Past Facilities Projects
Strategic Facilities Plan
The City typically purchases existing office buildings when the opportunity or need arises. Many of the buildings we own are reaching the end of their usefulness or do not meet the functions for which they were intended. To meet our current and future facility needs and reduce the reliance on leased space, we have developed a public-private partnership approach to facilities acquisition which harnesses the commercial real estate market to provide a service which the City has not had much experience.
This approach uses a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to solicit competitive bids from the commercial real estate market for Class A office space and warehouse/service centers. It allows the City to shift the financial risk to the selected developer using a fixed price and delivery date. Should costs exceed the agreed upon price or delivery date, the developer is held responsible. This process significantly reduces the cost and delivery timeline for public projects while also meeting the City’s policy objectives for Prevailing & Living Wage, Minority and Women Owned Business participation, Better Builder/Worker’s safety, Apprentice program and Sustainability/Wellness. At the completion of the project, the City purchases the building.
Projects
Permitting and Development Center – Highland Mall
Developer Team: RedLeaf/Ryan
Architect: Gensler
Council Approval: August 2017
Purchase and Sale Agreement completed: April 2018
Construction Commencement: November 2018
Project Completion/Acquisition Date: May 28, 2020
Status: Completed
Sqft: 250,000 (office), 10,000 (retail in garage)
Occupancy: 960
Move-in Occupancy: 780
Parking Garage: 6 level, structured, 969 spaces (38 EV charging spaces, expandable to 100)
Green Building Rating: AEGB 4-Star
WELL Building Rating: Gold
Austin Energy Headquarters – Mueller
Developer Team: Catellus/Harvey Cleary
Architech: ELS/Page
Council Approval: December 2018
Purchase and Sale Agreement completed: May 2019
Construction Commencement: August 2019
Projected Completion/Acquisition: April 2021
Completion/Acquisition Date: April 5, 2021
Status: Completed
Sqft: 277,000 (office)
Occupancy: 1250
Move-in Occupancy: 900 (April 2021)
Parking Garage: 6 level, Structured, 1060 spaces. 38 EV charging with expansion to 85
Green Building goal: AEGB 5-Star, LEED - Platinum
WELL Building Rating: Gold
Both projects align with the City’s comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin by locating within Regional and Town Centers respectively. They are within large redevelopment projects that provide a mix of uses, are pedestrian oriented with good transit (and road) access and provide a mix of amenities and help retain existing and attract new employees.
Q2 Stadium
In 1995 the City of Austin purchased a formerly industrial 24 acre property at 10414 McKalla Place for use as an Austin Water service center. With the development of the Domain and fast growth of North Austin this property became increasingly more valuable as a non-industrial and utility asset. Through direction of City Council in 2018, the City negotiated an executed with Precourt Sports Ventures (PSV) a lease and development agreement to make this site the new home of a Major League Soccer expansion team for Austin. Q2 Stadium opened in 2021, marking the inaugural season for Austin FC and the first major professional sports stadium in Austin, Texas.
Location: 10414 McKalla Place
Council Approval: August 2018
Lease and Development Agreement Executed: December 2018
Construction Commencement
Project Completion: March 2021
Status: Complete
Seating Capacity: 20,500
On-Site Parking: 1,000 (approximate)
Administrative Office Space, Retail – Club Store, Food & Beverage, Meeting/Banquet Space, Plaza Park/Green Space