Butler School of Music student Natalie Tomba, left, with event chair and sponsor Marla Bommarito-Crouch

By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

The Women’s Symphony League of Austin went to new heights for its recent 26th Symphony Designer Showhouse fundraiser at the downtown Austonian condominiums. For the Showhouse’s first time, a metropolitan living environment was presented. More than 2,000 urban enthusiasts toured the 56-story, high-rise that occupies one-third of city block on Congress Avenue.

A black-tie optional preview party was sold out and kicked off the weekend’s festivities. A sophisticated set sipped beverages donated by Twin Liquors while nibbling treats from the well-heeled restaurants of Fleming’s, Trulucks, Roy’s, Eddie V’s, The Driskill and Roaring Fork. From the 55th-floor Austonian Club, skyline views at night were breathtaking in the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi River.

Proceeds from the event generated $350,000.

“The event was a great success thanks to WSL members and The Austonian,” said event chair Marla Bommarito-Crouch. “We will provide funding for programs that are traditionally targeted towards underserved children. We appreciate the support to ensure their continuation.”

The general public also got a pre-opening opportunity to see the inside of the 683-foot tall tower with its distinctive elliptical structure. Tour-takers enjoyed cooking demonstrations, upscale merchandise and cutting-edge technology.

Prominent and local designers from the Bommarito Group, PPDS and Bella Villa Design Studio displayed current trends in interior design, lifestyle products and innovative materials. Three customized condos were showcased with inviting interiors and optimized space. Eco-friendly construction, energy efficiency and water conservation make the Austonian an environmentally conscious, vertical neighborhood.

The sleek and sustainable edifice features luxury services for 178 units priced from $586,000-$8 million. The 40,000 square-feet of amenities include a 6,000 square-foot exercise facility, 600 square-foot pet park, rooftop garden, private spa rooms, guest suites, billiards and media rooms, catering kitchen, reflecting pond with sculptures, and swimming pool with fountains. Valet and concierge services are available 24 hours a day.

In its 57th year of service, WSL is the single, largest financial patron of the Austin Symphony. More than 650 music-loving women provide monetary contributions and 10,000 volunteer hours annually for award-winning educational programs. Each year, approximately 90,000 Central Texas children and 225,000 adults benefit from the Symphony’s musical projects.

For further information, visit www.austinsymphony.org/about/organizations/womens-symphony-league-of-austin.