Austin's tallest tower, the 74-story Waterline, has drawn attention for large, rust-colored stains running down its white and glass exterior. The discoloration is overflow from the building's standpipe system and expected to be cleaned soon, according to Seth Johnston, executive vice president for Lincoln Property Co., which is developing the building with San Antonio-based Kairoi Residential. The stains are the result of grime that built up during construction, which began in 2022. The $520 million tower is under construction near Lady Bird Lake and Waller Creek. Plans for the project include office space, more than 350 apartments, retail and restaurant space, a 250-room hotel, indoor and outdoor amenity spaces and direct access to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The building is expected to be complete this summer, though final build-out of the interior may take longer to complete.
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Discoloration on Austin's tallest building expected to be cleaned soon
Developers say discoloration on Austin’s Waterline tower came from standpipe testing during construction.
Published May 20, 2026 at 11:00am by Travis Webb
