The project site is located within the master planned Steiner Ranch community as it rolls through the hill country just west of Austin, Texas. The heavily treed, steeply sloped, 16-acre tract with scenic views had been set aside for multiple special uses that would blend in with this unique setting. The project was ultimately developed under a condominium regime with three premier owners: The University of Texas (UT), The University of Texas Golf Club (UTGC), and Taylor Woodrow Communities (TWC).
This mixed-use project includes a tennis center with six indoor courts and four outdoor courts for University of Texas Athletics, a recreational swimming facility and concession building for The University of Texas Golf Club, and 20 residential casitas (condominiums) for Taylor Woodrow Communities. Bowman refined the land plan, designed the shared on-site and off-site infrastructure, and managed the site plan approval process with the City of Austin, Travis County, Travis County Water Improvement District #17 (WCID #17), and Travis County Emergency Services district #6 (ESD #6).
The watershed protection ordinances in this portion of the City of Austin Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) required an extensive area be preserved in a natural condition and that substantial water quality facilities be provided. The topography of the site and the presence of numerous mature trees combined to increase the challenge of providing a storm water collection system, vehicular access, and other utilities to support the blending of this project into its surroundings. The indoor tennis building is notched down over 20 feet into the ridge on the uphill side and is partially masked by the dark wind screens of the outdoor courts on the downhill side to minimize the visual impact of the 49,600 sq. ft. structure.