311 Bowie A High-Rise Anchor in the Heart of Austin

The Challenge

HKS designers were challenged to create an attractive mixed-use building that provides more housing, office space and parking in Austin’s dense Central Business District, while simultaneously offering its tenants luxury amenities.

The Design Solution

HKS designed a gleaming 36-story tower overlooking the Colorado River, with room for 358 apartments that boast floor-to-ceiling windows. The building also encompasses more than 40,000 square feet (3,716 sm) of office and retail space and seven levels of artfully screened above-grade parking.

Tenants enjoy a pool deck with panoramic views of downtown Austin and have access to a fitness center, an outdoors dog run, a coffee bar and electric vehicle charging stations. The tower, less than 2 miles from the Texas state capitol, is conveniently located near restaurants, the Shoal Creek hike-and-bike trail and the flagship Whole Foods Market.

The Design Impact

311 Bowie’s lavish quarters and walkable environment have made it one of Austin’s most popular residential towers among affluent young professionals. At 423 feet, the building was listed by RENTCafe as one of the nation’s 10 tallest buildings completed in 2015. The project has achieved LEED Silver certification.