built-ins provide open display for collections as well as hidden storage for those items we want to keep out of sight.

Use Multi-purpose Furnishings

We love pieces that can serve double duty. Some of our favorite pieces have multiple functions; they may include a hidden compartment for storage of that extra throw for the sofa or provide a perching surface for that special guest. Other pieces, including ottomans and small tables or desks, may be re-configured or re-purposed as your needs change over time. Laura Britt Design is launching an exclusive furnishings line in the next few months that will provide multi-purpose functionality.

Laura Britt Design (http://www.laurabrittdesign.com/) focuses on creating sustainable spaces by creating and customizing spaces that are fitting for clients from a functional, aesthetic, and healthy environmental perspective.  The design firm is the recipient of the 2008 ASID Design Excellence Award.

The Austonian Construction Update

Work on the The Austonian continues as the residential tower climbs from its current height of 322 feet at level 30 to its final height of 683 feet and 56 stories. In support of ascending construction, the tower crane has jumped to a new level and is visible above the Austin skyline. Window walls, which have been installed up to level 22, will allow for floor to ceiling views of the city and surrounding Hill Country. To see the views from the penthouses, The Austonian Club and every other floor of The Austonian, visit The Austonian website.

The following picture taken looking southwest offers a glimpse of the view of Lady Bird Lake.