The Big Bend Skyscraper, formerly known as the Frost Bank Tower, is a 36 story skyscraper in Austin, TX. Completed in 1983, the skyscraper was designed by Morris-Aubry Architects and stands at 531 feet tall. The building is notable for its distinctive shape, which resembles a horseshoe or a “big bend” in the Colorado River. The Big Bend Skyscraper was the tallest building in Austin until the completion of the Austonian in 2010.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is an important landmark in Austin and is home to a variety of businesses, including Frost Bank, the law firm of Baker Botts, and the accounting firm of KPMG. The building is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the observation deck on the 33rd floor.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a significant example of modern architecture and is a testament to the city of Austin’s growing skyline. The building is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, and it is an important part of the city’s history and culture.
1. Height
The Big Bend Skyscraper is 531 feet tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Austin, Texas. The building’s height is a major contributing factor to its distinctive shape, which resembles a horseshoe or a “big bend” in the Colorado River. The height of the building also gives it a commanding presence on the Austin skyline.
The building’s height has several practical benefits. First, it allows for more office space, which can be rented out to businesses. Second, the height of the building provides tenants with stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. Third, the height of the building makes it a landmark that can be seen from miles around.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a successful example of how height can be used to create a distinctive and iconic building. The building’s height is a major contributing factor to its overall success.
2. Stories
The Big Bend Skyscraper has 36 stories, which is a significant number for several reasons.
- Height: The number of stories in a building is directly related to its height. The Big Bend Skyscraper is 531 feet tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Austin, Texas.
- Office space: Each story in a building can be used for office space. The Big Bend Skyscraper has 36 stories, which means that it has a lot of office space to rent out to businesses.
- Views: The higher up a building is, the better the views. The Big Bend Skyscraper has 36 stories, which means that tenants on the upper floors have stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
- Landmark: The Big Bend Skyscraper is a landmark in Austin, Texas. Its 36 stories make it one of the most visible buildings in the city.
The number of stories in a building is an important factor to consider when designing and constructing a building. The Big Bend Skyscraper’s 36 stories are a major contributing factor to its success.
3. Architect
Morris-Aubry Architects is an architecture firm based in Austin, Texas. The firm was founded in 1983 by James W. Morris and William E. Aubry, and has since designed a number of notable buildings in Austin and beyond, including the Big Bend Skyscraper.
- Design: Morris-Aubry Architects is known for its innovative and creative designs. The firm’s buildings are often characterized by their use of bold forms and bright colors. The Big Bend Skyscraper is a prime example of this, with its distinctive horseshoe shape and blue-green glass facade.
- Sustainability: Morris-Aubry Architects is also committed to sustainability. The firm’s buildings are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The Big Bend Skyscraper is LEED Gold certified, and features a number of sustainable design elements, such as a rainwater harvesting system and a green roof.
- Community: Morris-Aubry Architects believes that architecture should be a positive force in the community. The firm’s buildings are often designed to be accessible and welcoming to all. The Big Bend Skyscraper is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and its observation deck offers stunning views of the city.
- Legacy: Morris-Aubry Architects has left a lasting legacy on the city of Austin. The firm’s buildings have helped to shape the city’s skyline and have become iconic landmarks. The Big Bend Skyscraper is one of the most recognizable buildings in Austin, and it is a testament to the firm’s and dedication.
Morris-Aubry Architects is one of the most respected architecture firms in Austin. The firm’s buildings are known for their innovative design, sustainability, and commitment to the community. The Big Bend Skyscraper is a prime example of the firm’s work, and it is a building that has had a major impact on the city of Austin.
4. Location
The location of the Big Bend Skyscraper in Austin, Texas is no coincidence. Austin is a major city in the United States, and it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, and it is a major center for technology and innovation.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is located in the heart of downtown Austin. This is a prime location for a number of reasons. First, it is close to a number of major businesses and government buildings. Second, it is easily accessible by public transportation and by car. Third, it is located in a vibrant and growing neighborhood.
The location of the Big Bend Skyscraper has had a major impact on its success. The building is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is a major contributor to the city’s economy. The building is also a symbol of Austin’s growing skyline and its status as a major city.
5. Year completed
The Big Bend Skyscraper was completed in 1983. This is a significant year for several reasons.
- The early 1980s was a time of economic growth and prosperity in the United States. This led to a boom in skyscraper construction, as businesses and investors sought to capitalize on the growing economy.
- Austin, Texas was experiencing a period of rapid
growth in the 1980s. The city’s population was growing rapidly, and the city was becoming a major center for technology and innovation. This led to a demand for new office space, and the Big Bend Skyscraper was built to meet this demand. - The Big Bend Skyscraper was one of the first skyscrapers to be built in Austin. It was the tallest building in the city for many years, and it remains one of the most iconic buildings in Austin today.
The year completed is an important piece of information for any building, as it provides context for the building’s design and construction. In the case of the Big Bend Skyscraper, the year completed is particularly significant because it helps to explain the building’s unique shape and design.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a product of its time. It was built during a period of economic growth and prosperity, and it reflects the optimism and confidence of that era. The building’s unique shape and design are a testament to the creativity and innovation of the architects and engineers who designed and built it.
6. Shape
The Big Bend Skyscraper is named for its distinctive shape, which resembles a horseshoe or a “big bend” in the Colorado River. The building’s unique shape is a major contributing factor to its overall success.
The horseshoe shape of the building provides several practical benefits. First, it allows for more office space. The building’s curved shape means that there is more space for windows, which allows for more natural light and better views. Second, the horseshoe shape makes the building more aerodynamic, which reduces wind resistance and makes the building more energy-efficient. Third, the horseshoe shape gives the building a unique and iconic look, which makes it a landmark in the city of Austin.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a successful example of how shape can be used to create a distinctive and iconic building. The building’s horseshoe shape is a major contributing factor to its overall success.
The Big Bend Skyscraper’s shape has also had a major impact on the city of Austin. The building is a landmark that is recognized around the world, and it is a symbol of the city’s growing skyline and its status as a major city.
7. Landmark
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a landmark in the city of Austin, Texas. This means that the building is widely recognized and is considered to be an important part of the city’s identity. There are several reasons why the Big Bend Skyscraper is considered to be a landmark.
- Height and Design: The Big Bend Skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in Austin, and its unique horseshoe shape makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. The building’s height and design make it a focal point of the Austin skyline, and it is often used as a symbol of the city.
- Historical Significance: The Big Bend Skyscraper was completed in 1983, and it was one of the first skyscrapers to be built in Austin. The building is a reminder of the city’s rapid growth in the 1980s, and it is a symbol of Austin’s growing skyline.
- Cultural Significance: The Big Bend Skyscraper is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The building’s observation deck offers stunning views of the city, and it is a popular spot for taking photos. The Big Bend Skyscraper is also a popular location for events and gatherings.
The Big Bend Skyscraper’s status as a landmark is important for several reasons. First, it helps to attract tourists to the city. Second, it contributes to the city’s overall identity and sense of place. Third, it helps to preserve the city’s history and culture.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a valuable asset to the city of Austin. Its status as a landmark is a testament to the building’s importance to the city’s history, culture, and economy.
8. Tenants
The Big Bend Skyscraper is home to a variety of tenants, including Frost Bank, Baker Botts, and KPMG. These tenants are important to the building for several reasons.
- Financial Stability: Frost Bank is a major financial institution in Texas. Its presence in the Big Bend Skyscraper provides financial stability to the building and its other tenants.
- Legal Expertise: Baker Botts is a global law firm with a strong presence in Austin. Its presence in the Big Bend Skyscraper provides legal expertise to the building and its other tenants.
- Business Services: KPMG is a global accounting and consulting firm. Its presence in the Big Bend Skyscraper provides business services to the building and its other tenants.
- Economic Impact: The presence of these three major tenants in the Big Bend Skyscraper has a positive economic impact on the city of Austin. These tenants generate jobs and revenue, and they help to attract other businesses to the city.
The tenants of the Big Bend Skyscraper are an important part of the building’s success. They provide financial stability, legal expertise, business services, and economic impact to the building and the city of Austin.
9. Observation deck
The observation deck of the Big Bend Skyscraper is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It offers stunning 360-degree views of the city of Austin and the surrounding area. The observation deck is located on the 33rd floor of the building, and it is accessible to the public for a fee.
- Unparalleled Views: The observation deck offers unparalleled views of the city of Austin and the surrounding area. Visitors can see for miles in every direction, and they can identify landmarks such as the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Zilker Park.
- Educational Value: The observation deck also has educational value. Visitors can learn about the history of Austin and the Big Bend Skyscraper, and they can see how the city has grown and changed over time.
- Architectural Marvel: The observation deck is itself an architectural marvel. It is made of glass and steel, and it provides visitors with a unique perspective on the city below.
- Tourist Attraction: The observation deck is a popular tourist attraction, and it is a must-see for visitors to Austin. It is a great place to take photos, and it is a great way to get a sense of the city’s layout.
The observation deck of the Big Bend Skyscraper is a valuable asset to the building and to the city of Austin. It provides visitors with stunning views of the city, and it is a great place to learn about the city’s history and architecture. The observation deck is a popular tourist attraction, and it is a must-see for visitors to Austin.
The Big Bend Skyscraper FAQs
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Big Bend Skyscraper in Austin, Texas.
Question 1: What is the height of the Big Bend Skys
craper?
Answer: The Big Bend Skyscraper is 531 feet tall.
Question 2: How many stories does the Big Bend Skyscraper have?
Answer: The Big Bend Skyscraper has 36 stories.
Question 3: Who designed the Big Bend Skyscraper?
Answer: The Big Bend Skyscraper was designed by Morris-Aubry Architects.
Question 4: When was the Big Bend Skyscraper completed?
Answer: The Big Bend Skyscraper was completed in 1983.
Question 5: What is the shape of the Big Bend Skyscraper?
Answer: The Big Bend Skyscraper is shaped like a horseshoe or a “big bend” in the Colorado River.
Question 6: Is the Big Bend Skyscraper a landmark?
Answer: Yes, the Big Bend Skyscraper is a landmark in the city of Austin, Texas.
Summary: The Big Bend Skyscraper is a 531-foot tall, 36-story skyscraper in Austin, Texas. It was designed by Morris-Aubry Architects and completed in 1983. The building is shaped like a horseshoe or a “big bend” in the Colorado River, and it is a landmark in the city of Austin.
Transition: Learn more about the Big Bend Skyscraper
Tips for Visiting the Big Bend Skyscraper
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a popular tourist destination in Austin, Texas. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Tip 1: Purchase tickets in advance.
Tickets to the observation deck can be purchased online or at the box office. Purchasing tickets in advance will help you avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist season.
Tip 2: Arrive early.
The observation deck opens at 9:00am daily. If you arrive early, you can avoid the crowds and get the best views of the city.
Tip 3: Bring your camera.
The observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of Austin and the surrounding area. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views.
Tip 4: Allow plenty of time.
There is a lot to see and do at the Big Bend Skyscraper. Allow plenty of time to explore the observation deck, learn about the history of the building, and enjoy the views.
Tip 5: Visit on a clear day.
The views from the observation deck are best on a clear day. If you visit on a cloudy or foggy day, you may not be able to see as far.
Summary: By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the Big Bend Skyscraper. The observation deck offers stunning views of Austin and the surrounding area, and it is a great place to learn about the history of the building.
Transition: Learn more about the Big Bend Skyscraper
Conclusion
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a landmark in the city of Austin, Texas. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city, and its unique shape makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in Austin. The building is home to a variety of businesses, including Frost Bank, Baker Botts, and KPMG. The Big Bend Skyscraper is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city from the observation deck on the 33rd floor.
The Big Bend Skyscraper is a significant example of modern architecture and is a testament to the city of Austin’s growing skyline. The building is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, and it is an important part of the city’s history and culture.
