Riding the elevator only takes 45 seconds to reach the summit of Texas's latest towering structure
Waterline Tower: Austin's Urban Nexus
The Waterline tower, standing tall at 1,025 feet and spanning approximately 2.7 million square feet, is more than just Austin's tallest building. Located on Red River Street downtown, this architectural marvel serves as a major urban connector, bridging downtown Austin with the Rainey Street historic district and the Waterloo Greenway park system.
Designed to meet Austin's needs in a central location, the Waterline tower is a testament to integrated urban living. It houses offices, residences, shops, and restaurants, each with separate entrances, elevators, and parking, fostering a multifaceted urban environment all in one central location.
The tower's unique construction and connectivity to Waller Creek and downtown are its standout features. It acts as a gateway to and from the Waterloo Greenway, a world-class green space project in Austin, enhancing community engagement and urban experience in this part of the city.
Lincoln Property Co., the developer behind the Waterline tower, did not initially plan for the tower to be the tallest building. However, its size and multiple functions morphed it into a record-breaker. The Waterline tower is now the tallest building in Texas.
The Waterline tower's partnership with the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is key to its connectivity. The Conservancy is installing four pedestrian bridges to connect Rainey Street to downtown, and the Waterline tower is responsible for building one of these bridges. By summer 2026, the tower will provide direct access to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Rainey Street, and the University of Texas Dell Medical area, promoting walkability and integrated urban mobility.
The hotel within the Waterline tower is set to open its doors in early fall of next year, marking the start of the building's phase-wise opening. This urban nexus, beyond its record-setting height, serves as a deliberate urban connector that amplifies pedestrian connectivity, integrates mixed uses, and supports the vision of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to enhance public spaces and link neighborhoods within downtown Austin. The Waterline tower overlooks Waller Creek and Lady Bird Lake, offering stunning views of the city.
In summary, the Waterline tower is more than just a tall building. It is a deliberate urban nexus that amplifies pedestrian connectivity, integrates mixed uses, and supports the vision of the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy to enhance public spaces and link neighborhoods within downtown Austin. By summer 2026, it will provide direct access to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Rainey Street, and the University of Texas Dell Medical area, promoting walkability and integrated urban mobility.
- The Waterline tower, with its integration of offices, residences, shops, and restaurants, presents an attractive investment opportunity in Austin's real-estate market for those interested in commercial and residential properties.
- As the Waterline tower completes its phase-wise opening, it is expected to generate significant news in the local and national financial sectors, given its transformative impact on urban mobility and connectivity.
- The Waterline tower's multi-functional design, bridging the gap between downtown Austin, the Rainey Street historic district, and the Waterloo Greenway park system, contributes to the overall growth and development of the local community, making it a vital part of the city's news and future investing endeavors.
