Developers of a mixed-used project planned for Austin suburb Leander confirms that it will move forward, despite the expiration of a a $22 million economic development agreement with the city. The company developing Leander Springs planned community failed to meet a deadline in the agreement, Community Impact reported, but developers say the project will still move forward.
A defining feature of Leander Springs — the $1.5 billion, 78-acre mixed-use community that Austin's iLand Development Group has planned for the southwest corner of RM 2243 and 183A — is the 4-acre crystal lagoon at its center. The planned community will also include 1,600 apartments; 311,382 square feet of retail; 904,407 square feet of office space; a 275-450-room hotel and 20,000-square-foot-conference center; 10.5 acres for the lagoon and its amenities; and 21 acres of parkland and civic space, according to its website.
In 2023, the developers failed to complete construction of the lagoon as well as 35,000 square feet of commercial property required by its 2020 economic development agreement with the city. The city says it will allow iLand to submit an amended proposal to the city, but negotiation over the deal have to start over and would include a public hearing before approval.
ILand leaders blame the failure to complete required construction on a slow permitting process — a charge the city refutes — and say it still plans on developing Leander Springs. Leander leaders expressed willingness to continue negotiations with iLand, but noted that conditions have changed in the city since the original agreement. Among the concerns is Leander Springs; water use — particularly that of the lagoon, which developers say will be sourced primarily from a private well, already built on the property.
