West Campus Tower, Southwest Austin Apartments and CapMetro Survey Lead Housing and Transit Updates

Residential development and housing initiatives continue to shape neighborhoods across the city. In the West Campus area, a 30-story apartment tower valued at $97M is currently in the works and set to rise soon, according to reports from The Real Deal and The Business Journals. In Southwest Austin, the Austin American-Statesman reported that new apartments will include 40 acres of green space. Meanwhile, major transactions are taking place in the multifamily sector. Multifamily Housing News reported that Weidner has purchased a luxury community in Austin, while JLL announced that JLL Capital Markets arranged both the sale and financing of a 341-unit luxury high-rise in the city.

Alongside new construction and property acquisitions, housing costs remain a central topic for residents and cultural workers. KEYE reported that Austin music venues are uniting for an effort called HOMEcoming! to help keep local legends housed. Looking at the broader rental market, BigGo Finance reported on remarks from Aziz Sunderji, who said that the housing crisis is about density rather than blue-state politics, adding that Austin rents illustrate why builders cannot fix the problem alone. In the commercial sector, The Business Journals reported that an iconic Austin business has secured city funding for renovations. At the same time, the Austin American-Statesman examined whether South Congress can preserve its Austin identity as national retailers keep coming to the area.

Public transit riders and commuters are also seeing new developments across local transportation networks. According to a new survey reported by KXAN Austin and Yahoo, CapMetro riders cited homelessness on the system as their top concern. That survey arrives as NewsBreak: Local News & Alerts reported that CapMetro is growing its transit police department and welcoming new officers to its police force. For motorists dealing with roadwork ahead, Austin Current reported that CTXGO helps drivers navigate traffic and earn up to $150. For travelers flying out of the city, KXAN Austin reported that Alaska Airlines is set to launch a nonstop route from Austin to Anchorage.