Review Underway for Shady Grove Site’s Redevelopment Concept on Barton Springs

A Step Toward Redevelopment after Longtime Vacancy

The famous Barton Springs Road restaurant, Shady Grove, that sadly closed its doors in 2020, after the start of the coronavirus pandemic, may soon see a turnaround. After four years of dormancy and gradual decay, the property located on more than an acre at 1624 Barton Springs Road is under review for redevelopment.

This site, despite its prime location in the heart of one of Austin’s most popular entertainment and dining districts and a current tax appraisal value of over $7 million, has been struggling with the decline in the real estate market. However, the real challenge in redeveloping this spot is its iconic grove of mature pecan trees, many of which are protected by the city ordinance and would need careful circumnavigation or costly transplantation due to their unusually deep taproots.

An Unknown Developer Steps Forward

But even amidst these obstacles, it appears that someone has taken the initiative to rethink the Shady Grove site. An unknown developer has submitted a concept study for a new building at the property for review by the City Arborist to evaluate the potential impact on the heritage trees of the site.

The concept, prepared by notable local architecture firm Rhode Partners, proposes an approximately 423,000-square-foot multifamily residential building rising to eight floors with a maximum height of 85 feet. It includes a three-level parking podium and a 4,589-square-foot retail space at the ground level facing Barton Springs Road, possibly meant for a restaurant tenant.

Transplanting Heritage Trees: A Complex Situation

As mapped in the concept plan, the footprint of the proposed building includes at least eight significant trees. Whether these trees can be removed with permission from the city, or if they will need transplantation elsewhere, is currently unclear.

Certainly, the concept is rather abstract at this stage, and there are no details about an expected timeline or the unnamed developer spearheading the idea. Nevertheless, after four years of vacancy at the former home of Shady Grove, it is intriguing to envisage what could possibly rise there.

Maintaining the Shady Grove Spirit

The development, although vague, hints at a promising turnaround for the site. However, one can’t help but hope that the revamped property will maintain some of its original charm. After all, Shady Grove was more than a restaurant; it was a live music venue and a cherished part of Austin’s city life. While the cost of transplanting the majestic pecan trees could be hefty, holding onto some of that inherent shade will surely bring a slice of Shady Grove’s spirit back to Barton Springs Road.