In theme with Austin’s constant goal to transform its skyline, the 1980s Brodie Oaks shopping center has a transformation of its own in the works. Since the conception of this development in 2019, developers Barshop & Oles Co. and the Houston-based Lionstone Investments have partnered to make this project a reality. 

The Brodie Oaks Redevelopment Project

“Brodie will be a destination landmark for South Austin reflecting the unique character of South Austin through its creative design and the incorporation of public art and performance venues. A focus on biophilic design, energy and water conservation, and the use of regional architectural styles and materials will all help contribute to the South Austin character,” says the Brodie Oaks Redevelopment site. 

The current state of the shopping center spans 365,000 square feet and is in dire need of a makeover. This transformation plans to create an interconnected community across 38 acres. The land will be divided into 14 acres of open space, 1.26 million square feet of office space, 140,000 square feet for restaurants and retail stores, a 200-room hotel, and 1,700 residential units. 

This redevelopment will completely transform the South Austin area, bringing an exciting urban branch to the community.

Brodie Oaks Recent News

Since the project’s introduction to City Council in late 2020, it has been slowly making its way up the ladder. On November 15th, the Austin Planning Commission recommended the rezoning request by the project. Despite concerns by city staffers on the height of the project, the recommendation passed. City Commissioner Claire Hemphill noted the project’s significance in her comments: “I think there has been a tremendous amount of engagement, work, negotiations — a lot of thought. I feel this is ready to move forward.”

Contingent on the approval from Austin Energy, the Planning Commission moved forward with a list of recommendations for the project. 

What Are The Implications Of This?

While the neighboring towns and South Austin community are raising concerns about this change, the Brodie Oaks redevelopment team seems confident in the positive impact this project will have on the area. With eco-friendly and community-based goals rooted deep within the project, there can be no denying that the Brodie Oaks shopping center redevelopment will be a monumental transformation for the entire city.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Brodie Oaks project by following my blog. And as always, reach out to me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions on what exciting new developments are making their way to the Austin area. 

On November 3, Austin City Council made the second of three necessary votes to rezone a site on the southern bank of Lady Bird Lake into a planned unit development. This project, headed by Endeavor Real Estate Group LLC, would redevelop this site, previously home to the Austin-American Statesman headquarters, into a monumental mixed-use high-rise complex.

305 South Congress Redevelopment

Running adjacent to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, 305 South Congress is poised for residential, office, retail, and hotel space, as well as a new public park. If completed, this 19-acre project will transform the lakefront site, expanding the Central Business District to the southern bank of Lady Bird Lake. This entire development is expected to cost roughly $117.5 million. 

Current plans for the site include 1,378 residential units, 150,000 square feet of retail space, 1.5 million square feet of offices, and a luxury hotel with 275 rooms. The retail portion of this development will consist of both retail and restaurant space and will span six towers, with its tallest reaching roughly 47 stories high. The 305 South Congress project also plans to include a new Blue Line light rail station as a part of the city’s long-term transportation plan, Project Connect, to provide easy access to Austin residents and a more connected community.

South Central Waterfront Initiative

The redevelopment of this waterfront site will also become an integral part of Austin’s vision to create a mixed-use environment on Lady Bird Lake’s south bank. This city-wide mission is known as the South Central Waterfront Initiative, which plans to reestablish the South Central Waterfront District as a “lively, safe, and attractive pedestrian environment” that prioritizes green spaces, a connected community, and affordable housing.

With transformative new developments like the 305 South Congress project, Austin is always on the brink of something incredible. Stay tuned on Austin developments with my blog, or contact me at tmcneil@kw.com.