“Block 185 is an extremely thoughtful solution for the site and the context in which it sits. it responds urbanistically to the river in a very beautiful way.”
— Gordon Gill, FAIA
“I love the subtle inflections in this building…. These moves that are site-specific, orientation-specific, and performance-specific all blend together to create a wonderful iconic element for the city of Austin.”
— Roberto de Leon, FAIA
Location Austin
Client Trammell Crow Company
Design Architect Pelli Clarke & Partners
Executive Architect STG Design
Design Team William Butler, AIA, Jon Robert, John Lind, Ben Flaute, Ben Galtney, Minu Lee, Lisa Biel, AIA, Jim Stephenson, AIA
Contractor DPR Construction
Structural Engineer Thornton Tomasetti
MEFP Engineer Blum Consulting Engineers
Civil Engineer Civilitude
Geotechnical Engineer Terracon
Sustainability STG Design
Lighting Consultant One Lux Studio
Envelope Consultant Curtainwall Design Consulting
Landscape Architect Campbell Landscape Architecture
Photographer Jason O’Rear
Home to Google’s new Austin headquarters, Block 185 is a defining landmark for Austin and the city skyline. The tower is characterized by a tapering form that responds to challenging zoning requirements and neighboring bodies of water, and a facade composed of high-performance glass and custom metal mullions in a tartan pattern. Outdoor terraces at every level give a subtle impression of a sail billowing in the wind and offer an immersive setting with waterfront views. These overhanging balconies, along with horizontal and vertical sunshades, shade the floors below. Key design drivers included creating spaces that foster a healthy, flexible, and collaborative work environment. The building has five amenity floors plus a ground floor vibrant with eclectic dining and retail that connects seamlessly to the city’s Second Street entertainment district.