Austin planned retail construction is booming because, well, it’s Texas. Everything must be big.  For a time, Austin has been recognized as one of the country’s leading tech hubs behind Silicon Valley. After all, companies like Apple, Facebook, and Oracle now call it home. Now, though, the city can call itself a hub for commercial real estate investment in the Austin market as well. In recognition and anticipation of Austin’s emergence as a commercial real estate heavyweight, we thought we’d do our part to highlight some of the city’s upcoming retail construction projects. Brokerage services play a crucial role in facilitating these developments, ensuring compliance with Texas Real Estate Commission guidelines. Here, we highlight both planned and ongoing retail construction projects across a range of industries and project values in Austin, Texas. This list is based on a query of BuildCentral’s ConstructionWire for retail construction projects in planning and under construction. These projects are listed in order of estimated project value, also per ConstructionWire.

Overview of Austin’s Retail Market

Austin’s retail market is thriving, driven by a strong demand for mixed-use developments, experiential retail, and sustainable spaces. The city’s burgeoning population, fueled by its thriving tech industry, has created a need for innovative and engaging retail experiences. Retailers are increasingly focusing on creating immersive and interactive environments that cater to Austin’s young and affluent demographic.

Recent reports indicate a significant uptick in demand for planned retail developments in Austin, with a particular emphasis on mixed-use projects that blend retail, office, and residential spaces. This trend aligns with the city’s vision for walkable, sustainable, and community-driven environments.

Specific retail trends in Austin include a surge in health and wellness-focused retailers and experiential retail concepts that offer unique and Instagrammable experiences. The city’s food and beverage scene is also thriving, with a strong focus on local and artisanal vendors.

Overall, Austin’s retail market is characterized by a vibrant and eclectic mix of local boutiques, national chains, and experiential retail concepts. As the city continues to grow and evolve, we can expect even more innovative and engaging retail developments to emerge, solidifying Austin’s position as a retail powerhouse.

Austin Convention Center Expansion Phase II

Project Information

Construction Type: New, Addition/Expansion

Footprint/Building Type: Mixed Use

Retail Category: General Retail

Chain: TBD General Retail

Estimated Value: $1150 million

Shopping Center Name: Austin Convention Center Expansion Phase II

Parking Spaces: 0

Location: Austin, TX 78701.

Details: Plans for phase II call for the construction of a 515,000-square-foot addition to the Austin Convention Center, offering various leasing opportunities for office, industrial, and retail spaces. Plans also include an entire block for private development, more below-grade parking, public event space, and a new pavilion. The project management team will oversee these developments to ensure timely and efficient completion.

South Austin Entertainment District

Project Information

Construction Type: New

Footprint/Building Type: Free Standing, Mixed Use

Retail Category: Restaurant , General Retail

Chain: TBD Restaurant, TBD General Retail

Estimated Value: $270 million

Parking Spaces: 0

Location: Austin, TX 78748.

Details: Plans call for the construction of the South Austin Entertainment District in Central Texas. It will have three apartment complexes with several restaurants retail and bar development. Additionally, the development will feature The Picklr, an indoor pickleball franchise, catering to the growing demand for indoor pickleball.

HEB Renovation & Expansion

Project Information

Construction Type: New

Footprint/Building Type: Free Standing

Retail Category: Grocery

Chain: H-E-B

Estimated Value: $31.883 million

Parking Spaces: 0

Company Retail Chain: HEB (H.E. Butt Grocery Co), Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.

Location: Austin, TX 78704.

Details: Plans call for the demolition of the existing HEB store and the construction of a new, larger 145,000-square-foot store utilizing renewable energy to replace it. New features will include a food hall with indoor and outdoor dining spaces, two levels of underground parking, and a beer garden. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions by incorporating sustainable building practices.

St. Johns Mixed-Use Development

Construction Type: New

Footprint/Building Type: Mixed Use

Retail Category: Child Care, Grocery, General Retail

Chain: TBD Child Care, TBD Grocery, TBD General Retail

Estimated Value: $27 million

Shopping Center Name: St. Johns Mixed-Use

Parking Spaces: 0

Location: Austin, TX 78752.

Details: Plans call for the construction of a mixed-use development including 280 affordable rental units, 15,000 square feet of community retail and leasing opportunities for tenants, including grocers, vocational training centers and childcare and a 3-acre public park with a splash pad, playground and community garden. The project will also feature comprehensive property management services to enhance the value and functionality of the development.

Leif Johnson Ford Car Dealership

Construction started in 7/2024 and is projected to end in Q3 of 2025.

Project Information

Construction Type: New

Footprint/Building Type: Free Standing

Retail Category: Auto Service

Chain: Ford Motor Company

Estimated Value: $16.3 million

Parking Spaces: 0

Company Retail Chain: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.

Location: Austin, TX 78736.

Details: Plans call for the development of a new Ford dealership that will incorporate a three-level office building that includes a showroom, sales offices, service shop and lobby. This project marks the first lease in the area, establishing a significant presence for Ford. The project will have two buildings East Service is about 54,000 square feet and the West Showroom/Service Write-up and Quick Service is about 49,300 square feet for a total of 103,300 square feet. Expert guidance will be provided to ensure the highest standards in service and customer experience.

As ever, remember that there’s more to Austin’s booming retail scene than the projects that we’ve mentioned here! This article represents only a sampling of the kinds of retail developments set to continue proliferating throughout Austin. Keep up with us for the latest and greatest in planned construction all over the country.

Austin Office and Retail Trends

Austin’s office and retail markets are closely intertwined, with many mixed-use developments featuring a combination of office, retail, and residential spaces. The city has seen a surge in demand for office space, driven by the growth of the tech industry and the need for innovative and collaborative workspaces.

In the office sector, there is a strong focus on sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, as well as flexible and adaptable workspaces that cater to the needs of modern businesses. Austin is also home to a thriving coworking scene, with numerous shared office spaces and incubators providing resources and support to startups and entrepreneurs.

On the retail side, Austin is experiencing a trend towards experiential retail concepts that offer unique and engaging experiences for customers. This includes everything from indoor pickleball franchises to virtual reality experiences and immersive art installations.

Health and wellness-focused retailers are also on the rise, along with a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Austin’s food and beverage scene continues to flourish, with a strong emphasis on local and artisanal vendors.

Overall, Austin’s office and retail markets are characterized by their focus on innovation, sustainability, and community-driven environments. As the city continues to grow and evolve, we can anticipate even more exciting and innovative developments, further cementing Austin’s reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking market.

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