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!

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!

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!

Some exciting developments are on the horizon for big names in Austin. Between new construction at Apple’s campus in Northwest Austin, several expansions for the Tesla Gigafactory, and a mixed-use development rising up east of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin commercial real estate is skyrocketing in 2023.

Apple NW Austin Campus Construction

Apple will be beginning construction on several huge developments at its Northwest Austin campus. In early January 2023, Apple filed plans with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to construct a four-story and five-story building, each costing roughly $120 million.

Tesla Gigafactory Expansions

Big things are coming to the Tesla gigafactory in east Austin this year. In 2023 alone, the company has filed plans for future construction at the gigafactory, estimated to be more than $775 million in cost. The last filing (the fifth in 2023 so far) appeared on January 10th for a project called Die Shop. This development aims to construct a new building on an immense 107,468 sq. ft. lot, costing roughly $59 million. With the addition of this new Die Shop project, Tesla’s total footprint of projects will reach 1.5 million square feet.

Colorado Bend Industrial Mixed-Use Development

A massive mixed-use development is on the horizon for Southeast Austin. According to a recent filing, the first project for this development will be Colorado Bend Industrial, just off state highways 71 and 130. The one-story Colorado Bend Industrial building will span 453,658 square feet and cost $44 million. Construction is set to begin on May 15th, 2023, and is expected to be finalized one year later, in 2024. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to commercial construction in Austin. 2023 is poised to be an eventful year for our favorite city. Stay tuned for future Austin developments by following my blog or contacting me directly at tmcneil@kw.com.

2022 was a momentous year of change in the Texas markets of real estate and business. With a great migration of corporate America making its way to the Lone Star State, innovative developments throughout Austin, and new business opportunities around every corner, we can only expect even greater things to come.

While the great influx of company relocations was, in part, due to the pandemic and the rising popularity of work-from-home and hybrid workplaces. In 2022, things have stabilized and returned to a more consistent pattern. According to a recent study (YTexas) noted in Austin Business Journal’s analysis of the business boom, “at least 23 businesses moved to the state in 2022. That was down 63% from a record 62 that made the move in 2021.”

However, this “return to normalcy” trend doesn’t mean that Texas is losing its standing as one of the biggest business states. Texas has consistently been named the number one state for business, with 2022 being no different, as it received that ranking for the 18th year in a row! The CEO of YTexas, Ed Curtis, comments that “2021 was the biggest year for relocation in the history of Texas…It was all the buildup from Covid and then 2021 is when they made the move. It is still happening.”

2023 is lining up to be a record-setting year in Austin’s continued development and the overall growth of Texas. Businesses continue to flock to the state. Austin’s growing diversity in business and leisure, as well as its remarkable city-wide projects, mark it as a noteworthy place to start a business, relocate a company, and position corporate headquarters. 

Keep an eye out for more Tesla gigafactory news, updates on commercial projects, and Texas developments by following my blog or reaching out here!

The Eden, a component of the $2 billion mixed-use project Pearson Ranch, has been on the brink of development since the developers revealed their plans in January 2022. And now construction has finally begun on The Eden and is set to be complete by the end of 2024.

Located in southern Williamson County, Pearson Ranch is situated just a short distance from Lakeline Station, which runs from Leander to the Central Business District, making it a prime destination for new residents.

The Eden Mixed-Use Project

While the entire Pearson Ranch development could take up to ten years, The Eden is estimated to take roughly a year to finish. With a total of 306 apartments across the entire 156-acre Pearson Ranch development, The Eden will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom options that range in size from 672 square feet to just over 1,500 square feet. With 10-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, and smart technology throughout the residences, The Eden complex is looking to be an excellent upscale addition to Austin’s residential community.

The apartments will also feature walk-in closets, full-size washers and dryers, and gas appliances. In the community, residents will have access to a fitness center, a rooftop lounge deck with a kitchen, a golf simulator room, a dog spa, a coworking lounge, as well as a resort-style pool with personal cabanas.

Inspire Development Real Estate LLC, the Austin-based company in charge of this project, has noted the potential in The Eden’s location. “This part of the Austin area has cemented its reputation as the place to be for high tech employers,” says the Managing Principal, Brett Ames. “The Eden brings high-quality housing to an area where it’s needed and helps more people live close to where they work.”

The excitement about The Eden community is just beginning! And with a $2-billion development expected for the entire Pearson Ranch project, more updates are sure to come. Stay tuned on both of these ventures as well as more Austin enterprises by following my blog or reaching out to me directly at tmcneil@kw.com.

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.