Southwestern University has filed plans for a $16 million first phase of infrastructure work tied to Southwestern University 560, the university’s planned 560-acre mixed-use development adjacent to its historic Georgetown campus.
The project, listed in a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing as Southwestern University 560 Development — Phase 1A, is planned at 1001 E. University Ave., near State Highway 29 and County Road 188.
The filing describes the work as new construction involving wet and dry utilities, sidewalks, ponds and streets. The project area is listed at 1,827,646 square feet, or about 42 acres.
Construction is expected to begin Sept. 1, 2026, and be completed March 31, 2028, according to the filing. The project is currently listed as registered.
The filing offers an early construction marker for SU 560, a major mixed-use development Southwestern University has described as a new model for institutional sustainability, community engagement and student opportunity.
The larger 560-acre development is planned to include civic spaces, housing, retail, hospitality, arts and culture, research, industry and green space. Southwestern officials have said the district is intended to connect education, culture, government, business and public life.
“Universities have long served as anchors for their communities,” Southwestern University President Laura Skandera Trombley said in a statement about the development. “Southwestern University 560 reflects our belief that we can play an even greater role in fostering connection, innovation, economic vitality, and cultural engagement. We are creating a place where learning extends beyond the classroom and where a university can help shape the future of an entire community.”
The City of Georgetown was previously announced as the first tenant for SU 560. The city plans to locate a 75,000-square-foot customer service center in the development, housing several resident-facing departments and services.
“We are truly excited to get started on our new Customer Service Center at Southwestern University,” Georgetown Mayor Josh Schroeder said in a statement. “Housing many of our customer-facing departments, this facility will help launch a new destination location for retail, entertainment, and services in Georgetown. We look forward to working with Southwestern to partner on this signature development in our city.”
Phase one of SU 560 is expected to cover 67 acres and include 110,000 square feet of office and research space, 45,000 square feet of retail, 150 multifamily homes, a 110,000-square-foot hotel and conference center, a 38,000-square-foot entertainment venue and 35 acres of parks and open space.
Southwestern University is listed as the owner on the state filing. Civilitude LLC of Austin is listed as the design firm.
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