Despite already being one of the sleeker areas in Austin, The Domain is getting a facelift. The giant outdoor mall and residential area is planning a multi-phase, multimillion-dollar renovation over the next two years.
The Domain has been around longer than many Austinites may realize, given how fast stores, workspaces, and restaurants are popping up in the surrounding area. But after 15 years, it's time to do some maintenance, starting with the exterior facades.
According to a news release, the goal of this first phase is to make sure the exterior holds up to the caliber of luxury shops The Domain is now attracting. This may not mean much for the casual observer, but people who for live, work, or shop at The Domain, there may be a noticeable flux of even more luxury in the coming years.
Senior Vice President of Development at Simon, the property group that manages The Domain, gave a statement in the release. "We are dedicated to adapting to consumer trends and expectations, and this renovation will create the ideal setting for The Domain’s retailers to thrive and provide customers with an unmatched shopping and dining experience," she said.
Perhaps a more tangible renovation will happen at Century Oaks Plaza, the area encapsulating the green space next to North Italia that nearly always has playing kids and seated couples on the surrounding benches. The planned changes include "refinished terraced seating, rich with eye-catching foliage and a new, vibrant lawn space for visitors to gather."
The various phases are almost all related to outdoor aesthetics with one notable exception; The release mentions "marble, stone, wood, and other materials" and another updated seating space. One notable exception is the promise of a "convenient valet parking area," although it's not clear whether this is a new or updated offering.
Although some residents and visitors may worry about rising prices as the commercial center attracts more high-end tenants, the release does not mention any new leases. A reach for luxury is a logical development for a space already anchored by stores like Nordstrom, Apple, and Whole Foods.
“With the exponential growth the city of Austin has seen in recent years, Simon continues to invest in additional opportunities to ensure we are delivering a best in class living, shopping and dining experience,“ said The Domain's director of marketing Monica Esparza. “We are thrilled to be taking this next step into the future of mixed-use design that will reinforce The Domain’s position in the market as Austin’s luxury shopping and dining destination.”
Rendering courtesy of The Domain
The Domain has unveiled a multi-phase renovation plan over the next two years. (Pictured: Century Oaks Plaza)
The shopping center will remain open as renovations are made, and the first phases is expected to end in October of 2023.
