http://www.statesman.com/business/new-vision-for-capitol-complex-more-room-for-678225.html
A state commission is re-imagining the future of state government's physical presence in the heart of Austin a concept that would triple the amount of space at the Capitol complex, including joint development with private interests where there are parking lots or garages now.
The proposal, being crafted by the Texas Facilities Commission staff under the direction of new Executive Director Terry Keel, goes well beyond moving state employees from 2 million square feet of leased space across Austin to new state-owned buildings near the Capitol.
The concept, carried out over several decades, would remake downtown, potentially adding 7 million square feet of space, or the equivalent of 13 Frost Bank towers.
Of that, 1 million square feet would be in three new state office buildings. The proposal envisions the rest as joint development of underused state land with private interests.
The planners anticipate that the undertaking would comply with City of Austin development rules and respect the so-called Capitol view corridors. The plan is "parking neutral" — replacing lost spaces with underground parking — but anticipates that the Capitol complex eventually would be served by light rail and urban rail.
At this early juncture, the concept is little more than a 3-D presentation of possibilities for better using the 122 acres around the Capitol. But Keel says the idea could save money by reducing lease payments, create revenue for the state and "swell" local property tax rolls.
The best of all results, Keel said, would be if Texans a hundred years from now said, "'The artistry and timeliness was as well thought out as it was 120 years ago when they built the Capitol.'"
Threaded Mode