Austin, Texas, is poised for significant transformations in 2024, with a plethora of development projects and initiatives that promise to reshape the city's landscape.
One of the most ambitious projects is the $4.5 billion overhaul of I-35, known as the I-35 Capital Express Central. Construction is set to begin this year, focusing on a stretch of the highway from Hwy. 71 to US 290 E. This massive undertaking includes widening and lowering parts of the highway, as well as the implementation of "caps" and "stitches" to enhance pedestrian and bike access, significantly improving the city's infrastructure and connectivity.
In the realm of healthcare and education, the University of Texas at Austin is undergoing a major transformation with the demolition of the nearly 50-year-old Frank Erwin Center. This site will be repurposed for a new hospital in partnership with MD Anderson, one of the country's top cancer treatment centers. The project, which includes a second hospital tower, is expected to cost $2.5 billion and will be a key component of Austin's burgeoning Innovation District.
Downtown Austin will also see the rise of new mixed-use developments. The Sixth&Blanco project, for instance, will transform about two acres of West Sixth Street into a five-story complex featuring retail, hotel, and residential spaces. Additionally, Historic Sixth Street is set for restoration and renovation, with Stream Realty Partners and architecture firm Clayton Korte leading the effort to preserve and enhance the historic district's buildings.
The Block 21 development, home to ACL Live and the W Austin, is undergoing $40 million in upgrades. These renovations include a new hotel entrance, dining areas, and a 2,060-square-foot terrace at ACL Live, all expected to be completed by summer.
On the skyline front, the Wilson Tower, initially planned to be 80 stories tall, is now set to reach 45 stories, aligning in height with the Frost Bank Tower. Construction has just begun, and completion is not anticipated for some time. Meanwhile, the Waterline project in the Rainey Street district is well underway, with an expected completion date in 2026. This development will feature the 1 Hotel Austin, over 350 luxury apartments, and 700,000 square feet of office space, making it Austin's tallest tower.
The city's green spaces are also receiving attention. The Confluence, part of Waterloo Greenway's plan, is in its second phase, focusing on the southernmost stretch of the greenway. This phase includes the addition of three pedestrian suspension bridges, new trails, public green spaces, and over 1,550 new trees.
In residential developments, the Luminary condo tower is planned to feature 286 homes, 4,800 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and a dedicated area for the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas. Though the start date has not been announced, condos are expected to range in price from $600,000 to $3 million.
Other notable projects include the Uptown ATX development, a $3 billion, 66-acre transit-oriented community near the Domain, which will include workspace, family apartments, retail, and a new Capital Metro Rail Station. The Block 16 project, a 43-story office tower in Downtown Austin, is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
These developments highlight Austin's continued growth and evolution, making it an attractive destination for residents, businesses, and innovators alike.
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