Sorting out details
The site, which spans nearly 286 acres and features four two-story buildings, was previously zoned Limited Industrial which allows for industrial uses such as manufacturing and warehouse services.
The rezoning request to combine the LI district with a Planned Development Area, or PDA, was approved by Austin's platting and zoning commission April 15.
The item then went to City Council May 22 but was postponed at the neighborhood's request, and postponed again June 5 and July 24 at District 6 council member Krista Laine's request.
The postponement was intended to allow the applicant time to reach an agreement with local stakeholders regarding building heights, Laine said.
Now approved, the new LI-PDA zoning allows for a variety of residential, commercial and civic uses, including:
- Multifamily units such as condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, 10% of which are proposed to be reserved at 80% median family income or less
- Short-term rentals
- Cocktail lounges and liquor sales
- Pawn shop services
- Pet services
- Recreational equipment sales
- Educational facilities
- Research testing and warehousing services
Additionally, buildings on the site may be constructed up to a maximum of 90 feet with the exception of hotels or motels, which are allowed to reach up to 100 feet.
What they're saying
Allowing more housing to be built near north Austin employers is part of an "overall strategy" to reduce traffic and improve safety along northern transit corridors like Parmer Lane, Laine said in a statement to Community Impact.
“This project strikes the right balance between growth and compatibility," Laine said. "We’re ensuring development is thoughtful, not unchecked, and that it supports both our local economy and the people who live and work nearby. ... I look forward to collaborating with Apple and other local partners to ensure that growth along the Parmer Lane corridor becomes a catalyst for improved transit options."
In similar news
City Council also approved an LI-PDA rezoning request for another nearby campus, former manufacturing plant 3M, on July 24.
Similar to the Apple campus, some of the allowed uses on the 57.21-acre 3M site could include about 1,200 multifamily units, 30,000 square feet of retail and restaurant uses, an outdoor entertainment space, and research testing and warehouse services.
The site was originally planned to be redeveloped as a commercial office park, but the applicant later requested the PDA overlay due to “market changes,” per city documents.
