About Austin's 21c Condos

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 Austin. Search Austin homes for sale at his website.

A landmark tower will enhance Austin's skyline, soaring upward to meet the stars of Texas. Inside, a contemporary art museum, luxury hotel and spa await, stylish residences beckon, and a world-class restaurant tempts with great cuisine and fine wines. In the 21st Century, art drives commerce and fun...the 21c Austin way.

What is 21c? To understand, you must know what 21c isn't. 21c isn't something that can be replicated or mass-produced. It's not a chain. It's not the brainchild of focus groups or market research.

21c was conceived the old fashioned way-out of passion. A passion for urban revitalization, modern technology, southern hospitality, and, above all, contemporary art.

Perry Henderson | 900 Congress Ave. | Austin, TX 78701 | 512.791.7462 | eFax 512.233.5230 | http://www.livewelldowntown.com/

About the Live Well team:

Our small boutique community of highly productive agents specializes in the marketing of downtown Austin condos, eco-friendly green communities and spaces considered out of the ordinary. We're creative, think out of the box, have better than average conversion rates and customers love us because we treat them like family.

Simply put, we find property that fits your lifestyle.

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Star Riverside | Waterfront modern contemporary in the heart of downtown Austin | http://www.starriversideaustin/

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Forest Creek Condominiums | Luxury golf course living near Dell | http://www.austincondos.net/

21c Austin Condominiums will be the second 21c. However, instead of simply replicating 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, 21c Austin will use the core elements of the brand-a love of contemporary art, Southern-style comforts, and modern technology-to create a place that is entirely unique to Central Texas.

There is some rumors that this project is moving to a premium location on Red River and 1st Street.This would be a great area close to the lake so I hope thye make the move.