Plans are underway for the 2022 groundbreaking of the mixed-use Bell District project in Cedar Park. The 50-acre development is backed by a master plan design based on contributions from redevelopment experts across the nation, intensive financial modeling, and public investments in the project. A recent site plan for the Bell District includes office spaces, restaurant and retail spaces, along with parking spaces, green landscaping and a library.
Early last year, the city of Cedar Park contracted RedLeaf Properties LLC, to serve as master developer for this public-private project, with a price tag of at least $350 million. According to the developers, the start of construction work on the Bell District project would be a major milestone in the long-running effort to revitalize that area; on the main north-south corner of Cedar Park, which is located between Buttercup Creek Boulevard and Park Street on Bell Boulevard.
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A partner for RedLeaf Properties LLC, Rob Shands, was impressed with the progress of the Bell District project, despite the disruptions experienced during the pandemic. Shands pointed out that the timeline for the project had remained largely on track, but he also felt that the construction costs were likely to exceed the estimated $350 million.
Bell District project Funding
Katherine Caffrey, the Assistant City Manager mentioned that 87% of the Bell District project’s costs will be financed through private funding, while the remaining 13% of the costs will be covered by the city. The approved funds from the city include $15.25 million from the city’s Community Development Corporation and $1.4 million from the city’s utility fund, which will finance construction costs for infrastructure within Bell District, such as roads, pedestrian walkways, water infrastructure and garages.
Shands also stated that the development plans for the Bell District project had been modified to provide additional open areas and outdoor restaurant spaces, which will be surrounded by century-old trees. The project will consist of approximately 16 acres of green landscape, restaurants, a park, social center, and the City’s new library. Several blocks of high-density residential and professional office spaces will be built as well and some of the ground floor will also be available for commercial use.
The City’s new library development in Bell District already commenced with the design process which started in January 2021. J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc. has been selected by the City council to handle the library’s construction and Lake | Flato Architects, Inc. worked on the designs, by using a variety of public engagement strategies to capture the community’s creative vision. The construction of the Bell District project is expected to begin by fall, with the first buildings scheduled to open as early as 2024.
