Baker Botts Paves the Way for the Business Community in the South Central Waterfront
AUSTIN, TX (May 30, 2019) – Today, Stream Realty Partners (Stream) announced its first tenant for its signature Austin project, RiverSouth. International law firm Baker Botts L.L.P., the fourth largest law firm in the state of Texas, has signed a 12-year lease to assume 50,000 square feet of the 350,611 square-foot office tower. Taking up one-and-a-half floors, Baker Botts will be making a historic move to relocate its Austin office from the downtown San Jacinto Center, a location it has occupied since 1988.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Baker Botts to RiverSouth,” said David Blackbird, Regional Managing Partner at Stream. “The team behind RiverSouth set out to create a high-end workplace destination with a new perspective on work-life balance. To have one of the most esteemed law firms in Texas recognize the sophistication of the project and re-root its long-standing Austin office is incredibly rewarding.”
Baker Botts was one of the original tenants at the San Jacinto Center, a move that, at the time, was equally pioneering, since few businesses were located south of 6th street in the Congress area. Occupying the 12th and 13th floors, Baker Botts has a front-row seat to the South Central Waterfront, giving its employees, clients and visitors unparalleled access and walkability to nature, new restaurants and nearby amenities.
“RiverSouth is one of the most innovative buildings, and specifically law firm spaces, that we’ve seen in Austin; it’s closer to what you might find in San Francisco or New York,” said Connor Greissing, Vice President at Stream and broker for Baker Botts. “A lot of credit goes to Baker Botts for not just thinking about 2021 and 2022. The company really looked at the future of their workforce and made a long-term commitment to its future generations of attorneys and staff.”
Located at 401 South 1st Street, RiverSouth is being constructed on a triangular 1.45-acre tract where Riverside Drive, Barton Springs Road and South 1st converge, part of the growing South Central Waterfront District. Pairing green infrastructure with an urban ecosystem, River South creates an interconnected network of corporate and recreational spaces, streets, lakeside parks and trails.
“Walkability and accessibility to retail and entertainment districts, as well as Austin’s beloved hike and bike trail, was the biggest draw for us. We see South Central Waterfront as a steadfast investment and we’re proud to be the first tenant to join Stream and put on our stamp on the area. We hope others in the business community will realize the benefits of this building and follow suit.”
Mollie Duckworth, Partner at Baker Botts
Stream received its final site development permit in February and officially broke ground with a demolition event in March. Delivery of the luxury office tower is planned for 2021. Baker Botts has more than 140 staff members in Austin, including roughly 70 practicing attorneys, all of which will move to RiverSouth once it opens.
RiverSouth will serve as a true representative of Austin: stylish, contemporary and technologically advanced. It will provide a sustainable workplace built with tenants in mind – from green-building standards to wellness-building measures. Amenities will include:
- 360-degree panoramic views
- Bike valet and storage
- Underground parking
- A fitness studio with spa-inspired locker rooms and showers
- Ground-level restaurants and shopping
- 7th floor green roof and amenity deck
- Rooftop lounge overlooking Mathias shores, Lady Bird Lake and Downtown Austin
Renderings, leasing information and marketing materials for RiverSouth can be found at RiverSouthAustin.com.