The two city-owned blocks expected to become the anchors of the long-discussed African American Cultural Heritage District will likely include 30,000 square feet of creative space, more than 100 residential units, and a combination of restaurants and office space that could also serve local creatives. Two city commissions – the Arts Commission and the Urban […]
Planning
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Planning Commission OKs height boost for Rainey tower amid resident pushback
The Planning Commission on April 11 recommended approval of a density bonus that would allow a new tower to rise in the Rainey Street neighborhood. The proposed 215-unit condominium tower at 62 East Ave. will rise 57 floors and 684 feet. But before the project can break ground, it needs City Council approval to increase […]
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Developers, planners explore racial equity goals for building Austin
Members of Austin’s real estate and development community considered plenty of questions and ideas Wednesday concerning how to improve and prioritize racial equity in building projects throughout fast-growing Austin. No all-encompassing answers or silver-bullet tactics were revealed by the panel assembled for Urban Land Institute Austin’s monthly member breakfast, but speakers such as Maggie Parker, […]
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Mixed-use project in Bouldin Creek clears final hurdle
The Board of Adjustment granted a height increase March 13 that will allow a mixed-use project in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood to move forward. Plans for the Copeland at 1000 S. First St. include two condominium buildings with a total of 120 units, a 95-room hotel and 65,000 square feet of offices, all with underground […]
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ATX Walk Bike Roll plan presented to boards and commissions
ATX Walk Bike Roll, an update to Austin’s active transportation plans, is heading for City Council approval in the coming months. Over the past few weeks, city staffers have made the rounds at boards and commissions, presenting the draft plan for feedback. Walk Bike Roll unites plans for urban trails, bikeways and sidewalks under the […]
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Neighborhood plan amendment stirs debate about growth along East Cesar Chavez
A neighborhood plan amendment heard by the Planning Commission on Jan. 24 highlighted diverging attitudes around how the Holly neighborhood, anchored by East Cesar Chavez Street, should change. At issue is a request to change the future land use map for several properties on the 2300 and 2400 block of East Second Street from single-family […]
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Former East Austin tank farm site could see more development
Additional sections of the former East Austin tank farm site at Airport Boulevard and Springdale Road may be redeveloped, according to a zoning change request heard by the Planning Commission Tuesday. Two pieces of the former tank farm totaling nearly 10 acres could be developed into a mix of uses including housing. But uncertainty over […]
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Zoning change to allow taller towers in the Domain
A proposed zoning change would allow buildings in and around the Domain to rise as high as many downtown towers, solidifying the area’s status as Austin’s unofficial second downtown. The zoning change, initiated in September by the Planning Commission, would increase the allowable height in the North Burnet Gateway Regulating Plan’s Transit-Oriented Development zoning to […]
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Culture, climate district gets mixed reviews from feedback sessions
An effort to create a new “living room” in the center of Austin along Lady Bird Lake needs some fine-tuning and a more precise mission, according to early community feedback gathered by an outside consulting firm. A memo delivered on Dec. 30 by Parks and Recreation Department Director Kimberly McNeeley includes the latest work done […]
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Environmental Commission ponders new South Central PUD
Another South Central Waterfront planned unit development proposal has officially commenced, with real estate development attorney and City Council regular Richard Suttle stopping by the Environmental Commission last week for preliminary negotiations. If realized, the project will bulldoze the defunct Texas Department of Transportation headquarters at 200 E. Riverside to make way for two 410-foot […]
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Council to establish consistent practices for redeveloping city-owned land
City Council passed multiple resolutions this month aimed at guiding how the city manages the land it owns, particularly with an eye toward creating more affordable housing and other community benefits. On Dec. 1, Council passed four resolutions, all sponsored by Council Member Kathie Tovo, to establish consistent and transparent practices for the use of […]
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Massive Brodie Oaks PUD OK’d on first reading
Voting unanimously, City Council gave first round approval Thursday to a massive redevelopment of the Brodie Oaks shopping center. The old-fashioned mall with a huge expanse of concrete at the intersection of Lamar Boulevard and Loop 360 that backs up to the Barton Creek greenbelt will be reconfigured to host 1.2 million square feet of […]