Posted: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 01:47 PM - 10,034 Readers

By: Austin Business Journal

The University of Texas System Board of Regents will hear recommendations from master planners on Thursday for the Brackenridge Tract.

Cooper Robertson & Partners LLP, the master planning firm selected by the UT System, will present conceptual master plans to UT System regents during an open meeting of the board at Ashbel Smith Hall, 201 W. 7th St.

The 345-acre tract along Lake Austin Boulevard is home to the Lions Municipal Golf Course, UT Austin student housing, a biological field laboratory and other commercial buildings and businesses.

A number of stakeholders have expressed concern about what the tract’s redevelopment will mean for the field lab, student housing and the golf course, often referred to as Muny.

At the last public meeting in May, Cooper Robertson discussed design principles, which included green spaces, pedestrian-friendly design and retail and living components.

The design firm also recommended consolidating graduate student housing to one site and expanding the number of units.

The master planning firm along with UT System and UT Austin officials will field questions at the end of the board meeting, which is expected to be at 3:30 p.m.