Austin, Texas, has welcomed a new mixed-use development, Centro West, which draws inspiration from the city's historic warehouse district. The project, a collaboration between architecture firm Gensler and brick manufacturer Acme Brick, features two five-story buildings offering 330,000 square feet of residential, commercial, and public amenity space. Located in East Austin's Saltillo Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) district, Centro West integrates historical aesthetics with modern urban planning.
Key Takeaways
- Centro West is a new mixed-use development in Austin's Saltillo TOD district.
- It incorporates design elements from the city's historic warehouse district.
- The project includes 330,000 square feet across two five-story buildings.
- Public spaces feature over 17,000 square feet of parkland, elevated walkways, and a rain garden.
- Acme Brick supplied over 230,000 bricks in seven distinct shades for the facades.
Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Living
The design philosophy behind Centro West centered on reflecting the industrial character of East Austin. Gensler specifically aimed to capture the materiality and scale of the area's existing industrial structures. This approach helps the new development blend seamlessly with its surroundings while offering contemporary living and working environments.
The development stands within the vibrant Plaza Saltillo area. This location is key to its transit-oriented design, encouraging residents and visitors to utilize public transportation. The integration of commercial and residential spaces aims to create a dynamic, self-sufficient community.
Project Statistics
- Total Square Footage: 330,000 square feet
- Number of Buildings: Two five-story structures
- Bricks Used: Over 230,000 from Acme Brick
- Brick Shades: Seven different colors
- Public Parkland: Over 17,000 square feet
A Symphony of Brickwork
A distinctive feature of Centro West is its facade, crafted with over 230,000 bricks supplied by Acme Brick. These bricks come in seven different shades, creating a visually appealing contrast between the two buildings. This choice of material pays homage to traditional industrial architecture, where brick was a primary building component.
Acme Brick, a company founded in 1891, is known for its extensive range of brick products. The company manufactures bricks in 227 different shades across its 15 plants located in four U.S. states. Their involvement in Centro West underscores a commitment to architectural projects that value both aesthetics and durability.
"The use of varied brick shades allowed us to create distinct identities for each building while maintaining a cohesive, historically informed aesthetic," explained a project architect involved in Centro West.
Green Spaces and Community Hubs
Beyond its striking architecture, Centro West prioritizes public amenity spaces. The development includes over 17,000 square feet of public parkland. This green infrastructure is crucial for urban environments, providing residents with opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Key features of these public areas include elevated walkways, which offer unique perspectives of the development and surrounding neighborhood. A large rain garden also forms part of the landscape design, contributing to sustainable water management and enhancing biodiversity.
The Saltillo TOD District
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) districts are designed to maximize access to public transport, often integrating residential, commercial, and leisure spaces within walking distance of transit hubs. The Saltillo TOD district in East Austin aims to create a vibrant, walkable community, reducing reliance on private vehicles and promoting sustainable urban living.
Connecting Spaces for Public Engagement
A central plaza acts as a communal gathering point within Centro West, designed to foster interaction among residents and visitors. This plaza serves as a versatile space for events, markets, and everyday social activities. Such central areas are vital for building a strong community identity.
Furthermore, a through-block alley park connects the lobbies of the two buildings. This innovative design element not only provides a pleasant pedestrian route but also offers dedicated space for public art installations and ground-floor retail. These features aim to enrich the cultural fabric of the development and provide convenient access to local businesses.
- Central Plaza: A focal point for community interaction and events.
- Alley Park: Connects building lobbies, features public art, and ground-floor retail.
- Future Programming: Opportunities for cultural events and community activities are planned.
The inclusion of these dynamic public spaces ensures that Centro West is more than just a collection of buildings. It is designed to be a living, breathing part of the East Austin community, offering both private comfort and vibrant public engagement.
Sustainable Design and Future Growth
The thoughtful integration of green spaces, sustainable materials, and transit-oriented design principles positions Centro West as a forward-thinking urban development. The rain garden, for example, helps manage stormwater runoff naturally, reducing strain on municipal infrastructure and contributing to local ecological health.
The development also includes plans for future cultural programming. This forward-looking approach suggests a long-term vision for Centro West as a hub for arts, community events, and social gatherings, further enhancing its appeal as a mixed-use destination in Austin.
Overall, Centro West represents a successful blend of historical homage and modern functionality. It provides diverse spaces for living, working, and recreation, all while contributing to the unique character of East Austin. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can respect a city's past while building for its future.