Transformation on the Horizon: Revamping Anderson Square and Rescuing the Pink Gorilla

Transforming the Sprawl and Saving the Pink Gorilla at Anderson Square

An underutilized asphalt ocean in Austin’s heart

Anderson Square, a 16-acre colossal stretch of asphalt, is located at the southwest junction of the Highway 183, West Anderson Lane, and North Lamar Boulevard in central Austin. Home to a Hobby Lobby, Planet Fitness, and a massive yet underused parking lot, this enormous shopping center, more often than not, lies dormant, save for the bustle at Big Star Bingo during the evenings.

This vast parking lot hardly ever sees enough vehicles to fill up space, rendering it so vacant that local scooter and motorcycle dealers at Electric Avenue utilize the lot to conduct their Class M license courses.

Urbanization Plans for Anderson Square

The empty land at Anderson Square is expected to catch a breather finally, as its owners, including local giant, Jimmy Nassour, are seeking a rezoning clearance from the city’s Planning Commission. They have proposed a higher-density redevelopment of up to 120 feet for the site, hinting at over 2,000 new apartments. The ambitious plans also include mixed-use pockets, featuring office spaces, retail outlets, and hotels.

The concept embodies an urbanized redesign, aimed at replacing Austin’s legacy sprawling shopping centers. The focal points of these plans involve taller towers facing the highway, shorter buildings towards the neighborhoods, a newly integrated grid of internal streets and, enticing urban dwellers with pedestrian-friendly retail and green spaces.

The ambitious plan also includes an anchor grocery store at the project’s ‘front door’ facing West Anderson Lane. Also, being directly across North Lamar Transit Center, this redevelopment might become Project Connect’s northern rail terminal potentially, making Anderson Square a prime location for transit-accessible density.

The Pink Gorilla

All said, amidst this urbanization drive, there’s a piece of Austin’s legacy the designers are keen to preserve – the famed pink gorilla statue. Standing tall behind the Big Star Bingo hall at the south corner, this statue holds sentimental significance for the city.

The origin of this statue wraps in mystery – some believe it to be a relic from Austin’s long-lost business, Pinky’s Pagers, while others argue the famous Pinky’s gorilla was inflatable. Nevertheless, the importance of the pink gorilla for the city is unparalleled, and the designers have vowed to preserve it as a part of the new development.

The owners have commented on this, stating, they would either manage to keep the statute onsite or lend it to the City of Austin’s Parks Department for showcasing at the Wooten neighborhood park.

Conclusion


The renaissance of Anderson Square is a massive undertaking that aims to transform the underutilized spectacle into an integrated and urban space with mixed functionality, mirroring the city’s growing popularity. The plans, however, remain a subject of approval from the Planning Commission meeting scheduled on June 25, following discussions with property owners and adjacent Wooten neighborhood representatives.
Author: HERE Austin

HERE Austin

Recent Posts

Austin Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves One with Critical Injuries

Austin Sees Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash Hey there, Austin! It looks like our evening commute took…

10 hours ago

Austin City Council District 10 Election: Marc Duchen Wins by Narrow Margin Against Ashika Ganguly

Austin Election Closely Contested: Marc Duchen Claims Victory in District 10 Austin, the heart of…

10 hours ago

Round Rock Welcomes New Life in Retail with Acquisition of University Commons

Round Rock Retail Scene Gets a Boost with University Commons Acquisition In the bustling city…

10 hours ago

Two Injured in Late Night Collision in Austin

Two Injured in Late Night Collision in Austin AUSTIN, Texas — It was a busy…

10 hours ago

Austin’s Bizarre Ban on West Coast Oysters Leaves Seafood Lovers Craving More

Austin's Oyster Dilemma: Why West Coast Bivalves Are Off the Menu Oysters, the beloved bivalves,…

10 hours ago

Austin Community Mourning Following Fatal Hit-and-Run Accident

Austin Grieves After Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident AUSTIN – The city is reeling after a heartbreaking…

10 hours ago