Austin Brownfields Land Revitalization

Since 1998, the Austin Brownfields Revitalization Office has partnered with community organizations and local governments to return distressed properties to the community as greenspace, commercial, residential or mixed-use development. Brownfields can include land or buildings containing asbestos, mold or other pollutants. Gas stations, dry cleaners, unofficial 'dumps', and former industrial and commercial operations like warehouses, auto repair shops, and landfills which could have caused unseen contamination. The Brownfields Revitalization Office supports redeveloping properties by providing free site assessments and technical assistance to relieve environmental concerns. The City works with environmental consultants to provide Phase I ESAs, Phase II ESAs, Cleanup Planning and Cleanup based on the funding available. Applicants could save from $5,000 to $75,000 in environmental fees. Some of Austin's landmark attractions were once brownfields. Walk around the lake in the Mueller neighborhood, eat a restaurant in the Seaholm Eco District, or buy produce at a farmers market at Plaza Saltillo and you'll see the results of brownfields redevelopment. If you've gone to a concert at Zilker Park, taken the train from Crestview Station, or visited Austin’s new Central Library, then you've enjoyed the benefits of brownfields revitalization in Austin. Come and learn about some Brownfields success stories from the City of Austin and one of their consultants.