Austin, August 1, 2025

News Summary

The Waterline Tower in downtown Austin has officially become Texas’ tallest building at 1,025 feet, surpassing the previous record holder, JPMorgan Chase Tower. This mixed-use development includes a hotel, 700,000 square feet of office space, and 352 rental apartments, alongside retail and dining options. Construction began in June 2022 and is projected to complete in early fall 2026. The tower aims to enhance community living and provide a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors.

Austin

The Waterline Tower in downtown Austin has officially claimed the title of the tallest building in Texas, standing at a height of 1,025 feet. This milestone was celebrated during a “topping out” ceremony held on July 31, 2025, marking the end of the construction phase for the striking architectural feat.

Rising 74 stories, the Waterline Tower surpasses the previous tallest building, the JPMorgan Chase Tower in Houston, by 23 feet. The iconic structure is designed as a mixed-use development, which will incorporate a variety of facilities, including a hotel, 700,000 square feet of office space, and 352 multi-family apartments available for rent. Each segment of the building will offer separate parking and amenities, optimizing functionality and convenience for residents and visitors alike.

The tower is strategically positioned adjacent to the Waterloo Greenway and Waller Creek, enhancing its appeal as a community-oriented space. It aims to act as a vibrant hub in the city, fostering not only residential and commercial activity but also public engagement. Ground-level features will consist of retail shops and restaurant spaces, providing a variety of options for dining and shopping within the complex.

Construction and Workforce

Construction on the Waterline Tower commenced on June 13, 2022, and since then, the project has grown into a significant urban development endeavor. At peak times, over 800 workers have been engaged on-site, contributing to the rapid progression of the building. To date, more than 4,750 construction personnel have contributed to the project since its inception.

The expected completion date for the Waterline Tower is set for early fall 2026, a timeline that will bring this ambitious project to fruition. The project has garnered attention not just for its height but also for its thoughtful integration into the Austin landscape, addressing the city’s growing density in a manner that aims to enhance community living.

Historical Context

Prior to the Waterline Tower, the JPMorgan Chase Tower had held the record as the tallest building in Texas since 1981. The development of the Waterline Tower signifies a new era for urban development in Austin, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and architectural aspirations. As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country, Austin’s skyline is steadily evolving, bringing forth structures that not only reach new heights but also embody modern living standards.

Key Features of the Waterline Tower

• Height: 1,025 feet
• Floors: 74 stories
• Uses: Mixed-use (hotel, office space, multi-family apartments)
• Total Office Space: 700,000 square feet
• Apartments: 352 rental units
• Scheduled Opening: Early fall 2026
• Ground Level Features: Retail and restaurant spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• KVUE: Austin Waterline Tallest Building Topping Out Ceremony
• Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
• CBS Austin: Behind The Scenes Look At Construction On Texas’ Tallest Building Waterline
• Google Search: Waterline Tower Austin
• Statesman: Tallest Tower in Austin Skyline
• Google Scholar: Waterline Tower Austin
• Community Impact: Waterline Texas’ New Tallest Tower Tops Out in Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Waterline Tower Austin
• KVUE: Austin’s Waterline Tower Nearing Completion
• 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.