Introduction to Texas’ New Tallest Tower
Texas has officially welcomed a new highest tower, and it’s located in Austin. The title has been taken from Houston’s JPMorgan Chase Tower by Waterline, situated at 98 Red River St. This new tower boasts mixed-use spaces, including apartments, offices, a hotel, restaurants, and retail, set to open in full by 2026.
The Tower’s Specifications
Waterline reached a significant milestone with its "topping out" ceremony on August 1, where the final beam was added to the top of the tower. Now standing at 74 stories and 1,205 feet, it surpasses the JPMorgan Chase Tower by 23 feet. Interestingly, it takes only 45 seconds to reach the top via elevator. In comparison to other Austin structures, Waterline is 185 feet taller than the Sixth and Guadalupe tower, the previous runner-up in the city.
Design and Developers
The Waterline project was designed by KPF, the same architectural firm behind the One Lady Bird Lake development, which is still underway. The developers, Lincoln Property Company and Kairoi Residential, have also worked on the Sixth and Guadalupe property. Their collaboration on Waterline has resulted in a tower that will significantly alter Austin’s skyline.
Construction and Ceremony
The "topping out" ceremony was attended by hundreds of construction workers and project team members. Since breaking ground in 2022, over 4,750 individuals have contributed to the project, with a peak of 875 workers on site daily during the busiest construction period. The ceremony marked a significant achievement in the construction process, highlighting the dedication and hard work of those involved.
Features and Amenities
Waterline is situated on a 3.3-acre campus, offering stunning views of Waller Creek and Lady Bird Lake. The tower will feature 352 luxury apartments, 700,000 square feet of office space, a 251-room hotel named 1 Hotel Austin, and 24,000 square feet of retail and dining areas. Currently, only the office space is available for new tenants, with residential units to follow soon. The hotel and residential sections are expected to open in fall 2026.
Integration with the Community
According to Lincoln executive vice president Seth Johnston, Waterline will seamlessly integrate with Waller Creek, Waterloo Greenway, and the hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, making it a top downtown destination. The project’s improvements will also enhance access to public amenities in the area, including Rainey Street, the new Austin Convention Center, and the Central Business District.
Conclusion
The completion of Waterline marks a new era for Austin’s skyline and downtown area. With its mixed-use spaces, stunning views, and integration with community amenities, it is set to become a hub of activity and a top destination in the city. As Texas’ new tallest tower, Waterline is an impressive achievement in construction and design, offering a unique blend of luxury living, working, and entertainment spaces.
