Rust-colored stains streaking the exterior of Austin’s Waterline tower drew widespread attention online as the skyscraper nears completion in downtown Austin. The marks appeared across sections of the white-and-glass facade of the 74-story building in the Rainey Street District, prompting questions from residents and social media users about what caused the discoloration on Texas’ tallest tower.
Developers with Lincoln Property Co. said the stains resulted from testing the building’s standpipe fire protection system. According to the company, dirt and grime that accumulated during construction washed down parts of the facade during the testing process and are expected to be cleaned.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman