Austin City Council Advances Mixed-Use Development Plan

News Summary

The Austin City Council is moving forward with an ambitious mixed-use development plan at 200 E. Riverside Drive. The project, proposed by Garwald Company Inc., aims to create two high-rise buildings featuring 1.3 million square feet of office space and retail opportunities while addressing affordable housing needs. Despite some opposition from residents, the council is optimistic about the potential benefits for the community. Future developments, including the rezoning of Anderson Square, are also in consideration, promising continued growth and revitalization in Austin.

Austin City Council Moves Forward with Ambitious Mixed-Use Development Plan

Austin, get ready for some big changes! The City Council has taken a significant step towards advancing the rezoning of the property located at 200 E. Riverside Drive. Despite some pushback from neighboring owners, the council is keen on moving forward with plans for a remarkable 500-foot tall mixed-use development.

The Lowdown on the Development

This proposed development, put forth by Garwald Company Inc., is not your average run-of-the-mill project. Spanning nearly 4 acres, it envisions two high-rise buildings that would collectively boast an astonishing 1,377,787 square feet of office space and an additional 29,318 square feet dedicated to ground floor commercial and retail opportunities. Now that’s a noticeable boost to the area!

The City Council had initially given the thumbs up for the first reading of this project back in December, which set the stage for shifting the zoning from Lake Commercial-Neighborhood Plan (L-NP) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning. This new designation would allow for more diverse building types and uses, which the council sees as a way to better accommodate the growing needs of the city.

Opposition and Concerns

60-foot-wide private access easement nearby. However, the project attorney, Richard Suttle, assured the council that this easement would not be utilized, calming some of those neighborhood concerns.

With the current state of the property being a two-story office building that has been vacant since the 1970s, there’s plenty of room for revitalization. Still, it’s essential to recognize the worries from nearby residents about how a towering 500-foot development might impact the local community.

Affordable Housing Considerations

One of the more pressing points emphasized by Suttle is the importance of incorporating affordable housing. The zoning adjustment would allow the developer to make a fee-in-lieu payment to support affordable housing initiatives. This fee, set at a generous $9 per square foot, exceeds expectations and is seen as a positive move by the council.

If the council were to deny the zoning request, Suttle warned that the project could revert to an underwhelming height of just 96 feet and forgo participation in the affordable housing program entirely. In essence, the council’s approval could secure not just new commercial opportunities but also essential housing options for the community.

Future Developments on the Radar

As if that weren’t enough, there’s more. The city is also looking at similar redevelopment initiatives, like the potential rezoning of Anderson Square. This 16-acre retail location aims to introduce mixed uses, including residential housing. Although this proposal is seeking to increase its maximum height from 120 feet to 250 feet, it’s already facing community scrutiny concerning what that means for locals.

Interestingly, the Austin Transit Partnership is part of planning discussions. However, the details of a planned rail station—whether it will be built at grade level or elevated—remain under wraps. This element of transport planning could, in the long run, influence traffic patterns and accessibility in the area, making it a crucial aspect for residents to watch out for.

Looking Ahead

Mayor Kirk Watson seems optimistic about the zoning changes and has pointed toward a return to the council by the end of March. With ongoing debates about density bonuses and community benefits in zoning decisions, the conversation is expected to continue. For residents, it’s vital to stay informed and engaged as these developments unfold, ensuring that Austin grows responsibly while retaining its unique character.

As this ambitious project moves forward, residents will be keeping a close eye on what’s next for this ever-evolving city landscape.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

BH Properties Expands with Legacy R&D Acquisition in Plano
New Development Springs Up in Terrell: Evening Star Ranch
Neighbors Oppose Development Near Martin Luther King Jr. Station
Katy to Unveil Texas Heritage Marketplace
New York Investment Group Acquires 4.7 Acres in Sherman
Redevelopment Plans for Historic Holy Cross Hospital in Austin

Additional Resources

• Austin Monitor
• Wikipedia: Zoning
• Forbes
• Google Search: Austin Mixed-Use Development
• Austin Monitor
• Google Scholar: Urban Development Strategies
• Community Impact
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed-Use Development
• The Daily Texan
• Google News: Austin Development News