BAE Systems plans major renovations to its Austin facility as part of a $135 million investment.
Courtesy of BAE Systems
Student housing, a $50 million defense company expansion, a new aquatic center and multimillion-dollar warehouses are just some of the projects planned across the Austin, according to recent filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The department oversees a variety of industries, from HVAC to spas and salons. The agency also requires filings of preliminary plans when a renovation or project costs at least $50,000 and requires an accessibility review. Information from the filings is preliminary and subject to change.
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Here are a few of the latest Austin-area projects to keep an eye on:
900 W. 23rd
With construction beginning in November, this student housing project includes 383 housing units — 78 of which will be income-restricted units. Adam America Real Estate, which currently lists the prospective apartment building in its public portfolio, did not provide further comment. The new units are the latest among taller, newer luxury-style buildings in West Campus along 24th Street.
The University Neighborhood Overlay, a special zoning district, allows for higher-density, pedestrian-friendly development close to the UT campus. Opting into the area’s density bonus allows developers and apartment builders to receive reduced fees in exchange for designating some units as income-restricted. Specifically, the project will be participating in the S.M.A.R.T. Housing program, popular among UT students looking for more affordable off-campus options.
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Address: 900 W. 23rd St., Austin
Estimated cost: $80 million
BAE Systems expansion
The U.S. subsidiary of United Kingdom-based BAE Systems has started expanding its operations in Austin and New Hampshire, with Austin’s upgrades estimated at $50 million. The company is using its own capital, BAE Systems announced in May.
It currently lists 77 open positions for its Austin facility, with 35 of them posted in August. Starting with a $2 million renovation for office space and “existing manufacturing,” the expansion is intended to help scale production of “affordable precision munitions,” or low-cost, mass-produced guided weapons. Construction is expected to begin Sept. 30, 2026.
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Address: 825 E. Howard Lane, Suite 300, Austin
Estimated cost: $50 million
Green Point industrial complex
A massive 753,481-square-foot warehouse is coming to Georgetown, the latest addition to an industrial park backed by Dallas-based Green Point Property Co. The filing lists the owner as Jeremey Rydberg, a partner at the firm. Announced in 2021, the GTX Logistics Park project is scheduled for construction from the end of October through November 2027.
“Our goal in acquiring this significant acreage position is to develop a Class A Industrial park unique to the Austin-MSA,” Rydberg said in the first announcement of the park. “GTX Logistics Park will feature both ready-to-occupy space and the ability to accommodate larger users, including those with highly specialized requirements.”
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Address: 1000 FM 972, Georgetown
Estimated cost: $42 million
Lockhart aquatics facility
Lockhart is looking to expand its community pools, with a new aquatics facility planned to start construction in October. The project includes three pools, two of which are enclosed and heated for use during cold weather. The city entered into an agreement with the Lockhart school district, which owns the 8-acre property, with plans to expand competitive swimming opportunities, physical education and other programming for students and community members alike. Construction is estimated to be complete in August 2027.
“This new facility will build on that legacy by providing year-round recreation, competitive swimming opportunities, swim lessons, and wellness programs for residents of all ages,” Lockhart Mayor Lew White said in a July announcement. “It’s a project that will serve our community for decades to come, and we’re excited to see it move another step closer to becoming a reality.”
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Address: 1019 Center St., Lockhart
Estimated cost: $16 million
Two more dog salons
A pair of dog grooming salons, one with added retail space, are expanding across the city through the end of this year.
Haute Dog, already with a location in Lakeway, is refitting a space off East Oltorf Street for its dog grooming and self-wash services in Riverside. Construction is slated to start in October and end early next year.
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Address: 2400 E. Oltorf St., Suite 30A, Austin
Estimated cost: $80,000
Barkin’ Creek, a dog spa and kitchen, is planning its fifth Austin-area location at Arbor Trails in Southwest Austin, near Costco Wholesale. Construction was slated to begin Aug. 1 and is expected to end in November. The company offers luxury pet spa services. On top of the usual wash and groom, pet owners can get their furry family a mud bath, keratin treatments and a hemp relaxing package. The spa and kitchen also specializes in handmade dog food.
Address: 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Austin
Estimated cost: $250,000
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