First look: Austin to get first high-rise since 2003

Cousins Properties Inc. has commenced construction on Colorado Tower, a 371,000-sf Class A office development in Downtown Austin, Texas.

The 29-story building, designed by Duda/Paine Architects, will be the first high-rise tower built in Austin since Cousins developed Frost Bank Tower in 2003. The formal ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for June 4th.

“We have a long, successful history in Austin and are very excited about the prospects for Colorado Tower,” said Larry Gellerstedt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cousins. “This building – with its great location and best-in-class amenity package – is particularly well positioned to capitalize on the vibrant market in Austin’s central business district.”

Located in the heart of Downtown Austin’s Warehouse District, Colorado Tower will offer a variety of amenities, including a top quality fitness facility and state-of-the-art conference center. The building is being developed under the Austin Energy Green Building 2 star program and will be substantially complete by December 2014.

Pre-leasing activity has been strong, with two high-profile companies – DuBois, Bryant & Campbell LLP and Scott, Douglass & McConnico LLP – officially committed to the building and several other prospective tenants in active discussions.

Cousins has played a prominent role in the Austin real estate market for more than 20 years, with a list of notable projects including Frost Bank Tower, Palisades West, and the recent acquisition of 816 Congress.

The project team members include owner Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York; design architect and interior designer of the restaurant, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, New York; executive architect, FXFOWLE, New York; and architect and interior designer of the film center, Rockwell Group, New York; structural engineer Arup (AISC Member), New York; and general contractor Turner Construction Company (AISC Member), New York.

| Nov 9, 2011

Sika Sarnafil Roof Recycling Program recognized by Society of Plastics Engineers

Program leads the industry in recovering and recycling roofing membrane into new roofing products.

| Nov 9, 2011

American Standard Brands joins the Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Consortium

American Standard will collaborate with other organizations to build an industry-wide sustainability performance index.

| Nov 8, 2011

Transforming a landmark coastal resort

Originally built in 1973, the building had received several alterations over the years but the progressive deterioration caused by the harsh salt water environment had never been addressed.

| Nov 8, 2011

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Moisture-related failures in agglomerated floor tiles

Agglomerated tiles offer an appealing appearance similar to natural stone at a lower cost. To achieve successful installations, manufacturers should provide design data for moisture-related dimensional changes, specifiers should require in-situ moisture testing similar to those used for other flooring materials, and the industry should develop standards for fabrication and installation of agglomerated tiles.