Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of The District Mixed-Use Development in Round Rock

ROUND ROCK – Officials broke ground Thursday on The District, a long-anticipated mixed-use development to be built south of State Highway 45 and northwest of Greenlawn Boulevard in Round Rock.

The project, led by Mark IV Capital, will span 65.5 acres and feature a combination of retail, multifamily residential, office, and green space. Since its initial introduction to the City Council in 2017, the project has evolved significantly in response to market demands and community needs. Originally planned as a 1 million-square-foot development, The District has expanded to encompass at least 3 million square feet and is now projected to exceed $500 million in private investment. The full build-out of The District is expected to be completed by 2039.

In 2019, the Round Rock City Council first approved an economic development agreement with M4 Greenlawn LLC for the project, agreeing to contribute $12.56 million for infrastructure improvements, including roads, sidewalks, and utilities, in exchange for the developer constructing 1 million square feet of office, retail, and residential space. The agreement outlined key performance milestones, requiring 1 million square feet of development to be completed by 2039.

In 2022, developers introduced revisions to the plan to accommodate market shifts and evolving business needs. On February 22, 2024, City Council approved an amendment to the agreement requiring The District to achieve a full buildout of at least 3 million square feet by 2039. As part of this amended agreement, the City committed to reimbursing $25 million in infrastructure costs through sales tax revenues designated for transportation and development projects. The performance milestones listed in the agreement require at least 200,000 square feet to be completed by 2028, 1 million square feet by 2029, and 3 million square feet by 2039, with a minimum of 600,000 square feet dedicated to commercial and retail use. The project’s financial impact is projected to generate approximately $40 million in revenue for the City over the next 20 years.

On February 13, the Round Rock City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the development’s existing Planned Unit Development. This amendment allows for changes to the private road network and sets standards for multi-family development on the property. The new road design prioritizes pedestrian safety with features such as sidewalks, landscaping, and traffic-calming measures. It also accommodates spaces for outdoor dining and public gatherings, enhancing the community-oriented nature of the development.