The Independent sells entire ground floor to major Austin condo broker

Urbanspace Real Estate and Interiors, the 20-year-old Austin realty and lifestyle company, will occupy the entire first floor of the Independent, currently the city’s tallest building and the highest residential tower west of the Mississippi River.

In addition to relocating its headquarters, currently at 801 West Fifth Street, the brokerage and design firm plans to venture into new business territory, opening a neighborhood coffee shop and bar in the space.

Urbanspace will add a mezzanine to double the floor’s original footprint, adding about 23,700 square feet. The firm will also double the space of its current modern furniture and decor showroom to about 11,500 square feet, with 2,800 of that to be occupied by its new coffee shop and bar. In addition, it’s looking for restaurant operator to lease approximately 2,500 square feet to create a complementary culinary establishment.

Merrill Alley, lead designer for Urbanspace Interiors, said the showroom’s design will emphasize its location along Shoal Creek, which will also make it accessible to casual shoppers as well as homeowners and professionals.

Urbanspace, founded by residential broker Kevin Burns in 2000, has long been a major seller in the downtown-condo market. The company holds exclusive brokerage listings for the Independent’s 363 condos as well as those for projects including nearby Seaholm Residences and 44 East Avenue in the Rainey Street District. Urbanspace Interiors recently expanded to Park City, Utah, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.