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WestEast, in collaboration with St. James Missionary Baptist Church and Arup, is leading the transformation of the historic St. James site into a vibrant, community-centered destination. The project will bring 1,153 new homes across affordable, student, and market-rate housing, along with a 252-key hotel, 56,000 square feet of event space, and over 100,000 square feet of retail and community uses.
The vision is grounded in four guiding principles: community focus, equity and accessibility, cultural identity, and the balance of nature with urban life. It preserves the presence of the St. James congregation while introducing housing, civic facilities, and retail that meet the needs of a growing neighborhood.
With courtyards, plazas, shaded pedestrian streets, and a central market, the plan prioritizes human-centered movement, cultural vitality, and resilience. By combining new housing with local business support, childcare, and sustainable infrastructure, the St. James Development is designed to become the heart of East Austin’s MLK neighborhood, offering a place where history and community thrive together.
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