Plaza Saltillo

Nominated by: JHP Architecture / Urban Design
Location: Austin, TX
Developer: Endeavor Real Estate Group and Columbus Realty
Architect: JHP Architecture / Urban Design
General Contractor: Rogers-O Brien Construction
Interior Designer: Keaton Interiors

Project Statement

Plaza Saltillo embodies a new form of urbanism in downtown Austin. Located in the heart of downtown Austin at 5th Street and I-35, the mixed-use, transit-oriented development is located on four city blocks that were made available for redevelopment by working in partnership with Capital Metro based on relocating existing tracks.

Included in the development are a variety of restaurants and personal services, as well as a large grocer and retailer, alongside office and multifamily buildings, woven together with green space. Dining, shopping, music, art and entertainment all come together, forming a unique and vibrant destination filled with activity.

Currently, Google, Whole Foods Market, Target and other global brands anchor the development alongside popular local businesses. The need for density, transportation solutions, and affordable housing in Austin have significantly been amplified as the city has matured and grown in population. Work on the site began in June 2017 and took about three years, two site plans and nine building permits for the project to come to fruition.

Pedestrian paseos, underground and structured parking, electric vehicle charging stations, wide sidewalks, locally designed bike racks, and more all contribute to the development’s success. Plaza Saltillo incorporates 800 apartments, almost 20% of which are reserved for low-income renters. One-hundred forty thousand square feet of office space and 110,000 square feet of retail space are connected through pedestrian walkways and 1.4 acres of public park spaces. The MetroRail station anchors the project along with a protected bikeway, enhancing the multi-modal accessibility.

Local artists created murals throughout the development and represent the neighborhood voices. Several of these murals tell the story of the neighborhood’s history, and allow for a unique vibrancy and opportunity for discovery.