In a recent meeting on January 23, the Austin Design Commission unanimously agreed that a master proposal by Aspen Heights Partners LP meets the city’s urban design guidelines. This master plan outlines the development of two new towers at the location that previously housed the HealthSouth rehabilitation hospital. 

Recent News

“This is an extremely unique property…A single mom who works at the hospital can be here and walk to work. She can also have a playscape and a childcare center on the ground floor. It will also be somewhere where someone can drive in and park and go to Waterloo [Park] and the Capitol on their family vacation,” says Margarette Shaw, the city’s economic redevelopment program manager.

While City Council still needs to vote on the approval of this project in late spring or summer of 2023, the development of these two towers is highly anticipated. With affordable residential housing and a high-density business landscape in mind, the developers of these towers are looking to reinvent the district. 

The Aspen Heights Towers

This transformation of the old HealthSouth hospital will feature two residential towers at 1215 Red River Street and 606 East 12th Street. Nestled among Waterloo Park, the Dell Seton Medical Center, and Dell Medical School, these towers are already poised to be hubs of activity in the district. In total, the two towers will accommodate 921 apartments, with 25% allocated for affordable housing. 

In the north tower’s almost 50,000 square feet and 37 stories will be 573 market-rate apartments that range from one-bedroom studios to expansive three-bedroom units. The second story of the tower will have an exciting music and arts venue, an 18,000-square-foot food hall, as well as public parking.

The south tower is much smaller, covering nearly 30,000 square feet. Its 37 stories will feature 348 residential units, a child-care center, retail space on the ground floor, and nine parking levels.

What’s To Expect

The Aspen Heights Towers are exciting downtown Austin developments that will bring a bustle of activity and reinvigorate the city, drawing new residents, businesses, and more. If you’re interested in learning more about these developments and others in the Austin area, feel free to contact me here or reach out to me at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [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!

Formerly known as East Pecan Street, Sixth Street is distinctly Austin. It is framed by large, Victorian-age buildings, bustling restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. While these buildings have remained steadfast in their historical roots, the social function of “Dirty” Sixth Street has constantly evolved throughout the years. The city’s entertainment district dates back to the late 1800s, with many buildings as old as the 1870s and 1880s. Despite its unmoving foundation, Sixth Street transformed into a shopping district from the early 1900s until the 1950s. 

The early 1970s saw the first battle to preserve the street’s historic character. Despite calls for renovation and demolition of certain buildings, Sixth Street officially became a historic district in 1975 to preserve and protect the rich history running through the street. Today, Sixth Street is known as the life of the party. A true testament to the entertainment scene, the street boasts an eccentric mix of nightlife alongside ancient Austin history.

New “Rejuvenation” Plans

If there was one thing that Austinites could attest to Sixth Street, it would be its ever-changing nature. Running from Congress Avenue to I-35, this nine-block stretch has been the topic of choice in recent years as developers hope to transform the street once again. In the past summer months, Sixth Street has seen plans for additions of office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and newly updated entertainment venues. The plans also include a proposal to increase the height limit for buildings on this street to make way for these new high-rise developments.

These changes are in hopes to transform the street into a more cohesive Austin area, one that makes Austinites proud to frequent. There are locals on both sides of the proposed plan, with many residents wary of new developments and the preservation of the historic elements on Sixth Street. Plans to keep the historical protection of these landmarks intact were initially scheduled for early June, but the Austin City Council has pushed the discussion until July 28th. 

Sturdy Sixth Street Evolves

Despite these concerns, development is often considered a positive thing, especially for such a historic and famous district in Austin. Modernizing this street while still protecting and maintaining the historic fabric of Sixth Street will also boost the value and attraction of nearby neighborhoods. The foot traffic from these neighboring areas brings bubbling life to downtown Austin and creates a must-see destination for residents and new visitors hoping to make Austin their permanent residence. 

Sixth Street has been a bustling life force of downtown Austin since 1839, evolving and changing with the times every few years but remaining a robust historic foundation for the city. If you have any questions about new innovative plans for Austin, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I love Austin and am always on the lookout for exciting things to come to this incredible city.