One of the newest industrial parks in northeast Austin is receiving the finishing touches from Ryan Companies US Inc. and is set to become a massive development for the area. The Quarter Crossing project is situated in Manor, Texas, with one tenant, Whole Foods, already secured.

The industrial park is nestled between northeastern Austin’s most notable economic developments – Tesla’s gigafactory in east Travis County and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s chipmaking plan in Taylor – making it a perfect destination for industrial and residential developments. The park also has easy access to U.S. Route 290 and State Highway 130 in both directions. 

David Forester, the director of real estate development at Ryan Companies US Inc., identified Manor as a prime candidate location for this industrial development for each of the reasons above. 

With one building, 9917 Hill Lane, already complete at the business park and over 300,000 square feet on nearly 16 acres expected to come, Quarter Crossing will become an economic giant for Central Texas. The first tenant for the business park, Whole Foods Market Inc., was selected for the 132,000-square-foot Hill Lane building and opened this past April. 

Another building at Quarter Crossing is currently in development and is expected to be completed soon. This development will be an enticing prospect for various companies and industries, spanning 192,000 square feet with 36-foot clear heights and a massive flex parking area with 145 trailer parking stalls. 

Interest and demand in the Central Texas area have reached new heights, making this new Quarter Crossing industrial park a significant step forward. 

What does this mean for Austin? Stay tuned by following my blog for more information on the latest developments, commercial projects, and local real estate in Central Texas. Feel free to email me at  tmcneil@kw.com to discuss commercial developments like Quarter Crossing.

On June 8th, the Mississippi-based real estate firm EastGroup Properties Inc. was unanimously approved by the city of Round Rock for incentives up to $125,000 to aid the firm’s upcoming industrial redevelopment. The redevelopment itself is estimated to cost $9 million and will focus on a 9-acre site at 350 Texas Avenue. Fondly nicknamed “the Texas Ave” project, this Round Rock development is expected to span over 125,000 square feet.

The continued approval of this project is contingent on the demolition of the current building by March 31, 2024, with an expense of at least $125,000, with a completed replacement by the end of 2026 at a minimum of 100,000 square feet. 

The demolition alone will cost anywhere between $120,000 and $135,000, while the capital investment in this project will be approximately $9 million. Currently, two small structures reside on the property, with a combined square footage of 15,000 square feet. EastGroup Properties Inc. aims to demolish these structures and redevelop with two class A light industrial buildings, which will span a total of 128,700 square feet, one with 70,000 square feet and the other with roughly 58,000 square feet. Recent conceptual plans showcase both buildings clearing over 28 stories in height.

David Hicks, the vice president of EastGroup Properties Inc., has confirmed that no tenants are currently secured for this project but that construction is expected to begin later this year.

“Part of our program of work on the economic development team is to work with developers who identify properties that we can potentially use for future economic development projects and more so even working with them to find redevelopment opportunities, so when we’re recruiting companies we have the appropriate real estate,” said Jordan Robinson, CEO and president of the Round Rock Chamber, during the June 8th meeting.

What does this mean for Austin? Stay tuned by following my blog for more information on the latest Austin developments, commercial projects, and local real estate. Feel free to email me at  tmcneil@kw.com to chat more about this “Texas Ave” project and if you’re curious why Austin is my favorite place in the world!

A bright new shape is setting “sail” to the Austin skyline, making waves and taking names across the state. Block 185, Google’s newest Austin tower, is aptly nicknamed the “sail tower” for its unique design.

Influenced by worker wellness and unusual zoning requirements, the structure has taken shape in an outstanding way. Rising 35 stories, the sweeping tower tapers in a manner much like a sail in response to neighboring waters – Shoal Creek on the west and Lady Bird Lake on its south side. The project, a redevelopment of the previous Green Water Treatment Plant, now includes several outdoor terraces, retail space alongside the creek, and a 1,411-car parking garage. 

With a prime location in the heart of Austin, Block 185 features some of the city’s best and brightest views. Luckily, the designers of this immaculate structure took notice, placing each floor with 180-degree views, abundant natural lighting, and solar-shaded glass. Experience and functionality were clearly at the forefront of the mind when developing this tower, with over 20% of the space devoted to its luxurious amenities.

Google has been the prime tenant for this structure for the majority of its lifetime in design and development. Prior to the pandemic, Google announced its preparation to relocate sometime in 2023. However, recent downsizing at some of the largest tech giants in the nation, including Google, could have an impact on this decision. 

With the internet company’s incredible presence already in downtown Austin at 500 West Second Street, only one block away from this new tower, questions are being raised about the continued development of this project.

As always, stay tuned by following my blog for more information on the latest Austin developments, commercial projects, and local real estate. Feel free to email me at  tmcneil@kw.com to chat more about this unique development and if you’re curious why Austin is my favorite place in the world!

A project featuring millions of square feet of data center space is on the brink of development for Williamson County! The project, affectionately known as PowerCampus Austin, ranges 150 acres and is a joint venture between Dallas-based Skybox Datacenters LLC and San Francisco-based Prologis Inc. In early May, the developers received unanimous approval from the Hutto City Council to construct a massive portion of Hutto land along U.S. Route 79. This land is known as a “megasite” due to its considerable interest from big businesses and undeveloped property.

PowerCampus Austin Development

The first phase of this incredible 150-acre development is expected to be completed in late 2024. Located at the southeast corner of U.S. 79 and County Road 132, PowerCampus Austin is expected to span a total of 159 acres. The concepts for PowerCampus Austin showcase six buildings totaling 3.9 million square feet, with four reaching 750,000 square feet and two estimated at 467,000 square feet. The project has yet to sign any tenants at this point in the timeline, despite the many potential companies already eyeing the campus. 

While the campus is expected to overtake a massive portion of land in North Austin, the estimated workforce needed for operating PowerCampus Austin remains small, focusing only on a few dozen high-wage engineering, technical, and construction positions. 

Despite this development’s lower job demand, PowerCampus Austin is still poised to bring the county billions of dollars in capital investment. Data centers like this one are often used as physical locations to store information with a vast market in infrastructure, which can add a lot of value to a city’s tax rolls.

JC Witt, the vice president of investments at Prologis Inc., commented, “This 150-acre campus will contribute to the local economy and build upon North Austin’s growing reputation as a world-class location for digital infrastructure. The project will offer 600 megawatts through two private substations — making it one of the most scalable data center campuses in the United States.”

Follow along with the development of PowerCampus Austin and discover more commercial projects heading our way by following my blog or contacting me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions!

Known for being a bustling city of development, Austin is now also experiencing an industrial boom – with industrial eyes now set on a small town bordering the capital. The city of Lockhart looks to be the perfect next destination for an expansion of industrial developments, especially as news of Titan Development Ltd. setting their sights on this area for the continuation of their Central Texas projects comes to light.

So, what are the benefits of Lockhart for industrial developers? First, the city is close to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and State Highway 130 is a huge draw for companies expecting a large amount of travel. Second, Lockhart is nestled between Austin and San Antonio, with the potential to dip into both job markets. With a massive supply of available land, more affordable pricing, and public incentives, industrial giants are increasingly attracted to Lockhart. Corporations like Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Tesla Inc., and several others are already making their way to the city.

While this industrial boom in Lockhart is quickly picking up speed, it comes as no surprise to city officials and residents that have been preparing for these developments. With a pro-business attitude, the Lockhart community has been investing in industrial-friendly infrastructure, such as roads and wastewater treatment systems. This support from Lockhart officials is attracting developers from all across the state. Titan is already developing a 45-acre Lockhart Industrial Park 130, expected to span 650,000 square feet. 

The city’s interim Economic Development Director, Mike Kamerlander, commented on the promise of Lockhart’s future industrial empire. “I think our city is very pro-business and wants to grow the industrial sector here in Lockhart, which is also a welcomed revelation to many companies looking around the Austin area,” he said.

Learn more about the industrial development boom in Austin and what’s happening around our favorite capital by following my blog or contacting me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions!

The iconic Austin-based bar, Cain & Abel’s, has been a staple in the community ever since it opened its doors in 1991, especially beloved by University of Texas students due to its proximity to the West Campus. However, a new development in the Austin area is pushing Cain & Abel’s to find a new location to call home. 

Student Housing High-Rise

The development is spearheaded by Bleyl Engineering and is theorized to be a high-rise building that will help to satisfy the continually rising demand for University of Texas student housing, specifically in the West Campus neighborhoods. This residential development has long been planned for the cherished Cain & Abel’s location at 2313 Rio Grande Street, with City of Austin permits first filed in mid-July 2022. Now, a pending permit with city demolition has revealed that the Cain & Abel’s structure is set to be torn down at the end of the month to make way for a residential building. The 30-story student housing will occupy the two lots where Cain & Abel’s is situated, across roughly ⅓ of an acre.

Cain & Abel’s Relocation

While the owner of the Longhorn favorite bar, Ellis Winstanley, didn’t expect this development for several years, plans for this high-rise building are now underway, leaving Cain & Abel’s to close by the end of this April. However, Winstanley already has his next move mapped out – a new location for Cain & Abel’s to open not long after the current location’s closure. The specific area had previously been under wraps, but recent reports indicate the bar will reopen at 907 West 24th Street, only a few blocks away. This destination is set to open in May, so keep your eyes on my blog for more information on this development.

Follow along with this University of Texas student housing development and stay tuned for more details on the relocation of Cain & Abel’s by following my blog or contacting me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions!

Austin is springing forward into the season with news of two mixed-use development projects coming to the area. Keep your eyes peeled and check out some details of these exciting projects below.

CSW Far West Development

While filings are still in the preliminary stages, Far West Boulevard in Austin is standing to gain hundreds of new apartments and plenty of upcoming retail and restaurant space with Central Southwest Texas Development LLC’s latest project. This development is set to be developed at 3525 Far West Blvd in Austin, featuring several five-story buildings and a six-story garage across 3.9 acres of land.

Currently, that lot is occupied by a Frost Bank drive-thru and parking lot. The land was purchased by CSW in December 2021 and was appraised at nearly $3.4 million. According to a recent filing, the current development project is projected to cost CSW $50 million.

With no available site plan, the layout of this development remains unclear. However, CSW has announced plans to qualify for the city’s vertical mixed-use density bonus program. This fantastic program allows Austin developers to build higher than typical in exchange for creating affordable housing. To meet these goals, CSW will reserve 10% of residential space for residents making 80% of the median family income level!

AJ Capital Tower & Hotel

Just south of the University of Texas campus, plans for an 18-story project are beginning to take shape. The Nashville-based developers, AJ Capital Partners, have announced plans to transform a half-block radius surrounding Guadalupe and 18th streets. Their recent site plan filed with the city shows the demolishment of the site’s current occupant, an office building, with plans to develop an astonishing 18-story tower.

While the specifics of this project remain secretive within AJ Capital’s walls, we can look at the developer’s exciting portfolio to further speculate what is to come. The current operatives of the boutique hotel chain Graduate Hotels, AJ Capital has a current expansion plan in Dallas that is already under construction. This project would be the company’s first development in Austin and is one for the books!

Learn more about the beautiful city of Austin by checking out my blog or contacting me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions!

Plans for an exciting new development in Austin, a mid-rise located at Fifth and Walsh Streets, had begun to take shape early this year. While still in the early stages of development, from permitting to designing, this project spearheaded by Endeavor Real Estate Group LLC was making headway. However, as the market shifts, these plans seem less and less likely.

The five-story tower, planning to rise over 75 feet tall, would cover multiple lots in a half-block radius. This space in downtown Austin is expected to be 204,000 square feet. The ground floor would primarily house retail space, with four stories of underground parking. This Endeavor project was projected to cost roughly $61 million.

So, why has further development been halted?

The Austin Business Journal quoted Josh Lickteig, principal at Endeavor, on the recent halt for this downtown project: “We’re still in the permitting and design process, so we’ll kind of wait it out and see how that goes over the next 12 to 18 months and see if it’s worthwhile to pull the trigger on the building,” Lickteig said. “And if not, then we’ll pivot and do something different.”

Endeavor’s Impact On The City

A prominent commercial developer in our beautiful capital city, Endeavor has had a hand in some of our favorite Austin establishments, from The Domain in North Austin to South Austin’s Southpark Meadows shopping center. This developer is expanding to unknown territory in downtown Austin as well, with projects like the IBC Bank Plaza and a local office tower on Fifth Street under their belts already.

What Does This Mean For Austin?

Endeavor officials have maintained that they will keep an eye on the office and commercial markets while this project hangs in development but have mentioned pivoting to different things if the time comes. Lickteig has even gone on to say that they aren’t turning away from the prospect of residential, retail, and hospitality developments in the future, so keep your eyes peeled!

Discover more local business updates, commercial projects, and why Austin is the best place to live and invest by checking out my blog or contacting me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions!

The trend of luxury brands entering the Austin retail market has remained prominent throughout the years, with Dior expected to be the next big name setting its sights on the city. According to a recent Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, Christian Dior Couture is seeking to place Austin roots at a 6,300-square-foot store located at The Domain. Construction on this development project is expected to cost $6.8 million and is set to be completed at the end of December 2023.

The Desire Of Austin

With a Dior development on the horizon for Austin, you may be curious why this continued influx of luxury brands is seeking out our lovely city. 

The appeal of Austin lies primarily in its demographics, a.k.a, YOU! While the city has an already enticing retail market, luxury brick-and-mortar shops are skyrocketing across Texas and the other Sun Belt States. As more and more high-income individuals left cities with an intensely high cost of living, like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Austin and its surrounding suburbia became an appealing destination to relocate to. 

Luxury brands saw this increase in Austin’s population and immediately jumped on the opportunity to provide malls, outdoor shopping stores, and other brick-and-mortar locations to meet new demand for luxury shopping. 

Keep an eye out for more luxury developments in Austin as more high-income households relocate and drive up the demand for these brands to find a permanent place in the city.

Learn more about the luxury market in Austin by checking out my blog or contacting me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions. If you’re curious why Austin is the best place to live and invest in real estate, check out this relocation guide to my favorite city!

A long-standing project that’s been in our minds since 2020, the Brodie Oaks project in South Austin has stumbled upon recent developments that have raised some questions about its progress with the community. Let’s take a look at what we know about this unique project.

First introduced to the city in 2020 at a city council meeting, the Brodie Oaks shopping center transformation has boded well for the city, despite concerns raised by neighboring residents. 

Until recently, the project has been greenlit by the City Council. However, in the February 9th meeting, council members voted to postpone action on the development’s rezoning request that would clear the way for the mixed-use urban center.

The project, headed by Barshop & Oles Company, would reignite the area with its redevelopment of the original 1980s shopping center. Plans show a transformation into 1.26 million square feet of office units, 13.7 acres of open space, 140,000 square feet of ground available for retail shops, restaurants, and even a potential grocery store, as well as multiple towers across the 37.6-acre development.

And while this delay is daunting to some, it does not seem to be hindering the project’s timeline and development. Development partners and the city council have agreed that the language of this request is an essential aspect of the approval process, one aspect that requires more attention before moving forward with the Brodie Oaks approval.

Keep in mind that this is not a rejection of Brodie Oak’s proposal, simply a postponement that will provide the developers with ample time to create a formal written agreement for review with the city.

Stay up to date with the Brodie Oaks development by following my blog or reaching out to me at tmcneil@kw.com with any questions! If you’d like to learn more about Austin and what amazing things it has to offer, take a look at why we recommend investing in this incredible city.