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Just as Austin waives its minimum parking requirements for new downtown projects, a local architect is moving forward with plans to build the city's first car-free highrise apartment. Proposed for the corner of East Eighth Street and Congress Avenue, Brad Nelsen is hoping to house 135 luxury apartments within a 30-storey structure.
According to the official promotional website for The Avenue, the project has been designed for those who enjoy "a walkable city, a bike ride to work, and the cultural benefits of living in the heart of downtown." Potential homebuyers will have a selection of one- and two-bedroom options to choose from. They will range in size from a compact 420 square feet to 970 square feet, translating to reduced rental rates compared to current downtown prices.
In addition to the residential portion, The Avenue will feature five floors of modern office space, a restaurant on the ground floor, and a basement cocktail lounge. The project will naturally incorporate a roster of amenities that includes a pool deck, rooftop terrace, fitness centre, and community room. The developer is currently working to ensure the neighbouring Paramount and Stateside Theatres are retained. Operational office space and teaching rooms for the theatres will be provided within the development as well.
As there's no parking included in the project, construction of the building should be a relatively breezy endeavour. Bicycle usage in Austin has doubled in the last decade while parking lots in the downtown core rarely reach capacity. It's a trend being replicated across the nation, as millennials and empty nesters ditch their cars and opt for a heightened urban lifestyle. The project should be ready for occupancy in 2019.
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