The City of Austin Economic Development Department has entered the next phase of redevelopment for the 19-acre site located at the former Home Depot and Chrysler Dealership at 7211 & 7309 IH 35, known as the St. Johns Site. Grounded in two years of robust community engagement, the City and its development partner will continue to engage with the community to further refine the project programming and layout.

On July 29, 2021, Austin City Council authorized negotiation and execution of an exclusive negotiation agreement with Greystar Development Central, LLC and the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA). The agreement was executed on April 13, 2022, and staff has been directed to return to City Council in November 2022, to share development terms for the site based on community input gathered over the next few months.

“The vision to redevelop the St. Johns Site represents years of engaging with residents and listening to the needs of the St. John Neighborhood,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department. “The City of Austin is honored to participate in building the partnership with Greystar and HACA to realize this vision that will bring much needed affordable housing, parks and open space, and neighborhood commercial to the St. John neighborhood and northeast Austin.”

Over the next few months, the St. John Redevelopment Team made up of the City of Austin, Greystar Development Central, LLC, and HACA, will host small group discussions with residents and community leaders.

A family-friendly, public event is scheduled for Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center located at 7500 Blessing Avenue, Austin Texas 78752. During the event, families can enjoy free food, music, activities for the kids, and will be given the opportunity to learn more about the project and to give feedback on potential site programming and layout. Exhibitors will also be available to connect residents with City-wide services and programs as part of our Resource Fair.

Opportunities for St. John Residents

-Attend September 10 Resource Fair and Discussion at Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center

-Complete an online survey to share your input

-Submit an interest form to serve on the St. John Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

-Attend September 12 Virtual Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m.

To learn more about these opportunities and the redevelopment of the St. Johns Site, visit www.austintexas.gov/department/st-johns

About the City of Austin Economic Development Department

The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on Twitter, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.

About Greystar

Greystar is a leading, fully integrated real estate company offering expertise in investment management, development, and management of rental housing properties globally. The company’s business model is unique in its ability to own, operate, and develop multifamily, student, and senior housing across the globe.

About the Housing Authority of the City of Austin

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a public agency whose business is to ensure that safe, quality, affordable housing opportunities exist for families of low income. We assist residents in becoming economically self-sufficient and create meaningful partnerships to maximize available community resources.

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