Gables’ Tony Tower Lands Equity Via HFF

By Anca Gagiuc

Gables Republic Square

Austin, Texas—Gables Republic Square, a mixed-use residential and hotel tower planned by Gables Residential in downtown Austin, has secured joint-venture equity arranged by HFF.

HFF which exclusively represented the developer, secured the funding via The Carlyle Group. The HFF team advising Gables was led by Director Robert Wooten and Senior Managing Director Matt Kafka. Senior Managing Director Sean Sorrell provided assistance on the multi-housing market component.

Scheduled for an early 2019 debut, Gables Republic Square will be located at 400 Lavaca St. and will comprise 221 for-rent residential units and a separately owned Hotel ZaZa with 159 keys. The 24-story development’s design is inspired by the surrounding historic Warehouse District with a ground-floor lobby for the residential units on floors 13 through 24.

Hotel ZaZa’s lobby, valet, bar and spa will occupy the ground floor, while the ballroom, restaurant and swimming pool will be located on the seventh floor. Guest rooms will take up floors eight through twelve. Residents will park on the second through sixth floors, while two underground levels are earmarked for hotel guest parking.

Gables Republic Square will be a candidate for certification by the Austin Energy Green Building program, a 26-year-old city-sponsored initiative that encourages sustainable building construction and operation.

Amenities for the residential units will include granite or quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, wood or laminate flooring in living and dining spaces, built-in speakers in kitchen and dining areas, eight-foot doors, granite thresholds and balconies. Planned recreational features include a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, club room, library fitness center and a rooftop area offering panoramic views. Additionally, residents will share a music practice room with Hotel ZaZa, which will provide limited residential room service.

Image courtesy of Sayers Real Estate Advisors