Northwest Austin Office Park Seeks Residential Rezoning for 12-Acre Site
About the Project
The owners of two adjacent office complexes along MoPac frontage road, Northwest Austin, have submitted a rezoning application for a 12.26-acre site. The proposed mixed-use redevelopment could bring more than half a million square feet of residential, office, and retail space into the city’s landscape.
The complexes, known as The Park and Park North, were established in 1981 and 1999 respectively. Austin and Nashville-based real estate firm OakPoint currently own both sites located at 8300 and 8200 North MoPac. The firm filed the rezoning application in March, sparking conversations about the city’s evolving landscape and potential for increased residential space.
The Proposed Rezoning
The proposed rezoning falls under Austin’s new DB90 zoning program, which replaced the VMU2 zoning category. The program allows developers to build mixed-use residential projects up to 90 feet on major corridors, instead of the previous 60 feet limit. Developers, however, are required to provide 10 to 12 percent of the on-site units as affordable housing.
Since its approval in February, the DB90 program has attracted numerous property owners previously seeking development under VMU2. The transition to DB90 zoning is expected to allow for the development of projects previously planned under VMU2 with minimal inconvenience.
What to Expect
The owners of the former office and commercial sites intend to transit straight from the current zoning category to the DB90. The application suggests planning for phased mixed-use redevelopment consisting of residential, office, and retail uses.
This move signifies another blow to Austin’s office market as landlords opt to demolish Class A office buildings and replace them with apartments. On a positive note, this switch could prompt the creation of hundreds of affordable units if the project complies with the DB90 program’s requisites. Existing office space might stay, and developers may use the property’s large quantity of surface parking for expansion.
No Timelines Yet
As of now, the redevelopment has no available timeline. The current site is still offering office space for lease. With the recently announced redevelopment of the former Luby’s site across Steck Avenue and additional planned residential density just across MoPac, it’s clear that Austin is gearing up for more projects of this nature.
About the Author: James Rambin
James Rambin, an Austin native and fifth-generation Texan, writes about Austin’s city life. Email him at james@towers.net for any information or inquiries.
