Project Update: 3rd and Bowie, Austin TX

If you’ve been downtown or visited the Whole Foods store recently you’ve quite possibly noticed that a new high rise at 3rd and Bowie has achieved an impressive profile in the downtown Austin skyline. Depending on the hour of the day, you might have also noticed the Lauren Concrete trucks systematically arriving.

The project is right on track as the building continues to grow. Once again, Lauren Concrete was selected as the #1 Central Texas choice to supply the ready mix for this Hensel-Phelps project.

This project will provide some of the most luxurious and conveniently located housing in the downtown Austin area. Early stages of the construction project are documented in the Lauren Concrete video, Partners in Progress. In the video, Team Lauren is on the job coordinating flow and timetables and ensuring that exacting specifications are achieved.

As far as luxury housing goes, many of the units will offer their tenants a special value add – a spectacular view of Town Lake. All of the tenants will benefits from parking in the attached garage and will undoubtably love being within walking distance of Whole Foods.

A tremendous project and a well-deserved shout out to the members of Team Lauren!

Building Dripping Springs: Lauren Concrete On The Job

Dripping Springs, TX – construction projects are going on all around town.

Lauren Concrete is on the scene helping to build this Central Texas community as the rapid pace of growth continues.

The picture to the left was shot at an early morning pour the week of Thanksgiving as Lauren Concrete trucks delivered ready mix for the construction of Dripping Spring’s first McDonalds restaurant.

The trucks began at the break of dawn and continued until all of the ready mix for that day’s pour was delivered. Special thanks and recognition to the drivers, quality control and plant personnel for contributing to the success of this efficient operation.

OSHA Adds New Web Information for Concrete Industry

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a safety and health topics page on its web site for employers and employees in the concrete products industry. 

The page is a result of OSHA’s alliance and strategic partnership with the National Ready-Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA).

The Concrete and Concrete Products – Manufacturing and Construction page provides information on developing and implementing safety and health programs, including several examples from the construction and manufacturing portions of the industry.

Also available are links to other resources that identify the most common industry hazards and possible solutions.

The page highlights OSHA standards, compliance directives and standards interpretations related to manufacturing and construction in the concrete and concrete products industry.

It also includes electronic assistance tools and expert advisors, Spanish language materials, training information, success stories and additional resources from OSHA and other organizations.

Source: U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

22nd Annual Coats for Kids

Now in its 22nd year, Coats for Kids is an annual community project that collects and distributes warm winter coats to eligible children and teenagers in Central Texas.

Each year, The Junior League of Austin, Jack Brown Cleaners, KASE 101, and KVUE partner to bring the community together to ensure that the children of Central Texas stay warm.

Last year, with the help of sponsors and community volunteers, Coats for Kids distributed approximately 28,000 coats to young people in Central Texas.

More information: http://www.jlaustin.org/?nd=cfk_help

Seasonal & Community Events for Families

As Christmas gets closer it is time to reflect on the meaning of the season and to celebrate the joys of living with our families in the Texas Hill Country.

As many of you know, there are a wide variety of family events that you won’t want to miss this season. here are a few of the highlights:

The 33rd annual Armadillo Christmas Bazaar will once again be at the Austin Convention Center. It remains the same truly Austin honky-tonk bar shopping experience that has made the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions – just a bigger venue.

This year it will once again be from 11 am to 11 pm every day from December 12th to December 24th.

 http://www.armadillobazaar.com/

Operation Blue Santa was started in 1972 by officers with the Austin Police Department who saw a need to provide assistance and share the Christmas experience with less fortunate residents of Austin. The first year, 20 families were provided Christmas dinner and gifts for the children. Today, Operation Blue Santa is a non-profit organization led by the Austin Police Department with the support from the Austin Fire Department, Austin Parks and Recreation and The Texas National Guard. Their goal is to serve over 3500 Austin families this year which is approximately 15,000 children. 

Named in the Top Ten Holiday Lightings by USA Today, the Trail of Lights Festival is a wonderland of light painted on the canvas of nature.

This annual holiday tradition is celebrated in Austin’s beloved Zilker Metropolitan Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road.

The 2008 Trail of Lights opens Sunday, December 14th and runs nightly through December 23rd, 7pm – 10pm. 



For more information, look for the Trail Guide in the Austin American Statesman on December 4th or call (512) 974-6700.

For ADA accommodations call (512)974-4038. For inclement weather closures call (512)477-5335 for a recorded message.

The Trail of Lights is generously supported by hundreds of volunteers, City of Austin staff, and sponsors.