The Bowie is a 37-story luxury apartment tower in downtown Austin, blending upscale living with eco-conscious design. Located at 311 Bowie Street in the Market District, it offers a Walk Score of 95, making it ideal for a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle. Key highlights include:
- Amenities: Rooftop infinity pool, fitness center, pet facilities, and bike storage.
- Apartment Features: Floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end finishes, smart entry systems, and rainfall showers.
- Unit Options: Studios starting at $1,914, with upper-floor premium units priced up to $10,707/month.
- Nearby Attractions: Whole Foods flagship store, Shoal Creek trails, and Zilker Park.
While praised for its location and amenities, residents note high rent costs, occasional noise, and elevator delays. For alternatives, consider nearby luxury towers like The Independent or more affordable options like SkyHouse Austin.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | The Bowie | The Independent | SkyHouse Austin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (1BR) | $1,914 | $2,400 | $1,600 |
| Signature Feature | Rooftop infinity pool | 34th-floor sky lounge | Rooftop pool |
| Walk Score | 95 | 92 | 90 |
The Bowie is perfect for those seeking walkability, luxury amenities, and a vibrant downtown lifestyle. Want more options? Taco Street Locating can help you find your ideal fit – completely free.
Building Details
Building Stats
The Bowie stands tall with 37 stories, offering 358 units spread across 26 residential floors within a total of 764,952 square feet [2][3]. Here’s how the space is divided:
| Space Type | Square Footage |
|---|---|
| Residential | 520,000 sq ft |
| Parking Garage | 200,000 sq ft |
| Office Space | 40,684 sq ft |
| Retail Space | 4,268 sq ft |
This design emphasizes urban connectivity, reflected in its impressive Walk Score of 95.
Green Building Features
The Bowie holds LEED Silver certification and incorporates eco-friendly elements, such as electric vehicle charging stations in its parking garage [1]. A heritage pecan tree was also relocated on-site, showcasing the building’s dedication to preserving the environment [3].
Building Layout
This mixed-use tower combines residential living with 40,684 square feet of office space and 4,268 square feet of ground-floor retail [3], perfectly suited for a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle.
Key architectural highlights include:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and scenic views [1]
- Shared outdoor terraces located on the 10th and 31st floors [2]
- A blend of materials like glass, brick, and textured panels for a striking exterior [2]
- Flexible parking options, including both reserved and unreserved spaces for residents [1]
Location
Getting Around
The Bowie, located at 311 Bowie St, boasts an outstanding Walk Score of 95 [1]. This means residents can easily navigate the area without relying on a car, thanks to its central spot in Austin’s Market District.
Public transportation is close by, with a commuter rail station just an 8-minute walk away [1]. For those who drive, the building is well-connected to major roads while still offering the perks of a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
Nearby Attractions
Living at The Bowie means being surrounded by some of Austin’s best amenities. Here’s a quick look at what’s nearby:
| Destination | Walking Time |
|---|---|
| Grocery store | On-site |
| Shoal Creek trails | 5 minutes |
| Zilker Park | 25 minutes |
If you love the outdoors, the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail is just a short walk away [1], providing a great spot for jogs or relaxing walks.
Neighborhood Overview
The Market District is a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and living spaces. The Bowie is also within a 15-minute walk of the UT Austin campus [1], making it an ideal location for students and professionals alike. This urban setting blends perfectly with the building’s upscale features, which are highlighted in the next section.
Building Features
The Bowie combines its prime location with luxury living, offering top-tier amenities and high-end residences.
Common Areas
One standout feature is the heated rooftop infinity pool on the 36th floor, providing breathtaking views of the Austin skyline[1][4]. The building also includes a cutting-edge fitness center with commercial-grade equipment[1]. Other amenities cater to diverse needs:
| Amenity Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | Clubroom with multiple TVs, Conference area, Catering kitchen |
| Pet Facilities | Dog grooming room, Dedicated dog run area |
| Transportation | Bicycle storage with maintenance room |
| Services | Kayak rental service, Coffee bar |
These amenities align perfectly with the vibrant, walkable lifestyle of the surrounding area.
Apartment Features
The residences are designed with high-quality finishes and thoughtful details:
| Feature Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Materials | Dark oak/walnut floors, Marble/quartz counters |
| Appliances | Gas ranges, Front-load washer/dryers |
| Tech | Smart entry, Solar shades |
| Bath | Rainfall showers, Soaking tubs (select units) |
Each unit comes with AT&T U-verse services[1], along with practical additions like built-in pantries and wine racks for extra storage[1].
Units and Prices
The Bowie offers a variety of living spaces, from compact studios to roomy three-bedroom apartments. These options are designed to attract both urban professionals and students attending UT Austin.
Standard Units
The building provides lease terms ranging from 3 to 15 months [4]. Pricing aligns with its downtown location and upscale features:
| Unit Type | Size | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 534 sq ft | $1,914 [4] | – |
| 1 Bedroom | 700-900 sq ft | Available | – |
| 2 Bedroom | 1,000-1,300 sq ft | Available | – |
To qualify, tenants must meet certain criteria:
- Income must be three times the rent
- Deposits range from $300 to $1,000 [4]
Premium Units
Upper-floor units in the 37-story tower boast upgraded layouts and amenities:
- Larger two-bedroom apartments with high-end finishes
- Spacious three-bedroom units (1,500-2,000 sq ft)
- Exclusive penthouse options
Premium units are priced as high as $10,707 per month [1]. Parking is available for an additional fee.
Resident Feedback
Resident reviews provide a glimpse into how The Bowie’s features impact everyday life. The property has earned ratings of 4.4/5 on Google (70 reviews), 4.0/5 on ApartmentRatings.com (103 reviews), and 3.5/5 on Yelp (26 reviews) [1][6][5].
What Residents Like
Residents often praise the following:
| Feature | What Residents Say |
|---|---|
| Rooftop Pool | Offers breathtaking skyline views. |
| Fitness Center | Equipped for professional-level workouts. |
| Concierge | Known for dependable, attentive service. |
| Pet Amenities | Convenient for pet owners. |
The community vibe also stands out, with mentions of enjoyable social events and a welcoming mix of professionals and families [6][1].
Common Concerns
Some recurring challenges include:
- High rent costs, plus extra fees for parking [6][5].
- Noise from the street and nearby construction affecting lower-floor units [6][5].
- Longer elevator wait times during busy hours.
- Inconsistent maintenance response times [6][5].
Residents often recommend opting for upper-floor units to minimize noise and carefully reviewing all fees before signing a lease [6][5].
Similar Properties
If you’re comparing The Bowie to other options, downtown Austin has plenty of alternatives worth considering:
Other Luxury Towers
Downtown Austin boasts several upscale residential towers that match The Bowie’s high-end appeal:
| Property | Key Features | 1BR Starting At |
|---|---|---|
| The Independent | 58-story "Jenga" design, 34th-floor sky lounge, 9th-floor pool | $2,400 |
| The Austonian | 56 stories, 55th-floor observation deck, 10th-floor dog park | $3,000 |
| 70 Rainey | 34 stories, 1-acre elevated park, community gardens | Prices vary |
| The Catherine | Wine storage, premium location, upscale amenities | Prices vary |
The Independent is known for its breathtaking views from the upper levels[1]. The Austonian caters to pet lovers with its dedicated dog park[1], while 70 Rainey offers a standout 1-acre elevated park for residents to enjoy[6].
Budget-Friendly Options
For those looking for downtown living at a lower price point, there are several solid choices:
| Property | Price Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| SkyHouse Austin | Studios from $1,600 | • Rooftop pool • Modern finishes |
| AMLI on 2nd | 1BR from $1,800 | • Central location • Retail access |
| Gables Park Plaza | 1BR from $1,900 | • Resort-style pool • Trail access |
These options are typically 12-18% more affordable than The Bowie. For instance, AMLI on 2nd combines a prime location with luxury features at a more approachable price point[7].
Each property offers something different – whether it’s top-tier amenities, price advantages, or a specific location. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which factors matter most to you in downtown Austin living.
Next Steps
Is The Bowie Right for You?
The Bowie stands out among downtown options, particularly for residents who value:
| Priority | Why The Bowie Stands Out |
|---|---|
| Location | Situated in the Market District with a 95 Walk Score |
| Lifestyle | Features like the signature infinity pool and upscale amenities |
| Eco-Friendly Living | LEED Silver-certified for sustainable design |
It’s a great choice for those who appreciate walkability and striking architecture. However, upper-floor units are recommended to reduce noise from the city below.
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