The Austonian: More About the Building

The Austonian has reached the 32nd floor in the construction process. As the luxury high-rise grows to its full height of 56 stories, we take a look back at its roots.

 

Consideration of the location and environment, a focus on sustainability, and the needs of residents were major factors in The Austonian’s planning process, which was led by Ziegler Cooper Architects.

 

Located in the heart of downtown at 2^nd and Congress, The Austonian will be an iconic structure. The unique elliptical design allows for the building to occupy only one-third of a city block, maximize views for each unit and protect the corridor view down Congress to the Texas State Capitol. The foundation of the building (which will be the tallest in Texas upon completion) is made up of 480,000 pounds of structural steel which connects to 47 piers reaching deep into the bedrock below. Because of the building’s unprecedented height, Ziegler Cooper wanted the top of the structure to be significant yet compliment the existing Austin skyline. To punctuate the building’s soft, slender shape and height, an illuminated lantern element crowns the top two floors.

In an effort to further integrate The Austonian with the landscape, Ziegler Cooper chose the building’s elements with Austin’s natural beauty in mind, incorporating limestone and a neutral color palette. Floor-to-ceiling window walls create a sleek shape in the skyline and offer unparalleled views of Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.

The building continues to climb one level per week and is on schedule to top out this summer. The following picture was taken from Level 32, which was poured last week.