Austin’s tallest exclusively for-rent apartment tower offers unobstructed waterfront views

(Austin, TX) KTGY, an award-winning design firm focused on architecture, interior design, branded environments and urban design, in partnership with developer Genesis Real Estate Group, recently celebrated the opening of The Travis. Situated vibrant Rainey Street, the project marks a major milestone in the area’s rapid development, as one of the first projects approved under the downtown density bonus program and the waterfront overlay zoning. The Travis is transforming both the city’s skyline and rental market as Austin’s tallest designated rental apartment tower and one of the ten tallest buildings in the Texas capital.
KTGY is responsible for the architectural design of the building, which is located at the southern end of Red River Street, where downtown energy meets the park trails along the Colorado River. On a highly desirable yet compact site, the strategic design provides over 400 premium riverfront units, thoughtfully designed to offer unobstructed views of Lady Bird Lake and the Waterloo Trail
Rising 51 stories, the contemporary glass tower creates a striking silhouette, carefully shaped to preserve existing sightlines while maximizing new views for residents. The structure utilizes concrete load-bearing walls rather than traditional columns, enabling luxurious, open floor plans. Strategically designed to adapt to a future second phase, the building takes an angular form with a distinctive “twisted” top that enhances its skyline presence.
The base of the structure is an eight-story mid-rise podium that integrates residential units, parking, amenities, and a retail corner. The amenity offerings reflect the area’s active and creative culture, including one of the largest elevated amenity decks in the area, with a resort style pool, thoughtful amenities, and a wellness studio. Additionally, The Travis features a coffee shop with outdoor seating, a large bike room, a river-facing artist loft, and a podcast and sound recording studio tailored to modern content creation.
Multiple connections were incorporated along the west façade of the building’s base, reinforcing the project’s integration into the surrounding Rainey Street and Waterloo Greenway context.
In collaboration with Genesis Real Estate Group, KTGY is proud to contribute a project that brings lasting value to the Austin community.
Address: 80 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Developer/Owner: Genesis Real Estate Group
Architecture: KTGY
Area: 1.66 ac
Capacity: Density: 254 du/ac
Unit Plan Sizes: 514 – 4,267 sq. ft
Number of Units: 423 du
Parking: 550 spaces (1.3 sp/du)
Stories: 51
Opening Date: August, 2026
About KTGY
Design lives at KTGY. Founded in 1991, KTGY is an award-winning firm of architects, designers and planners that realize new possibilities through inspired design. Everything we do, from architecture and interior design to branded environments and urban design is based on a people-centric storytelling and design process that creates memorable experiences nationwide. Guided by our mission to bring innovative design to all people and places, we partner with our clients to envision spaces that make a positive impact on people and their communities. Visit www.ktgy.com.
