The Independent, Residential skyscraper in downtown Austin, United States.
The Independent is a residential skyscraper in downtown Austin with 58 floors and a modular design that creates shifted angles and visual interest at its 694-foot height. The building houses 363 apartments, a swimming pool on the ninth floor, and an amenity deck on the 34th floor with views across the city.
The building opened in 2019 and became the tallest residential tower in Austin, signaling a shift toward vertical development in the city's growth. The completion marked a turning point when downtown Austin began reshaping its skyline with modern high-rise residential projects.
The building earned the nickname 'Jenga Tower' among locals, inspired by its offset stacked blocks that reflect how contemporary architects design tall residences in growing cities.
Access is limited since this is a private residential building, but visitors can view its distinctive exterior design from downtown streets and nearby public spaces. The building looks striking from different angles around the area, especially during late afternoon light.
A large damper tank sits inside the building's top section to absorb and reduce the swaying caused by strong winds at high altitudes. This hidden engineering system keeps the tall structure steady and safe for all who live or work within it.
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