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Austin is home to more than just a few iconic buildings that can be seen from all over the city. Several have come about in more recent years, but the history of Austin’s skyscrapers dates all the way back to 1910, followed by a boom in the ’70s and ’80s. Though these high-rise buildings are no longer the tallest, they started skyline in Austin, and these new additions are bringing it to even greater heights (literally).
5. Frost Bank Tower
419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
The Frost Bank is one of the most recognizable high-rise buildings in Austin, Texas. It’s absolutely beautiful to look at, and serves as a major landmark. This building is the fifth tallest, coming in at 515 feet with 33 floors. It was surprisingly built from 2001-2003, though it feels like it’s been around forever. The Frost Bank has an extra special place in our hearts, as it was the first high-rise to be built in the US after 9/11.
4. 360 Condominiums
360 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701
A more recent build, finished in 2008, 360 Condominiums is a residential building in the skyline in Downtown Austin. It stands at 581 feet tall with 44 floors and a total of 430 condos, making it not only the fourth tallest building in Austin, but also one of the tallest residential buildings in all of Texas. After all, who doesn’t want to live in the sky?
3. Fairmont Austin
101 Red River St, Austin, Texas 78701
The Fairmont is our third tallest building, and the tallest hotel. This skyscraper in Austin is 595 feet tall with 37 floors, and a skybridge to the Austin Convention Center. It was completed very recently in 2018—just in time for SXSW! The building itself is gorgeous, but so are the skyline views from the rooms.
2. The Austonian
200 Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78701
Austinites really do love that high-up-in-the-sky living! The Austonian is another residential building right Downtown. It was completed back in 2010 and, with its 56 floors and a whopping height of 683 feet, it became the second tallest building in the skyline by a long shot. But it isn’t just the second tallest residential building in Texas, it’s the second tallest residential building west of the Mississippi River! The Austonian was only recently beaten in height by another Austin based building and the tallest on our list.
1. The Independent
301 West Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Climbing ever higher, the Independent is a residential skyscraper in Austin standing at 685 feet tall with a total of 58 floors and some insane views! It was completed in 2019, but with its unique architectural structure, it’s already become an iconic building around Austin. The high-rise design is really more like a piece of art, and has definitely earned its nickname of “Jenga Tower.”
Featured Image Credit: Ryan Kyte via Visit Austin
