The latest project to be developed

The latest project to be developed under the Austin, Texas, Traditional Neighborhood District (TND) ordinance is Brandts Crossing, a 129-acre greenfield neighborhood. The Austin Planning Commission unanimously approved the plan last November, and the project now awaits annexation and final approval from the city council. Brandts Crossing is the biggest project yet to be evaluated by Austin’s smart growth matrix (see October/November 2000) and will likely be eligible for financial incentives. According to Trey Hailey of Land Design Studio, the master planners, the financial incentives are especially important because Brandts Crossing is located in an area with relatively low real estate values. Money from the city will help offset developer SDC Austin Communities’ investment in streetscape improvements and parks. A town center with approximately 35,000 square feet of retail and 20,000 square feet of offices will be located at the main arterial road leading to Brandts Crossing. In addition to the design criteria in the TND ordinance, Land Design Studio has created an urban code that defines setbacks, building heights, and materials. The project will include 340 apartments, 50 townhomes, and 390 single family homes on a modified street grid and served by alleys.