Work has begun on the four-story building at 1001 Congress Ave. The 26,800-sf building is to have retail on the first floor and four stories of office space. There's also an attached parking garage, which is already done. The building is next to 1005 Congress, a 10-story building with 90,890 sf. Austin-based Congress Holdings is the developer of both buildings.

The structures are positioned just a block south of the Texas capitol. 1005 Congress is home to press offices and lobbyists. Unlike its sister building, 1001 Congress won't be offering views of the capitol views since its panorama is blocked by 1005 Congress. The building at 1001 Congress is scheduled for completion in spring 2002. The architect is Stephen McWilliams Associates, based in San Antonio.

The last time a new building was built on Congress was in the mid-1980s, Joel Sher of Congress Holdings, tells GlobeSt.com. Filtration work has begun on the site with digging set to start next week. Sher said he has letters of intent from interested tenants. Unlike 1005 Congress, which is fully leased mostly with press and government relations offices, 1001 may appeal to small investment and law firms, he says. Those firms can get a full floor, totaling 6,700 sf, elevator access and covered parking.