Posted: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:35 PM - 6,790 Readers

By: Austin Business Journal

The Brackenridge Tract could be in store for retail, residential, parks, trails and a lake front development.

Those were some of the elements presented in two master plans by Cooper, Robertson & Partners LLP in their long-range vision for the 350-acre tract. The firm, which was hired 13 months ago to come up with a master plan, presented their ideas to The University of Texas System Board of Regents and the public on June 18.

“The site could and should be the western anchor of downtown. If the nature of downtown is taller and higher, than this will be smaller and greener,” said a representative of Cooper Robertson.

Representatives of the firm said they envision a transit oriented development with a lake front district and ‘neighborhoods’ with parks, retail and residential buildings. The plan would be carried out in phases over the next few decades.

Although the firm presented two master plans, it recommended that the board select its Brackenridge Village plan. The main difference between the plans is that the University of Texas’ biological field lab would remain in the second scenario, called the Brankenridge Park plan.

Under the Brackenridge Village plan, the UT field lab would be relocated to one of nine sites suggested by the planning firm, making way for the development of the property.

Developers of the tract would build diverse buildings of two to six stories and structured parking that is concealed from the streets.

A number of infrastructure improvements were also suggested, including the re-alignment of Lake Austin Boulevard, the creation of a parallel roadway between Lake Austin Blvd. and Red Bud Trail intersection, and 20 lane-miles of new local streets.

As far as internal transportation, the planners advised the UT board to establish a Transportation Management Organization. Possible transportation solutions included an internal shuttle system, extension of proposed city trolley system and bus service.

The planner suggested a number of ideas for incorporating sustainable design elements, such as storm water management units and a community garden.

The planners advised that graduate student housing, which exists on three sites, be relocated to the Gateway site between 6th and 10th streets. The plans call for the development of a new 825-unit student housing complex.

Supporters of the Lions Municipal Golf Course, known as Muny, received bad news when the planners concluded that the golf course was no longer viable and that it be used for development.

Whichever plan the UT regents adopt, the firm suggested starting with the graduate housing project in late 2010, and following up with the selection of phase I developers in 2012.

Several UT regents expressed their gratitude to the firm for their plans.

Chairman of the UT Board of Regents James Huffines, echoed the sentiment, and said that the board will begin studying the plans and reviewing all recommendations.

He added: “We are heartened by the proposed graduate student housing that would preserve graduate housing while freeing up 73 acres for development.”

Main points of Brackenridge Village plan:

• Phase I would include about 30,000 square feet of retail, 1 million square feet of residential and a hotel.


• Exposition Boulevard would be extended south.


• All four phases would have a total square footage of: 15 million square feet of retail, residential, office and civic/institution space.


• About 11 acres dedicated for an elementary school.


• About 21.5 acres for academic uses, such as a possible UT campus.


• “Boat Town” neighborhood with a waterfront plaza and marina.

Brackenridge Park plan

• Phase I would include about 80,00 square feet of retail and 1.3 million square feet of residential.


• All four phases would have a total square footage of: 5.3 million square feet of retail, residential, office and civic/institution space.


• Lake front park


• Brackenridge Field Lab

Click here for more information on the tract and details of the proposals.

*  Story Contributed by: Austin Business Journal