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A view of Block 185 Tower looking east from the Central Library grounds across Shoal Creek. Photo by James Rambin
Block 185, The 35-story office tower in downtown Austin brings an instantly iconic, sailboat-inspired design to the skyline and is reportedly slated to be occupied by tech giants Google celebrates its official topping-out ceremony today, according to the developers Trammell Crow Company and investment firm MSD capital. (Keen-eyed readers may notice that “MSD” stands for “Michael Saul Dell,” meaning that this tower was made possible, at least in part, by one of Austin’s own local tech success stories.)
After reaching the highest inhabited building point 601 West Second Street, The tower already marks a striking new presence for downtown – and if you’ve been touring the area recently, you’ve likely watched its rise with great interest.
Increasing 590 feet with several terraced setbacks, taking into account the limitations of the city’s waterfront overlay, together with a sail-shaped glass facade on the west facade, the project draft of the famous architecture firm Clarke leather and the locals at STG design is a kind of signature flourish that marks the end of a seven year transformation in this corner of downtown – the tower block 185 represents the final part of the Trammell Crow green water treatment plant redevelopment project that began in 2014 under an agreement with the city of Austin , which has gradually replaced four pieces of land previously used by the water treatment plant with other buildings, including one Northshore Apartments, 500 West Second Street, and Austin right.
Image: Trammell Crow Company
Image: Trammell Crow Company
According to Trammell Crow, general contractor DPR construction The Block 185 project kept project block 185 ahead of schedule despite the construction phase, which lasted more than a year, despite the pandemic, with more than 350 craftsmen mobilized at the location making a joint contribution a million hours of work so far to complete the structure – which when completed will be Austin’s largest and tallest office tower with approximately 800,000 lettable square feet along with an additional single storey retail component. The project is currently on schedule and will be completed by May 2022.
Image: Trammell Crow Company
We were lucky enough to take a closer look at the tower at today’s topping-out ceremony, and since many of these downtown views are likely only available to Google employees, you’d better enjoy them while you can – or find a friend on Google:
Looking west from one of the tower’s lower comfort decks. Photo by James Rambin
Looking east towards the Rainey Street District from the lower amenity deck of Block 185 Tower. Photo by James Rambin
The steel pipes that run along the side of the building and follow its curves are actually tracks for a windscreen washer – not unlike a roller coaster. Are you afraid of heights? Photo by James Rambin
Looking east from the top of the tower at Block 185. Photo by James Rambin
Another view of downtown from the top of Block 185 – this is Google’s current office at 500 West Second Street down there. Do you think they’ll move the capital letter G? Photo by James Rambin
Looking north from the top of the block 185 tower. The 360 condos look pretty good from here! Photo by James Rambin
Check out the Independent and some of its neighbors near the top of Block 185 Tower. Photo by James Rambin
Looking west on Lady Bird Lake from the top of the tower. Photo by James Rambin
Here is a recent drone video showing the tower from several breathtaking perspectives – we didn’t shoot this one, but we recognize talent when we see it:
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