We promote smart growth through a proactive partnership approach.
The Old West Austin Neighborhood Association (OWANA) Zoning Committee is redefining neighborhood engagement by collaborating with developers to ensure growth that respects Austin’s historic foundations while embracing thoughtful contemporary design. Through proactive dialogue, binding agreements, and shared goals, OWANA’s zoning efforts have produced win-win results for residents, developers, and the city.
Our Guiding Principles
Our Key Partnership Results
6th & Blanco MML & Riverside Resources
Key Covenants: Incorporation of key design characteristics including preservation of historic façades, public courtyards, and a 55’ zoning height cap to ensure compatibility.
“Our investors, our development partners, view this is as a legacy project.” — Larry McGuire, MML Hospitality
The Belvedere Pearlstone Partners
Key Covenants: Ensured public access to Lady Bird Lake and urban green space. Contextual massing and height to complement the Old West Austin environment.
“We are thrilled to bring The Belvedere to life … blending thoughtful design, luxury, and connectivity.” — Bill Knauss, Pearlstone Partners
Nau’s Enfield Drug Redev. Zydeco Development
Key Covenants: Preserving historic façade and Daniel Johnston mural. 75% pedestrian-oriented businesses, 18’ sidewalk zones, buried utilities, and noise/light restrictions.
“We know it’s a special property … and we want to do right by it.” — Meghan Yancy, Zydeco Development
Heartland Plaza AQUILA Commercial
Key Covenants: Defined structural language for the first city ordinance addressing pickleball sound mitigation. AQUILA will contribute up to $250,000 to City parks projects improving the Johnson Creek Trail.
6th & Walsh Griffith Family / Manifold
Key Covenants: Tiered height approach transitioning from Lamar corridor to neighborhood streets. On-site affordable housing, 18’ sidewalks, buried utilities, and underground parking.
“It is rare that the Planning Commission… override the City’s Zoning recommendation. But they did here due to the innovation…” — Kirk Watson, Mayor
6th & Lamar Endeavor Real Estate Group
Key Covenants: Collaborative redesign leading to tailored height caps, wider sidewalks, and underground parking to protect residential character.
“Oftentimes those conversations (with OWANA) make our projects better…” — Josh Lickteig, Endeavor Real Estate
The OWANA Difference
- 4 major projects advanced with collaboration in two years.
- 100% incorporated binding agreements improving safety/design.
- Developers publicly endorsed the process.
Key Benefits
- Strengthened Community Voice
- Predictable Process for Developers
- Enhanced Urban Design & Walkability
- Preserved Neighborhood Character
- Legal Accountability
Proven Model for Smart Growth
- Engage Early: Open communication builds trust.
- Negotiate Fairly: Balance character with goals.
- Formalize Agreements: Secure restrictive covenants.
- Celebrate Success: Highlight collaboration.
Media Recognition
- Austin Business Journal Read: “Neighbors influenced what Endeavor will build…”
- Austin Monitor Read: “West Sixth Street neighbors endorse industrial zoning.”
Looking Ahead
As Austin continues to grow, OWANA’s Zoning Committee remains a model of constructive engagement — ensuring Old West Austin continues to thrive.