By Jon Lueders, Vice President – Development, Holt Lunsford Commercial Investments
I recently had the opportunity to speak on a panel at Building Beyond Austin: Cedar Park, where industry leaders came together to discuss the region’s rapid growth and the opportunities ahead in commercial real estate. One thing was clear, Cedar Park is on the rise and at Holt Lunsford Commercial Investments (HLCI), we’re excited to be part of that momentum.
So, why is HLCI investing in Austin and what led to their focus on Cedar Park? Here are the primary driving factors of our investment:
- Unmatched Tenant Demand
Austin has become a powerhouse for innovation, attracting industries that need high-quality industrial and office space. Companies in semiconductors, electric vehicles, life sciences, aerospace, and national defense are fueling demand like never before. Add in tech giants plus a thriving VC startup ecosystem, and it’s easy to see why businesses want to be here. This demand isn’t just about big names, it extends to small and mid-sized businesses that support these industries. Suppliers, logistics companies, and specialized manufacturers are all seeking well-located, high-quality spaces to grow alongside the industry leaders.
- Explosive Growth & Top Talent
Austin isn’t just gaining businesses, it’s gaining people. A booming population means a steady pipeline of skilled workers, many coming from top-tier universities like Texas A&M and UT Austin. This influx of talent supports the area’s rapid expansion, making it a prime location for commercial real estate development. With more professionals moving to Austin for career opportunities, the demand for industrial and office spaces is increasing at every level, from coworking spaces for startups to large-scale campuses for established corporations. It’s this mix of talent and innovation that keeps the market thriving.
- Cedar Park’s Strategic Location & Business-Friendly Climate
Cedar Park, in particular, is right in the path of Austin’s growth. It offers proximity to major toll roads, a pro-business local government, and a highly desirable environment for companies of all sizes. With land availability tightening, the opportunity for development is now. Unlike other high-growth regions where land is more readily available, Cedar Park’s scarcity of developable land makes each new project even more valuable. This creates a long-term competitive advantage, as businesses looking to establish a presence here will have fewer options in the future.
Looking Ahead
Austin’s economic landscape is evolving rapidly, setting itself apart from other major Texas markets like Dallas and Houston. It has carved out a niche as the Silicon Valley of the South, attracting cutting-edge industries and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.
As we look ahead, we’re excited, not just for our projects, but for the entire region. The demand, the talent, and the business-friendly environment are all coming together to make Austin one of the most promising markets in the country. And we’re proud to be part of that growth.
At HLCI, we remain committed to identifying and developing properties that align with these market trends, helping businesses find the right spaces to grow while supporting the continued expansion of Austin and Cedar Park.
In fact, our commitment to the Austin market is stronger than ever, with 4 projects in development totaling more than 1.2M square feet:
- Burleson Tech (SE Austin, west of the Airport) – Our first Austin land closing in 2022, with construction kicking off in Q2 of this year. This project will deliver four buildings totaling 632,000 square feet.
- Southpark 183 (SE Austin along Highway 183) – A three-building industrial development spanning 246,000 square feet.
- New Hope Industrial (Cedar Park) – Recently closed in 2024, featuring three buildings totaling 280,000 square feet.
- Additional Cedar Park Project – We’re actively working on another exciting development in the area (details to come!).
If you’d like to learn more about our projects or explore potential opportunities, we’d love to connect. Let’s build something great together.
