The 250-acre Cottonwood Properties in Hutto is in the evaluation phase, which aims to determine if the development is strategic and feasible, according to developer Midway. The future of the proposed multi-use development is dependent on the nearby highway overpass project at the intersection of Hwy. 79 and CR 132.

The current situation

Midway and the Hutto Economic Development Corporation established a memorandum of understanding for Cottonwood in April, which started agreements for pre-development. The developer is working on a market analysis of office, residential and retail products, which may change as the master plan is developed.

The current vision, according to a representative from Midway, is for the Cottonwood development to create a “dramatic increase in public facilities and commercial and retail offerings,” as well as a “walkable district as an extension of other Hutto destinations” like the Hutto Co-Op District.

What else?

Results from a civil feasibility study conducted by Midway show that the design of the Hwy. 79 and CR 132 intersection will have a “critical impact” on the development. The developer found that an elevated overpass, which the city approved an engineering contract for in March of last year, would limit retail development along the freeway.

Current projected timelines for the development assume adequate visibility and access near the intersection. If the 90 acres north of the property is developed as single-family residential, the timeline for project is 12-15 years. If the same area is developed as retail space, it may increase to 25-30 years.

Looking forward

A representative from Midway told City Council that major plans for Cottonwood cannot be finalized until plans for the overpass are finalized.

City Engineer Matt Rector presented alternative options for the overpass project to City Council at a meeting Sept. 19. Council members voted 5-1 to, first, postpone the project and work with TxDOT and Union Pacific Railroad to adopt a new design proposed by Midway. Place 6 City Council member Amberley Kolar voted against, and Place 5 City Council member Evan Porterfield was absent.

In the meantime, TxDOT is working to install a temporary light at the intersection, estimated to be complete in January 2026.