New mixed-use development to bring retail, office space, hotel to Westlake

A mixed-use development in front of the Charles Schwab headquarters in Westlake was approved by Town Council as well as the planning and zoning commission in a joint meeting April 1.

The project is called Front 44 at Circle T and is located on 16.38 acres between SH 170 and SH 114, and Schwab Way. Planning and Development Director Ron Ruthven said the first phase would include a mix of retail and office space. A hotel is planned for future developments on the land, according to documents.

Ruthven said the development had been planned since Schwab moved the headquarters to Westlake, and plans are in place to move forward.

He said site plans have been provided to the city and staff is reviewing them, but the concept plan had to be approved first.

A closer look

Ruthven said there are about 30,000 trips per day near the Schwab headquarters, and most of the existing roadways nearby will handle the traffic in regards to this development. He said there will be one road added to connect to Schwab Way off SH 170.

Most of the renderings provided to council, and planning and zoning showed restaurants in the first phase. There are six buildings with patios, a day care with a playground and a fitness center.

Ruthven said site plans would be formally submitted to planning and zoning and council in May. He said the developer—Hillwood and Howard Hughes Corporation—hopes to start working on the project this summer.