Austin, TX, August 1, 2025
News Summary
Austin is on track to unveil the Waterline Tower, projected to be Texas’ tallest building at 1,025 feet. With 74 stories, the tower will include residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and high demand for premium living environments. Construction began in mid-2022, and it’s expected to be completed by fall 2026, enhancing the vibrant Rainey Street District with new apartments, office spaces, and ground-floor amenities.
Austin, Texas is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of the Waterline Tower, which is set to become the tallest building in the state upon its completion. Currently rising in the Rainey Street District, Waterline Tower will reach a remarkable height of 1,025 feet, surpassing the current record-holder, the JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston at 1,002 feet.
Construction of the Waterline began on June 13, 2022, and as of mid-April 2023, the building has already reached the 68th story, a testament to the progress that has been made in this complex project. It is anticipated that the tower will be completed and ready for occupation by fall 2026.
The Waterline Tower will consist of a total of 74 stories and feature a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality elements. Specifically, it will include 352 apartment units, a 251-room luxury hotel, substantial office spaces, and retail and restaurant areas located on the ground floor. The luxury hotel is designed to occupy the lower levels of the building, while office spaces will be situated in the mid-level floors, and the residential apartments will occupy the upper tiers. Shops and dining establishments will be available on the building’s ground level, contributing to the vibrant street life of the Rainey Street District.
The project represents a collaboration between Lincoln Property Co. and Kairoi Residential and is emblematically aligned with Austin’s rapid population growth and the increasing demand for high-quality living and working environments. The Waterline Tower stands to offer a combined total of approximately 700,000 square feet of office space, along with qualitatively distinct amenities, entrances, and parking options for its different uses.
Andy Smith, Senior VP at Lincoln Property Co., emphasized the uniqueness of this kind of expansive mixed-use development, noting that only a handful of similar projects exist across the United States. The Waterline Tower reflects a commitment to innovative design and quality in its planning process, ensuring that it stands out prominently on Austin’s skyline.
As Austin continues to thrive, the Waterline Tower serves as both a response to the city’s current needs and a beacon of its positive long-term growth prospects. The project is seen as a critical component in accommodating the increasing influx of residents and businesses, thereby further enriching the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Key Features of Waterline Tower
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 1,025 feet |
| Stories | 74 |
| Apartments | 352 units |
| Luxury Hotel | 251 rooms |
| Office Space | 700,000 square feet |
| Retail and Restaurants | Ground level amenities |
| Construction Start Date | June 13, 2022 |
| Projected Opening | Fall 2026 |
FAQs
What is the height of the Waterline Tower?
The Waterline Tower will stand at 1,025 feet, making it the tallest building in Texas upon completion.
When did construction of Waterline Tower begin?
Construction began on June 13, 2022.
What features will the Waterline Tower include?
The tower will include 352 apartments, a 251-room luxury hotel, office spaces, and ground-level retail and restaurants.
When is the Waterline Tower expected to open?
The tower is scheduled to open by fall 2026.
Who is developing the Waterline Tower?
The project is a partnership between Lincoln Property Co. and Kairoi Residential.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Texas House Approves Controversial Property Ban Targeting Foreigners
Austin’s Apartment Building Permits Surge Amid National Decline
Waterline Tower Becomes Austin’s Tallest Building
Austin Unveils Sixth and Guadalupe Tower: A New Skyscraper
Vesper Tower Sparks New Life, Luxury Living in Downtown Austin
Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Wikipedia: Waterline Tower Austin
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Waterline Tower Austin
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Waterline Tower Austin
- Engineering News-Record
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waterline Tower Austin
- Construct Connect
- Google News: Waterline Tower Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
