What Will Replace H-E-B?

1. The H-E-B Property Status (12860 Research Blvd)

First, to clear up any rumors: there are currently no active zoning cases or development permits on file for the actual H-E-B building property. It is currently zoned as GR-CO (Community Commercial with a Conditional Overlay). We will update the neighborhood if any notices are received. 

2. Proposed Rezoning on the Vacant Lot Next Door (12900 Research Blvd)

While the H-E-B lot is quiet, the City of Austin recently sent LONA an official notice regarding the vacant tract immediately north of H-E-B, at the corner of Spicewood Springs Road and Research Blvd (12900 Research Blvd).

Important Connection: According to WCAD records, this vacant lot is owned by the same company that owns the H-E-B property. (Nieman Properties owns Town & Country Village LLC.)

We reached out directly to the City Planning Case Manager, Sherri Sirwaitis, to find out exactly what the owner is requesting. They have filed two concurrent applications for this vacant lot. Buttons that link to the application documents and summary letter are below.

• Zoning Change (Case #C14-2026-0022): A request to change the zoning from Community Commercial (GR) to General Commercial Services with a Vertical Mixed-Use Overlay (CS-V-CO). This would allow for more intensive commercial uses and open the door to a multi-story, mixed-use development (such as apartments or condos above ground-floor retail).

• Removal of Traffic Requirements (Case #C14-95-0036): A request to delete an old public restrictive covenant that requires a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). The city planner noted that Austin Transportation now typically evaluates traffic impacts later during the formal site plan phase rather than during the initial zoning phase.

Current Status: No Layout Plans Yet

Both cases are currently undergoing routine review by various city departments (Environmental, Fire, Transportation, etc.). No architectural layouts, site plans, or construction permits have been submitted yet, and no public hearings have been scheduled. The owner is currently just seeking the legal zoning framework for future options.

LONA’s Next Steps: Reaching Out to the Owner

Rather than waiting for development plans to be finalized behind closed doors, the LONA Board intends to write a formal letter directly to the property owner and case manager. Because this company owns both the vacant lot and the H-E-B site, our goal is to establish a collaborative, transparent relationship with them early on. We want to ensure they understand how highly invested our community is in this corner, and that we will work alongside them as a constructive partner to ensure that any future redevelopment benefits both the neighborhood and their investment.

How You Can Voice Your Input Now

Even though public hearings are not yet scheduled, city staff are actively building their official Case Report. Neighbors do not have to wait to submit feedback.

1. Submit Written Comments via Email Any member of the public can submit formal comments directly to the City Case Manager. Your feedback will be legally attached to the case file reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council.

• Email: Sherri Sirwaitis (Planner Principal) at sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov

• What to include: You must reference the case numbers (C14-2026-0022 and C14-95-0036) and include your home address. State your thoughts, questions, or concerns regarding the requested zoning intensity and the removal of the traffic impact protections.

2. Track the Case Independently You can monitor the status of these cases and view upcoming city staff notes via the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal by searching the case numbers listed above.

We will keep you updated as soon as we send our letter, hear back from the property owner, or receive notice of official public hearing dates. If you have specific input or questions you would like us to consider for our letter to the owner, please reach out to the LONA Board! board@laurel-oaks.org

Sincerely,

The Laurel Oak Neighborhood Association (LONA) Board