transforming an abandoned home improvement store into a thriving community

With recent City Council approval, we are excited to announce that TBG will be a part of Greystar’s team on the St. John Redevelopment Plan in Austin, Texas, tasked with bringing new life to the neglected Home Depot property at St. Johns and I-35 through new parks, affordable housing, and community space.

The City of Austin purchased the 19-acre site in 2007. Key components of the redevelopment plan include:

• 3-acre public park with a splash pad, playground and community garden
• 280 affordable rental units
• 15,000 square feet of community retail and support services space for  tenants such as grocers, vocational training centers and childcare

Of course, this project would not be happening without the massive efforts made by members of the St. John neighborhood. Initially slated for a courthouse and police station, after engaging and working with members of the neighborhood, it became clear the wants and needs of the community were different.

“We’re building housing that will keep families in the neighborhood, rather than pushing them out. Hundreds of homes will be rented and sold at prices affordable for working-class people. Low-income families struggling to stay in St. John will have first priority for housing, and so will people who have been pushed out in the past and who want to come back. We’re bringing parks, jobs, and services to the community, with a focus on highlighting the history of St. John. A board of community members will help make sure all our goals are met.” – Greg Casar, District 4 Council Member

The team consists of Greystar, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, TBG, and Cortez Consulting. Together, we will be working to achieve the goals set by the community and Council Member Casar. TBG’s scope of work will be focused on the park and public areas of the site, ultimately enhancing the end user’s experience. A large green pedestrian promenade will connect the new buildings to St. Johns Park. The park will also have an educational factor built in to allow for the history of the neighborhood to come through.

“TBG is honored to be a part of such a special project for our City and the St. John neighborhood. We’re excited to partner with Greystar, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, Cortez Consulting and most importantly, the St. John neighborhood. Together we plan to preserve the rich history of the community, while creating a community destination for the St. john neighborhood to activate the space with church events, farmers markets and other desired community activities, while providing 280 affordable units for the neighborhood.” – Justin Lindabury, TBG