Development
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Power delivery crucial for local tech expansions As the Austin metro area continues to see expansion in the technology sector, industry lead- ers are highlighting key critical area of interest: power delivery. What they’re saying Ed Latson, CEO of the regional economic partnership Opportunity Austin, said power delivery is now “up there” with workforce in terms of priorities for international businesses exploring potential projects in the area. “They want to know if they’re going to be able to get it now, and also what their plans are for the future,” he said at an October panel discussion. Eric Van Hensbergen, a leader at technology company Arm, said powering buildings has become a No. 1 consideration for corporate expansions—and one that’s especially relevant for data centers.
Projects in the pipeline Opportunity Austin managed more than 200 local projects in 2025.
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General manufacturing Clean tech Biotech/life sciences Automotive Software/IT Aerospace/defense:
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1K residences planned at MoPac retail site A shopping center at Hwy. 290 and MoPac is slated for housing-centered redevelopment. What’s happening The retail center anchored by a Best Buy is being rezoned for a 60-foot mixed-use project with 1,000 residences. The update is in anticipation of Best Buy not renewing its lease in the future; a development timeline isn’t set.
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SOURCE: OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
At least five data centers have opened or announced intentions to open in the Austin metro area in the last few years, tapping into land avail- ability and a deregulated energy market outside of Austin’s city limits. Did you know? In 2025, most businesses seeking to locate in the Austin area were from international sources led by Taiwan, Korea, India, Australia and the United Kingdom. Most domestic relocation interest comes from California.
Dripping Springs community center breaks ground After 10 years of planning, Dripping Springs city officials broke ground on the Stephenson Building on Oct. 23. The gist The city-owned historic building at 311 Old than double to accommodate downtown visitors. “It’s going to give our community and visitors a place where we can localize and centralize,” Mayor Bill Foulds said at the groundbreaking Oct. 23. City Council approved the $4.89 million
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The background The Stephenson Building was built in 1939 and operated as a high school until 1949. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. Today, the building is owned by the city.
construction project Oct. 7, to be completed by QA Construction. Renovations should be complete in about a year.
Fitzhugh Road is undergoing renovations to house a performance center and offices. The structure will be extended and its parking lot area will more
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