Leander City Council approved an agreement Feb. 10 with Northline Leander Development Company and St. John Properties for the construction of an office building that will house new space for city offices, the Leander City Council chambers and a future new city hall, according to a news release.
The details
The city has entered into an economic development agreement with developer St. John Properties, which includes a $4 million loan for the construction of a 95,000-square-foot commercial office building at the Northline development, the news release states.
After the building is anticipated to be completed in 2027, the city will lease approximately 40,000 square feet of space over the next 10 years. That space will be used for additional city offices and a temporary city hall. The city also retains the option to purchase nearby land for a future permanent city hall.
The city is currently exploring options to repurpose and redevelop the existing city hall building, “prioritizing keeping Old Town vibrant and supporting the city’s vision for this unique area,” the release states.
The background
Northline is a nearly $1 billion, 116-acre development that will combine commercial and residential space with a "modern aesthetic" that the city hopes will be a draw for residents and tourists, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Northline is located just north of Leander Station and Austin Community College’s San Gabriel Campus and south of St. David’s Medical Campus, between 183A and US 183.
What they’re saying
“We have confirmed that adequate water capacity exists to support this development, consistent with our long-term capital improvement plan," Na’Cole Thompson, mayor-elect and current mayor pro tem, said in a statement. "This performance-based agreement is designed to expand our tax base, create quality jobs and position key city facilities within the heart of our emerging downtown while protecting taxpayers.”
“Great developments don’t happen in isolation. They happen through partnership," said Brooke Harlander of St. John Properties. "We have watched Leander continue to grow over the last few years and look forward to creating a space where they can thrive in serving their community.”
