The building
Inside the Fifth & West building
A factual look at how Fifth & West was built, who built it, and why its shape is unlike any other tower in downtown Austin. Located at 501 West Avenue, Austin, TX 78701.
A tower shaped by the Capitol View Corridor
Fifth & West Residences is immediately recognizable for its triangular massing. That form is a direct response to the Capitol View Corridor that crosses the site. Texas law protects designated sightlines to the State Capitol dome, and rather than fight the corridor, the design by GDA Architects (KTGY-GDA) leaned into it. The result is a sculpted tower whose angled facades give an unusually high share of residences direct skyline, hill country, and Colorado River views.
Who designed and built Fifth & West
The project was developed by Riverside Resources, with architecture by GDA Architects (KTGY-GDA), interiors by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, and structural engineering by Brockette/Davis/Drake. Construction broke ground in December 2014, and residents began closing and moving in starting December 2018. That makes it one of the newer luxury high-rises in the immediate downtown core, which matters for systems, finishes, and energy performance.
Construction and engineering
At 459 feet across 39 stories, the tower uses cast-in-place concrete construction typical of Austin high-rises, engineered by Brockette/Davis/Drake. For buyers, newer concrete construction generally means strong sound separation between homes and a solid, quiet feel, though you should always evaluate a specific unit in person.
Residence finishes
Homes were delivered with a consistent luxury finish package. Expect the following as the building standard, while keeping in mind individual owners may have customized their residences:
- Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows
- Wide-plank white oak floors
- Marble baths
- Quartz kitchen counters
- Miele appliances
- Hansgrohe fixtures
- Savant home automation
Gallery
Inside Fifth & West
A look at the residences, the finishes, and the views that define the building.
Good to know
Questions about the building
- Who developed and designed Fifth & West Residences?
- Fifth & West was developed by Riverside Resources, with architecture by GDA Architects (KTGY-GDA), interiors by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, and structural engineering by Brockette/Davis/Drake. Construction broke ground in December 2014, and closings began in December 2018.
- Why does the tower have a triangular shape?
- The distinctive triangular massing responds to the Capitol View Corridor that crosses the site. State law protects sightlines to the Texas Capitol, so the tower was shaped to preserve that corridor, which also gives many residences wider, more open views.
- What finishes come standard in the residences?
- Homes feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, wide-plank white oak floors, marble baths, quartz kitchen counters, Miele appliances, Hansgrohe fixtures, and Savant home automation. Individual units may have been customized by their owners, so confirm finishes unit by unit.
Arrange a private viewing
See current availability, the lines that carry a premium, and a straight read on value, from a specialist who knows the building floor by floor.