A New Era for Austin’s Skyline
Waterline Tower isn’t just another high-rise—it’s Austin’s first super-tall skyscraper, soaring to 1,031 feet and set to become the tallest building in Texas when it’s completed in late 2026. Located where Lady Bird Lake meets Waller Creek in the Rainey Street District, this glass-and-stone architectural marvel will not only dominate the skyline but also redefine how Austinites live, work, and connect.
As the city shifts from horizontal sprawl to high-rise sophistication, Waterline represents the next evolution of urban density—bringing together sustainability, connectivity, and world-class amenities in one vertically integrated community.
Inside Waterline: More Than Just Height
Spanning 74 stories and 1.5 million square feet, Waterline isn’t just tall—it’s purposeful. Its stacked sections include luxury residences, Class AA office space, Texas’ first 1 Hotel, and creekside retail—each component designed to serve a different lifestyle while working together to form a city within a building.
Luxury Residences in the Sky
The top 33 floors house 352 condominiums, offering panoramic views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and natural materials like native limestone and warm wood finishes. Designed for “serenity in the sky,” these residences will include access to two private rooftop pools, co-working lounges, a wellness center, steam rooms, soaking tubs, outdoor BBQ terraces, and even hammock decks. Over 50,000 square feet of dedicated amenity space ensures that residents can work, unwind, and socialize without ever needing to leave the building.
Waterline’s condos blend high design with practical luxury—ideal for discerning buyers who want proximity to everything with the privacy of elevated living.
1 Hotel Austin: Hospitality Meets Sustainability
Occupying 13 floors of Waterline, the 1 Hotel Austin will be the brand’s first Texas location. Known for sustainable luxury, the hotel will include 251 guest rooms, a rooftop pool, farm-to-table dining, a full-service spa, and event spaces. Waterline residents and office tenants will benefit from access to these services—making it one of the most well-integrated residential-hospitality projects in Austin.
Office Space Reimagined
For businesses looking to put down roots in downtown Austin, Waterline offers 700,000 square feet of premium Class AA office space. Spanning 27 floors, these offices include a 14th-floor amenity deck with bar and lounge, indoor breakout areas, and a 7,000-square-foot fitness center. Companies that move in won’t just get a central location—they’ll get a workplace that promotes wellness, productivity, and prestige.
Retail Along the Creek
At the ground level, Waterline features 24,000 square feet of retail and dining space designed to blend seamlessly with the Waterloo Greenway. Picture cafés, boutiques, and restaurants overlooking a restored natural creek bed, with bike-friendly trails, shaded walking paths, and open-air gathering areas. This is not just another retail plaza—it’s an activated public space that invites both tenants and the public to enjoy Austin’s natural beauty downtown.
What Most People Don’t Know
It’s a Public Connector—Not Just a Tower
Waterline is enhancing more than just the skyline. It will fund and build two pedestrian bridges across Waller Creek and create three new trail access points, linking downtown with the east side. These bridges will help unite Rainey Street with the central business district—improving walkability, bike access, and community connectivity.
The Architecture Is Purposefully Layered
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, Waterline features three “strata” to visually divide its hotel, office, and residential components. This isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional, offering each use a unique design identity while creating rhythm across the tower’s elevation.
Sustainability Is Baked In
Waterline is targeting LEED Gold certification and integrates biophilic design principles throughout. From native materials to sun-filtering glass and integrated greenery, the building is engineered to reduce its environmental footprint while increasing livability.
Why Waterline Matters
For Luxury Buyers
Waterline offers more than square footage, it offers a lifestyle of unmatched convenience, privacy, and beauty. Imagine stepping out of your condo onto a sky-level pool deck, grabbing lunch at the 1 Hotel’s chef-driven restaurant, then taking a stroll along the creek, all without ever touching your car. Explore our luxury buyer services.
For Real Estate Investors
From an appreciation standpoint, Waterline is a landmark-in-the-making. Backed by PSP Investments and Blackstone, and with only 352 condos available, this project offers scarcity, prestige, and strong long-term upside. See our latest investment insights.
For Commercial Tenants
Waterline’s Class AA office floors are more than an address—they’re a statement. Between wellness-focused amenities, 1 Hotel integration, and proximity to Rainey Street, this space caters to brands that want to attract and retain top talent in a world-class environment. Learn how we support commercial clients.
For Locals and Community Advocates
Waterline isn’t isolated—it’s an integral part of Austin’s future. From enhanced Waterloo Greenway access to creek restoration and retail designed for walkability, this tower sets a new precedent for community-enhancing urban development.
Ready to Explore Waterline Opportunities?
Whether you’re seeking a place to live, a space to invest, or a commercial foothold in one of the most transformative buildings in Austin’s history, The Morshed Group is your trusted partner. We specialize in helping buyers and investors identify real estate that balances lifestyle, long-term growth, and deep market insight.
Contact us to learn more about Waterline Tower availability, floorplans, pricing, and early-access tours.
image credit: https://www.kpf.com/project/waterline