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Two blocks in east Austin to be reshaped into cultural hubs

Blocks 16 and 18 on East 11th Street will undergo a major transformation when new mixed-use developments break ground.

July 19, 2024 • 
Morgan O’Neal
A rendering of the street view of what Block 18 could look like, including a mid-rise housing complex with murals, shops, pedestrians, sculptures, and the historic Victory Grill.

The Block 18 site, which would sit adjacent to the historic Victory Grill, is poised to bring in a slew of new tenants in the coming years.

Rendering by Pleasant Hill Collaborative via City of Austin

The heart of the African American Cultural Heritage District will soon be home to new public spaces, retail shops, offices, cultural venues, restaurants, and 100+ affordable housing units.

Thanks to years of planning and Austin City Council’s recent approval, the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Austin has been authorized to negotiate an exclusive agreement with Pleasant Hill Collaborative for new mixed-use developments on Blocks 16 and 18 of East 11th Street.

A full site plan for the project shows an aerial view of Block 16 and Block 18, which includes a detailed list of the amenities and highlights parking areas.

Take a peek at the full site plan for the project.

Rendering courtesy the City of Austin

The plans would see the Block 16 site, which is currently a dirt lot, revamped into a mix of multi-family housing, shops, rooftop amenities, and a parking garage. It sits adjacent to the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. Plans for Block 18 include new townhomes, exterior amenities, eateries, and more.

Project leaders aim to create a gathering place that maintains the area’s history while spearheading economic growth — and construction could begin as early as 2025. Learn more.

A rendering of Block 16 in east Austin includes a mid-rise housing building with a colorful mural, as well as space underneath lined with trees for shops and other amenities.

A rendering of Block 16, which includes East 11th Street and Curve Street, shows what the east Austin strip could look like by 2029.

Rendering by Pleasant Hill Collaborative via City of Austin

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