The Austin American Statesman ran a thoughtful piece on the Mueller Development last weekend. Entitled “Ambitious vision for developing former airport is coming to life“, it does a good job of capturing some of the major achievements of our development.

It touches on social successes:

“From the mandatory front porches and close proximity of the houses to the amount of public open space, Mueller is designed to bring people together. It appears to be working.

Mueller’s first residents moved in a little more than a year ago, but already supper clubs, book clubs, sports groups and babysitting co-ops have formed”

and shares opinions from enthusiastic residents.

One of the main themes of the article is the way in which the development is funded - former airport land is given by the City of Austin to the developer Catellus. The developer fronts the short term money to provide much of the infrastructure, while the City enjoys tax revenue later as the development fills. (Short term being relative - the town center and grocery stores in 2010 and 2011, and residential construction is likely to continue beyond that)

Two of my clients dropped by Mueller last weekend and were wooed by the neighborhood in action - not just the active participation in community meetings, but the children playing in the playgrounds and parks, runners on the trails and the builders’ offerings too. A pretty
compelling picture for those not fixated on yard size.
Mueller Development

The article is timely - while it doesn’t claim the development is a success yet, it shares data which reflects the continuing progress and development. The prevailing mood of economic downturn in the national media isn’t really present in the article which is refreshing.

I enjoy life here at Mueller and see improvements and activity on a daily basis. There are certainly far more “sold signs” in the builders’ lots than there were at the end of 2008, and I look forward to the community growing and changing. I look forward to a walkable neighborhood with less cars, better facilities, and more people!

Garreth Wilcock is an Austin EcoBroker® and Realtor® living and representing buyers at Mueller Austin. Browse available homes at the Mueller Development, or contact him on 512 694 8873 to set up a private tour.