Modeled after the Domain in Austin, The District promises more than 3 million square feet of Class-A office space, more than 1,500 upscale residences, 300-plus boutique hotel rooms, and 150,000-plus square feet of retail and dining. The project sits on land previously owned by Dell, and is adjacent to the tech company’s headquarters at the intersection of SH-45 and I-35, two of Austin’s most heavily traveled corridors.
Construction on part of The District’s luxury housing began last year after receiving an $86 million boost and is now moving forward with its next stage as a walkable retail hub, designed to meet the growing North Austin region. Nine to 14 food concepts and lifestyle brands will occupy a 41,525-square-foot block at the District, according to a release.
“Quality retail space remains in short supply across metro Austin and Round Rock at a time when the region’s customer base continues to grow in size and spending power,” said Aaron Stephenson, Founder and Principal Consultant of Retail Street Advisors in a release. “The distinctive design, strong demand, and mixed-use environment at The District create a compelling opportunity for restaurant operators.”
There will be six unique buildings integrated along a Hill Country greenbelt-inspired walkway in the heart of The District. Two of the six retail buildings will be for single-tenant restaurants, while the remaining four can accommodate up to 14 restaurants depending on its size.
Confirmed retail and restaurant businesses have not yet been revealed, but leasing is currently underway for multiple concepts. The blueprint for the project will be brought to life by KFM Engineering & Design, STG Design (architecture), RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture (landscape architecture), and W.E. O’Neil Construction (general contractor).
“Leasing activity has gained momentum, with operators now evaluating specific buildings and configurations,” Stephenson said. “The restaurant mix is beginning to take shape.”
Guests can expect native landscaping, outdoor dining options chef-driven concepts and elevated casual and lifestyle brands. The buildings are estimated to be finished by early 2028.
Williamson County is the fifth fastest-growing county in Texas over the past five years and ranks ninth in the nation in total residents. The county added nearly 24,000 residents over the past year from 2024 to 2025 alone, representing 43% of all growth in the Austin metro, according to a release.
The District is one of several new north Austin developments that aims to bring elevated retail and dining concepts to the WilCo region as the area’s population continues to surge from professionals moving in for Samsung, Apple, Tesla and other big tech campuses nearby. Its total project investment is expected to exceed $1 billion, and generate more than 5,000 permanent jobs in Round Rock.
