AUSTIN, TX – Austin City Council today authorized the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Austin (URA) to negotiate an exclusive agreement with the Pleasant Hill Collaborative for a mixed-use development, including affordable housing and other community benefits, on Blocks 16 and 18 on East 11th Street. Located in the heart of the African American Cultural Heritage District, Pleasant Hill Collaborative’s development proposal builds on many years of engagement and planning efforts (1990s through present day). 

“This milestone for Blocks 16 & 18 marks a significant step forward in the City’s ongoing efforts to preserve cultural vibrancy, create economic opportunity, and expand affordable housing access,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director of the Housing Department. “We are thrilled to see these plans create an anchor for the future of the African American Heritage and Cultural District.” 

On approximately 2.02 acres of land downtown, the vibrant mixed-use development will feature public spaces designed to be welcoming for residents and the historic East Austin community. The Rally Austin team, formerly the Austin Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), facilitated the pre-development feasibility and community engagement, facilitated the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, provided technical assistance to the Urban Renewal Agency, and provided technical review of the proposals. Building an inclusive environment, the final recommendation supports community values and reflects public input provided multiple times throughout the process while adding more than 100 affordable housing units. The process is further detailed in a separate memo from the Urban Renewal Board of the Urban Renewal Agency. All related solicitation materials are available online.

The Future of Blocks 16 & 18

The Pleasant Hill Collaborative proposal for Blocks 16 and 18 stood out for its comprehensive approach to residential, commercial, and public spaces. The Urban Renewal Agency noted in its recommendation:  

“The proposed development team has demonstrated experience in executing projects on this scale, created a reasonable strategy for providing an option for public ownership in the near term as well as a structure that provides for increased public oversight, provided a variety of housing options to suit a broader range of stakeholders at various income levels, and has provided preliminary budget and cost information showing a commitment to include a significant inclusion of MBWBE firms from pre-development through the project outcomes.” 

Pleasant Hill Collaborative includes community organizations Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), Servitas, and TOPO, and is supported by Creative CultureWorks, Carter Design Associates, Moody-Nolan, and Forgecraft Architecture as well as many other locally based firms. It dedicated two years to curate a list of potential tenants featuring arts and culture projects, nonprofits, commercial cultural and creative professionals, and ethnic/culture-based food and beverage businesses. Potential capital partners include JP Morgan Chase, Berkadia, WNC, Greystone (LITHC investors), and Regions. Additional proposal details are included in the Pleasant Hill Collaborative presentation.  

As next steps, the Urban Renewal Agency, supported by Rally Austin, will negotiate and collaborate with Pleasant Hill Collaborative to achieve a project that best meets the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This ensures that future development will be a reminder of the legacy of the East 11th Street neighborhood and provide long-term opportunities for Black Austinites. 

Pending negotiation and financing approvals, construction for the sites is expected to begin in 2025 with a grand opening for Phase 1 in 2027 and Phase II complete in 2029.

Block 16 – East 11th Street & Curve Street

Rendering of Block 16 street view from Pleasant Hill Collaborative 

The Block 16 site is currently a dirt lot informally used as parking for adjacent businesses and construction projects. Block 16 will feature a blend of multi-family affordable housing, retail spaces, rooftop amenities, and a parking garage that will serve both blocks.

Block 18 – East 11th Street & Waller Street

Rendering of Block 18 street view from Pleasant Hill Collaborative 

The Block 18 site is adjacent to the historic Victory Grill. Future development will include live/work townhomes, exterior amenities, and restaurants/cultural venues.

About the City of Austin Housing Department

The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing solutions, community development, and displacement prevention services to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.

About Rally Austin

Rally Austin, formerly the Austin Economic Development Corporation, is a real estate nonprofit formed to facilitate development projects that foster equitable and inclusive economic growth. Rally challenges traditional growth and development by championing and centering local communities in its pursuit of a culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin. Its call to action is to serve for purpose instead of profit, infusing real estate development with trust, integrity and strategic collaboration. Rally works collaboratively with public institutions, private real estate developers and regional stakeholders to undertake real estate development projects with clear community connections and benefits. To learn more about Rally Austin, visit www.rallyaustin.org.  

About Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC)

GNDC is a 501(c)(3) Texas non-profit corporation with over 40 years of service as an affordable housing developer and manager for rental and homeownership opportunities for families with generational ties to East Austin. For more information about the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation, please visit the website: https://www.guadalupendc.org/

About Servitas

Servitas is a nationally renowned real estate development firm specializing in on-campus student housing. The firm provides its clients with the full suite of services including market and demand research, development management, financial structuring (including public- private partnerships), construction management, and property management. Servitas has developed over 50 higher education student housing projects nationwide and secured over $1.5 B in tax-exempt financing. 

About TOPO 

Our name is a nod to TOPOgraphy because we embrace the challenges of a site and turn obstacles into opportunities. We are a full-service commercial real estate development company based in Austin, TX, that develops dynamic properties that are additive to and reflective of the communities in which they are located. We believe that responsible growth means creating spaces that both grow our community and pay tribute to its roots. Our team works with best-in-class architects, tenants, and partners who share our passion for creating destinations for getting started, for thriving and for having fun. https://www.topo-dg.com/