From the cover
Master plan looks to re-envision Old Town area by investing in businesses
Put in perspective
The overview
The rst 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 o er at least 110 additional on-street spots. The following projects are either planned or underway to address ongoing parking issues: • Broade Street restriping to increase the number of parking spaces; scheduled to begin in a year • South Street improvements to add on-street park- ing; in design and will take two years to complete • On-street parking along Bagdad Road; done concurrent with South Street improvements • One-story parking garage near Pat Bryson Munici- pal Hall; projected timeline of ve to 10 years Kimley-Horn, the city’s consulting company for the Old Town Master Plan, also recommended the following projects: • A surface parking lot on vacant land • Redesigned alleys to incorporate head-in parking along the back of business lots • Coordination with nearby schools and churches for shared parking agreements, which could increase the parking supply by roughly 435 spaces
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, ocials 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, creating a walkable, urban district through the addition of parks; gathering space; trails; gateway features; more bars, restaurants, retail space and food trucks; and an increase of pedestrian activity, city leaders said. City ocials and community members said they envision Old Town as a destination with increasing nightlife, weekend activities, festivals and events. However, city ocials said the area’s small-town feel and historic nature will be preserved. “When you create those districts where people come, and it has that special, small-town feel, even if you’re in a big town—that feeling is what people crave in their community,” said Bridget Brandt, the president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce. Through this plan, city sta said they hope to accomplish a series of projects such as pedestrian bridges, trails, murals and the construction of Old Town Park, which will be in the heart of the district. The plan features 10 priority projects, including waynding, a pedestrian trail and sidewalk infrastructure, which are all estimated to take place over the next ve to 10 years. Those projects will cost an estimated $15 million and could be funded through a variety of sources. “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 Grin said. “Adopting this plan is going to help us come up with a framework and improvements to help economic development and generally improve the area.”
183
2243
OLD TOWN LEANDER
N
Coming to Old Town
On-street parking and pedestrian bridges
Revamp Old Town Park with: • Landscaping • Shade structure over stage • Seating area
A playground and additional play areas
Trails and shared-use paths
Banners, gateways and streetscapes
Murals and sculptures
“With more businesses opening, parking will continue to be an issue.” LUKE KRASNIQI, COOWNER OF LEANDER BEER MARKET
Cultural arts programming and events
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
One-Stop Shop for ALL Your Propane Needs
- Residential & Commercial Propane Sales - Service & Installation - Locally owned and operated since 1961
14251 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill | 512-259-4710
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook