GateHouse Media plans to establish a Center for News and Design in Austin this fall, and create 200 jobs by the end of 2014, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce announced Aug. 14.

The Fairport, N.Y.–based print and online media company owns and operates 431 newspapers and 405 related websites, according to the chamber.

The chamber aided GateHouse in site selection and market evaluation. David Arkin, GateHouse's vice president of content and audience, said the company has narrowed its search to three sites, and hoped to announce the location in the coming weeks.

The company will be hiring copy editors, page designers, proofers, managers and editors to work on its many publications, he said.

Arkin said the company was excited to set up shop in Austin, which has a number of publishing companies and a deep talent pool which includes The University of Texas. Regionally, an Austin address gives the company access to San Antonio, Houston and Dallas, he said.

"We also liked the vibe, feel and culture of Austin," he said. "It fits right in with what we want for our company."

According to a news statement from the chamber, the new facility will create approximately 60 jobs by the end of 2013 and approximately 200 jobs by the end of 2014.

The company expects to have approximately 90 full-time employees by March.

Dave Porter, the chamber's senior vice president of economic development, said in a statement that the chamber and Opportunity Austin, the chamber's five-year economic initiative, are delighted that GateHouse has decided to launch its design center in Austin.

"GateHouse Media choosing Central Texas further illustrates the diversification of the local talent base and the ability to provide quality jobs for recent grads," he wrote.