Local developer, Wilson Capital is planning to commence construction on its 80-story Wilson Tower multifamily project in downtown Austin, Texas. This new tower could end up being not only the city’s tallest building but also the tallest in the state. It even surpasses the state’s current tallest building, which is a 1,002-foot-tall JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston by 33 feet.
Although the company’s president, Taylor Wilson, mentioned that the Wilson Tower project wasn’t originally designed as the state’s tallest tower. According to Wilson, the previous plans were actually meant for a much shorter tower of about 54 stories. Unfortunately, the tower’s Avenue Lofts site has overlay restrictions that push its Fifth Street frontage back 60 feet. As a result, the company had to explore several designs of varying heights and widths before the current iteration was chosen.
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Development plans for the Wilson Tower
Upon completion, the Wilson Tower located at 98 Red River Street, will include multifamily housing with retail and restaurant spaces. Residents will have access to several amenities such as a pool deck with food and beverage services, and a cocktail lounge. Other amenities at the tower include a movie theater, wellness center, co-working spaces, and an entire floor dedicated to pets. On top of that, the property will have eight levels of above-grade parking and a quarter-level of below-grade parking.
Additionally, the 450-unit apartments at the Wilson Tower will offer residents various options ranging from studios to 3 and 4-bedroom penthouses. The global architecture firm HKS Inc is responsible for the tower’s remarkable design, which matches its impressive height. The designer incorporated a brise soleil signature design. Basically, this refers to a shade structure, wrapping the tower’s entire glass exterior on the eastern and western elevations.
HKS Design Director, Brad Wilkins, said the Wilson Tower’s design would help foster creativity and social connection among residents. Wilkins also said the tower would set a new standard for skyscraper residences in Austin. Furthermore, he mentioned that the brise soleil was more than just a unique design. According to Wilkins, the brise soleil offers protection from the hot Texas sun and wind, while also providing structural strength.
