Plans from a developer to reimagine part of a nearly 48-acre lot from offices into multifamily and recreational use near Four Points were approved at the July 1 city of Austin Zoning and Platting commission meeting.

While the zoning change was approved by the commission, the item will still need to go before City Council in the future for final authorization.

The overview

Located just off the intersection of RM 620 and RM 2222, the site at 6500 River Place Boulevard is currently home to River Place Corporate Park, which is zoned for research and development uses. Action taken July 1 amended the zoning overlay in the district to permit multifamily residential and outdoor sports and recreation use on the property.

In a letter to the city’s Planning Department, representatives of the developers indicated a desire to replace two of the seven existing office buildings to make space for a new multifamily development with:

• Pickleball courts
• Green space
• A play area
• Parking

An amendment to the zoning change also put a 330-unit limitation on the number of new multifamily units able to be built. The change will not increase the amount of impervious cover of the development, or the amount of land covered by pavement or compacted, according to agenda documents.

What they’re saying

Immediately adjacent to the proposed redevelopment is the entrance to River Place, a neighborhood in the Northwest Austin area. Chris Mayfield, River Place Home Owners Association president, said the HOA is supportive of the project at this time.

“We have made a lot of progress on coming to an agreement,” Mayfield said. “... Obviously if the agreement falls apart or something changes materially before it’s signed, we will keep our right to change that in the future, but right now we are supportive.”

Stay tuned

Although a date for the rezoning to go before City Council was not provided, the item is likely to appear soon after council returns from its recess in July, said Caleb Pritchard, senior public information specialist for the city’s planning department. The next council meeting is scheduled for July 15.

As of press time, real estate law firm Drenner Group and Brandywine Realty Trust, each representing the owners or property, did not respond to requests for comment.