From Taylor to Liberty Hill to Buda, several suburbs around Austin have been making downtown revitalization a priority as they experience strong growth. Add Kyle to the list.
For last two decades, the city about 20 miles south of downtown Austin has experienced exponential growth. Its population of about 5,000 in 2000 grew to about 28,000 in 2010 and now has eclipsed 63,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That makes it the second-fastest-growing city of its size in the country.
City officials have been working to bring in more amenities for the increasing numbers of people. Efforts include Austin-based Capella Commercial LLC's mixed-use entertainment Project Two Step, as well as Hays Co Bar-B-Que, which is in the process of relocating to a new shop on the edge of downtown. Kyle also has launched a grant program for downtown revitalization that offers up to $25,000 "for eligible projects aimed at improving the infrastructure and aesthetics of commercial buildings in the downtown area."
Now, more is on the way. The Kyle City Council during a special meeting on July 24 approved a $4.5 million purchase of three downtown properties: 106 N. Burleson St., which houses Hays City Donuts and The Main Squeeze; 111 N. Burleson St. and 201 W. Lockhart St., which houses Kyle Car Wash; and 102 N. Burleson St. and 210 W. Center St., which houses Cash Box Pawn. Officials said the properties will be "utilized for future projects to revitalize and develop our downtown in line with the Downtown Master Plan". The sales of the properties haven't closed yet.
The aim of the purchases is to facilitate growth in a 12-block area that's been designated a downtown core. The city last year demolished three buildings that officials said were in disrepair. Goals of the revitalization include more retail, restaurant and parking, as well as creation of a unique feel for Kyle, family-friendly options and diverse land uses, according to a draft of the plan. The city also hopes to enable those who live in the area to remain there as long as they desire.
City officials told Community Impact that they don't need the building right away and the doughnut and restaurant leases will continue for the time being. In a statement to the Austin Business Journal on July 29, the city of Kyle noted that it now has signed offers from the owners of all three buildings.
"City of Kyle Economic Development has met with each of the business owners affected by the purchase to understand their future plans and ensure when the time comes, that the city will work with them to find a location for them in Kyle," the statement said. "The offers for these properties also include features such as lease back agreements to tenants and owners. These properties will be utilized for future projects to revitalize and develop our Downtown in line with the Downtown Master Plan. Future plan development will involve public input and outreach."