Get to Know the Austin City Skyline's Most Prominent Buildings

The Austin city skyline is taller and more distinctive than ever, now ranking as the 13th tallest city in the country. At its center is the Texas State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark that still holds weight both visually and symbolically. What makes Austin’s skyline unique is its mix of classic and modern buildings, from the pink granite dome of the Capitol to the bold glass towers that show how quickly the city has grown. 

In this article, we’ll go over some of the most iconic buildings that make up the Austin city skyline. Whether you’re new to the area or just want to learn more about your city, this guide will walk you through the city’s past, present, and future plans for building up. 

A Brief History of the Austin City Skyline

The Austin city skyline wasn’t always as tall as it is today. For much of the 20th century, the Texas Capitol stood alone as the city’s tallest structure. Built in 1888, it stands at 311 feet and was built from local pink granite. At the time, it was the seventh-largest building in the world and even taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This made it a local icon and a symbol of pride across Texas. 

Through the early 1900s, the downtown area was mostly made up of low-rise buildings like the Scarbrough Building and Littlefield Building, completed in 1910 and 1912. Standing at eight and nine stories, they’re small by today’s standards, but were the tallest in the city back then.

By the 1960s and 1970s, Austin entered a new era of development with the construction of even taller buildings like the Westgate Building, finished in 1967. At 26 stories, it was one of the first to block views of the Texas Capitol dome, causing both residents and city leaders to complain. Soon after, more towers followed, including: 

• 823 Congress Building (1971)
• Chase Bank Tower (1974) - originally known as American Bank Plaza
• Bank of America Center (1975)
• 700 Lavaca (1980)

The sudden wave of high-rise construction made people feel like the Capitol’s visibility was being threatened. In response, the Texas Legislature and the City of Austin created Capitol View Corridors, which are invisible planes protecting views of the Capitol dome from specific public locations. Today, there are 30 protected corridors and any new development must avoid blocking them.

While these protections slowed Austin’s growth in certain areas, they didn’t stop it completely. The real boom began in the early 2000s, driven by a surge in tech jobs, new residents, and rising demand for downtown real estate. One of the most prominent additions during this period was the 33-story Frost Bank Tower, which opened in 2004.

From then on, Austin started building taller and faster. In the 2010s, residential towers like The Independent and The Austonian were added, bringing luxury condos and rooftop pools to a city that used to be known for its low-rises and bungalows. At the same time, more and more tech companies started moving in, filling office buildings like Indeed Tower and Block 185.

Today, the Austin city skyline has 33 buildings that are at least 100 m high and trails only Houston as the tallest city in Texas. Whenever a new building is added, it’s built with Capitol views, neighborhood needs, and environmental goals in mind, making the Austin city skyline a reflection of the city’s unique personality. 

The Most Iconic Buildings in the Austin City Skyline

The Independent (a.k.a. “The Jenga Tower”)

At 690 feet, The Independent is known for its blocky design, which makes it look like a giant Jenga game. When it opened in 2019, some people loved its bold architecture, while others disliked the jagged crown. A “Fix the Crown” movement even gained traction, but residents ultimately embraced the building, deciding it fit the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan. 

Inside, the building is home to nearly 370 high-end condos with amenities like a pool, yoga deck, dog park, playground, and 34th-floor sky lounge, giving residents an incredible view of the Austin city skyline. At the third tallest building in the city, it’s impossible to miss and has become one of the most recognizable downtown structures. 

The Austonian

Built in 2010 and standing at 683 feet, The Austonian was once the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi and is still one of the tallest in Texas. Located on Congress Avenue, its sleek glass design and central location helped set the standard for luxury high-rise living in Austin. 

It holds a 4-star green rating from Austin Energy and offers upscale amenities like a rooftop fitness center, wine cellar, private movie theater, and dog park. On the 10th floor, residents can enjoy The Lawn, a landscaped terrace with a pool, outdoor kitchens, and panoramic views of the city. Its height and elegant design make it a defining part of the Austin city skyline. 

Frost Bank Tower

Completed in 2004, the Frost Bank Tower was one of the first modern high-rises to define the Austin city skyline. At 515 feet, it stood out for its unique crown-shaped roof and reflective blue glass. Some locals say the top looks like an owl, which adds to its character and makes it a favorite among architecture fans. 

Frost Bank Tower was also the first major skyscraper in the U.S. to begin construction after 9/11, which gave it national attention. It remains a symbol of Austin’s early downtown growth, especially as the building that helped pave the way for more creative designs. 

Sixth and Guadalupe

As of now, Sixth and Guadalupe is the tallest building in Austin, reaching 874 feet and 66 stories. Built in 2024, it has a mix of offices, luxury retail space, and almost 350 high-end residential units with world-class amenities. Its skinny shape and shiny glass give it a modern, futuristic look, matching the tech-focused direction Austin is headed. 

Located at 400 W 6th Street, it towers over the rest of downtown and has quickly become an important part of the Austin city skyline. It’s built with the future of urban living in mind, where homes, workspaces, and retail centers will all come together within a single high-rise building.

Fairmont Austin

Fairmont Austin is one of the biggest hotels in the city, with more than 1,000 rooms and a height of 595 feet. Opened in 2018, it connects directly to the Austin Convention Center via a skybridge, making it a frequent choice for conferences, festivals, and large events.

The hotel’s glass walls and colorful lights make it easy to spot at night, adding a pop of color to the Austin city skyline. Located near Waller Creek on the east side of downtown, it also shows how the city is expanding in new directions. It’s both a popular destination for visitors and a distinguished part of the Austin city skyline.

Google Tower / Block 185

Rising 594 feet near Lady Bird Lake, Block 185 has a curved, sail-like glass design that earned it the nickname “The Sail.” Originally called the Google Tower, it was pre-leased by Google in 2019 but has been empty since it was finished in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The tech company is expected to move in later this year, turning the space into its regional headquarters until at least 2038. The building boasts one of the most futuristic designs in Austin, demonstrating the growing impact of tech companies like Google in changing the downtown area. 

Upcoming Additions to the Austin City Skyline

The Austin city skyline is far from finished. In the next five to ten years, dozens of new towers are expected to be built. Some of the most notable projects either currently under construction or recently approved include: 

• Waterline: Expected to open in 2026, Waterline will be 74 stories tall, making it the tallest building in Texas. It will include apartments, a luxury hotel, and office space, all right next to Lady Bird Lake. 

• The Republic: A 48-story office tower called The Republic is set to open in the summer of 2025, offering more than 816,000 square feet of space and a large rooftop terrace. 

• The Modern Austin Residences: This 56-story residential skyscraper will bring 365 luxury apartment units to the Rainey Street District. Once completed in the fall of 2025, residents will enjoy a concierge, fitness center, spa, rooftop deck, theatre, and more. 

• Paseo: This 48-story tower will offer 557 apartments, including 28 affordable housing units. It will also feature a rooftop pool, coworking spaces, and ground-floor retail, making it the first publicly accessible high-rise view on Rainey Street.

These new projects show Austin’s growing focus on sustainability and luxury, with many towers designed for energy efficiency and packed with rooftop pools, coworking spaces, and high-end features. Many of them will combine apartments, hotels, offices, and retail into one high-rise, continuing Austin’s trend toward mixed-use development.

Best Views of the Austin City Skyline

Whether you're visiting for the weekend or have lived here your whole life, there are lots of places to take in the Austin city skyline. Some of the most popular spots include:

• Lou Neff Point: This spot sits where Barton Creek flows into Lady Bird Lake, right at the edge of Zilker Park. You can see downtown across the water, and it's a popular place to stop during a walk or bike ride on the trail. 

• Mount Bonnell: As the highest point in Austin, Mount Bonnell offers a stunning panoramic view of downtown and the Colorado River winding through the hills. You’ll need to climb a steep staircase to get to the top, but the reward is a wide, unobstructed view of the Austin city skyline.

• Zilker Park: This large public park offers great skyline views from the Great Lawn or Barton Springs Pool. On nice days, you’ll see people flying kites or playing frisbee with the towers rising behind them. It’s the perfect place for a picnic with a view. 

• Rooftop bars: One of the best ways to enjoy the Austin city skyline is with a drink in hand. For the best views, check out P6, Azul, or Sway. P6 overlooks Lady Bird Lake and has cozy seating with string lights, while Azul is known for being the highest bar downtown. Sway gets even more crowded around sunset as locals swing by for its Thai dishes and happy hour drinks. 

• Hotels: Downtown hotels like Fairmont Austin, Austin Proper, the Westin, and JW Marriott have rooftop pools or bars where you can see the Austin city skyline, even if you’re not staying overnight. 

• Restaurants: For dinner with a view, head to Paperboy, Caroline, or Aba. Paperboy serves breakfast foods all day long, while Caroline offers homemade breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a coffee bar. Aba’s menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes and is a popular spot for those wanting vegan options. 

If you’re a photographer, some of the best times to see the Austin city skyline are early morning and golden hour. If you want to see the buildings lit up, head out after dark when the city lights are at their brightest against the sky. 

You can get great views from rooftops, bridges, and parking garages, especially from the east side of I-35 where you can look back toward downtown. There will always be something new to see, whether it’s a tower under construction, a new light display, or just the way the buildings look against the clouds that day. 

Final Thoughts: Getting to Know the Austin City Skyline

To see how much Austin has grown, all you have to do is look up. A few decades ago, most buildings downtown were under 20 stories tall. Today, modern high-rises soar past the Capitol, with more going up each year. Some are homes, others house tech offices, but all of them add to the view. 

Even with the rapid growth, the Austin city skyline hasn’t lost its personality. Buildings are built with character, eco-friendly designs, and Austin’s outdoor lifestyle in mind. If you’re ready to see it up close, spend some time at Lou Neff Point, climb Mount Bonnell, or take a walk through downtown during sunset. You don’t have to be a tourist to appreciate the view. 

‍At Evernest, we’re here to help you make the Austin city skyline part of your everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a place to rent or need help managing a property, our local team knows the area inside and out. Browse available rentals here and reach out when you’re ready to take the next step!