KPF Completes Waterline, Texas' Tallest Skyscraper, in Austin

Architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has completed Waterline, a supertall skyscraper in Austin, Texas, that now stands as the tallest building in the state. The mixed-use tower rises 1,022 feet (311 meters) and features a distinctive design that slopes away from Lady Bird Lake as it ascends, creating a dynamic profile on the city skyline. Waterline includes residential, office, and hotel space, along with ground-floor retail, making it a vertical neighborhood in the heart of downtown Austin. The project is a major milestone for the city, which has seen rapid growth and a surge in high-rise development in recent years. By claiming the title of Texas' tallest skyscraper, Waterline underscores Austin's emergence as a major urban center and reflects the broader trend of supertall construction spreading beyond traditional hubs like New York and Chicago. The building's lakeside location and stepped form also address environmental and contextual concerns, offering terraces and public spaces that engage with the waterfront. For residents and visitors, Waterline is set to become a landmark destination, reshaping Austin's identity and skyline for years to come.