Austin, Texas, is undergoing significant transformations in 2024, with several major developments set to reshape the city's landscape. One of the most notable projects is the $4.5 billion overhaul of I-35, known as the I-35 Capital Express Central. This massive infrastructure project will stretch from Hwy. 71 to US 290 E, involving the widening and lowering of parts of the highway, as well as the implementation of "caps" and "stitches" to enhance pedestrian and bike access[1].

In the realm of healthcare, a major development is the construction of a new hospital in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center. The project, which includes the demolition of the nearly 50-year-old Frank Erwin Center, is expected to cost $2.5 billion and will be part of Austin’s burgeoning Innovation District[1].

Downtown Austin is also seeing significant changes, including the Sixth&Blanco mixed-use development. This project will transform about two acres of West Sixth Street into a five-story complex featuring retail, hotel, and residential space. Current vendors on the site are expected to close to make way for construction[1].

Historic Sixth Street is undergoing restoration and renovation efforts led by Stream Realty Partners and architecture firm Clayton Korte. This initiative aims to preserve and enhance the historic district, ensuring its architectural integrity while modernizing its facilities[1].

The Block 21 development, home to ACL Live and the W Austin, is undergoing $40 million in upgrades. These renovations include improvements to the hotel’s entrance, dining areas, and the addition of a new 2,060-sqft terrace at ACL Live, expected to be completed by summer[1].

In terms of new skyscrapers, the Wilson Tower, initially planned to be 80 stories tall, is now set to reach 45 stories, aligning in height with the Frost Bank Tower. Construction has just begun, and completion is not expected soon. Meanwhile, the Waterline tower in the Rainey Street district is well under construction, anticipated to be completed in 2026. This development will include the 1 Hotel Austin, over 350 luxury apartments, and 700,000 sqft of office space[1].

The city is also investing in green spaces with the second phase of Waterloo Greenway’s plan to transform Waller Creek. This phase includes the construction of three pedestrian suspension bridges, additional trails, multiple new public green spaces, and the planting of over 1,550 new trees[1].

Affordable housing is another area of focus, with the City of Austin receiving $6.7 million in HUD funding through the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) grant. This funding will support the creation of 11 affordable rental and ownership communities across half of the city’s Council districts[3].

Additionally, large-scale developments like Uptown ATX are on the horizon. This $3 billion, 66-acre transit-oriented master-planned community near the Domain will include over 7 million square feet of workspace, family apartments, retail, and a new Capital Metro Rail Station. The first phase, One Uptown, has already begun construction[4].

These developments highlight Austin's continued growth and commitment to innovation, infrastructure, and community enhancement. As the city evolves, it is clear that 2024 will be a transformative year for its residents and businesses.