Park Plaza Tower Mixed Use Development

On the fringes of downtown Austin, directly east of Lamar Boulevard and north of Town Lake, rises Park Plaza Tower; a two phase mixed-use destination development breaking ground in December 2011. The context of the site helps shape the identity of the development. Carrying pedestrians and bikers alike, the Pfluger Bridge Extension soars northward over Town Lake, Cesar Chavez, and a two-acre public park finally landing at the doorstep of a pedestrian plaza. The plaza is defined by a rich mixed-use program incorporating residential, restaurant and retail uses to enhance the district as a walkable destination. To further activate the ground plane, restaurants spill out onto the public plaza with outdoor dining and dramatic views overlooking the park and Town Lake beyond.

From afar, the podium is highlighted by a residential tower which establishes a complex dialogue involving phase one, Town Lake, the city park, and the Capitol View Corridor. With a subtle, calculated curve on the southeast façade, the principle views of the lake fronted park and the Capitol are preserved. A third floor amenity deck over looks an urban plaza, Lady Bird Lake and the hike and bike trail. Integrated with the deck are stellar amenities including: an infinity edge pool, lush native landscaping, wine bar, club room, sun deck and theatre becoming a true treasure for the project.

“The design of Gables Park Plaza Tower is a crisp, modern architectural expression, fashioned in a combination of limestone glass and aluminum cladding. The mixed use project extends the western edge of Austin’s retail entertainment district all the way to Lamar Street” says R. Scott Ziegler. The signature of the project is truly the curved facade of the tower. Aluminum panels and glass accent the limestone of the signature curve, lightening and modernizing the facade while providing an environmentally responsible cladding choice due to the recycled content of the panels. The curve peels back to express a sleek wrapper of glazing at the penthouse and terrace levels which resolve into a knife edge clad completely in glass. By integrating glass to express an inviting transparency with varying textures of stone, brick and aluminum cladding, a material palette is created that responds to the vernacular language of Austin. The estimated completion date is June 2013.