After receiving his Master of Business Administration, Australia native Byron Smith set his sights on the Lone Star State to create XSpace, a colorful industrial building with flexible space that has attracted local businesses and global icons, such as the McLaren Formula 1 team.

The 100,000-square-foot building peeks out through the greenery of West Austin, offering 100 units of space that vary in size to suit occupants and can be rented or purchased. Each floor has its own set of bathrooms outfitted with showers and a kitchenette for late nights or early mornings.

“It’s not just being expensive for the sake of being a rich guys’ place; it’s practical,” Smith said. “You can do anything from [storing] RVs to people running a business to people being silly with man caves.”

Tenants include local businesses, such as Square Cow Movers and Madness Autoworks, as well as companies from places such as California and Illinois that have “a hub in Texas.”

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, large cities such as New York City were not as appealing for a project like this, Smith said.

“Texas is a great place to do business; it’s where you want to be growing companies,” he said. “It’s just such a business-friendly state.”

Despite delays, Smith said around 70% of the building was sold before opening in late 2022, which created a perfect launching pad for more XSpace facilities with another slated for a 2024 opening in Houston.

XSpace

4229 N. FM 620, Austin

631-804-5556

www.xspacegroup.com

Hours: open 24/7