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Will Austin get to Have its Own 21c?

By
Real Estate Agent with Sherlock Homes Frisco TREC #574729

21c

Downtown Austin:  The 21c project has been the source of much controversy in the Waller Creek area of Downtown Austin.  It has gone through three redesigns and changed locations from 3rd and Brazos to Cesar Chavez and Red River.  21c was supposed to break ground in early 2009, however due to the economical climate it lost funding.  It seemed the project was on hold indefinitely, however, a recent article in the Statesman suggests that it might come back for another round of trying to get funding in 2010. 

21c is promising to be the thing that finally spurs the redevelopment of the Waller Creek district.  Currently, this area is home to Iron Works bbq and small sign businesses down Red River and also is the remnants of the very last of a traditional neighborhood within Downtown Austin.  Long time Austinites might remember the controversy over the proposed redevelopment of Waller Creek and the Rainey St area in the late 1990s by Vignette Corp, which fell through within a few months of the proposed start of breaking ground after the spectacular burst of the tech bubble.  This type of scenario seems to happen over and over to this little neighborhood, where the funding for any project set to be built here seems to coincide with bad economical climates, thus funding falls through and the neighborhood chugs along for another year.

So what is 21c promising to be once it is built?  Many things, actually.  There are supposed to be a number of condominium units, as well as being a 200+ room hotel.  It also will have a "signature" spa and retail space.  The proposed restaurant looks to use only sustainable resources and use local goods when available.  Each room will feature an original piece of artwork.  There is also supposed to be a museum as part of the building.  21c looks to be a unique space with the intention of "Keeping Austin Weird" while giving a much-needed face lift to the Waller Creek District.  There are other 21c's out there too- the 21c in Louisville, KY played a key role in revitalizing its' downtown area.  There's one other 21c currently being constructed in Cincinnati.

As far as proposed redevelopment plans for the Waller Creek district, this by far looks to be the most interesting.  If it gets built, it will give a much needed lift to the aesthetics and economy of this area.  Stay tuned to see what the future holds for the 21c project...

 

Garreth Wilcock is a Realtor working in Downtown and East AustinSearch Austin homes for sale at his website.

Comments (2)

Will Goodson
Sheffield Properties/Private Label Realty - Austin, TX

I just read an article recently about the 21c (may have been the Statesman's you referenced).   It mentioned it as being a part of the Waller Creek revitalization.  What caught my eye though was it looks like they are converting it from condos to apartments.  The article said it'll have approx. 355 apartment units along with a 12 story hotel to go along with the museum.  I suppose the developers realize the forecast for high rise apartments out-performs that of condos.  It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Dec 22, 2009 01:22 AM
Garreth Wilcock
Sherlock Homes Frisco - Frisco, TX
Sherlock Homes Frisco

I'm all for Waller Creek getting more vital. Thanks Will

Dec 22, 2009 05:05 AM