Leander Transit Oriented Development (NW Austin area)

[Boris]

LEANDER TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT BREAKS GROUND
LEANDER, TEXAS — The city of Leander has broken ground on the first development of Leander Transit Oriented Development, a 2,300-acre mixed-use project in Leander. Plans for this first portion of the project include the construction of 675 residential lofts, 2,000 apartments, and hundreds of acres of commercial, office and retail space. Bob Wunsch of Waterstone Jean Baptiste and Wyatt Henderson and Allen Jones of WY Atlantis are among the landowners invested in the project.


http://www.rebusinessonline.com/#texasnews
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Saw this in the Texas Real Estate Business Online. Anyone know anything about it? Couldn't find anything with a search.

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Just got more information from this article:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070220/datu042.html?.v=82

[KevinFromTexas]

I'm not sure. Mopacs?

[M1EK]

This is more accurately described as "transit-adjacent development". More if I ever get around to that crackplog. For now, read this article (http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm45.htm) and scroll down to "Is it really TOD?"

[Mopacs]

I'll see if I can find this article. My understanding is they are breaking ground on a large-scale subdivision within the limits of this district. VERY scenic location overlooking the San Gabriel River valley, though I hear it won't be all that dense of a development.

[TDoss]

I'll see if I can find this article. My understanding is they are breaking ground on a large-scale subdivision within the limits of this district. VERY scenic location overlooking the San Gabriel River valley, though I hear it won't be all that dense of a development.


I was on the Leander "Broker Bus Tour" the other week. - The denser development is going to be done by Centex.

[TDoss]

Leander is definitely a market to keep an eye on.

They have in place a very forward thinking, capable team at the city.

Both Mayor Cowan (a developer himself) and The director of economic development Kirk Clennan are sharp guys.

Leander's commuter rail stop isn't hypothetical talk - it is being built now and it will link Austin to what will be one of the most interesting projects I have seen - THE TEXAS X PARK
http://www.texasxpark.com/

[M1EK]

Leander's commuter rail stop isn't hypothetical talk - it is being built now and it will link Austin to what will be one of the most interesting projects I have seen - THE TEXAS X PARK
http://www.texasxpark.com/

Ironically, that direction commute would work a lot better than the intended main travel direction - if the park is actually within walking distance of the rail station (on our end down here in transit-supportive central Austin, most of us would at least consider riding the bus to the train station). However, you're assuming service will be running during times when people want to use this park - which is not likely the case.

[Mopacs]

Leander is definitely a market to keep an eye on.

They have in place a very forward thinking, capable team at the city.

Both Mayor Cowan (a developer himself) and The director of economic development Kirk Clennan are sharp guys.

Leander's commuter rail stop isn't hypothetical talk - it is being built now and it will link Austin to what will be one of the most interesting projects I have seen - THE TEXAS X PARK
http://www.texasxpark.com/

Agreed, completely agreed. Leanders rising prominence in Williamson County is apparent. I have a friend who is in the market for an affordable starter home. Options include Hutto, Kyle, Buda, Manor and Leander, for within his price range.

I advised him of Leander, in a heartbeat.. Much greater potential... in terms of community development and future home values (IMHO). The wealth and affluent growth is trending more to the western and northern quadrants of Williamson County (Leander, Georgetown, etc). Of course that could change. I'm a life-long resident of SW Williamson County, so perhaps my impressions are a bit biased.

[TDoss]

Ironically, that direction commute would work a lot better than the intended main travel direction - if the park is actually within walking distance of the rail station (on our end down here in transit-supportive central Austin, most of us would at least consider riding the bus to the train station). However, you're assuming service will be running during times when people want to use this park - which is not likely the case.


The park is 1 Mile from the station and will have bus service during park hours

[Mopacs]

Ironically, that direction commute would work a lot better than the intended main travel direction - if the park is actually within walking distance of the rail station (on our end down here in transit-supportive central Austin, most of us would at least consider riding the bus to the train station). However, you're assuming service will be running during times when people want to use this park - which is not likely the case.

The proposed X-park will be roughly a mile NW of the train station, near the intersection of Bagdad Road and San Gabriel Parkway. Train station is located on the east side of (old) 183, at RM 2243 (across from the new HEB Plus).

EDIT: You are correct TDoss. I was not aware of the proposed bus service, but that would certainly make sense.

On another note, with the completion of 183a, Liberty Hill becomes the next growth hot-spot. The Cap Metro RR continues northwestward into the heart of downtown Liberty Hill. Eventually that would make a logical extension of the commuter line (assuming its a success!). What are your thoughts on that? As far as Liberty Hill's development, the intersection of 183 and state highway 29 (on the city's east side), is set to explode. There are rumors of a Home Depot, CVS and possibly a Wal mart Supercenter at or near these crossroads (Ok, sorry...got off 'track' with that one!)

[M1EK]

The park is 1 Mile from the station and will have bus service during park hours

Then it's worthless - nobody's going to take a bus ride to the train station down here, then ride the train, then take a bus to the park - if they can choose to drive.

[Jdawgboy]

Then it's worthless - nobody's going to take a bus ride to the train station down here, then ride the train, then take a bus to the park - if they can choose to drive.

I would actually, and I know others that would too.;)

[Mopacs]

I would actually, and I know others that would too.;)

If this park proves to be wildly popular, and the parking situation is such that visitors find themselves circling the lot for a half hour for a good spot, then a frequent shuttle to/from the station would become a viable option.

Those are big if's, of course. Also, we dont know if the train schedules will coincide with peak hours of attendance for the sprots park. Time will tell.

[M1EK]

I would actually, and I know others that would too.;)

Let's be clear what you're signing up for:

Walk to bus stop. Wait for bus. Take bus to train station. Get off bus. Wait for train. Take train to Leander. Get off train. Get on bus (hopefully already waiting for you on this end). Take bus to park.

vs.

Drive to park.

Uh, I'm the most transit-supportive guy you know, in all likelihood, but I sure as hell wouldn't choose A over B unless I was planning on being too drunk to drive. Especially given the extra waiting time for bus+train, and the fact that neither one of the bus rides is going to be whizzing me past traffic like the train theoretically will.

[Boris]

More information here:

http://www.impactnewspaper.com/images/photos/MARLCP/Picture_23.png


http://www.impactnewspaper.com/www/docs/121.1433

[tildahat]

Somewhat related, anyone know much about the Cedar Park Town Center project? I mean other than the basic stuff on the web - when and if it will happen, etc...

[TDoss]

Somewhat related, anyone know much about the Cedar Park Town Center project? I mean other than the basic stuff on the web - when and if it will happen, etc...

Sure Tildahat-

The Cedar Park Town Center Project is being developed by Michael Ainbinder out of Houston. (He developed the intersection of Kirby & West Alabama in Houston)

Here is the package for the Cedar Park Town Center
http://www.moodyrambin.com/pdf/Cedar_Park.pdf

As for the timeline of when it will be developed....
Endeavor's HUGE project located directly across 183A makes leasing a little tricky. Endeavor's deal is so large, that you run out of categories of tenants. The other issue is that the roof tops are "coming" to Cedar Park, but are they there right "now" to support the project?

[Mopacs]

Somewhat related, anyone know much about the Cedar Park Town Center project? I mean other than the basic stuff on the web - when and if it will happen, etc...

Very good question, as I've been wondering this myself. I have been in contact with City of Cedar Park planning personnel who tell me that the Town Center is still in the works, and plans are being finalized.

The process has been in the works for a good 10 years now, and has been slow-going. With the recent completion of the 183-A tollway, the location of the town center is prime property, and should (hopefully) speed up the process. A developer has already been chosen, and will (eventually) include a new city hall and a full-service hotel.

If/when the city re-enters the Cap Metro district, a commuter rail stop will likely go in on the western fringe of the development (just E of 183).

Here's various web links you may or may not have seen:

http://www.moodyrambin.com/retail-cedar-park.html#
http://www.ainbinder.com/projects/cp01.htm
http://www.ainbinder.com/docs/cedarpark_siteplan_042606%20opt%201Ill%20site%20Plan.pdf

Here are some renderings/graphics. The plans are dated, and will likely be updated soon.

http://www.ainbinder.com/images/cedarpark01.jpg

http://www.moodyrambin.com/images/cedar-aerial.jpg

On a similar note, tenants have been released for the 1890 Ranch shopping center across the Tollway from Town Center. It will be a hybrid Power/Lifestyle center. Tenants include:

Anchors

Super Target
Cinemark 12 Theater
Borders Books
Circuit City
Petsmart
Academy
Office Max
Ross
Marshall’s
Michael’s
Bealls
Gold’s GymShops

Chico’s
Eddie Bauer
Ann Taylor Loft
Talbot’s
Williams Sonoma
Banana Republic
Coldwater Creek
Jos. A. Bank
Kay’s Jewelers
Petite Sophisticate
Cacique
Lane Bryant
Bath and Body
Just Add Water
Soma
Kay’s Jewelers
Frasesca’s
AestheticaRestaurants:

Maudie’s
Jason’s Deli
Pei Wei
Jimmy John’s
Chipoltle
Amy’s Ice Cream
BJ’s Restaurant
ZEN
Which Wich
Chee Burger
Einsteins Bros Bagels
Taco Bueno
Chic-Fil-A
Rodino’s
Doc’s Motorworks
La Madelene
Starbucks
Steak ‘N Shake
TGI Friday’sEDIT: You're right TDoss... Endeavor's project includes at least a dozen "lifestyle" retailers that were in the bullseye of Town Center's tenant list. That does throw a wrench in things, agreed. Endeavor has become a major major player in this market.

[Mopacs]

Sure Tildahat-

The Cedar Park Town Center Project is being developed by Michael Ainbinder out of Houston. (He developed the intersection of Kirby & West Alabama in Houston)

Here is the package for the Cedar Park Town Center
http://www.moodyrambin.com/pdf/Cedar_Park.pdf

As for the timeline of when it will be developed....
Endeavor's HUGE project located directly across 183A makes leasing a little tricky. Endeavor's deal is so large, that you run out of categories of tenants. The other issue is that the roof tops are "coming" to Cedar Park, but are there there right "now" to support the project?

Tdoss, do you happen to know the latest on Cousin's "Avenue" at La Frontera in Round Rock? This is supposed to be another mid-high end lifestyle center.

Sorry to go off on a tangent!

[TDoss]

Tdoss, do you happen to know the latest on Cousin's "Avenue" at La Frontera in Round Rock? This is supposed to be another mid-high end lifestyle center.

Sorry to go off on a tangent!

I sure don't know what is going on- It's funny you should ask, a friend and I were literally talking about that this weekend.

[Mopacs]

Updated MetroRail progress appears in an article in this month's Northwest Austin Community Impact newspaper:

http://www.impactnews.com/www/docs/195.1464

Rail on track for 2008 arrival

MetroRail connects Northwest Austin to Downtown


By Rachel Youens

http://www.impactnews.com/images/photos/MARNWA/Picture_1.png

Only about 2,000 votes kept a 52-mile light rail track out of Austin back in 2000. With half of voters feeling underserved by the project, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority went back to the drawing board.
They started by listening, and in the end heard input from nearly 8,000 citizens.

Capital Metro returned in 2004 with a scaled-back plan of 32 miles of commuter rail, using existing track rather than new. They also took the starting point of the line and moved it from Howard Lane, in Northwest Austin, north to the city of Leander. This plan, known as All Systems Go, passed with nearly 62 percent voter approval.

“For the amount of money we could put down, this route made the most sense. It was economical since the line was there, and it also passed through some of the fastest growing areas,” said Julie Martin, Capital Metro’s Community Involvement Coordinator who was there in 2004 taking feedback from the public. She points out that while moving from light rail to commuter rail meant cutting out other areas of Austin, these areas are better served with other parts of the All Systems Go plan, such as street cars.

Today, Capital Metro has branded this commuter line the MetroRail, and beginning in 2008 it will be running Austinites from the downtown Convention Center to Leander in around 55 minutes.

Making the MetroRail

MetroRail and the All Systems Go plan do not employ any bonds, raise taxes or incur debt. The $90 million MetroRail is funded from the existing one cent sales tax Capital Metro reaps from Austin and other areas that
Capital Metro services, government grants and rider fares. Last year Capital Metro received more than $135 million in tax revenue.

“MetroRail is one of the most [financially] efficient systems in the country because it’s already paid and it runs on existing track,” said Capital Metro spokesman Misty Whited. “Other cities that build from scratch pay much more, which is generally done with bonds or taxes.”

The MetroRail does not have the visual impact of other transportation projects, such as the toll roads, because the construction is minimal and spread out over a large area.

“One of the big misconceptions is that people don’t see anything being built, so they don’t think Capital Metro is on track,” Whited said. “Construction started in ’06 and a good example is the Leander Park and Ride.”

Construction has started on three projects along the rail line. Last July, Capital Metro approved a $711,000 contract for the Leander rail station, which opened Monday.

They approved contracts for two more projects in October, including a 2,000 ft. $5.5 million overpass on McNeil Road where MetroRail crosses the Union Pacific track, and the construction of the rail station at Lakeline Boulevard and Lyndhurst Street for $914,000.

Projects down the line include eight more stations, but Capital Metro has not yet executed the contracts for these projects.

Work on the first six rail cars has also begun. Capital Metro signed an initial $32.3 million contract with a Swiss rail manufacturer for six cars with an option of adding 12 more cars in the future. Each car is self-propelled by two diesel-electric engines.

“These particular cars are quieter than oth
er commuter rail systems and are environmentally friendly, so noise and vibration shouldn’t be a problem,” Whited said.

The areas that the MetroRail cuts through are already crossed by freight trains carrying construction equipment and gravel, which will continue to run outside of peak commuter hours.

Rail as an investment

A major concern in 2004 was if ridership would justify the amount spent on commuter rail. Capital Metro’s most recent numbers estimate there will be 1,700 to 2,000 trips taken per day on the MetroRail.


“We feel that even those who aren’t ever going to ride the MetroRail are still going to benefit from less cars on the road and less air pollution,” Whited said. “Over time, as the rail becomes more common, more people will ride. Regional population growth is going to double in the next 25 years, so this is a plan that will accommodate that future.”

Read more about Capital Metro's All Systems Go plan (http://www.impactnews.com/www/docs/195.1465) (see below)

[Mopacs]

Another recent article from the above Community impact newspapers

http://www.impactnews.com/www/docs/195.1465

Capital Metro's All Systems Go plan

http://www.impactnews.com/images/photos/MARNWA/Picture_16.png
After light rail’s defeat in 2000, Capital Metro took a multifaceted approach to the city’s mass transportation needs.
Based on input from citizens and planners, Capital Metro devised the All Systems Go Plan, which integrates rail with buses and other forms of public transit.

The MetroRail was voted in as part of the All Systems Go plan in 2004. The ballot language specifically included that the plan would not issue any bonds, increase or add new taxes.

“This is really a very modest start for a city of our size. People just need to remember that the success of the rail isn’t just quantified by ridership,” said Austin Mayor Will Wynn. “The MetroRail will change land use patterns in the corridors it cuts through and bring development that wouldn’t be there otherwise.”

Other parts of All Systems Go

Circulator service
This system aims to get people to and from the railway and major destinations such as the Mueller Redevelopment, malls and events centers. This part of the plan could lead to the introduction of streetcars.

Additional Rail
Although adding any more rail service would require an additional referendum, Capital Metro is considering adding more service along the MoKan railway, which runs north and south through Pflugerville and Manor.

Trails
Feasability studies are currently being done to put pedestrian and bike trails along the railway.

MetroRail


Project funding: Through Capital Metro’s existing one cent sales tax in Austin and Capital Metro serving areas, fare revenue and federal grants and funding

What is the cost: $90 million in construction and facility expenses and $6.4 million annual operating cost

When is the completion date: The rail will be operational in 2008

What tracks does it run on: Existing freight tracks owned by Capital Metro

How is it powered: Each vehicle is self-propelled by two diesel-electric engines

How many people does it seat: Each car seats 225 passengers (108 seated and 117 standing)

How many cars: Six now and possibly more in the future

How fast will it go: 70 mph in straightaway sections of the track. The trip from Leander to Downtown Austin will take about 55 minutes.

How many stations will there be: Nine with eight of those in Austin and one in Leander

For more information: www.allsystemsgo.capmetro.org (http://www.allsystemsgo.capmetro.org)

MetroRapid

What is it: MetroRapid is a type of bus that is longer, articulated and equipped with special technology that talks with bus stops to give riders a real-time estimate of arrival and talks to traffic signals to change stoplights and lower the number of stops.

What is the cost: There is no exact number yet, but the MetroRapid buses cost more because they are longer with more passenger capacity and a longer life span.

When is the completion date: Capital Metro is still in the procurement process for the buses, but the board is preparing to approve the first buses to serve the North Lamar/South Congress corridor by 2009 or 2010.

Regional Commuter Rail

While MetroRail is on time and on budget, Central Texas’ other rail project has yet to find a source of funding.

Authorized by the Texas legislature, the Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Commuter Rail District brings together the Austin, San Antonio, Bexar County and Travis County governments to look at the reality of bringing a commuter rail to the region. The plan for funding has evolved since the project’s inception, but the current plan is to fund half with federal money and half with contributions from cities and counties benefitting from the train.


“Central Texas needs this rail because in 20 years the Austin-San Antonio corridor will be as crowded as Dallas-Fort Worth, and they have 30 lanes in the corridor between the cities and we’ll have six,” said Alison Schulze, senior planner and administrator of the rail district. The rough plan for rail includes a stop in Northwest Austin at Mopac and Braker Lane.

Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Commuter Rail


Who sponsors it: Austin-San Antonio Intermunicipal Commuter Rail District


What is the cost: $613 million


Start date: 2012, if funding and construction go forward on time. One of the large problems facing the project is that the Union Pacific Lines are currently running at full capacity, and about 80 percent of those trains are going through Texas on their way from Mexico to northern destinations. Union Pacific must divert some of this traffic to other lines before commuter rail can begin running.

How it’s funded: Still being determined, but probably through government funds, developer sponsorship or through bonds sold by those cities along the route

Railroad line: Union Pacific, and in some areas of MoKan

For more information: http://www.asarail.com

[M1EK]

One of the larger misidentified TODs up in Leander has now collapsed (http://mdahmus.monkeysystems.com/blog/archives/000431.html), as was the case with every single TOD project around Tri-Rail in South Florida.

[DrewDizzle]

Jesus that AUS-S.A. commuter rail line gives me shivers. What a waste of $600mil dollars. :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck: :yuck:

[JAM]

Then it's worthless - nobody's going to take a bus ride to the train station down here, then ride the train, then take a bus to the park - if they can choose to drive.

At present time, probably true for the most part. People can wait till rush hour is over to visit the park. Why put up with such an inconvenience of waiting for trains and buses. I might walk down to the park from the stop, if the walk is not on a busy highway that is, one can walk a mile in about 15-25 minutes. But if you think to the future, when Austin becomes more like a European city, and Leander is considered close in, this walk or bus wait may not seem so crazy.

[M1EK]

How can you tell it's not really going to be a TOD? (http://mdahmus.monkeysystems.com/blog/archives/000433.html)

[ATXboom]

Leander TOD gains traction
Project includes city's first hotel
Austin Business Journal - August 17, 2007by Kate HarringtonABJ Staff
Print this Article Email this Article Reprints RSS Feeds Most Viewed Most Emailed
Submitted rendering
Artefacts’ project will consume just 6 acres but will have a variety of uses.
View Larger A new project planned to take shape in the city of Leander's transit-oriented development will bring the city a lot of firsts -- including its first hotel and one of the first TOD projects to go vertical.

Lago Vista-based Artefacts Development Inc. is partnering with a hotel owner and operator to develop a 224,000-square-foot project that will include a 100-room midscale hotel, a bank and a restaurant, as well as retail, office and residential space. Angela Hood, co-founder of Artefacts, says the development will also incorporate some mode of transportation that will get residents and pedestrians to and from the commuter rail line at the heart of the TOD.


Hood declines to say what the still-unnamed project's cost is or what hotel will occupy the site, but she says Artefacts hopes to break ground in the third quarter of 2008.

Planned to sit on 6 acres bordered by U.S. 183A and RR 2243, the development is one of the smallest to spring up in the TOD. Developers such as WY Atlantis and Hughes Capital Management Inc. each hold hundreds of acres inside the TOD. But planners say Artefacts' experience with neotraditional developments means the project could set the pace for the type of dense development planned inside the TOD.

"For a while, 'neotraditional' had to do with the realization that neighborhoods built around the turn of the [20th] century sustain themselves in some way," says Pix Howell, urban design officer for the city of Leander. "A lot of that had to do with modes of transportation, and people then were riding in wagons ... but it created a fabric that meant residential elements were supported by goods and services. 'Neotraditional' [then] had to do with the tight pack that occurred -- narrower streets and houses with porches higher than sidewalks."

Howell says the section of the TOD that Artefacts' project is occupying requires buildings to be at least three stories. The TOD has six zones that dictate the profile of density within the 2,300 acres that the city has set aside for the development. More-outlying areas will have a lower profile, with density and height rising toward the center of the TOD and the commuter rail line, which will eventually run from Leander to Austin.

Kirk Clennan, Leander's director of economic development, says the Artefacts development may be the only project of its size to be developed in the TOD, but adds that he sees it as a prototype for what the TOD can become.

Hood says Leander's approach to development and its planning within the TOD drew Artefacts' attention.

"The way the TOD is put together is one of the best plans I've seen, as far as urban-style development," Hood says. "The property location at the 183A corridor ... the combination is perfect ... and it's so exciting that it's something that's not [anchored by] a Lowe's."

Leander city officials say the city will likely grow to three times its current land mass and seven times its population in the next 20 years. Most of that population could reside in the TOD, which is expected to hold close to 30,000 residents eventually.

Clennan says elements like the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority's planned commuter rail that will start next year and the good reputation of the city's school district have been drawing developers and residents toward Leander.

Artefacts is also developing a 50-acre historical residential development, called 7 Porticos, in Lago Vista.

kharrington@bizjournals.com | (512) 494-252

[M1EK]

I was going to put the article text in but realized I didn't know how the ABJ viewed that. Do you guys have the OK from them to do full-text?

[KevinFromTexas]

^ It's best to only post a snippet of the article then direct readers to read the rest by visiting their website.