Development
BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
Leander City Council approved the Old Town Master Plan Sept. 21, which is intended to create a more enjoyable environment for those who visit the area, officials said. It paves the way for the redevelopment and revitalization of the district. The plan aims to build upon Old Town’s current mix of businesses to create a walkable urban district with amenities such as restaurants, retail space, parks and more for increased nightlife and events. However, city officials said the area’s small-town feel and historic nature will be preserved. “When you create those districts where people come, it has that special, small-town feel, even if you’re in a big town,” said Bridget Brandt, the president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce. Through this plan, city staff said they hope to accomplish a series of projects such as pedestrian bridges, trails, murals and the construction of Old Town Park. The plan features 10 priority projects, such as wayfinding, a pedestrian trail and sidewalk infrastructure, which are all estimated to take place over the next five to 10 years, costing an estimated $15 million. “The Old Town Master Plan is a plan that the city has needed to have for a long time,” Executive Director of Development Services Robin Griffin said. Leander’s Old Town Master Plan underway
Put in perspective
The first projects underway are related to increas- ing the parking supply in Old Town. Leander Beer Market co-owner Luke Krasniqi said the existing parking spaces are nearly full early in the mornings before most businesses are open. Old Town has about 300 on-street parking spaces, but a street redesign—outlined in the master plan— could offer at least 110 additional on-street spots along Broade Street, South Street, Bagdad Road and other areas.
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Coming to Old Town
What’s next?
On-street parking and pedestrian bridges
Revamp Old Town Park with: • Landscaping • Shade structure over stage • Seating area
Griffin said projects outlined in the Old Town Master Plan will take place over the course of the next several decades. Several contractors and developers will work with the city to execute the plan and individual projects will come before City Council for approval before they start, she said.
A playground and additional play areas
Trails and shared-use paths
Key dates
Banners, gateways and streetscapes
Sept. 2023: city approves Master Plan Dec. 2023: Schedule for implementing projects presented to council Early 2024: Old Town fire improvements will be the first project completed Jan. 2050: All projects estimated to reach completion
Murals and sculptures
Cultural arts programming and events
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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