Austin’s Seaholm project for sale, renewing debate over its public use
Shonda Novak – American-Statesman, Thursday, March 24, 2016
The developers of the high-profile Seaholm project in downtown Austin are seeking a buyer for the hub of office, retail and restaurant space — a move that has reawakened debate over what the public benefit has been from the redevelopment project.
A potential sale of the nearly completed project has sparked criticism from some observers who say that what was built doesn’t live up to the community’s desire — and a former Austin City Council’s vision — for a significant civic use for the former power plant building.
“I think the city gave away the crown jewels,” said Paul Robbins, a longtime Austin environmentalist, referring to Seaholm and other former city-owned properties nearby. “We gave away most of that land to private development and didn’t get a whole lot in return.”