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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

Foxtrot Ventures Inc. – the modern Chicago-based convenience store chain – has unveiled expansion plans for four Austin locations by early 2023. The company first announced plans for expansion in January after months of raising $100 million in venture capital.

More About Foxtrot

While based out of Chicago, Foxtrot has over 21 locations throughout the country, including Dallas and Washington, D.C. Widely popular and praised for its creative and constantly evolving design integrating grocery shopping and cafe-style food and drink options, Foxtrot is quickly becoming a household name. The chain values customers and opts to transition throughout the day to fill its customers’ needs – transforming into a midday cafe and an evening seller of bread and wine.

Alongside its dine-in and grab-and-go meal options, an alluring aspect of Foxtrot is its combination of brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce shopping. Shoppers have countless options as they experience and enjoy the Foxtrot chain.

The Austin Stores

While the majority of the four stores in development for Austin won’t reach the city until 2023, there is still plenty to be excited about. With plans to hire over 125 employees across the four locations, it will come as no surprise that Foxtrot also plans for one of its Austin sites to be its largest location to date. The 6,500-square-foot flagship store will be located at 1804 South First Street and is currently poised to open sometime this fall. The other locations will be spread throughout Austin, with a 2,500-square-foot store at 4800 Burnet Road, and stores at 2270 Guadalupe Street and 301 West Second Street.

While Foxtrot is a national brand, it prides itself on partnering with local vendors. Austinites can expect many of their local favorites to be stocked at the upcoming stores, such as Lick Honest Ice Creams, Chop Chop Ramen, Rosen’s Bagels, as well as alcohol from St. Elmo’s Brewing, Austin Winery, and Live Oak Brewing.

Why Austin

Austin is not a novel concept to Mike LaVitola, the CEO and founder of Foxtrot, as the chain already carries many items made by Austin companies. When asked about establishing roots in Austin, LaVitola pointed to the city’s youth and incredible local vendors as its most alluring qualities.

The widespread popularity and acclaim that is associated with Foxtrot will only bring great things to our city. Contact me here to stay up to date with news on Austin’s future developments!