Featured Photo (above): The discolored area in magenta has been targeted by a local developer who proposes building a hotel and apartment high-rise between Rainey Street and East Avenue and along River Street. Image: Google Streets
Posted: 12-4-19
By Edmond Ortiz
Austin (Travis County) — Paperwork has been filed with the city for a 46-story, 598,000-square-foot building that would bring 196 new apartments, 251 new hotel rooms, and an additional 27,800 square feet of retail and dining space to the Rainey Street neighborhood.
According to preliminary plans, the River Street Market and Hotel would also have structured parking and be built on an undeveloped lot at 60 East Ave. and on neighboring lots where the bars Craft Pride and Javalina and Via 313 Pizza restaurant presently operate.
Altogether, the three properties make up half an acre.
The project owner is Austin-based River Street Partners, which can be traced back to local real estate investment and development group Addition Real Estate Partners.
Austin firm Civilitude is the project engineer. San Antonio-based Lake|Flato Architects is the lead architect, and Austin studio Nudge Design is the landscape architect.
The project will involve site improvements, including a driveway on East Avenue, and replacing the existing alley with a public utility and access easement.
“The site is proposing participation in the regional stormwater management program in lieu of onsite detention and paying a fee in lieu of water quality controls,” James Schissler, Civilitude vice president, wrote in a memo to the city’s development service department.
The River Street project joins a number of recent and ongoing projects that are transforming the Rainey Street Historic District into a buzzy enclave south of downtown, filled with newer multistory residential complexes, shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.
The city is reviewing plans for a 24-room boutique hotel proposed for 62-64 East Ave., next door to River Street Market and Hotel.
A Canadian developer, meanwhile, is currently building a 49-story, 322-unit condominium high-rise at 44 East Ave.
edmond@virtualbx.com
