After years of living in their dream home in Barton Creek, Ray and Jennene Mashburn decided to make a change. Jennene, actively involved with Ballet Austin and the Assistance League of Austin, was spending a significant amount of time downtown. Ray, who bought land at the beginning of the development of Barton Creek, noted the growth in downtown real estate. “I saw a good thing and wanted to seize the opportunity,” says Ray. With the idea of having a pied-à-terre available to guests and visitors to the ballet, the Mashburns dipped their toes into the downtown pool and bought a second home in one of the first residential lofts developed downtown.
“I would live in New York, but Ray wouldn’t go with me,” says Jennene, discussing the couple’s decision to sell their home in Westlake and live exclusively in downtown Austin. “Downtown Austin is a great fit for both of us.” Looking for more space and amenities than their first loft offered, the couple heard about The Austonian project and Ray made a beeline to the developer’s office to discuss the details. Their decision-making came down to two projects; ultimately the Mashburns selected The Austonian.
They chose The Austonian for two reasons: 1) the flexibility offered to them when designing their home and 2) the over 40,000 square feet of amenities available to Austonian residents exclusively. In contrast to other downtown options, The Austonian made it easy for Ray, who fancies himself an amateur architect, to create a luxurious home tailored to the couple’s specific needs. Inspired by and in response to the Mashburns’ vision, The Austonian created an official D & E combination floor plan (Download d_and_e_floor_plan.pdf).
The amenities offered by The Austonian were the second big draw. From the 10th-floor pool area with cabanas, HD TVs and outdoor kitchens to the 55th-floor Austonian Club equipped for small dinner parties and large events, the amenities are unparalleled and private. “We imagine ourselves using the guest rooms and the entertainment areas,” says Jennene, “whether we use everything or not, we see the value of living in a community that attracts people who want what is offered by The Austonian.”
Temporarily living at the Milago until their luxurious home with a view of the Texas Capitol is complete, the Mashburns love the downtown lifestyle and are looking forward to moving into The Austonian in early 2010. “You can throw a blanket and cover all the things you want downtown,” says Jennene, “The Austonian is 700 steps from my Pilates class at The Butler Dance Education center.” Located on what Ray appropriately calls “the main street of Texas,” The Austonian creates an easy lifestyle with a rich cultural component. From their home at 2nd and Congress, The Mashburns will be minutes from the Austin Museum of Art, The Long Center and downtown dining and shopping. Ray and Jennene’s favorite downtown eateries include Moonshine, Manuel’s and Roy’s, not to mention the Whole Foods Market landmark store.
“We have been married for 46 years and up to now have had an exclusively suburban lifestyle,” says Ray, “It is invigorating and exciting to live downtown, to say nothing of being easier to maintain your home.”
So, meet your new neighbors, the Mashburns. Who knows – if you’re lucky, they’ll invite you to one of the parties they look forward to hosting at the Austonian Club.
