Austin, the capital city of Texas, is experiencing a building boom that began just before the new millennium. Since 1999, over 6,000 residential units have been added to the downtown core, about 2,600 of which are condominiums. Another 370 will come online when The Independent opens its doors, and the 39-storey Fifth & West project by Riverside Resources will host 154 units when it completes in 2017. 

Fifth & West, image via GDA Architects

Now under construction, units range in size from a one-bedroom plus bath at 652 square feet to a spacious four-bedroom penthouse measuring 5,253 square feet. Residents will be offered a variety of amenity spaces, including several lounging areas, a conference room, a garden terrace, a games room, a fitness studio, an outdoor pool deck, and a private pet park and spa. Retail will also be offered at the base of the building. 

Fifth & West, image via GDA Architects

The property is dissected diagonally by protected view corridors to the Texas State Capitol, which restrict many potential development sites to a six-storey height limit. Dallas-based GDA Architects overcame this obstacle by building up the podium to the allowable height, and creating a triangular tower in behind, where the view restrictions do not apply. 

Podium pool deck, image via GDA Architects

The tower is rising to a height of 140 metres — or 459 feet — from the former location of the Texas Press Association building, which has since been razed. When complete, it will become one of the tallest buildings in the city. 

Podium pool deck, image via GDA Architects

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