Austin's Fittest Homes
by Drex Earle
Editor-in-Chief
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Our first annual list of Austin’s Fittest Homes includes some of the city’s most innovative, breathtaking and progressive local residences, particularly for those seeking an active lifestyle. Having a fit home can mean many things – long-term sustainability and energy efficiency, state-of-the-art fitness facilities (with views to die for) or close proximity to the lake, hike and bike trail or downtown gyms. These seven living spaces definitely meet that criteria and more. Each one has just about everything you need to feel healthier, fitter and more environmentally-friendly.
MUELLER: 4217 Camacho in Mueller Community
streetmanhomes.com
The Mueller community may be one of Austin’s best kept secrets. Located on the grounds of the old Austin Airport, it’s home to approximately 140 acres of parks, trails and open space, five miles of new hike and bike paths and more than 15,000 trees scattered throughout the development. Plus, it features some of the greenest homes in the country, including this one-of-a-kind, award-winning, NAHB Green Building Gold-certified Streetman Home.
“The Mueller Greenway is considered a ‘green necklace,’” says Aundrea Haddad, representative for Streetman Homes. “It surrounds the neighborhood that connects to existing Austin parks including Bartholomew Park, Patterson Park and the public Morris Williams Golf Course. Plus there’s Lake Park — a large, centrally-located green commons —with a 6.5-acre lake and an outdoor performance venue. Every resident lives less than 600 feet away from a community green space, so there’s really no excuse not to exercise.”
With a rare five-star green rating, this uber-luxurious modern dwelling features a glass-enclosed elevator, temperature-controlled wine room, two-story waterfall in the courtyard and a third-floor sunset patio with 360-degree views of the lake, downtown Austin and the Mueller Airport landmark.
But perhaps more impressive are the home’s eco-friendly features – a floating staircase using reclaimed pecan trees, a private green space preserved and maintained in the center of the home, motorized blinds to minimize heat capture and the use of completely non-toxic and recyclable building materials. The dividends are significant; the total livable space approaches 3,500 square feet, yet the energy efficiency is comparable to that of a home almost half its size.
“Having five outdoor living areas is very unique for a home of this size in an urban setting,” Haddad explains. “With it situated on a 35-acre lake park, it’s the ideal spot for the active person with access to walk and bike trails, lakes and recreation areas.”
More Fit Home Features
1) This home is literally across the street from Lake Park, which includes miles of running trails. It’s also within walking distance of Dell Children’s Medical Center.
2) It has earned LEED Silver certification and is a five-star green home, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly construction projects in all of Austin.
3) It features an expansive outdoor patio and grilling area for healthy dining.
4) Bartholomew Park – featuring tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, disc golf, picnic areas, playgrounds and a swimming pool – is less than a five-minute walk away.
THE SOUTH 5TH
thesouth5th.com
Located only about a mile from downtown Austin, The South 5th is the pinnacle of high-end green living, combining some of the city’s most inventive and sustainable building practices with a modern aesthetic unrivaled in the Austin condo market.
But perhaps its most compelling draw and what makes it not just one of the fittest homes in Austin, but potentially in the country, is the energy savings built into each and every home. All units include four-stories of energy-capturing concrete construction, a 3-kilowatt photovoltaic solar array to offset monthly utility use, reflective glass on west-facing windows (which reduce heat inside), cabinetry with very low urea or formaldehyde and a two-zone air-conditioning/heating system for living and sleeping areas.
Projected to receive both Austin Energy’s highest green rating and the nationally-recognized LEED Gold certification, The South 5th sets the bar for environmental engineering and a proxy for the future of green building.
Mike Rhodes, builder, designer and developer behind The South 5th says “the guiding principles for this project are durability, energy efficiency, design excellence and the creation of a home for families.”
As an added bonus, the development perfectly suits those seeking an active lifestyle. It features a pool and hot tub, community garden, outdoor cooking area, is pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly and within close proximity to the Barton Creek greenbelt, the hike and bike trail, as well as nearby parks, libraries, restaurants and coffee shops.
“This is a perfect home for anyone looking to be close to downtown but away from the hustle-and-bustle,” says Bryan Cady, sales director for The South 5th. “In short, it’s a single family home or downtown condo alternative, but the intangible is that people who live here really cherish the active urban lifestyle.”
More Fit Home Features
1)One of the only condo projects in Central Austin built entirely with concrete. Demising walls are 12 inches thick, which reduces sound between units and prevents energy loss throughout the structure. An added perk is dramatically reduced property insurance.
2) Every home has a private rooftop terrace comparable in size to a one-bedroom condo downtown (approximately 800 square feet). This outdoor living room replaces a backyard without the maintenance hassles, plus it features stunning views of downtown and the hill country. Each terrace also includes speaker prewiring, cable, gas, electricity and water to make it a true outdoor living space.
3) The amenities from large live oaks, green space, a pool, hot tub, covered outdoor cooking area as well as a community garden make The South 5th one of the most versatile and luxurious living spaces in all of Austin.
4) Four floors of open air staircases keep you moving.
GABLES PARK PLAZA
gables.com
The location and programming opportunities of Gables Park Plaza make it an almost irresistible option for those looking to make fitness a regular part of their life. Literally a stone’s throw from the hike and bike trail and Lady Bird lake, the city’s two most popular spots for running, biking, swimming and kayaking, Gables Park Plaza also features some of the most ambitious health and fitness offerings of any development in Austin, including an on-site wellness coordinator, personalized fitness consultants (offering more than 20 free classes a month), free healthy grilling seminars and discounted personal training for residents.
“Lady Bird Lake and the trail at Park Plaza’s front door have guided almost every decision in our design process,” says development associate Jennifer Wiebrand. “From the sound of gently moving water at the infinity edge pool, to the clouds on the ceiling of the fitness center, bringing the elements of this spectacular location into the building was always foremost in our design.”
Eight stories high, situated along the east side of Lamar Boulevard and directly across from the soon-to-be constructed Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, the development is not short on amazing views, nor instant access to the natural playground surrounding the city. Within walking, riding or running distance of Auditorium Shores, the Barton Creek greenbelt, the Butler Pitch and Putt Golf Course and Barton Springs pool, the location is a recreational reverie. Add to that the eco-friendly build-out of Gables Park Plaza, and you have a unique combination that makes it one of Austin’s fittest homes.
“More than 70 percent of the Gables Park Plaza construction waste has been diverted from the landfill and recycled, while one-fifth of the building materials (concrete and steel framing) have been manufactured from recycled content,” says Wiebrand.
Aluminum, cardboard and paper recycling chutes are accessible on every floor of the building along with a large centralized recycling area in the garage. Plus, there’s preferred parking spaces for fuel-efficient vehicles and fluorescent lighting in all common areas. These and other green enhancements have positioned the Gables Park Plaza as a candidate for both LEED and Austin Energy Green Building certification.
“At Gables Park Plaza, a healthy lifestyle is not taken for granted,” Wiebrand explains. “The seed was planted several years ago in the planning stages and will be carried out for decades to come through
the conscientious lifestyles of
our residents.”
More Fit Home Features
1) Every unit comes equipped with an iPod/iPhone docking station and pre-wired surround speakers for in-home workouts.
2) On-site event planners coordinate monthly activities that range from Rock Band competitions to “yappy hours.”
3) The rooftop features a massive fitness center overlooking Town Lake, an outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor cooking areas, a resident entertainment/event area and a movie theater.
4) Gables Park Plaza features a bicycle locker room, complete with storage and a shower.
SPRING CONDOMINIUMS
springaustin.com
From its prime location and mind-boggling views to high quality design, construction and green standard rating, Spring is not only one of the most distinguished dwellings downtown, but possibly the perfect setting for a healthy and fit lifestyle.
To begin, this stunning 42-story “point tower” has an unbeatable location at 5th Street and South Lamar. Proximity to downtown, Whole Foods and for many residents, work, make it irresistibly easy to ditch the gas-guzzler for a walk or stroll to nearby Austin attractions.
Using a “point tower” design, the 400-foot high-rise minimizes it’s physical footprint, while maximizing living space and available views. Made completely of glass, concrete and steel, Spring incorporates the latest in green building, so residents minimize their impact on the environment while enjoying a noticeable savings on their monthly utility bills.
“Spring helps conserve energy by providing instant hot water, a Solarscreen Radiant Low-E (VRE) Insulating window system and HVAC cooling through the city of Austin’s Chill Water System,” developer Diana Zuniga explains. “This exceeds the Austin energy code by using 15 percent less energy for the entire building.”
The majority of Spring residences showcase multi-angle views of the city, including the capitol building, Zilker Park, the University of Texas and much of downtown. And even on the lower levels, the views are some of the best in Austin. Plus, the south side of the building overlooks Lady Bird Lake with gorgeous vistas of the water and surrounding hill country; enough to inspire anyone to go outside and access the hike and bike trail.
For those who prefer to stay on-site, Spring’s rooftop features a 75-foot resort style lap pool, along with a 24-hour workout facility, providing instantaneous fitness opportunities just about any time of day. There’s even an outdoor kitchen and private dining area for those last-minute, healthy cookouts.
“Spring is a fit home because residents have the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing convenience or luxury,” says Zuniga. “It’s perfect for anyone interested in enjoying downtown living and everything Austin’s core has to offer, including the hike and bike trail, great restaurants and entertainment venues.”
More Fit Home Features
1) Spring Austin Partners recently donated $50,000 to the Austin Parks Foundation for improvements to the Shoal Creek trail. The donation represented $500 for each new Spring resident, and once all the units are sold the total donation will exceed $100,000.
2) All interior paints and coatings contain low-volatile organic compounds (VOC), meeting or exceeding Austin Energy green standards.
3) Since Spring’s 27,000 square feet extend mostly vertically, it’s estimated that this .62-acre site actually replaces more than 150 acres of land necessary to build 249 homes.
4) Austin Business Journal recently named Spring Austin’s top multi-family, commercial real estate project for 2010.
STEINER RANCH
steinerranch.com
Developed with a deep respect for its natural surroundings, Steiner Ranch offers a wealth of opportunities for leisure and relaxation, as well as an easily accessible fitness lifestyle for its inhabitants. This resort-style community beautifully winds through the hill country to the west end of Lake Austin. And in many ways, Steiner Ranch is more akin to a natural preserve than a housing complex, with one-third of the land dedicated to open space and more than 800 acres set aside to protecting native song birds.
“Steiner Ranch is considered one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Austin, and it doesn’t disappoint,” says community sales manager Kathy Mayer. “Our builders offer homes that bring the outdoors in through their use of windows and outdoor living spaces so that residents can truly enjoy the beauty that surrounds them.”
With 20 miles of hike and bike paths that range from rugged trails to wide-open vistas, there’s no shortage of outdoor exercise options. Plus, community tennis and basketball courts, lap pools and gyms (including Wild Basin Fitness) grace the property at each of Steiner Ranch’s three community centers. The splendors of Lake Austin, Lake Travis and the UT Golf Club also are just minutes away.
“In addition to the abundance of trails, there are safe sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes throughout the neighborhood,” Mayer explains. “Our trails are probably the most unique and special amenity we have, but they’re also probably what most people never see while driving through.”
All in all, Steiner Ranch offers the best of hill country living with a plethora of outdoor fitness options, less than 30 minutes from the center of the city.
“Steiner Ranch is a fit community because the amenities promote a healthy lifestyle and the natural beauty of the land definitely inspires people to get outside and get fit,” Mayer says.
More Fit Home Features
1) 20 miles of challenging hike and bike trails satisfy even the most hard-core hikers and mountain bikers.
2) Three community centers — each with pools, tennis and basketball courts — are accessible to homeowners and available for resident use.
3) Quick access to both Lakes Austin and Travis make for a water sport lover’s dream. Water skiing, wakeboarding, wake skating and scuba diving are all possible, just minutes from this already active community.
4) Wild Basin Fitness, one of Austin’s premiere workout facilities, is located within the Steiner Ranch development.
THE AUSTONIAN
theaustonian.com
Arguably the most anticipated residential development in the city, The Austonian is not only the largest, highest and most opulent high-rise in town, it’s also one of the fittest homes around.
Designed to be a vertical neighborhood, supplying over 40,000 square feet of space for entertaining, relaxing and working out, its interiors and exteriors evoke a sense of comfortable luxury and the design incorporates green building down to the tiniest detail.
“The Austonian is a healthy place to live,” explains strategic marketing director Terry Mitchell. “This starts with the air that people breathe inside the building. We’ve taken great pains to ensure that we’re following green building principles, which include using low-VOC materials in order to ensure indoor air quality.”
What’s more, the elliptical shape of the building provides a slim and efficient framework for construction.
“By eliminating the edges from the building, we not only improved the views for our residents, but also reduced the amount of material needed to create the structure, lessening the impact on the environment,” Mitchell says.
Located in the heart of downtown, along Congress Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets, Town Lake and the hike and bike trail are literally one block way. Plus, fitness options in the building are plentiful. A 75-foot saltwater pool, open year-round, with breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, resides on the 10th floor line of sight with the Capitol.
The highest gym in Austin — a state-of-the-art, multipurpose fitness area — occupies more than 6,000 square feet and resides on the entire 56th floor. With stunning views as far as the eye can see, it almost feels like you’re exercising on a cloud.
The gym features free weights, resistance machines, ellipticals, stair steppers and treadmills all along the perimeter of the west half of floor. An open Pilates and yoga workout room occupies the opposite (east) side, with luxurious men’s and women’s restrooms located in between.
“The building is entirely private,” Mitchell says. “So, the the gym and the 55th floor entertaining area are shared among residents only.”
Finally, personal training and group fitness classes are available from trainers at Mecca, plus residents are welcome to invite their own personal trainers to train with them as well.
“The location, the environment and the experience of our future residents were the greatest influences in designing this building,” Mitchell says. “It was made for people and is a living, breathing community.”
More Fit Home Features
1) In addition to personal training and fitness classes through Mecca, residents may choose health-focused services including meal preparation and delivery, organic and local grocery delivery as well as body care (massages, manicures and pedicures).
2) The 10th floor is home to one of the largest rooftop gardens in Texas, where residents can also enjoy the pool, dog park and areas for cooking and entertaining.
3) The gardens on the pool deck are irrigated with condensation from the AC system – an unusual and eco-friendly solution.
4) The physical location of The Austonian encourages people to walk more – options for dining and entertainment as well as the business district surround the building. There’s also bike storage available within the building, for those who prefer to ride, rather than walk.
AGAVE AUSTIN
agaveaustin.com
Not only is Agave Austin shaping up to be the country’s largest modern home community, but this artfully-designed neighborhood also features some of Austin’s most eco-friendly residences. Featuring more than 800 distinct dwellings designed by premier architects from around the city, Agave sits atop the hills of east Austin, just six miles from downtown.
A minimum 3-star green standard rating, colorful, funky exterior palettes and flexible floor plans, along with a unique, open vibe mirroring the eclectic and fit Austin lifestyle, are among the guiding principles of Agave’s development.
“Agave is made up of a diverse group of like-minded, creative and active individuals, all of which are modern design enthusiasts,” says Agave’s architectural project coordinator Chris Czichos. “A large majority of them work from home in fact, which lowers the collective carbon footprint.”
To keep homeowner’s bodies healthy, low-VOC paints are used exclusively in the project’s construction and finish-out, reducing odor and maintaining good, clean air quality within each residence. And to keep the environment happy, Agave offers natural ventilation, on-demand water heaters and recycled materials whenever possible.
But more than just beautifully-crafted homes, much of what makes Agave Austin such a fit place to live is the beautiful, wide-open green space it inhabits just east of Highway 183.
“The topography of the neighborhood provides amazing hills and nice streets to run, jog, roll and bike,” says Czichos. “Though they’re beautiful, Agave is not just about the homes. It’s about the residents who can be seen exercising in the neighborhood and hanging out with one another, socializing.”
MUELLER: 4217 Camacho in Mueller Community
streetmanhomes.com
The Mueller community may be one of Austin’s best kept secrets. Located on the grounds of the old Austin Airport, it’s home to approximately 140 acres of parks, trails and open space, five miles of new hike and bike paths and more than 15,000 trees scattered throughout the development. Plus, it features some of the greenest homes in the country, including this one-of-a-kind, award-winning, NAHB Green Building Gold-certified Streetman Home.
“The Mueller Greenway is considered a ‘green necklace,’” says Aundrea Haddad, representative for Streetman Homes. “It surrounds the neighborhood that connects to existing Austin parks including Bartholomew Park, Patterson Park and the public Morris Williams Golf Course. Plus there’s Lake Park — a large, centrally-located green commons —with a 6.5-acre lake and an outdoor performance venue. Every resident lives less than 600 feet away from a community green space, so there’s really no excuse not to exercise.”
With a rare five-star green rating, this uber-luxurious modern dwelling features a glass-enclosed elevator, temperature-controlled wine room, two-story waterfall in the courtyard and a third-floor sunset patio with 360-degree views of the lake, downtown Austin and the Mueller Airport landmark.
But perhaps more impressive are the home’s eco-friendly features – a floating staircase using reclaimed pecan trees, a private green space preserved and maintained in the center of the home, motorized blinds to minimize heat capture and the use of completely non-toxic and recyclable building materials. The dividends are significant; the total livable space approaches 3,500 square feet, yet the energy efficiency is comparable to that of a home almost half its size.
“Having five outdoor living areas is very unique for a home of this size in an urban setting,” Haddad explains. “With it situated on a 35-acre lake park, it’s the ideal spot for the active person with access to walk and bike trails, lakes and recreation areas.”
More Fit Home Features
1) This home is literally across the street from Lake Park, which includes miles of running trails. It’s also within walking distance of Dell Children’s Medical Center.
2) It has earned LEED Silver certification and is a five-star green home, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly construction projects in all of Austin.
3) It features an expansive outdoor patio and grilling area for healthy dining.
4) Bartholomew Park – featuring tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, disc golf, picnic areas, playgrounds and a swimming pool – is less than a five-minute walk away.
THE SOUTH 5TH
thesouth5th.com
Located only about a mile from downtown Austin, The South 5th is the pinnacle of high-end green living, combining some of the city’s most inventive and sustainable building practices with a modern aesthetic unrivaled in the Austin condo market.
But perhaps its most compelling draw and what makes it not just one of the fittest homes in Austin, but potentially in the country, is the energy savings built into each and every home. All units include four-stories of energy-capturing concrete construction, a 3-kilowatt photovoltaic solar array to offset monthly utility use, reflective glass on west-facing windows (which reduce heat inside), cabinetry with very low urea or formaldehyde and a two-zone air-conditioning/heating system for living and sleeping areas.
Projected to receive both Austin Energy’s highest green rating and the nationally-recognized LEED Gold certification, The South 5th sets the bar for environmental engineering and a proxy for the future of green building.
Mike Rhodes, builder, designer and developer behind The South 5th says “the guiding principles for this project are durability, energy efficiency, design excellence and the creation of a home for families.”
As an added bonus, the development perfectly suits those seeking an active lifestyle. It features a pool and hot tub, community garden, outdoor cooking area, is pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly and within close proximity to the Barton Creek greenbelt, the hike and bike trail, as well as nearby parks, libraries, restaurants and coffee shops.
“This is a perfect home for anyone looking to be close to downtown but away from the hustle-and-bustle,” says Bryan Cady, sales director for The South 5th. “In short, it’s a single family home or downtown condo alternative, but the intangible is that people who live here really cherish the active urban lifestyle.”
More Fit Home Features
1)One of the only condo projects in Central Austin built entirely with concrete. Demising walls are 12 inches thick, which reduces sound between units and prevents energy loss throughout the structure. An added perk is dramatically reduced property insurance.
2) Every home has a private rooftop terrace comparable in size to a one-bedroom condo downtown (approximately 800 square feet). This outdoor living room replaces a backyard without the maintenance hassles, plus it features stunning views of downtown and the hill country. Each terrace also includes speaker prewiring, cable, gas, electricity and water to make it a true outdoor living space.
3) The amenities from large live oaks, green space, a pool, hot tub, covered outdoor cooking area as well as a community garden make The South 5th one of the most versatile and luxurious living spaces in all of Austin.
4) Four floors of open air staircases keep you moving.
GABLES PARK PLAZA
gables.com
The location and programming opportunities of Gables Park Plaza make it an almost irresistible option for those looking to make fitness a regular part of their life. Literally a stone’s throw from the hike and bike trail and Lady Bird lake, the city’s two most popular spots for running, biking, swimming and kayaking, Gables Park Plaza also features some of the most ambitious health and fitness offerings of any development in Austin, including an on-site wellness coordinator, personalized fitness consultants (offering more than 20 free classes a month), free healthy grilling seminars and discounted personal training for residents.
“Lady Bird Lake and the trail at Park Plaza’s front door have guided almost every decision in our design process,” says development associate Jennifer Wiebrand. “From the sound of gently moving water at the infinity edge pool, to the clouds on the ceiling of the fitness center, bringing the elements of this spectacular location into the building was always foremost in our design.”
Eight stories high, situated along the east side of Lamar Boulevard and directly across from the soon-to-be constructed Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, the development is not short on amazing views, nor instant access to the natural playground surrounding the city. Within walking, riding or running distance of Auditorium Shores, the Barton Creek greenbelt, the Butler Pitch and Putt Golf Course and Barton Springs pool, the location is a recreational reverie. Add to that the eco-friendly build-out of Gables Park Plaza, and you have a unique combination that makes it one of Austin’s fittest homes.
“More than 70 percent of the Gables Park Plaza construction waste has been diverted from the landfill and recycled, while one-fifth of the building materials (concrete and steel framing) have been manufactured from recycled content,” says Wiebrand.
Aluminum, cardboard and paper recycling chutes are accessible on every floor of the building along with a large centralized recycling area in the garage. Plus, there’s preferred parking spaces for fuel-efficient vehicles and fluorescent lighting in all common areas. These and other green enhancements have positioned the Gables Park Plaza as a candidate for both LEED and Austin Energy Green Building certification.
“At Gables Park Plaza, a healthy lifestyle is not taken for granted,” Wiebrand explains. “The seed was planted several years ago in the planning stages and will be carried out for decades to come through
the conscientious lifestyles of
our residents.”
More Fit Home Features
1) Every unit comes equipped with an iPod/iPhone docking station and pre-wired surround speakers for in-home workouts.
2) On-site event planners coordinate monthly activities that range from Rock Band competitions to “yappy hours.”
3) The rooftop features a massive fitness center overlooking Town Lake, an outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor cooking areas, a resident entertainment/event area and a movie theater.
4) Gables Park Plaza features a bicycle locker room, complete with storage and a shower.
SPRING CONDOMINIUMS
springaustin.com
From its prime location and mind-boggling views to high quality design, construction and green standard rating, Spring is not only one of the most distinguished dwellings downtown, but possibly the perfect setting for a healthy and fit lifestyle.
To begin, this stunning 42-story “point tower” has an unbeatable location at 5th Street and South Lamar. Proximity to downtown, Whole Foods and for many residents, work, make it irresistibly easy to ditch the gas-guzzler for a walk or stroll to nearby Austin attractions.
Using a “point tower” design, the 400-foot high-rise minimizes it’s physical footprint, while maximizing living space and available views. Made completely of glass, concrete and steel, Spring incorporates the latest in green building, so residents minimize their impact on the environment while enjoying a noticeable savings on their monthly utility bills.
“Spring helps conserve energy by providing instant hot water, a Solarscreen Radiant Low-E (VRE) Insulating window system and HVAC cooling through the city of Austin’s Chill Water System,” developer Diana Zuniga explains. “This exceeds the Austin energy code by using 15 percent less energy for the entire building.”
The majority of Spring residences showcase multi-angle views of the city, including the capitol building, Zilker Park, the University of Texas and much of downtown. And even on the lower levels, the views are some of the best in Austin. Plus, the south side of the building overlooks Lady Bird Lake with gorgeous vistas of the water and surrounding hill country; enough to inspire anyone to go outside and access the hike and bike trail.
For those who prefer to stay on-site, Spring’s rooftop features a 75-foot resort style lap pool, along with a 24-hour workout facility, providing instantaneous fitness opportunities just about any time of day. There’s even an outdoor kitchen and private dining area for those last-minute, healthy cookouts.
“Spring is a fit home because residents have the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing convenience or luxury,” says Zuniga. “It’s perfect for anyone interested in enjoying downtown living and everything Austin’s core has to offer, including the hike and bike trail, great restaurants and entertainment venues.”
More Fit Home Features
1) Spring Austin Partners recently donated $50,000 to the Austin Parks Foundation for improvements to the Shoal Creek trail. The donation represented $500 for each new Spring resident, and once all the units are sold the total donation will exceed $100,000.
2) All interior paints and coatings contain low-volatile organic compounds (VOC), meeting or exceeding Austin Energy green standards.
3) Since Spring’s 27,000 square feet extend mostly vertically, it’s estimated that this .62-acre site actually replaces more than 150 acres of land necessary to build 249 homes.
4) Austin Business Journal recently named Spring Austin’s top multi-family, commercial real estate project for 2010.
STEINER RANCH
steinerranch.com
Developed with a deep respect for its natural surroundings, Steiner Ranch offers a wealth of opportunities for leisure and relaxation, as well as an easily accessible fitness lifestyle for its inhabitants. This resort-style community beautifully winds through the hill country to the west end of Lake Austin. And in many ways, Steiner Ranch is more akin to a natural preserve than a housing complex, with one-third of the land dedicated to open space and more than 800 acres set aside to protecting native song birds.
“Steiner Ranch is considered one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Austin, and it doesn’t disappoint,” says community sales manager Kathy Mayer. “Our builders offer homes that bring the outdoors in through their use of windows and outdoor living spaces so that residents can truly enjoy the beauty that surrounds them.”
With 20 miles of hike and bike paths that range from rugged trails to wide-open vistas, there’s no shortage of outdoor exercise options. Plus, community tennis and basketball courts, lap pools and gyms (including Wild Basin Fitness) grace the property at each of Steiner Ranch’s three community centers. The splendors of Lake Austin, Lake Travis and the UT Golf Club also are just minutes away.
“In addition to the abundance of trails, there are safe sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes throughout the neighborhood,” Mayer explains. “Our trails are probably the most unique and special amenity we have, but they’re also probably what most people never see while driving through.”
All in all, Steiner Ranch offers the best of hill country living with a plethora of outdoor fitness options, less than 30 minutes from the center of the city.
“Steiner Ranch is a fit community because the amenities promote a healthy lifestyle and the natural beauty of the land definitely inspires people to get outside and get fit,” Mayer says.
More Fit Home Features
1) 20 miles of challenging hike and bike trails satisfy even the most hard-core hikers and mountain bikers.
2) Three community centers — each with pools, tennis and basketball courts — are accessible to homeowners and available for resident use.
3) Quick access to both Lakes Austin and Travis make for a water sport lover’s dream. Water skiing, wakeboarding, wake skating and scuba diving are all possible, just minutes from this already active community.
4) Wild Basin Fitness, one of Austin’s premiere workout facilities, is located within the Steiner Ranch development.
THE AUSTONIAN
theaustonian.com
Arguably the most anticipated residential development in the city, The Austonian is not only the largest, highest and most opulent high-rise in town, it’s also one of the fittest homes around.
Designed to be a vertical neighborhood, supplying over 40,000 square feet of space for entertaining, relaxing and working out, its interiors and exteriors evoke a sense of comfortable luxury and the design incorporates green building down to the tiniest detail.
“The Austonian is a healthy place to live,” explains strategic marketing director Terry Mitchell. “This starts with the air that people breathe inside the building. We’ve taken great pains to ensure that we’re following green building principles, which include using low-VOC materials in order to ensure indoor air quality.”
What’s more, the elliptical shape of the building provides a slim and efficient framework for construction.
“By eliminating the edges from the building, we not only improved the views for our residents, but also reduced the amount of material needed to create the structure, lessening the impact on the environment,” Mitchell says.
Located in the heart of downtown, along Congress Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets, Town Lake and the hike and bike trail are literally one block way. Plus, fitness options in the building are plentiful. A 75-foot saltwater pool, open year-round, with breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, resides on the 10th floor line of sight with the Capitol.
The highest gym in Austin — a state-of-the-art, multipurpose fitness area — occupies more than 6,000 square feet and resides on the entire 56th floor. With stunning views as far as the eye can see, it almost feels like you’re exercising on a cloud.
The gym features free weights, resistance machines, ellipticals, stair steppers and treadmills all along the perimeter of the west half of floor. An open Pilates and yoga workout room occupies the opposite (east) side, with luxurious men’s and women’s restrooms located in between.
“The building is entirely private,” Mitchell says. “So, the the gym and the 55th floor entertaining area are shared among residents only.”
Finally, personal training and group fitness classes are available from trainers at Mecca, plus residents are welcome to invite their own personal trainers to train with them as well.
“The location, the environment and the experience of our future residents were the greatest influences in designing this building,” Mitchell says. “It was made for people and is a living, breathing community.”
More Fit Home Features
1) In addition to personal training and fitness classes through Mecca, residents may choose health-focused services including meal preparation and delivery, organic and local grocery delivery as well as body care (massages, manicures and pedicures).
2) The 10th floor is home to one of the largest rooftop gardens in Texas, where residents can also enjoy the pool, dog park and areas for cooking and entertaining.
3) The gardens on the pool deck are irrigated with condensation from the AC system – an unusual and eco-friendly solution.
4) The physical location of The Austonian encourages people to walk more – options for dining and entertainment as well as the business district surround the building. There’s also bike storage available within the building, for those who prefer to ride, rather than walk.
AGAVE AUSTIN
agaveaustin.com
Not only is Agave Austin shaping up to be the country’s largest modern home community, but this artfully-designed neighborhood also features some of Austin’s most eco-friendly residences. Featuring more than 800 distinct dwellings designed by premier architects from around the city, Agave sits atop the hills of east Austin, just six miles from downtown.
A minimum 3-star green standard rating, colorful, funky exterior palettes and flexible floor plans, along with a unique, open vibe mirroring the eclectic and fit Austin lifestyle, are among the guiding principles of Agave’s development.
“Agave is made up of a diverse group of like-minded, creative and active individuals, all of which are modern design enthusiasts,” says Agave’s architectural project coordinator Chris Czichos. “A large majority of them work from home in fact, which lowers the collective carbon footprint.”
To keep homeowner’s bodies healthy, low-VOC paints are used exclusively in the project’s construction and finish-out, reducing odor and maintaining good, clean air quality within each residence. And to keep the environment happy, Agave offers natural ventilation, on-demand water heaters and recycled materials whenever possible.
But more than just beautifully-crafted homes, much of what makes Agave Austin such a fit place to live is the beautiful, wide-open green space it inhabits just east of Highway 183.
“The topography of the neighborhood provides amazing hills and nice streets to run, jog, roll and bike,” says Czichos. “Though they’re beautiful, Agave is not just about the homes. It’s about the residents who can be seen exercising in the neighborhood and hanging out with one another, socializing.”
Ally Davidson: A True American Gladiator, June 2009 Issue
Swimsuit Guide 2009, May 2009 Issue
Joe Vitale Has Green on His Mind, April 2009 Issue
