By Megan Wehring
KYLE – After several years in the making, the city of Kyle is breaking ground on two public parks expected to be completed by next year.
Kyle City Council approved a $7.95 million contract for the construction of Heroes Memorial Park and $4.85 million for the construction of Uptown Central Park and Cultural Trails (now known as the Brick and Mortar District).
“It’s been a long journey to get to this point,” said Mayor Travis Mitchell during Tuesday’s city council meeting, “to award these contracts and get them designed. There’s certainly a lot of excitement to see these projects get underway.”
These funds are available through a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) that enables the city of Kyle to invest in a series of projects that will help benefit the public as a whole. A TIRZ sets aside a portion of the property tax increment resulting from development for reinvestment. It is not an additional tax.
Formerly known as Uptown, the 138-acre district in Plum Creek is expected to bring 2,500 homes, 150,000 square feet of retail establishments, 250,000 square feet of office space and 35 acres of parkland and trails, according to a Compass Communications press release.
“The Brick and Mortar District reflects our residents’ desire for balanced growth and our willingness to play an active role to ensure that new development helps us meet our long-term goals and needs as a community,” Mitchell said in the press release. “The city of Kyle and Momark [Development] are working hand-in-hand to deliver a unique place with profound public amenities that will draw residents, employers and visitors from South Austin to North San Antonio.”
The Brick and Mortar Apartments and retail space are scheduled to open in March 2022 with the two public parks and Cultural Trails. Other phases including a nearly 30-acre regional soccer complex and park, hotel and convention center are expected to take about eight years to complete.
As a start of the development, Heroes Memorial Park groundbreaking is Monday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. next to the Hays Performing Arts Center.
