Unique pyramidal design meets the eye here at Block 185. This striking skyscraper graces Austin’s skyline. It is more than just a building. Block 185 is a testament to innovative design and urban planning.
Block 185 stands thirty-five stories tall. It boasts 1530000 square feet of mixed-use space. Inside you will find Class-A offices and residential units. Street-level retail spaces add to its vibrant atmosphere. Google’s Austin office will call Block 185 home. The LEED Gold-certified tower attracts top talent to the region.
Its unique shape results from specific setback requirements. Shoal Creek lies to the west. Lady Bird Lake sits to the south. These natural boundaries influenced the building’s design. Receding terraces face Lady Bird Lake. The curtain-wall glass façade curves away from Shoal Creek. This gives Block 185 a distinctive look. Some say it resembles a sailboat.
Imagine the views from those terraces. You can see the shimmering waters of Lady Bird Lake. The lush greenery along Shoal Creek provides a tranquil backdrop. The outdoor spaces offer areas for dining and recreation. A large boardwalk invites people to stroll and enjoy the surroundings.
Block 185 includes a 1411-stall parking garage. Five levels are below grade. Seven levels are above grade. This ensures ample parking for tenants and visitors.
Pelli Clarke & Partners served as the Design Architect. STG Design was the Architect of Record. Trammell Crow Company was the client. Together they created this landmark building. FMG Design developed the experiential graphics. They also designed the wayfinding program. This ensures a seamless experience for everyone who uses the building.
Gordon Gill of FAIA praised Block 185. He called it an extremely thoughtful solution for the site. Roberto de Leon also of FAIA admired the subtle inflections. He noted how site-specific and performance-specific elements blend together. This creates an iconic element for Austin.
The tower’s façade features high-performance glass. Custom metal mullions create a tartan pattern. This adds visual interest and enhances the building’s energy efficiency. Sunshades protect the floors below. They reduce solar heat gain.
Block 185 fosters a healthy and collaborative work environment. It features five amenity floors. The ground floor connects to the city’s Second Street entertainment district. Eclectic dining and retail options abound.
The building’s design allows for future flexibility. Above-grade parking levels can transform into office space. This future-proofs Block 185 for changing needs. The interior reflects Google’s iconic culture. Hospitality-style ceiling heights create a welcoming atmosphere. Cafes and dining areas encourage interaction. A fitness and wellness center promotes employee well-being. Local art adds a touch of Austin’s unique character.
Block 185 meets LEED Platinum standards. The design team worked with local officials. They ensured the tower met the highest sustainability standards. This commitment protects Austin’s quality of life. It does so for both current and future generations.
Block 185 stands as a defining landmark. It represents Austin’s growth. It embodies innovative design. The building is a vibrant hub for business and community. It is not only Google’s home but a symbol of Austin’s bright future.