Construction began in February on a 12,100-square-foot office building called The Edge developed by Austin-based Lee Properties.

Owner Robert Lee, whose mother started the company in 1981, said he redesigned the project twice to better fit in with the neighborhood and its proximity to The Domain.

"I feel there is a need for small office space, boutique office," he said. "This is a good starter project for this area."

The two-story building, located at 1139 W. Braker Lane and across the street from the CommUnityCare Clinic, is already partially filled because Lee is relocating his company's office to the second floor when the building is completed this fall.

Lee said he hopes the project will spur other development in the neighborhood.

"The area is ripe for growth, but the question is going to be what growth?" he said. "This is a socially conscious development [that considered] what does the neighborhood want."

Lee Properties has owned the 0.8-acre lot for five years, Lee said, and was waiting for the right time to develop. It was also difficult for businesses to obtain loans from a bank for projects that did not have any signed tenants during the recession.

The company has focused attention on developments in the West Campus area near The University of Texas, including residential projects.

Lee Properties has about $85 million worth of projects in development. Lee said he is testing the waters with The Edge project before considering other North Austin projects.

"We're just on the front end of changes," he said. "We'll see how it goes. The character of the neighborhood is definitely going to change."