I can see my house from here!

 When we were at our friends' party Saturday night, I shot this photo from their balcony, looking back to the building where we live. It is the second tall edifice from the right. That is Republic Park in the foreground. During the pandemic, we would wave to each other from our balconies. The building at the far right with large dark areas is the Federal Courthouse. The cranes you see here are part of the construction project for a 44-story structure. 

Working high above the street

We were walking on the University of Texas campus a few days ago and saw these workmen rehabbing a church steeple across the street.  Their bodies on the scaffolding made a nice composition.

Detail Battle Hall

Walking on campus the other day, my attention was drawn to Battle Hall, the historic library, because it had a banner on it proclaiming its centennial. The banner said '1911-2011' but as 2012 waned it was still there. The building has some interesting details like this crab. Representing a branch of learning perhaps.

Resolution: Look Up

Here's a New Year's Resolution for the ADP: Look up and observe to find new things to show. Shot this before Christmas on Congress Avenue. One of the old buildings across from the Frost Bank monolith has the crumbling moniker: SOUTHWESTERN TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE. I guess telegraph was more important. Blow it up and you can see more detail.

Architectural Style

I'm not sure how to classify the style of this house just off South Lamar. Note particularly the checkerboard roof.

Welcome, Come In

This elaborate porch on South First no longer has a house or business to go with it.

Castle Imitator

The castle-like building that gave Castle Hill its name is emulated in the crenelations on the shops on North Lamar. Besides the chain bagels, there is a health food shop and a fitness center (Castle Hill Fitness).

Home Security

I could take a hike from my downtown condo and be standing in front of this house where security is enforced by chain link and old-fashioned iron bars on the windows instead of computer-controlled fobs and concierges and security cams. You don't see many people putting bars on their windows these days (there is the small matter of getting out in an emergency). I saw something different on this visit (Sunday for E.A.S.T.) to the area in newer infills and rehabs, though. Reflective mirror windows. I'm guessing for heat transfer and privacy? Like a one-way mirror? It was daytime and they looked exactly like mirrors.

Architectural Detail

The Central Christian Church at 11th and Guadalupe has some interesting details in the iron and stucco. It's fun to stop and look at details sometimes and a daily upload gives that chance.

Deco Decoration

This deco trim has appeared on...you guessed it...the 360 Condo Tower where I will someday hopefully live. I like it myself.

Architect for Our New Performing Arts Center

There have been scores of events leading up to the official opening of the Long Center for the Performing Arts, a privately-funded venue for performing arts in Austin. At one of them Gloria Evans, left, and Eva Womack, right, were among dozens honored as major donors. Here they are embraced by Stan Haas, the architect who managed to shepherd the project to completion. The building is lovely. I have no idea how Stan brought all the competing voices together to complete such an inspired design.