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In bustling downtown Austin, the West End/Market and Seaholm districts are gradually turning into dense urban areas, with several residential towers planned or currently under construction in this formerly industrial part of the city. Today we look at a project that will not only contribute to the growth of Texas' capital, it will transform its skyline. Designed by Rhode Partners and developed by Aspen Heights and Constructive Ventures Inc., The Independent will soon bring its off-kilter architecture 209 metres above ground.
Located on the former site of the Austin Energy Center at 301 West Avenue, the tower will stand atop an eight-storey parking garage before rising to its full 58 storeys, housing a total of 370 condominium units ranging from 62 to 323 square metres in size. Divided into four distinct tiers stacked on top of each other, the building appears to be clad with a clear glass wall accented by white mullions and balconies. The Independent will offer a wide array of residences for a diversity of households and include 72 one bedrooms, 55 one bedrooms + study, 99 two bedrooms, 89 two bedrooms + study, 24 three bedrooms, and 31 three bedrooms + study.
On the ninth floor, there is an indoor/outdoor amenity floor featuring a dog park and grooming station, a coffee bar, guest suites, and an infinity pool. A playground and activity room catering to children will address the need for family-oriented spaces in a tower housing a majority of units with two bedrooms or more. The second level of amenity space will be located on the 34th floor, in a cantilevered glass structure offering great views of the city to residents. It will contain, among other things, fitness and business centres and a 25-seat theatre. In total, more than 1,800 square metres of amenity space will be accessible to residents, who will also be located steps away from the revitalized Shoal Creek.
When complete in 2018, The Independent will become Austin's tallest building as well as the tallest residential tower west of the Mississippi river. Developers have expressed their wish to start demolition of the existing buildings on site by the end of the month, quickly followed by actual construction of the tower. In the meantime, more information and renderings are available in the Database file dedicated to this project. You can also share your opinion about this building and Austin's development boom by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page or by visiting our Austin Forum.
