Dobie Center
Dobie Center, named after J. Frank Dobie, is a privately owned twenty-seven story residence hall located adjacent to the University of Texas at Austin campus. In addition to being a private residence for students, Dobie also contains a two-story mall, restaurants, and specialty stores.[1]
The property features a pool, fitness center, two sport courts, six elevators, and an industrial-styled cafeteria.
Contents
History
The building was designed by J. & G. Daverman and Associates in 1972 [1]. Upon its completion, Dobie Center was the tallest building in Austin, surpassing the Texas State Capitol, which had held the title for nearly 90 years. Dobie was the first modernist building to exist on UT's campus [2].
The building underwent a US$10 million facelift in 1990 to replace its then brick façade by exposing the glass underneath.[2] When classes began in the Fall 1989 semester would-be residents of Dobie Center were temporarily relocated to the Radisson Plaza Hotel.[3]
On November 11, 2006 a fire, started by an improperly extinguished cigarette,[4] broke out on the pool deck of Dobie Center causing an estimated $600,000 worth of damage. The pool deck reopened in late April, 2008. The fire was contained to an area outside of the residential tower. This structure was an old wooden deck that has been replaced by a concrete structure.
The Dobie Mall was completely remodeled by the Nix Group in the 90s and is now a hub of student activity and shopping [3]. The mall is a two-story shopping and food center featuring a food court, stores, and even a chapel. The food court today features seating for 500 and various assorted independently-run food outlets.
In 2014 the Dobie Center became managed by Campus Evolution Villages, marking the start of over $4 million in renovations, including new hardwood floors, a cafeteria face-lift, and an updated movie and gameroom [4].
Life at Dobie
The Dobie Center offers monthly resident events ranging from floor events to dorm-wide events. Annual traditions such as the volleyball tournaments and Casino Night are a huge draw for residents and Dobie alumni.
Dobie has a large social media presence which connects to students in the Austin area. Additionally, the close proximity to The University of Texas's campus and covered parking garage are draws for students looking for convenience.
There are resident assistants on every floor at Dobie, creating a welcoming atmosphere for college freshmen and beyond. Dobie also is a huge hub for international students.
Transportation
Kerrville Bus Company's Megabus operates bus services from Dobie Center to Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and other cities.[5]
Trivia
Michael Dell, who founded the company that would eventually become Dell, lived in room 2713 of Dobie Center.[6]
Ryan Cabrera filmed the music video for the song "On the Way Down" on top of the Dobie parking garage.[citation needed]
Filmmaker Wes Anderson worked at the Dobie Theatre.[citation needed]
Musician Daniel Johnston worked at the McDonald's in Dobie Mall[7]
The Dobie Center is one of the only student high-rises with an unlimited meal plan.
The namesake of the Dobie Center, J. Frank Dobie, was an American folklorist, writer, and newspaper columnist.
Stores and restaurants
Some of the stores and restaurants inside Dobie Center include:
- Emiliano's Burrito Factory
- Dobie Market
- Princeton Review
- Hoa Hoa
- Bookholders
- Mane Express
- Funny Nails
- Niki's Pizza
- Conscious Cravings
- Oma's Kitchen
- Resurrected Games
- Oishi Sushi
- ARMY Recruiting Office
- Subway
References
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- ↑ "Dobie Mall Service." Kerrville Bus Company. Retrieved on May 16, 2010.
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- ↑ http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid%3A263348
External links
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- Dobie Center
- Landmark's Dobie Theater
| Preceded by | Tallest Building in Austin 1972—1984 112m |
Succeeded by One American Center |
- Pages with broken file links
- Articles with unsourced statements from May 2012
- Commons category link from Wikidata
- University of Texas at Austin campus
- University and college dormitories in the United States
- Shopping malls in Austin, Texas
- Skyscrapers in Austin, Texas
- Skyscrapers between 100 and 149 meters
- Buildings and structures completed in 1972
