K
airoi Residential's ambitious plan for the tallest tower in Texas is a wedge-shaped, glass-covered skyscraper in downtown Austin. The San Antonio-based developer has submitted plans to city hall for a 66-story tower at 701 West Sixth Street, requesting increased density and approval for 394 apartments or condos, along with 4,500 square feet of ground-floor restaurant or bar space. The proposed tower would span 567,000 square feet, slightly larger than downtown's Frost Bank Tower.

    The site, acquired by Kairoi in 2020, is located near employment centers, dining, and nightlife options, making it ideal for residential development. However, the project has raised concerns among some city officials, who worry that replacing existing businesses with a residential tower could dampen the area's atmosphere. The proposed parking garage entrances on Rio Grande and Sixth streets have also been criticized.

    The Austin Design Commission discussed the project during a meeting this week, with Commissioner Brendan Wittstruck expressing concerns about the impact on the area's vibrancy. Kairoi is seeking a 30:1 floor-area ratio through Austin's Downtown Density Bonus program to maximize the building's height and density. If approved, the tower would join a rapidly growing number of high-rise developments shaping the city's skyline.