This article originally appeared in The Austin Business Journal.
The Loren at Ladybird Lake is a new landmark hotel and residential project at the intersection of Riverside Drive and South Lamar Boulevard, just south of the Central Business District. The project was honored with the top award in the retail and hospitality category at ABJ’s 2023 Commercial Real Estate Awards gala.
This mixed-use project features 108 luxury hotel rooms, 24 residences, an interior event space, a rooftop restaurant and a rooftop pool overlooking the city. The five-star hotel is situated between nature trails and parkland just a stone’s throw from downtown.
Construction was already underway when the Covid-19 pandemic began, testing the mettle of the project team and delaying milestones.
Now that it’s complete, The Loren offers sweeping views of downtown to the north and Zilker Park to the west. Given its unique and active location adjacent to the James D. Pfluger Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, developers kicked in about $100,000 to the city to fund pedestrian safety improvements on Riverside, including new sidewalks and a pedestrian crosswalk across Lee Barton Drive and Riverside Drive.
On-site amenities such as the wellness spa, cafe and rooftop bar and restaurant are open to Austinites whether they’re staying there or not. There is also office space at street level for the city’s parks department.
All spaces occupied by guests and residents feature floor-to-ceiling glass, providing access to daylight and limiting the need for artificial light. All residences, some hotel units and the bar, restaurant and event space have outdoor access via terraces, reducing reliance on mechanical methods for cooling and ventilation and bringing visitors closer to some of the best views in Austin.
Key players*
Lead developer: Sardis
GC: Hoar Construction
Civil engineer: Consort Inc.
Architect/interior designer: Rhode Partners
MEP: Blum Consulting Engineers
Landscape architect: Coleman & Assoc.
Structural engineer: Viewtech
Primary seller broker: Moreland Properties
