Brackenridge Tract Conceptual Master Plans Unveiled

AUSTIN – Two conceptual master plans for the redevelopment of the Brackenridge Tract were presented to The University of Texas System Board of Regents today (June 18) at a special called meeting.  The regents will not take formal action with regard to the plans for several months, or even years, as the Board considers the conceptual plans and invites the general public to submit comments.

The two conceptual master plans, developed by Cooper, Robertson & Partners, LLP, will be available for viewing on the Brackenridge Tract Web site at www.UTBrackTract.com.

“The Board looks forward to reviewing these conceptual master plans following more than a year of careful planning and consultations with the public and other important key constituent groups,” Regents’ Chairman James R. Huffines said.  “The process is far from reaching any conclusion and we invite the public to comment on the master plans as the Board considers how best to utilize the Brackenridge Tract for the benefit of UT Austin’s students, faculty and staff.”

Individuals may submit feedback on the master plans to a dedicated e-mail address (BrackTract@utsystem.edu).  Written comments will be submitted to the Board and a public comment session will be scheduled later in the fall so that individuals may address the regents.

"I look forward to examining this study more closely and sharing it with members of our university community," said William Powers Jr., president of The University of Texas at Austin. "The study suggests general ways in which this tract, or portions of it, might be used. It does not represent decisions about how it will, in fact, be used. We still have important decisions ahead of us, and the university community will be integrally involved in them."

“On behalf of the Board of Regents, I would like to express our appreciation to the Cooper Robertson team and to all of the individuals who participated in the master planning process over the past 16 months,” Huffines added.  “The Board remains committed to ensuring that this process remains transparent with additional opportunities for the public to provide input as we move forward.”

The UT System Board of Regents in March 2008 selected Cooper Robertson to develop a minimum of two conceptual master plans for the potential redevelopment of the land. As part of the master planning process, the Cooper Robertson team has conducted a series of public meetings to share information and to provide opportunities for interested groups and individuals to offer input with respect to development options and strategies for the tract.

The land along Lady Bird Lake was donated in 1910 by George W. Brackenridge, who was then a UT System regent from San Antonio, for the benefit of The University of Texas at Austin. Since that time, some acreage was conveyed for streets and similar public purposes and for residential development. Today, the tract consists of approximately 345 acres of undeveloped and developed land that includes a municipal golf course, UT Austin student housing, a biological field laboratory for the campus, a youth sports complex and various commercial buildings and enterprises on property leased from the Board.