A luxury high-rise in Austin, Texas, marketed as the city's first 'influencer building,' is facing accusations of being 'filthy' from its residents. The 48-story Paseo building, located on Rainey Street, offers units starting at $3,160 per month, with penthouses exceeding $26,000, and boasts amenities such as saunas, cold plunges, and an on-site restaurant. The building has actively recruited individuals with large social media followings, including TikTok stars and University of Texas football players, often offering rent discounts in exchange for promotional content under the hashtag '#paseocreator'.
However, reports from residents, initially detailed by Texas Monthly and amplified on social media, paint a different picture. Complaints include allegations that the building's 11th-floor dog park is contaminated with feces and urine, creating a pervasive odor that reportedly extends to the parking garage and elevator banks. Residents claim that for a period, there were no barriers between the dog park and the parking area, though construction of such barriers is reportedly now underway. A TikTok video shared by a resident documented what was described as a 'dog pee river' originating from the pet relief area.
Further allegations from residents cite safety concerns, including a report of an unhoused individual gaining access to the 12th floor. Other reported issues include glass shower doors shattering unexpectedly, hairs found in communal cold plunges, and cracked windows attributed to wind. Residents have also raised issues regarding the cleanliness of the building's trash disposal areas, describing overflowing bins with rotted food and waste left for extended periods.
LV Collective, the management company for Paseo, has acknowledged operational challenges and stated that improvements to the pet relief area were in progress prior to the public allegations. The company indicated that the issues in the pet relief area were part of an ongoing project to enhance drainage, sanitation, and safety, with a projected reopening by the end of the week. LV Collective stated they have assumed direct day-to-day management of the property to prioritize the resident experience and are committed to continuous improvement and earning resident trust. They highlighted the building's role in supporting local businesses and fostering community connections in downtown Austin.