A commercial lot off Hwy. 290 in Southwest Austin is slated for redevelopment, following City Council's vote to allow the project to move forward in an environmentally sensitive area.

The details

A four-story apartment complex with 305 units and 3,000 square feet of retail space is proposed at 5725 W. Hwy. 290, Austin. The Westcreek Mixed Use project would replace an existing commercial building and parking lot on the 6.5-acre site.

The plans were subject to additional environmental review due to the property’s location within the Barton Springs Watershed and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. City staff found that the project outline, including onsite water treatment features, complies with local regulations, allowing for redevelopment in those areas.

Given some local environmental concerns, council approved a development exception with a push for further improvements on the site. That addition came from council member Paige Ellis, who represents the area, based on similar requests made by the Environmental Commission in early February.

Possible upgrades she proposed for the project plan include:

• Reducing impervious cover—surfaces like buildings and parking lots that don't absorb water and rainfall—down to just 40% of the site
• Offering more than a dozen electric vehicle charging stations when the development opens, with room for at least 30 more in the future
• Planting at least 100 trees and shrubs, and adding native plants to the site's landscaping
• Collaborating with Patton Elementary and Small Middle schools on educational materials related to the area's sensitive watershed and aquifer
• Expanding the required filtration pond and water detention system to meet higher standards
• Adding solar panels to the project

Ellis also asked city staff to work with Austin ISD on the creation of new public parks to serve the Westcreek project and nearby schools, as well as mobility improvements along Westcreek Drive and Old Fredericksburg Road as new residents arrive.

Also of note

A zoning update for the property was approved by council last summer with additional direction related to traffic safety around the property, including possible traffic calming upgrades and new pedestrian beacons on Westcreek.

With that rezoning, the project can build under Austin’s DB90 program allowing for taller development if affordable housing is included—making it one of dozens of sites citywide to use the program since its creation early last year. Around three dozen units for lower-income tenants would be included in the Westcreek project.