Austin, TX, UNITED STATES Americas
Cover Image
Report Summary:
Austin is booming, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the city’s downtown. With that boom and the related real estate development comes a need to define the urban experience. As new buildings rise above the city’s streetscape, levels and levels of parking decking are layered into the building’s foundation, creating a meaningful void in activation along downtown streets. Pedestrians pass these new shiny buildings and are met with garage entrances leading to multiple levels of parking before any human experience – whether residential or commercial – can be seen on the floors far above. In some cases, street-level retail is factored into the first floor of the building, but in many other instances, there is no opportunity for human interaction. Understanding the impact that unfettered parking construction is having and will continue to have on the streetscape experience in downtown Austin, the City Council leadership turned to ULI Austin for guidance in encouraging a reduction in new parking construction across the entire downtown geography.

Report Summary: Austin is booming, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the city’s downtown. With that boom and the related real estate development comes a need to define the urban experience. As new buildings rise above the city’s streetscape, levels and levels of parking decking are layered into the building’s foundation, creating a meaningful void in activation along downtown streets. Pedestrians pass these new shiny buildings and are met with garage entrances leading to multiple levels of parking before any human experience – whether residential or commercial – can be seen on the floors far above. In some cases, street-level retail is factored into the first floor of the building, but in many other instances, there is no opportunity for human interaction. Understanding the impact that unfettered parking construction is having and will continue to have on the streetscape experience in downtown Austin, the City Council leadership turned to ULI Austin for guidance in encouraging a reduction in new parking construction across the entire downtown geography.

RELATED
Reading List

Rebuild Better, Rebuild Faster

The January 2025 wildfires left behind unprecedented destruction in Los Angeles, burning more than 16,000 structures and 40,000 acres of land, displacing thousands, and placing immense strain on the region's housing market, infrastructure, and econom...
Report

LA Fires Rebuilding Survey

This anonymous survey gathers insights on residents, and business owners, rebuilding plans to help officials prioritize recovery efforts. Results will guide cost-effective, timely solutions to address challenges and support rebuilding after the fires...
Report

Development for Nondevelopers

Development for Nondevelopers was informed by ULI members and partners‚ including both developers and nondevelopers‚ to provide an overview of essential information about the real estate development process. It aims to outline the basics of real esta...
Topics
Development
District & National Councils
ULI Austin