Austin Welcomes Sixth&Blanco Retail Project with Major Investment
Austin is set to see a significant addition to its retail landscape with the launch of a new mixed-use project named Sixth&Blanco. Recently, construction broke ground on this promising project at the intersection of West Sixth and Blanco streets. The developers, Riverside Resources and local restaurateur Larry McGuire, have secured a whopping $193 million construction loan for this venture, marking a notable investment in the city’s growing economy.
An Ambitious Vision
Previously known as Clarksvillage, the Sixth&Blanco project is located on a 1.6-acre plot that includes eight properties in the 1100 and 1200 blocks of West Sixth. The loan was provided by Arvest Bank, with participation from Prosperity Bank and Southside Bank. This funding will facilitate the creation of a project that aims to become a significant retail magnet alongside other popular Austin destinations like The Domain and South Congress Avenue.
Experts believe that West Sixth Street is poised to become a hub for luxury brand shops, especially given its high-income surroundings and vibrant dining scene. Proximity to major highways, such as MoPac Expressway, makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
Retail Potential
In recent times, retail rental prices on South Congress have soared to approximately $200 per square foot, making it the priciest retail area in Austin, followed closely by The Domain. The anticipated success of Sixth&Blanco is fueled by a consistent high occupancy rate of around 97% in Austin’s retail sector, a trend that local real estate brokers expect to continue due to limited new inventory in the market.
Unique Designs and Offerings
This project marks the first endeavor in Texas designed by Herzog & de Meuron, a Swiss architectural firm renowned for its innovative designs. The development will feature a blend of unique offerings that include:
- 10 luxury residences, each averaging 4,600 square feet and starting at $10 million
- A 57-room hotel managed by MML Hospitality
- A private members-only social club
- A bathhouse
- High-end retail spaces, art galleries, and restaurants
Once completed, Sixth&Blanco is expected to provide approximately 50,000 square feet of new retail and dining options.
Future Developments
Although specific retail tenants have not yet been disclosed, the addition of new retail spaces is likely to draw interest from many businesses looking to establish a presence in the city. Austin’s thriving restaurant scene already boasts a few MML projects nearby, including Swedish Hill, Howards Bar and Club, and Clark’s Oyster Bar.
Additionally, last year, Riverside Resources made another strategic move by acquiring a nearby property known as West Side Village, which includes a substantial 51,000-square-foot retail space and its own parking facilities. Riverside also continues to deliver other high-end projects in the city, such as Fifth&West, 300 Colorado, and Centro.
As the Sixth&Blanco project moves forward, community members and business owners are watching closely to see how this ambitious development will transform the West Sixth neighborhood, paving the way for more high-end retail options and a revitalized community space. The residential units are expected to be ready by the second quarter of 2027, and many are eager to see the final outcome.
