Austin has just surpassed Houston in height, securing its spot as the home of the tallest building in Texas. The Waterline Tower, located at 98 Red River Street, stands at an impressive 74 stories and reaches a height of 1,025 feet. This new landmark in the Texas skyline is now 23 feet taller than the Chase Tower in Houston, which had held the title of Texas' tallest building since 1981.
Waterline Tower: A New Icon for Austin
The Waterline Tower is a mixed-use development that seamlessly blends luxury living, office spaces, and hospitality. The building sits along Waller Creek and offers a range of modern amenities designed for a diverse set of needs. It features 352 luxury apartment homes, a 251-room hotel, and 700,000 square feet of office space. Additionally, the tower includes 24,000 square feet of publicly accessible retail and restaurant space, all with stunning views of Waller Creek and the Waterloo Greenway.
The design of Waterline Tower is not just about height; it's about providing a multifunctional space that caters to the growing demand in downtown Austin. The developers aimed to combine residential, office, and hospitality spaces in one location, creating a dynamic environment that reflects the city’s evolving needs.
The Development Journey and Future Plans
The journey of Waterline Tower was not originally planned to surpass the Chase Tower in height. Andy Smith, senior vice president of Lincoln Property Company, shared that the decision to build such a tall structure emerged naturally from the city's development needs. “It just kind of grew into that,” Smith said. "Supply and demand drives our decisions, and as we looked at the needs for Austin, the hotel, residential, and office needs all came together."
Despite being the tallest building in Texas, the developers were mindful of Austin's iconic areas like Rainey Street. They ensured that the tower would complement the city's charm, preserving the historic character of nearby neighborhoods while still promoting growth. The hotel is expected to open first, followed by the office and residential floors in 2026. The entire tower will be completed and operational by the fall of 2026, marking a new era for Austin’s skyline.
The Waterline Tower is not just a new landmark it represents the city's growth and ambition. This new addition to Austin's skyline will serve as a testament to the city's dynamic real estate market and its ability to balance modern development with preserving its unique character. As construction wraps up, this towering achievement will serve as a landmark for both residents and visitors alike, signifying Austin’s place in the future of Texas' skyline.
