AUSTIN, Texas — A New York-based developer called The Related Companies wants to turn a 6-acre area just south of Lady Bird Lake into a walkable, eco-friendly district.
Filings with the city show the company wants to add 800 residential units in addition to 200,000 square feet of office space, 30,000 square feet of space for restaurants, 90,000 square feet of retail space, a 25,000-square-foot grocery store and a 225-room hotel.
Developers promise an underground parking garage and electric vehicle charging stations. The plan also includes an elevated boardwalk with trails connecting South First Street and South Congress Avenue and a pedestrian bridge that would connect to the Texas School for the Deaf.
The project in the South Central Waterfront District would expand the Downtown Austin skyline across Lady Bird Lake, with buildings set for a maximum height of 575 feet, or around 50 stories.
Currently, the area includes the South Congress Square Apartments, Ego’s Bar and two commercial buildings, including one that previously housed the Travis County Mental Health Office.
The Related Companies plans to submit a planned unit development application, with final approval expected by 2026. Construction is expected to take three to four years.
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