As HBW subscribers have no doubt already noticed, builders in the Austin metro area have been very busy of late. Multifamily high-rises in downtown Austin join luxury housing communities in nearby Katy in making Austin the fastest-moving and most competitive housing market in the country. Properties in the Austin area are on the market for an average of 10 days, and the average price has increased 14% over last year to reach to $266,000. Building trades professionals seeking residential construction job leads would do well to look towards Texas’ capitol city.
StreetLights Residential’s luxury high-rise, The Catherine, is in the process of being completed now and will begin leasing later in the Fall of 2014. The Catherine will feature a resort-style pool with sky lounge, a deluxe fitness center, Wi-Fi in common areas, and “hound grounds” dog parks with pet washing stations. geared toward young professionals looking to live in Austin’s urban core, The Catherine offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans with USB outlets, steel fixtures, granite countertops and hardwood floors.
Two new residential developments are coming to Katy, just north of I-10. Meritage Homes’ Westlake and the Reserve by Toll Brothers are offering luxury homes and pre-construction sales. Focused on eco-conscious luxury living, the 112-lot Westlake will showcase energy-efficient design, materials, and appliances as well as low-flow fixtures in its 3800-4500 sq. ft. multi-level homes, with prices starting in $370,000 range. The Reserve’s 298-site community will feature 3,000-5,000+ sq. ft. luxury homes starting in the $400,000’s. From the signature stone-and-brick patterned masonry exteriors to the multi-car garages and the chef’s kitchens, sweeping staircases and multiple interior balconies, the Reserve emphasizes refined elegance and classic design. Both communities feature resort-style pools, community centers, and walking trails.
A number of commercial projects are also in the works for downtown Austin. Several multi-family projects are being built, such as the Bowie, Capital Studios, and 211 Lamar. Several high-end hotels, office buildings, the Mexic-Arte Museum, the New Central Library, and Travis County’s new Courthouse and DA office building are also in the planning and early construction phases.
Travis County building trades professionals seeking residential and commercial construction job leads should check out the Toll Brothers and Meritage projects listed in HBW’s Austin building activity reports. Building professionals who are proactive and informed can count on HBW’s newsletter to deliver the latest in building trends, construction technology innovation, and regulatory activity. Contact us today and start making your business more profitable!