It’s hard to miss the construction currently taking place in downtown Austin, but in case you haven’t heard the news, multiple acres of land near the Texas State Capitol are getting a renovation — a major one.

Phase one of the Texas Capitol Complex Master Plan, a complete overhaul of several blocks north of the Capitol building, is due to be completed this fall. Here’s an update on the changes ahead:

🌳 $581 million in new buildings + public amenities

The first phase of the project, which is set to cost $581 million, involves the construction of two new office buildings for state employees.

Totaling more than a million sqft of space, the new facilities are anticipated to increase efficiency by bringing employees together. To account for the influx in employees, 3,000+ parking spaces and a two-story utility building are also being constructed.

What’s more exciting for those of us who aren’t state employees: Three and a half acres of land are also being transformed into a public green space, featuring a pedestrian pathway + tree-lined promenade.

We know what you’re thinking: What about traffic? Under the plan, 16th, 17th, and 18th streets will be converted to two-way traffic in order to alleviate congestion.

📹 Want to see how construction is coming along? Check out the view from onsite construction cameras.

🏗 Phase two and beyond

The full plan doesn’t involve changes to the Capitol itself, but rather focuses on ~21 nearby acres downtown. (Side note: Did you know the Texas Capitol is the largest state capital building in the US?)

Phase one includes just three quarters of the total project area. Although phase two is not authorized or funded at this time, it would result in two new office buildings at an expected cost of $314 million.

👀 Take a virtual tour of the site + check out the full plan.