Development
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
The former 3M manufacturing plant in North Austin could see mixed-use developments, following Austin City Council’s approval of a rezoning request for the site July 24. The request added a Planned Development Area overlay to the site’s existing Limited Industrial zoning. LI zoning allows for industrial uses such as manufacturing and warehouse activities, and the added PDA overlay will allow for more mixed-use development—such as residential and retail space—with increased building heights and densities. City officials included in the agenda documents that the area is considered park- deficient, so parkland dedication would be required for any residential units that are built. The future of 3M Some of the allowed uses on the 57.21-acre site could include: Changes ahead for 3M campus
Some background
What they’re saying
The 3M campus closed in 2019, and city officials and developers have been working for several years to rezone the property. Per agenda documents, the applicant originally planned to redevelop the property as a commercial office park with about 1.5 million square feet of office space and 10,000 square feet of retail. The applicant later requested the PDA overlay due to “market changes,” now allowing for the construc- tion of about 1,200 multifamily units and 30,000
In an email to the city dated April 17, Angus Valley resident Carlos Madriz expressed concerns about the rezoning, citing driving and walking safety, as well as the impact of additional lighting and noise on the environment. In an email dated May 30, Angus Valley Area Neighborhood Association President Stacey Peterson expressed support for the rezoning. “After some honest and productive conversations with the developer, we were able to reach an agreement that reflects real give-and-take,” Peterson said. “The signed Memorandum of Understanding outlines compromises that matter to us, such as improved buffer zones, fencing and other site considerations that will help protect the character of the surrounding neighborhood.” The MOU includes language that the developer will provide timely notice to AVANA of any development applications submitted to the city, and that a 15-foot residential buffer will be established along some of the property lines to preserve native trees, shrubbery and grasses. While 3M’s rezoning was approved, City Council further delayed the rezoning of the former Apple Campus site off Riata Vista Circle. District 6 council member Krista Laine requested that the rezoning be postponed during the May and July council meetings. It is now set to go before council again Aug. 28. The 28.85-acre site includes four two-story buildings currently zoned as LI. The request would change the zoning to LI-PDA, similar to the 3M rezoning, and could allow for mixed-use residential and retail space.
square feet of retail and restaurant uses. Austin’s Zoning and Platting Commission
approved the rezoning recommendation June 3. Z&P commission vice chair Betsy Greenberg voted against the item, saying the PDA zoning is like a planned use development, or PUD, zoning “without the community benefits.” “We heard just a piece of this case [four or five] years ago, and the neighbors were all concerned about it,” Greenberg said. “Now they’re just kind of, ‘what can we do,’ which I think is sort of a sad state of the community.”
Multifamily units and condominiums
Former 3M campus rezoning
183
An outdoor entertainment space
A performance venue
A cocktail lounge
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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