SH 130 corridor takes shape as development hub in Pflugerville

When the city is fully built out, SH 130 will become the heart of the city, Planning Director Emily Barron said. Physically, the road will be in the center of the city and, if built out strategically, the corridor will also be a center of activity for the community, she said.

“We need to ensure that we create that kind of city center for the future," Barron said. "Something that our residents are proud of."

The first step toward developing new portions along SH 130 is the provision of utility services, Barron said. Council approved a $12.8 million wastewater interceptor along SH 130 in March, a critical first step in enhancing prospective development, she said.

From there, city staff as well as members of the Pflugerville Community Development Corp. can better work with potential developers on how to service and champion their projects, said Amy Madison, executive director of the PCDC. PCDC’s central focus is attracting new talent and employers to the city’s workforce, Madison said. Dubbed the “3-D City,” Madison said additive and advanced manufacturing have blossomed in the city’s job market, particularly along the SH 130 corridor.

“I think a dream for SH 130 is that it not only provides a great opportunity for industry to grow, but a great place that can

still lay claim to quality of life, because that’s what brings our workforce these days,” Madison said. “I think what makes a community healthy is to make sure that we’re working all those segments and making them flow seamlessly. It helps to achieve the growth of individual careers and opportunities for entertainment and an active lifestyle.”

When Sheleg selected Pflugerville for his mixed use development, he said location was everything. With The Domain to the west and downtown Austin to the south, Sheleg said he envisions a triangle, with his SH 130 mixed-use development as the final point.

“If we can balance this equation, you can have something very unique, very worthy of the community,” Sheleg said. “We're talking about something that will be beneficial for generations to come.”