ARCH observation

There’s set to be a fairly prominent shadow over the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, with local developer Cielo Property Group completing a purchase of the completely vacant Block 87 immediately west of the homeless shelter. Austin Business Journal reports that the purchase from St. David’s Episcopal Church was completed Dec.31, likely at a price far higher than the $12.7 million appraised value of the parcel that has served as a paid parking lot in recent years. Cielo plans to break ground on a mixed-use project next January. The development could spur more interest in the eventual fate of the ARCH property, with city staff noting in a memo last year that debt for the parcel is slated to be paid off by 2023, which could allow city leaders to consider other possibilities for its long-term use. As of now, the city is in the process of selecting a vendor for a new management contract for ARCH, which is currently managed by Front Steps.