The District's Greenlawn Boulevard-facing frontage will look a bit different from the models in existence when the project broke ground in March.
In a nutshell
The Round Rock City Council approved an update to plans for the mixed-use development located at the southwest corner of SH 45 and I-35 on July 9. The update included the elimination of a maximum setback for buildings along Greenlawn Boulevard to make way for surface parking to serve retail. The development is currently planned to include several parking garages for this portion of the development, Planning and Development Services Director Brad Dushkin said in a July 7 packet briefing
What they're saying
Randall Tuller, senior vice president at Mark IV Capital, said previous updates to the project as well as the one approved July 9, are just the developer's effort to keep up with what the market wants.
"We really are working hard to truly create this special place that we've all been shooting for in terms of this place, making a true village here," Tuller said.
He said the property is currently under contract to include a national specialty grocer, a gelato shop and a potential entertainment-oriented business such as a music venue.
Why now?
Crews broke ground on the first residential project planned for the mixed-use development in March. Dushkin said this project and several others planned for The District will have parking garages.
He said developer Mark IV Capital's desire to change parking requirements for portions of the project is based on conversations with prospective tenants who would like to have signage and parking visible to drivers, as well as market pressures making parking structures unfeasible for this part of the development.
However, should the market change, Tuller said the lots will be sized for potential redevelopment with structured parking and future tenant spaces.
Put in perspective
Dushkin said the development is planned to be inward-facing along a central road. Many of the buildings planned for the inner portion of the development are still planned to have parking garages to support residential properties, office buildings and a future hotel. The retail portion of the project along Greenlawn Boulevard will also face inward, with surface parking lots located behind storefronts, he said.
The developer will also work with the adjacent retail center, The Shops at Greenlawn, to take over part of their parking lot and extend the existing sidewalk along the street, Dushkin said.
