Shopping center at Brodie and Davis lanes nears completion

By Kelsey Wilkinson Wednesday, 16 December 2009

AUSTIN — Carr Development, the company behind Oak Hill Plaza on Hwy. 71 W., recently completed construction of a new retail project at the intersection of Brodie and Davis lanes. The Brodie Park Shopping Center, which features approximately 15 commercial sites and one restaurant facility, brings the first taste of commercial development to an area that was predominantly residential prior to its arrival.

Seven tenants have already signed leases to move into the shopping center. Evans Family Dental and Brodie Park Market are scheduled to open in December.

Scott Carr, owner of Carr Development, admits that setting up shop in the middle of the holiday season is not ideal for businesses or developers, but he said he is optimistic about the future of the site because the tenants are mainly local.

“I love that all the [tenants] in Brodie Park live in this market,” Carr said. “They are going to push their neighbors to shop there. It’s hands on. I think that’s really important when you are dealing with a smaller, local tenant.”

Mohit Mehra is developing Brodie Park Market, a high-end food market moving into the Brodie Park Shopping Center in December. He has lived and done business in major cities across the globe, but admits there is a unique element to doing business in south Austin.

“Austin is a different market that is very vibrant and welcoming,” Mehra said. “South Austin has some of the most vibrant people. There is a huge mix of different communities and people living in that area. Brodie has a niche market of people in different cultures.”

Traffic flow

The neighborhoods surrounding the new development can expect to find not only an increase in local shopping closer to home, but an easier way to get there as well. Construction on the shopping center was completed just in time for improvements on nearby Davis Lane to begin.

“One reason why we bought this is because, as real estate and retail developers, we wanted to be at the site of a light, or a future light,” Carr said. “We thought the Davis extension was going to happen years ago, but they are moving forward with it now. This area—trafficwise—will get much improved.”

This spring, the city will begin a $4.25 million construction improvement project aligning the existing Deer Lane west of Brodie with Davis Lane east of Brodie. The new intersection will include an upgrade of the rural two-lane road to a four-lane road. Improved traffic signals, right-turn lanes and a connecting bike network will be added as well. The project is funded through the 2006 bond program, and project manager Jon Thompson said he expects the work to be complete by April 2011.

“It seems like it will improve mobility for the neighborhoods back there and improve the safety of the intersection as well,” Thompson said.

From bovines to boutiques

Planning for Brodie Park began five years ago when Carr Development first purchased part of the previously rural land.

“This site was an overgrown cow pasture,” Carr said. “We replaced the overgrazed cedar and the mesquite with 50 native oak trees. I would say the reaction to the development has been 99 percent positive. People have said everything from thanks for planting the native trees to thanks for building something really nice.”

At the same time Carr Development purchased the 10 acres of rural land to develop the mixed-use commercial center, home building giant D.R. Horton purchased adjoining acreage to begin development on a 282-unit residential project, Brodie Heights Condominiums. The relationship and proximity of the residential area to the up-and-coming commercial hub is undeniable. Carr said having an instant population base within walking distance of the center is a huge benefit to both the tenants and the nearby residents.

“One of the things we want this center to do is to serve nearby residents,” said Doug Moss, Carr Development executive vice president. “We want it to be a neighborhood retail center.”

Residential reaction

Before pavement went down and walls went up at the center, residents of nearby neighborhoods were met with the view of a rural landscape. Despite the quick growth of a commercial center in its place, some people said they are pleased with the change.

“Obviously we are happy about having something close by, some retail and some commercial establishments that the residents can utilize,” said Tom Moody, president of the Brodie Heights Homeowners Association. “It’s something that enables them not to leave the community or neighborhood just to do some shopping or personal business.”

In the center

• Nanami Sushi
  • Jessica Mao will open her first sushi restaurant in Austin, offering dine-in and carry-out options, as well as a full bar and other menu items including tempura and grilled dishes. The restaurant is expected to open in late December or early January.
  • 9001 Brodie Lane, Ste. B-1826-2594
• Bridge 2 Health
  • Licensed acupuncturist Nadma Dunham will move her practice from its current location on Manchaca Road to the center in late January. The wellness center offers nutritional counseling, acupuncture services and a selection of nutrition supplements.
  • 9001 Brodie Lane, Ste. C280-7715 • www.austinbridge2health.com
• Evans Family Dental
  • Local dentist James “Bo” Evans opened his first individual practice at the center. The family dental office offers general practice services to patients of all ages.
  • 9001 Brodie Lane, Ste. C-1282-5900 • www.evansfamilydental.com
• Batteries Plus
  • The local franchise has been in business more than 21 years and provides batteries for various cars, lights and other electronic devices, including camcorders, cell phones and laptops. The location is set to open Dec. 14.
  • 9001 Brodie Lane, Ste. B-2282-2207 • www.batteriesplus.com
• Broadway Bank
  • Established in 1941, Broadway Bank is the largest independent banker in the Hill Country with 38 locations across Central Texas. It offers services in personal banking, business banking, private banking, wealth management and military banking.
  • 210-283-6500 • www.broadwaybank.com
• Brodie Nail
  • With three other locations in Austin, the locally owned nail salon offers manicures, pedicures and facials.
  • 9001 Brodie Lane, Ste. C-700657-3651
• Brodie Park Market
  • The mini food market will offer a variety of organic food selections in addition to a wide variety of wines, champagnes and domestic and imported beers.
  • 9001 Brodie Lane, Ste. A-1658-2601