Work has begun on the hotly debated Spring condominium community at Third and Bowie in Austin. The planned 42-story 250-unit tower will feature one bedroom condos as well as two-bathroom, two-bedroom units. Smaller condos will begin at 575 ft.², with a starting price of $237,000. Two-bedroom condominiums will range in price from $430,000 to $530,000. A few larger penthouse units, starting at $700,000, are also part of the plan. Spring is the brainchild of Robert Barnstone, Perry Lorenz, Larry Warshaw and Diana Zuniga. Vancouver-based Rafii Architects is providing design for the project, which is expected to be completed in 2009.

The new condominium tower has not been without its controversy. The project was proposed at 400 feet, and some suggested that the tower height be limited. The Austin city Zoning and Platting Commission allowed the project to go ahead, despite the criticisms. Spring attracted much controversy due to its proposed 400 foot height.