Southwestern University plans to develop over 560 acres of land near its campus in Georgetown.
Called Southwestern University 560, the project is in early planning stages for its first phase. Given zoning and permitting approvals, the first buildings could open as early as 2027, according to its website.
What we know
SU officials shared plans for the 67-acre Phase 1A of the project with nearly 100 community members in surrounding neighborhoods at a June 25 town hall meeting, according to the university’s website.
SU launched the project under President Laura Trombley’s leadership, per the development’s website. Features for the 560-acre development so far include:
- A concert hall
- An artscape
- 70 acres of green space
- Mixed-use residential housings
- A boutique hotel
- Retail, office and research space
The first phase of development includes plans for about 35 acres of public open space and 45,000 square feet of retail space, according to the SU 560's website. People may submit favorite businesses, restaurants or shops for SU officials to consider incorporating into the development here.
Why now?
Given Georgetown's growing population in recent years, SU officials are determined to grow alongside the city while staying true to the university’s values, per SU 560's website.
“The Southwestern University 560 is a bold response to this rapid expansion—one that reflects our mission and preserves our sense of place, connection and purpose,” the website states.
Going forward
SU officials are actively gathering community feedback to strengthen the development’s land use plan, and more information will likely be shared this fall, a spokesperson for the university said in an email to Community Impact.
