The Austonian is a 56-story luxury residential tower in downtown Austin, standing at 683 feet tall. Completed in 2010, it offers 163 upscale residences starting at $800,000, with penthouses reaching up to $30 million. Located at 2nd Street and Congress Avenue, it provides stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and the Texas Hill Country, along with proximity to restaurants, parks, and nightlife.
Key Features:
- Amenities: 24/7 concierge, valet parking, lap pool, spa, wine cellar, fitness center, and event spaces.
- Residences: Italian walnut doors, marble counters, and premium appliances like Sub-Zero and Wolf.
- Pricing: One-bedroom units start at $800,000; two-bedroom units begin at $1.5 million.
- Location: Walk Score of 98/100 with easy access to dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Notable Issues:
- Past structural concerns include balcony maintenance and glass panel incidents, leading to repairs exceeding $13 million.
Comparing Nearby Options:
| Building | Features | Notable Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth & West | Sleek design, marble bathrooms | Yoga studio, pool, pet spa |
| The Independent | Iconic architecture, city views | Panoramic views, modern amenities |
| Four Seasons Residences | Waterfront location, high-end finishes | Kayaking access, outdoor living |
The Austonian stands out for its luxury, location, and community events, making it a top choice for urban professionals and retirees. Ready to explore your next home? Keep reading for a full breakdown of its features and nearby attractions.
Building Facts and Location
Building Stats
The Austonian, completed in 2010, is a luxury skyscraper in downtown Austin with impressive specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Height | 683 feet (208 meters) |
| Total Floors | 56 stories |
| Residential Units | 163 luxury residences |
| Total Floor Area | 590,870 square feet |
| Floor Height | 10–11 feet (12.5 feet on floor 54) |
| Completion Year | 2010 |
These details highlight its status as a prominent feature of Austin’s skyline.
Downtown Area Overview
Located at Congress Avenue and Second Street, The Austonian takes up a third of a city block in the heart of the 2nd Street District. This prime location offers residents convenient access to restaurants, cafes, boutiques, cultural spots, parks, and nightlife – all within walking distance.
Building Design
Designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects, The Austonian makes the most of its compact urban footprint. It blends luxury living with the vibrant energy of downtown Austin. From 2009 to 2019, it held the title of Austin’s tallest building, showcasing a smart balance between vertical space and upscale living.
Building Amenities
Resident Services
The Austonian provides high-end resident services managed by FirstService Residential. These include:
| Service Category | Features |
|---|---|
| Daily Convenience | 24/7 concierge, valet parking, housekeeping, dry cleaning, and laundry services |
| Lifestyle Support | Event coordination services |
Fitness and Spa
Wellness plays a key role at The Austonian. The 56th-floor Fitness Center boasts state-of-the-art equipment and stunning city views, with dedicated areas for cardio, strength training, yoga, and Pilates. On the 10th floor, residents can access private spa treatment rooms for personalized services.
Common Areas
The Austonian offers 40,000 square feet of shared spaces spread across the 9th, 10th, 55th, and 56th floors. Highlights include The Lawn, an outdoor area on the 10th floor featuring:
- A 75-foot lap pool
- Luxury cabanas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Fireplaces
The 55th-floor Austonian Club provides 6,000 square feet of space for social events. Additional features include:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Theater | 12-seat cinema with a 133-inch HDTV |
| Wine Cellar | 400-square-foot storage for up to 4,500 bottles |
| Billiard Room | Lone Star Bar with TVs and a pool table |
| Catering Kitchen | Full-service kitchen adjacent to the game room |
"In 2022, The Austonian hosted over 50 resident events in the Austonian Club, ranging from wine tastings to private dinners, fostering a strong sense of community among residents. The events, organized by the building’s concierge service, saw an average attendance of 30 residents per event, contributing to a 95% resident satisfaction rate with the building’s amenities." – The Austonian Resident Activity Report, 2022
These amenities enhance the luxury living experience, paving the way for a closer look at the unit details in the next section.
Units and Prices
The Austonian offers luxury residences ranging from stylish one-bedroom units to expansive penthouses. Each home is designed with attention to detail, featuring Italian walnut front doors, Scavolini cabinets, white Carrera marble counters, and American walnut floors.
1‐Bedroom Units
One-bedroom residences start at $800,000 and feature thoughtfully designed layouts. Standard amenities include solar shades, Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf gas ranges, Miele coffee makers, and Dornbracht fixtures.
Here are some of the floor plans and features for one-bedroom units:
| Floor Plan | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Square Feet | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit A | 1 | 1.5 | 1,323 | Solar shades, Sub-Zero refrigerator |
| Unit B | 1 | 1.5 | 1,426 | Wolf gas range, Miele coffee maker |
| 43ST | 1.5 | 2 | 1,969 | Dornbracht fixtures, wine fridge |
2‐Bedroom Units
Two-bedroom residences provide more space, with prices starting at $1.5 million. These units boast 10–11 foot ceilings and premium finishes.
| Floor Plan | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit C | 2 | 2 | 1,566 |
| Unit D | 2 | 2 | 1,711 |
| Unit E | 2 + study | 2 | 2,020 |
| Unit F | 2 + study | 2.5 | 2,028 |
| Unit G | 2 + study | 2.5 | 2,022 |
| Unit Q | 2 | 2.5 | 2,396 |
| Unit R | 2 | 2.5 | 2,846 |
3‐Bedroom and Penthouses
For those looking for ultimate luxury, the three-bedroom units and penthouses deliver unmatched space and design. Three-bedroom units range from 3,131 to 4,493 square feet, while penthouses span 3,161 to 4,465 square feet. Custom shell spaces are available on floors 51–54, offering 12.5-foot ceilings.
Highlighted penthouse floor plans include:
| Floor Plan | Bedrooms | Bathrooms | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH-54JP | 2 + den | 3 | 3,161 |
| PH-52CD | 4 + den | 3.5 | 3,762 |
| PH-52AB | 4 + den | 4.5 | 3,896 |
| PH-53SR | 4 + den | 4.5 | 4,465 |
| PH-54GP | 4 + den | 4.5 | 4,442 |
Residences feature high-end Bosch appliances, separate tub and shower setups in the master bath, and opportunities for custom interior designs through GREER Interior Design and Ryan Street and Associates.
sbb-itb-b58f531
Neighborhood Access
Local Spots
The Austonian is located in Austin’s 2nd Street District, right in the heart of downtown. This area is known as a "Walker’s Paradise", boasting an impressive Walk Score of 98/100 – far above Austin’s average score of 42.
For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of parks and green spaces just a short walk away, including:
- Republic Square Park
- Waterloo Park
- Duncan Park
- Wooldridge Square
- West Austin Park
- Wright Field
- Shoal Beach and Palm Playground
Another standout feature is the Butler Trail, a 10-mile loop that connects many parts of the city, including Zilker Park. This trail system offers not only recreational opportunities but also alternative routes for getting around town. Living here means easy access to nature and urban life, all within a walkable distance.
Getting Around
Thanks to its central downtown location, The Austonian makes it easy to run errands without a car. The area’s walkability is reflected in these standout Walk Scores:
| Location | Walk Score |
|---|---|
| 211 East 3rd Street | 98/100 |
| 818 West 10th Street | 95/100 |
| 900 Guadalupe Street | 94/100 |
| 125 East 11th Street | 91/100 |
Beyond walking, the area is well-served by public transit and bike-friendly routes, making it simple to explore the city without relying on a car. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or hopping on public transit, The Austonian’s location supports an active, car-optional lifestyle in downtown Austin.
Resident Feedback
What Residents Like
Living at The Austonian offers the perks of a prime downtown location and a high-end living environment. Yet, some residents have raised concerns about maintenance and safety issues within the building.
Common Concerns
While The Austonian is known for its luxury, it has experienced some structural challenges over the years:
Building Maintenance Issues
In 2015, a 6-foot concrete piece fell from a balcony, narrowly missing a staff member. Engineers identified the problem as stemming from poor rebar placement, water damage, and rust.
- Engineers found balcony construction flaws
- Repairs surpassed $13 million
- Water damage and rust resulted from inadequate rebar placement
"Adhering to concrete industry standards for reinforcement cover can prevent such issues." – John Duke, Capital Project Management
Glass Panel Incidents
- In 2011, a glass pane fell from the 45th floor, damaging a vehicle below
- Another panel fell from the 48th floor in 2016
"The fact is that the project was well built in accordance with the plans that were provided." – Balfour Beatty
"At this time I am not at liberty to discuss any of the theories as to what caused the concrete to crack at these locations. However, Capform has built numerous projects before and after this project and we have never encountered this same situation. We are confident that this was an unusual occurrence and not an ongoing concern." – Capform Vice-President Jim Renaud
Similar Downtown Buildings
Downtown Austin is home to several high-end buildings, each offering distinct amenities, stunning views, and unique lifestyles.
Other Luxury Options
Fifth & West stands out with its sleek design and upscale finishes like wide plank white oak floors and marble bathrooms. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a yoga studio, an event kitchen, and a pool deck overlooking downtown.
The Independent, with its eye-catching architecture, has become a landmark in Austin’s skyline. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
360 Condos, a 44-story tower completed in 2008, features units with 10-foot ceilings, with select residences offering 12-foot heights. It provides a range of living spaces, from compact one-bedroom units to larger two-bedroom layouts, all designed to showcase either downtown or Hill Country views. For those seeking something different, waterfront options are also available.
Four Seasons Residences, located on Lady Bird Lake, combines luxury with outdoor access. Its location provides opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and other outdoor activities, all while staying close to downtown attractions.
Here’s a quick comparison of some luxury buildings in downtown Austin:
| Building | Key Design Elements | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth & West | Panoramic windows, Miele appliances | Yoga studio, pet spa, pool with wet deck |
| The Bowie | Rockstar vibe, Hill Country views | Rooftop pool, wine storage, luxury penthouses |
| Northshore | Riverside location | Infinity edge pool, cabanas, pet spa |
| Gables Park Tower | South/West Austin views | Demonstration kitchen, putting green, bocce ball court |
The Catherine and Monarch by Windsor focus on indoor-outdoor living, featuring elegant sky lounges, expansive private terraces, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Both properties also include heated pools and modern finishes that align with contemporary lifestyles.
These buildings offer a variety of luxury living options in downtown Austin, complementing the high standards set by The Austonian.
Next Steps
Is The Austonian Right for You?
The Austonian offers upscale downtown living, with prices starting at $1.5 million. Based on its features, amenities, and the feedback we’ve highlighted, here are some key aspects to think about:
| Factor | Consideration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Purchase & HOA | $1.0M – $9.2M, plus HOA fees ranging from $1,500 to $4,600 per month |
| Location | Urban Access | A prime downtown spot, just steps away from dining, entertainment, and culture |
| Lifestyle | Amenities | Includes a spa, wine cellar, lap pool, and fitness center |
The Austonian is particularly appealing to professionals and empty nesters seeking a luxurious urban lifestyle. Think this could be the right fit for you?
Get Help Finding Your Home
If The Austonian feels like the perfect match, we’re here to help you take the next step. At Taco Street Locating, we provide:
- Detailed unit comparisons to help you evaluate your options
- Personalized tours of The Austonian
- Expert advice to guide you in selecting the right unit
- Support with applications and purchase processes
Our services are completely free for you – our compensation comes from the properties we partner with. Whether you’re set on The Austonian or want to explore other luxury residences in downtown Austin, we’ll help you make a well-informed choice that suits your lifestyle.
Interested in discovering what The Austonian has to offer? Reach out today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to finding the perfect home in downtown Austin.
