Demand in marketplace prompts company to proceed with speculative development of two flex/R&D buildings followed by two retail buildings totaling nearly 110,000 square feet of space in Leander

AUSTIN, TX – St. John Properties, Inc. is bringing nearly six decades of proven experience and a vertically integrated business model to the Austin area. This one-stop-shop approach streamlines the leasing process, reducing both time and costs for tenants.

The company is showcasing this model locally with the development of Phase I of Leander Tech Park, a 50-acre mixed-use business community located 20 miles north of Austin. High demand has prompted St. John Properties to break ground on two flex/R&D and two inline retail buildings totaling nearly 110,000 square feet of space, while also marketing retail pad sites along State Highway 29. Since entering the Austin market in 2022, St. John Properties has used its expertise developing and managing a national portfolio of more than 24 million square feet of commercial space valued at more than $5 billion to focus on growth in Central Texas.

“Our vertically-integrated approach sets us apart in the local market by managing every phase of construction and leasing internally,” said St. John Properties Regional Partner Brooke Harlander. “This strategy improves quality and efficiency while reducing costs for our clients. With all disciplines operating under one roof, communication is smoother, deliveries are faster, and clients see tangible savings.”

Company’s signature flex/R&D buildings expected to deliver next summer

St. John Properties has commenced speculative construction on 60 and 80 Kauffman Loop, two flex/R&D buildings comprising 51,120 and 38,120 square feet of space respectively. The company’s signature buildings feature 18-foot clear heights and rear drive-in and raised loading docks to support a diverse set of end-users including those engaged in professional services, high-tech and light manufacturing, as well as distribution and logistics. Both buildings have been designed to achieve LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and are expected to deliver next summer.

Nearly 20,000 square feet of retail space will be completed next fall

The company is simultaneously developing two inline retail buildings comprising 11,050 and 8,125 square feet, fronting Kaufman Loop. Marketing and leasing activities have also been initiated on pad sites fronting State Highway 29, ranging from .82 to 2.33 acres. St. John Properties is targeting a diverse mix of tenants for the retail spaces, including sit-down, fast-casual, and quick-service restaurants, as well as, banking, convenience stores/gas stations, medical and healthcare, and daycare facilities. The nearly 20,000 square feet of inline retail space is scheduled for completion next fall.

“St. John Properties develops real estate almost exclusively on a speculative basis. Being proactive, rather than reactive to market conditions fulfills our corporate mission to remain ahead of leasing demand and anticipate the emerging needs of our current and future clients,” Harlander added.

St. John Properties has speculatively broken ground on nearly one million square feet of space nationwide throughout each of the last five consecutive years, and is continuing that strategy in 2025 throughout its national portfolio.

Residential and retail development activity driving Leander growth

Several significant residential and retail developments have helped stimulate economic growth in the greater Leander area. Activities are highlighted by Santa Rita Ranch, a 3,100-acre planned community which recently opened its seventh neighborhood will bring an additional 1,000 homes to the development that now features more than 4,200 residential units. Major national retailers Costco and Target have revealed plans to open big-box stores along the Hwy 29 corridor, and regional supermarket chain H-E-B recently opened a new location adjacent to Leander Tech Park. Charter school Valor Education also recently opened its new North Austin campus adjacent to the business community, serving more than 1,000 students K-12.

“These new residential and retail elements – together with the expansion of an educational institution – signify the robust growth of the greater Leander region,” added Harlander. “This activity makes the area primed for additional flex/R&D and retail space, given the rapidly-growing demographics which are transforming the region from its historical status as a bedroom community to an up-and-coming business destination.”

Harlander said that despite the new shops and restaurants, the retail needs of the growing local population are not being fully met and new opportunities will soon be available at Leander Tech Park. “Retailers are seeing the incredibly strong demographics in the market, and they want to be there,” she said.

Harlander adds that Leander’s status among the fastest-growing cities in America is resulting in the influx of new businesses looking to take advantage of its proximity to Austin and its diverse talent base. “Our flex/R&D product is perfectly suited to satisfy the real estate needs of the technology, manufacturing, and healthcare groups that are moving into or expanding within the local region. We envision an extended runway in Leander and intend to continue our speculative development strategy with the delivery of additional buildings in the near future.”

Located at the southwest corner of State Hwy 29 and Ronald Reagan, along Kauffman Loop, this project sits at the busy connection point of Leander, Georgetown, and Liberty Hill. Leander Tech Park is configured to support 13 buildings, comprising approximately 230,000 square feet of flex/R&D and retail space, with the capacity to support approximately 730 jobs. Nearly 26,000 vehicles pass the site daily via Highway 29, and the site is positioned four miles from US Route 183, nine miles from Georgetown, 35 miles from downtown Austin, and 40 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Founded in 1971, St. John Properties, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest and most successful privately held commercial real estate firms. The company is distinguished by its commitment to customer service, achievements in green building, and top-rated workplace culture. Throughout St. John Properties’ 54-year history, the company has developed more than 24 million square feet of flex/R&D, office, retail, and warehouse space and has investments in over 3,000 residential units. The company proudly serves more than 2,600 clients in Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Utah, and Wisconsin. For more information about the company, visit www.sjpi.com.