Downtown Austin Condo Review: The Independent

• Iconic Design: Nicknamed the "Jenga Tower", this 58-story building features a unique, tiered design and a sleek glass facade.
• Prime Location: Situated in the Market District, it boasts a Walk Score of 98 and is steps away from parks, dining, and entertainment.
• High-End Amenities: Over 20,000 sq ft of amenities, including a heated infinity pool, fitness center, dog park, business facilities, and private event spaces.
• Price Range: Units start at $925,000 for one-bedroom condos and go up to $5 million for premium residences.
• Stunning Views: Sweeping city and lake views from most units, like the 3-bedroom Unit 3805 listed at $2,850,000.

With 95% of its units sold, The Independent is one of Austin’s most sought-after luxury condos, offering top-tier living in the heart of the city.

Building Facts

Design and Construction

The Independent, designed by Rhode Partners, stands out with its tiered design that gives it a striking appearance. The project was a collaboration between Aspen Heights and CIM Group, with Studio Balcones handling the landscape architecture.

Completed in 2019, this building has become a prominent feature of Austin’s skyline. It showcases staggered balconies and a sleek glass exterior. Additionally, it earned LEED Gold certification, highlighting its eco-conscious design and construction.

Building Specs

At 690 feet tall and spanning 58 floors, The Independent offers 1,002,000 square feet of space and includes 363 residential units.

Key Building Specifications:

Feature	Specification
Total Height	690 feet
Number of Floors	58 stories
Total Square Footage	1,002,000 sq ft
Number of Residences	363 units
Average HOA Fees	$1,053/month
Average Price/Sq Ft	$533
Amenity Space	20,000+ sq ft
Completion Year	2019

The building’s popularity is clear, with 95% of its units sold. Residents enjoy over 20,000 square feet of shared amenity spaces spread across two entire levels, adding to its appeal.

Location and Access

The Independent, located at 301 West Ave in Austin’s Market District, offers a prime spot with easy access to downtown amenities. This lively neighborhood blends the perks of city living with plenty of outdoor activities.

Nearby Places

Living in the Market District means you’re just steps away from top-notch shopping, dining, and entertainment. Grocery runs are a breeze with Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s just a short walk away.

For those who enjoy staying active, the area boasts several parks and recreation spots:

Park/Recreation Area	Walking Distance
Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail	4 minutes
Republic Square Park	6 minutes
Lady Bird Lake-Lamar Beach Metro Park	9 minutes
Duncan Neighborhood Park	10 minutes
Wooldridge Park	13 minutes
Michael Butler Shores	15 minutes

The Market District also features art galleries, museums, and a variety of dining options. Cultural events like South by Southwest and the Pecan Street Festival are just around the corner, making this a vibrant place to call home.

Transportation

Getting around is simple. The Independent’s walkable surroundings and e-scooter services make short trips easy. Public transit is readily available with nearby bus stops, and its central location ensures quick access to major downtown routes.

Building Amenities

Spanning over 20,000 sq ft across two floors, these amenities are designed for fitness, relaxation, and productivity. Each level offers unique spaces tailored to urban lifestyles.

Main Features

The amenities are divided between two floors:

9th Floor – Active Lifestyle Hub

• Heated infinity pool with views of Lady Bird Lake and Shoal Creek
• Outdoor lounge with landscaping and a cozy fireplace
• Dog park featuring grooming facilities and a lounge area
• Activity room paired with a children’s playground
• Club room complete with a coffee bar

34th Floor – Executive Retreat

• Sky fitness center with stunning city views
• Yoga and barre studio with access to an outdoor deck
• Changing rooms for added convenience
• Theater seating 25 people, offering panoramic city views
• Business facilities, including:
  • A 16-person boardroom
  • Two conference rooms
  • Business center

The 34th floor also includes social spaces for hosting and relaxation:

• Owner’s lounge for private events
• Chef’s kitchen with catering options
• Private dining area
• Outdoor lounge with fireplaces for a cozy atmosphere

sbb-itb-b58f531

Available Units

The Independent offers a variety of living spaces, ranging from cozy one-bedroom condos to spacious penthouses. This 363-unit complex combines modern design with touches like vintage tile accents and polished concrete floors.

Unit Types

• One-bedroom units: Sizes range from 756 to 1,122 sq ft. Layouts A1–A4 provide 756–865 sq ft, while A5–A6 include a study, expanding to 1,074–1,122 sq ft.
• Two-bedroom units: Spanning 1,162 to 1,608 sq ft, these come in eight floor plans. B1 and B2 offer traditional layouts (1,162–1,344 sq ft), while B3, B7, and B8 include a study and larger living areas up to 1,608 sq ft.
• Three-bedroom units: Options range from 1,902–2,269 sq ft for standard layouts to 2,866–3,710 sq ft for enhanced designs, which include features like extra half-baths and studies.
• Four-bedroom units: Choices include the Terrace Penthouse (5,745 sq ft, 4.5 baths) and the D1 layout (3,065 sq ft, 3.5 baths).

Current Prices

As of March 30, 2025, market listings showcase strong value retention. Here are some current examples:

Unit Type	Square Footage	Current List Price
2 Bed/2 Bath	1,026	$1,050,000
2 Bed/2 Bath	1,474	$1,450,000
3 Bed/3 Bath	1,851	$2,850,000

Price ranges by unit type:

• One-bedroom: starting at $925,000
• Two-bedroom: $1,050,000–$1,950,000
• Three-bedroom: $1,990,291–$5,000,000
• Four-bedroom: starting around $1,990,000

For rentals, select two-bedroom units are available, with monthly leases ranging from $5,000 to $6,900.

Resident feedback will provide further insights into life at The Independent.

Resident Feedback

Residents have shared glowing reviews. One tenant gave top marks across all categories: location, amenities, management, value, social aspects, and safety – a perfect 10/10. The building’s views and location are frequently praised. A Texas Law student described it best:

Amazing view, great location in downtown Austin. Far enough from the busy parts to be quiet.

Other Downtown Luxury Condos

Downtown Austin is home to several high-end high-rises, each contributing its own flair to the city’s skyline. If you’re considering alternatives to The Independent, here are some luxury options that offer upscale living in the heart of Austin.

Nearby Options

The Bowie boasts a rooftop pool and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of West Austin and the Hill Country.

70 Rainey combines a prime location near the lively Rainey Street district with luxury units designed for modern living.

For those seeking exclusivity, The Austonian remains one of the most sought-after addresses in downtown Austin. Here’s a quick comparison of some standout properties:

Property	Features	Starting Prices
The Bowie	Rooftop pool, floor-to-ceiling windows with Hill Country views	$1,900/mo (1BR)
The Linden	One to four-bedroom options with flexible layouts	$725,000 (sale), $3,700/mo (rent)
Northshore	Infinity-edge pool, riverfront location, and a pet spa	$1,800/mo (studio)
Monarch by Windsor	Spacious balconies, heated pool, and downtown skyline views	$1,900/mo (1BR)

Other noteworthy residences include Gables Park Tower with its panoramic views of South and West Austin, Skyhouse and Windsor on the Lake, both conveniently located near Rainey Street’s entertainment scene, and The Catherine, offering a unique perspective of the skyline from south of the river.

These properties deliver top-tier amenities, breathtaking views, and convenient downtown locations. Currently, luxury apartment prices in downtown Austin start at $1,800 for studios, $1,900 for one-bedroom units, and $2,700 for two-bedroom options.

Next Steps

The Independent is a striking 58-story residential tower located in the heart of the Market District. This urban residence blends upscale living with a prime downtown location.

Highlights of the property include a 98/100 Walk Score, Tesla and CSS EV charging stations, 24-hour concierge service, and dedicated bike storage. These features offer a convenient and elevated city lifestyle.

Ready to find your perfect unit? Reach out to Taco Street Locating at tacostreetlocating.com/austin for expert help.

Related posts

• Downtown Austin’s Most Outrageous Penthouse Apartments in 2025
• Downtown Austin Condo Building Breakdown: The Austonian
• Downtown Austin Condo Review: Austin Proper Residences
• Downtown Austin Condo Breakdown: Fifth & West