The 2nd Street District consists of six downtown blocks, mostly owned by the City, fronting West 2nd Street. The City developed the District from 2000 to 2012 through a series of public-private partnerships with the intent to bring a dense, walkable urban experience to downtown Austin. By 2017, the District hosted more than: 600 residences, 250 hotel rooms, 3,000 jobs and 175,000 square feet of retail space.
In response to City Council Ordinance 20180830-058 the Economic Development Department is creating Location Enhancement programs to help satisfy needs of Austin’s small, local businesses, creative and music venues, legacy businesses, nonprofits, and other targeted industries that generate high-impact community benefits.
The State of Texas grants municipalities and counties the power to create Public Improvement Districts (PIDs) under Texas Local Government Code (LGC), Chapter 372. The city or county may initiate or receive a petition from property owners requesting creation of a PID which has a defined geographic area within the municipality or county.
Over 25 years, Austin transformed nearly 90 acres of industrial land in southwest downtown into a vibrant, urban neighborhood.
Overview:
Council Resolution No. 20181004-038 directs the City to consider a potential lease or sale of the property at 312 East Wonsley Drive to Central Health or the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA). Such a collaborative partnership would maximize community benefits and further advance the goals of Imagine Austin and Austin Strategic Direction 2023.