East Austin Development
East Austin's newest mixed-use development sets opening date
While many Austin developments are just breaking ground, one is poised to open. Platform, a new mixed-use development in the East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor, will open its leasing center and first apartments on Wednesday, October 5.
The development is located at East MLK between Miriam and Alexander avenues and features 355 apartments and townhomes. There's also 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant space. Houndstooth Coffee will open its third Austin location at Platform, and to attract more local businesses, real estate developer Greystar is building out spaces to make them approachable for galleries, studios, boutiques, and creative offices.
"It's challenging to build new space that is affordable for creative tenants," said Nic Whittaker, senior director of development for Greystar, in a release. "By taking this non-traditional approach of pre-finishing some of the storefront units, we hope that we can keep costs down and help make a dent in the city's tremendous demand for this type of space."
Like other upcoming developments in the area, Platform boasts proximity to convenient transportation options. It's situated just minutes from Capital Metro's Red Line commuter rail and in proximity to bus routes and bike lanes. A similar transit-oriented development called Cityline will open nearby in 2017. And Endeavor Real Estate Group is redeveloping Plaza Saltillo into a "mixed-use, mixed mobility community."
Ahead of its opening, Platform has opened a pop-up leasing center at Flatbed Press and Gallery. "From the beginning, we have envisioned Platform as a place that reflects the neighborhood, and particularly the surrounding arts community," said Whittaker. "Working with neighbors like Flatbed Press helps us appeal to potential residents who embrace this vision for the area."
Platform will offer studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences. Amenities include an outdoor pool, retro game lounge, dog park, yoga and Pilates studio, and fitness center. Rent runs $1,324 to $2,514 per month.