GROWTH MACHINE

New podcast digs into the explosive growth and pitfalls of Austin's housing market

The new word to describe Austin is "growth."

For many Austin newcomers, it's not easy to picture the bustling, tech-driven city as a sleepy and weird college town. However, a new seven-episode podcast series by Austin's local NPR station helps bring those memories to life by diving into the messy history of the city's housing market.

Hosted by KUT housing reporter Audrey McGlinchy, Growth Machine: How Austin Engineered its Housing Market examines the decision-making over the last 100 years that has brought Austin the infamous I-35 highway, "Silicon Hills," and more.

Most glaringly, Austin's explosive growth has also caused extreme segregation, which is not an accidental consequence.

"It’s the result of decades of decisions about what — if anything — gets built in Austin and where," a press release said. "From a master plan to move Black and brown residents to one part of town, to fights over how to protect the environment, to an outdated land development code — all of these are pieces in a machine that’s engineered Austin’s housing market."

McGlinchy said in the release that the podcast also provides necessary historical context regarding the difficulty of building in the west side of town, as well as affordability issues. Ultimately, she explained, Austin's history is rooted in growth.

“People move here every day. And the city gets bigger and bigger — not just the population but also the geography," she said. "The way we as a city have handled this growth, the direction in which the city has grown – that’s the bigger story.”

Listeners will hear from influential local voices in the podcast, such as Mayor Kirk Watson, Black Austin Coalition co-founder Donald Dallas, city council member Natasha Harper-Madison, Save Our Springs Alliance executive director Bill Bunch, and more.

Reporting for Growth Machine is elevated by several prominent KUT staff including Transportation Reporter Nathan Bernier, Senior Correspondent on Energy and Environment Mose Buchele, Assistant Digital Editor Marisa Charpentier, and Assistant Program Director Jimmy Maas.

Growth Machine: How Austin Engineered its Housing Marketcan be found on all podcast platforms. More information about the podcast can be found on kut.org.

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a barton creek paradise

$15.2 million Austin sanctuary is in the middle of a nature conservancy

The Sanctuary on Barton Creek, Austin home for sale

Photo courtesy of Peyton Skinner

The Sanctuary on Barton Creek sits on 24 acres of untouched Hill Country land.

Living on an expansive estate teeming with untouched nature and vegetation may seem like a priceless dream, but a lavish property in West Austin has a cost in mind: $15.2 million.

Photo courtesy of Peyton Skinner

The Sanctuary on Barton Creek sits on 24 acres of untouched Hill Country land.

The Sanctuary on Barton Creek is a 24-acre estate with an Austin address, although it is located near Bee Cave, a Hill Country suburb. The entrance of the property is double gated, and the area is completely surrounded by a 4,100-acre nature conservancy to provide a peaceful and private escape from the ever-changing landscape of the Texas capital.

The 7,931-square-foot main house contains seven spacious bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and one half bath. The listing, managed by Douglas Elliman sales agents Jeanne Parker and Julie Mack, describes the modernly updated home as a place where "elegance and comfort intertwine seamlessly."

The Sanctuary on Barton Creek, Austin home for sale The estate is a private and peaceful oasis.Photo courtesy of Peyton Skinner

The new Wolf appliances in the state-of-the-art chef's kitchen is a primary example of the sophisticated upgrades that have been completed on the residence. The primary bathroom has also been completely remodeled, where the next owners can be enamored with the privacy of the Hill Country while enjoying luxurious baths in the standalone soaking tub.

Another key feature of this home is its abundance of fireplaces, which can be found in bedrooms, living areas, balconies, and outdoors.

The property is also suited for hosting friends and family with two additional buildings: A fully equipped guest house, and a lofted "executive lodge" that can be used as additional guest quarters, game room, or executive office.

Like the rest of the residences on the estate, the executive lodge has breathtaking views of the Hill Country that can be admired from the spacious balcony or large windows. The space sits above a three-car garage that comes with a pull-through for a RV and a dog washing station.

The Sanctuary on Barton Creek, Austin home for sale The spacious executive lodge also comes with a kitchenette, making it suitable for hosting guests or using as an office.Photo courtesy of Peyton Skinner

All of the residences open up to the backyard pool area where guests can relax under the covered veranda, the patio, or take a dip in the resort-style custom designed pools. There's plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy if exploring the property's untouched 24 acres is a more appealing alternative to sitting by the pool.

"Enjoy honey made from the hives on the property which provide not only an agricultural exemption, but also promote a healthy environment for everyone," the listing says.

Guests are also welcome to go fishing or paddle boarding in Barton Creek, where the estate has more than 200 feet of grassy shoreline access to the water.

The property is zoned for Lake Travis Independent School District, and is situated just minutes away from the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave.

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