East Austin’s Latest Mixed-Use Project Pioneers Affordable Commercial Space "A large mixed-use development set to transform a vacant 15-acre tract currently zoned mostly for industrial use in far East Austin hopes to introduce a new community benefit that could serve as a model for future projects — 10,000 square feet of affordable commercial space, offered at 60 percent of market rent to small arts-focused local businesses identified by a partnership with Austin Creative Alliance." (James Rambin, Towers)
Austin healthcare giant rolls out nearly $1 billion expansion plan, including 2 new hospitals "As part of a $953 million regionwide expansion, St. David’s HealthCare is building full-service general hospitals in the fast-growing suburbs of Kyle and Leander. St. David’s says it’s spending $185 million on the new Kyle-area hospital and $142.5 million on the new Leander hospital. Officials with the healthcare system laid out the $953 million expansion plan on February 15." (John Egan, CultureMap Austin)
Violet Crown Amphitheater developers face more pushback at Austin commission "The city of Austin's Environmental Commission on Feb. 16 unanimously voted against a request from developers of the Violet Crown Amphitheater project for water and wastewater service extensions, citing concerns about infrastructure construction in an environmentally protected area." (Justin Sayers, Austin Business Journal)
Downtown court location decision postponed again "Responding to pleas from downtown residents and business owners, City Council has once again put off a decision about the new location of a court that primarily serves Austin’s homeless community. City staffers have recommended that the Downtown Austin Community Court be moved from its current temporary location at One Texas Center to 124 E. Eighth St., a historic building that once housed City Council offices. Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve a motion by Council Member Kathie Tovo to postpone consideration of three items related to moving the court and renovating the historic building." (Jo Clifton, Austin Monitor)
Trying to buy a home in Austin? So are investors. "Count investors among those competing to own a home in the Austin area. According to the real estate data firm CoreLogic, investors made up less than 20% of single-family homebuyers in the Austin area between 2010 and 2020. Last year, that changed: Investors bought about one-third of all the single-family houses sold in the metro area." (Audrey McGlinchy, KUT-FM)
Redevelopment of Statesman site inches forward; Union calls for more affordable housing "The proposed transformation of the old Austin American-Statesman property on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake has moved a step forward after years of planning, but community members are beginning to voice opposition of certain elements of the proposal." (Kathryn Hardison, Austin Business Journal)
Austin's push to remove Confederate references could continue with street renaming for Clarksville educator "A West Austin road is in line to have its name replaced in honor of a former neighborhood educator this year through a continuing push to strike Confederate references from local streets, public facilities and other city assets." (Ben Thompson, Community Impact)
Hotel Van Zandt in Austin sold to Maryland-based resort company for $246 million "Hotel Van Zandt, located in the booming Rainey Street district on downtown Austin's southeast side, has a new owner. Host Hotels & Resorts, based in Bethesda, Maryland, purchased the property for $246 million. "Hotel Van Zandt, which sits in the booming Rainey Street district on downtown Austin's southeast side, has a new owner. Maryland-based Host Hotels & Resorts said it has acquired the 16-story, 319-room luxury hotel, managed by Kimpton Hotels, for a purchase price of $246 million." (Lori Hawkins, Austin American-Statesman)
