PSW Real Estate, a prominent urban developer in Austin, has rebranded itself and is now venturing into another mixed-use project.
An artist's depiction of an urban development
PSW Real Estate, now known as StoryBuilt, has been a trailblazer in the Austin real estate scene since its establishment in 2001. Headquartered in Austin, with operations in Dallas, San Antonio, Seattle, and Denver, StoryBuilt is renowned for its expertise in infill projects. These projects involve constructing mixed-use developments that seamlessly combine residential spaces, such as apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes, with commercial establishments like shops, restaurants, and retail spaces.
Transforming Austin's South First Street
In Austin, StoryBuilt has been instrumental in driving the recent surge of development along South First Street, near Bouldin Creek in South Austin. This corridor has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the years, attracting new restaurants, boutiques, food trucks, and housing options. The company's commitment to storytelling is evident in its approach to every new project.
"We've evolved as a company, and we're really looking for a way to more uniquely tell our story," says Chad Shepler, Chief Operating Officer at StoryBuilt. "Every piece of land is a new story for us. Our team does everything from buying the land to building it to managing it."
Introducing the Micro-Unit Apartments
StoryBuilt's latest endeavor is the development of micro-unit apartments at 2001 S. First St., a prime location at the corner of West Johanna and South First streets. Conveniently situated across from Polvos Mexican Restaurant, this project offers 46 micro-unit apartments ranging from 340 to 600 square feet. Most units will be available for lease at $1,000 or less per month, making them an affordable option for tenants.
Micro-unit apartments with balconies overlooking Bouldin Creek and South First Street
The micro-units feature balconies with picturesque views of Bouldin Creek and South First Street. Additionally, they come equipped with kitchenettes, dining rooms, and clever space-saving solutions like Murphy beds. To complement the development's emphasis on nature, some units will have balconies overlooking a heritage live oak tree estimated to be around 500 years old. The project will also include 2,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial and retail space.
"With every property, we pick the land and then try to figure out what's the best use for it," explains Shepler. "With this location and the beautiful mature live oak tree, we wanted to provide something different."
Catering to the Urban Lifestyle
The micro-units at 2001 S. First St. are expected to appeal to individuals seeking to embrace the vibrant Bouldin Creek area without bearing exorbitant living costs. This development aligns perfectly with the urban lifestyle that many millennials are actively embracing. It caters to those who prioritize an active city-centered existence, where owning a car is optional, not primary.
"A lot of folks, certainly Millennials, are moving to town trying an urban lifestyle," states Shepler. "We're looking for that person who wants to live in the middle of the action."
Moreover, the 2001 S. First St. property, currently serving as StoryBuilt's headquarters, will soon be relocated to the mixed-use project at 900 South First St., just across from the Texas School for the Deaf.
Upcoming development at 900 S. First St. with studio to three-bedroom condos, townhomes, and single-family homes
Exciting Developments on the Horizon
The project at 900 S. First St. will feature studio to three-bedroom condos starting in the low $300,000 range, as well as townhomes and single-family homes starting from about $750,000. This development will offer an array of amenities, including an outdoor lounge, a grill deck, co-working spaces, restaurants, and wellness facilities on the ground floor plaza. Notably, 70 percent of the residences at 900 S. First St. have already been sold as of mid-July.
Another project in StoryBuilt's pipeline is the transformation of the former Angel Funeral Home at 1600 S. First St. This development will comprise 59 condos and a variety of ground-floor retail. Expected to be available for pre-sale this month and ready for occupancy by late 2020, this project will further augment StoryBuilt's legacy in the Austin real estate market.
With its innovative approach and commitment to revitalizing urban spaces, StoryBuilt's new direction promises unique and thoughtfully designed developments that enhance the fabric of Austin living.
Note: This article was adapted and refreshed while adhering to E-A-T and YMYL standards.
