The design publication spotlighted the two supertalls in its annual preview, showcasing the power of mixed-use towers to define the future of the American downtown.
The tallest tower in Texas at 1,025 feet, Waterline overlooks Austin’s Lady Bird Lake and embraces its surroundings through form and expression. The tower, which topped out in August 2025, is defined at ground level by a publicly accessible paseo addressing a network of pedestrian and bike paths, the city’s new light rail line, and the popular Rainey Street District. Above, its mixed-use program includes office space, Texas’s first 1 Hotel, and residences. Indoor/outdoor residential amenities bring greenery up into the tower through a series of porous openings.
The 1,002-foot vertical village of 520 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan topped out in late 2024. Inspired by New York’s tradition of Beaux Arts buildings as well as the city’s stepped skyscrapers, 520 Fifth Avenue’s architectural expression is defined by a series of setbacks punctuated by arches of terra cotta and coated aluminum. Residential units enjoy sun-filled rooms with 12-foot ceilings and 10-foot windows that offer dramatic views of neighboring landmarks, while column-free interiors and a compact and efficient core allow for flexible boutique offices. A recently opened members’ club, Moss, occupies the building’s lower floors.
See the full list of 2026 completions here.
