How Austin Suburb Manor is Attracting Developers

Change is on the horizon for one Central Texas city looking to redefine its downtown identity

Manor, a fast-growing suburb east of Austin, recently established a master plan and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to fund long-needed infrastructure upgrades downtown, the Austin Business Journal reported.

These initiatives mark a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and vacant lots in the city’s historic core. In addition to the high number of vacant lots, Economic Development Director Scott Jones, pointed to the poor road condition that residents face as they make their daily commute.

The master plan targets critical updates to century-old pipes and drainage systems while redesigning streets to make them more pedestrian-friendly and increase parking options. These upgrades are intended to create a more accessible and inviting downtown environment, paving the way for increased economic activity.

The TIRZ spans almost 928 acres within Manor and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Under the program, tax revenues generated by rising property values within the zone will be reinvested into downtown improvements. Officials estimate that the TIRZ will generate $40 million over 20 years, although it may take two to four years before TIRZ-funded construction begins.

Manor’s population boom has made these changes a necessity. Between 2020 and 2023, the city’s population grew by 48 percent, reaching 20,200 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Projections in the city’s master plan suggest that number could climb to 24,500 by 2028.

The plan also seeks to encourage private development downtown, aiming to attract multifamily, retail and office.

“We’re going to try to spur private development and not get in the development business ourselves as a city,” Jones said.

Other planned upgrades include signage to highlight the downtown area’s historical significance — such as its appearance in the 1993 movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” — and the relocation of city hall to a larger building. Manor’s city council is also expanding financial incentive programs to draw businesses and retailers to the area.

Manor’s growth and appeal was recently showcased with the sale of all 45 of Landsea Homes’ residences in the Village at Manor Commons.

Other projects in Manor include the 358-lot Lagos Reserve by Irvine-based Tri Pointe and the 94-acre Newhaven community by Houston developer Ashton Gray.

— Andrew Terrell