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When it was built in 1955, the five story, 76,375 square foot Starr Building was the first major example of modernist architecture in Austin (and *maybe* the first building in Austin with an escalator). The second floor hosts a mural by Seymour Fogel. Attempts are being made to save the mural, but it is unclear if they will be successful.
Had it been sold a few years ago, the property almost certainly would have been torn down and replaced with an awesomely altitudinous condo tower. In this market, refurbishing the space as offices or a small hotel seems like more of a possibility, but still a long shot. That is bad news for the State of Texas, which probably could have gotten more money a few years ago, but may be good news for local lovers of mid-century architecture (and local haters of tall towers).
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SWEET! hot real estate is back!
i'm always hoping to see the burnt out home on Oltorf & S. 3rd listed... with, of course, full historical details (real or otherwise).
I've been wondering for a few years when the state would do something with that building. I'm sure it'll be replaced with something taller at some point, so i wouldn't be surprised if a property company buys it on spec and keeps it empty even longer until demand rebounds.
Hopefully someone who loves it will buy it. It could really be stunning if they cleaned it up and added some color.
I agree.
Very lovely architecture. Hopefully it morphs into a mixed use project, similar to the old Yaring's building on congress.
Shilli: Are we positive this building had the first escalator in Austin? I was always brought up on the tale that that honor belonged to the Hancock Center Dillard's, though that was built after 1955).
Also, notwithstanding its "modernist" style, I am not a big fan of its facade. But I think a second (or third, or both) floor restaurant would work well in this location; it could have that '50s old-fashioned feeling like a Manhattan coffee shop, sort of like Asti in Hyde Park.
Hopefully not another tower, but let's not hold our breath.
I am not sure about the escalator - I got it from ABJ:
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2008/03/03/story7.html
and it says the same thing here:
http://texasmodernart.com/anbmuralproject.html
That is three sources (counting me). We're making history here people! Or not. I added "maybe" to the post. If anyone out there can authoritatively confirm or deny, I would love to hear from you.
I just don't get why some people don't seem to like skyscrapers in Austin? There is no rational reason to dislike or hate them. This is the perfect place for a very tall building. If I had the money, I'd buy it and tear the eye-sore down today.
Great old building, and a gorgeous mural. I hope this turns out well. There are ample awesomely altitudinous atrocities in Austin already.
Yeah. We need to go back to the days when downtown was about half filled with surface parking lots and auto dealers!
Mike,
We're all tired of your bitching -- now is your opportunity to do something productive. Go out and line up some capital and make a bid on the property. Develop it in a manner you deem appropriate -- God knows you've spent countless hours telling everyone how to develop this town. Time to put your money where your mouth is, hopefully your wallet is as large and free-flowing as your talker.
We'll be watching when the bids are announced. Best of luck.
shooter, you jackass, I've spent a lot of time telling people like you who want to tell people how NOT to develop their property to shut the hell up. If the owner of the property wants to develop some low-density stuff, I say go right ahead. If the owner wants to develop some high-density stuff, I say go right ahead.
It's you and your BATPAC friends who want to tell them they can't do the second option.
As expected, just more bitching. Another day, another gripe.
I worked in that building several years back when the Comptroller had operations there. The mural is niece but the building is a steaming piece of crap. It has a lot of odd space (multiple levels, bank vaults, etc) and the parking deck should be condemned. Renovating it would be very expensive.