[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n Austin-based developer has a vision for downtown Kyle that according to city officials is in line with their own. 

Phil Howry, founder of Phil Howry Company, part of Comanche Holdings LLC, said he envisions the downtown area to be a place where people live, work and have amenities at arm’s length.

Over the last few months, Howry has purchased properties in the downtown sector that he is planning to turn into office space.

Kim Hilsenbeck, Kyle communications specialist, said in an emailed response that the city seeks redevelopment of downtown that will bring energy and vibrancy to the area.

“It will bring people in for shopping, eating, exploring and relaxing,” Hilsenback said via email.

Howry said the city is a desirable place to live, but felt it’s obvious that “people work in Austin but they can’t afford to live in Austin.”

A construction worker uses a nail gun to construct a fence at a property on Allen Street in Kyle. (photo by Moses Leos III)

With the support of city officials, such as Sofia Nelson, who was the previous Director of Planning, and Diana Blank-Torres, executive director of Kyle Economic Develoment, Howry said they aim to create spaces for businesses to establish themselves in Kyle.

“If we can get the businesses here in Kyle, then people can live and work here instead of living here and working elsewhere,” he said.

Howry, who grew up in Amarillo, said he likes Kyle’s small town feel.  

Knowing your neighbors, having local amenities nearby that people can walk to is becoming more attractive, he said.  

He refers to Texas Pie Co. and Mitt’s Pit Barbecue as examples of a businesses with a great neighborhood feel.

With an investment worth $3.5 million in completed projects, Howry has shown appreciation for the appeal and expansion the city is experiencing.

His first project in the city was a strip mall on Bunton Road across from Lehman High.

Since then he has had two homes on the market across from the Kyle Public Library.

Howry said recent signs of growth have been encouraging. He cited recent land purchases by KB Homes, the second largest publicly-traded homebuilder.

A KB Homes spokesperson said they are planning on building 225 homes in that tract in May 2018.  

Howry hopes to spur business development in the downtown area near the City Square Park.  

Homes Howry purchased on Miller and Center Street will be converted into office space. 

An engineering firm and another unnamed business have already shown interest.  

His mixed business and residential facility on South Main Street is a model for his other projects, Howry said.

The balance of the apartments above and businesses on the bottom is a better fit for the neighborhood than strictly an apartment building, he said.

Slowly but surely, when opportunities open up, he’ll purchase and develop more property near the square, Howry said.

The knock of development is slowly making its way to nearby neighbors.

Jesse Soto, a Kyle native and homeowner on Miller Street, said he’s received knocks on his door from several developers seeking to buy his house, including Howry.

Twenty-five years ago, Soto purchased his house for $40,000. Soto is asking interested parties for $350,000 until the end of September.

A neighbor living several blocks away tried to discourage him from selling, but Soto said for the right price, he will sell.

However, Soto is also in no rush. At 61 years old, Soto doesn’t mind living his last years in his home, so long as his grandchildren are able to benefit from the home’s increased value.

“The more I wait, the more they are going to pay,” he said.  

In the meantime, Soto said he is not worrying about what could take place and relies on an old Catholic saying.

“’Solo Dios sabe lo que va a pasar’ or ‘Only God knows what will happen,’” Soto said.