Endeavor’s Borden Dairy plan advances

Endeavor Real Estate Group’s ambitious plan to redevelop the former Borden Dairy plant in East Austin scored initial approval from city council, in the face of community protest.

The Austin City Council voted Thursday in favor of rezoning the industrial property at 71 Strandtman Cove per the developer’s request, pushing along Endeavor’s controversial mixed-use project, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The city will hold two more hearings regarding the project before it’s finally approved.

The firm — an Austin’s real estate titan led by CEO Kirk Rudy  — wants to transform the 21-acre site into a mix of 1,400 residential units, about 400,000 square feet of office, more than 100,000 square feet of retail and a 220-room hotel. It would be one of the largest developments in East Austin. 

Converting the old milk factory could help accommodate the city’s rapid growth, but the project is unpopular with some residents. Protesters urged the city council to delay a rezoning vote until thorough studies have assessed the project’s potential effect on the environment, water quality and traffic, the outlet said.

The site borders the Colorado River and a 43-acre wildlife preserve. Endeavor has proposed buildings that rise 120 feet, whereas other projects in the area are within a 60-foot height limit. Opponents say the development, located at the busy intersection of East Cesar Chavez Street and U.S. 183, would increase traffic in an already congested area. 

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Austin

Endeavor plans East Austin mixed-use

Tri-State

Got milk? Former factory eyed for future hotel

—Quinn Donoghue