MLK Highline is a mixed-use, transit-oriented development integrated into the urban fabric surrounding the MLK Jr. Station in Austin, Texas. Strategically positioned within a walkable district, the project benefits from proximity to neighborhood retail, dining, and institutional anchors, including the University of Texas at Austin, located just 1.5 miles away.
The building activates its two principal frontages with ground-level retail, promoting pedestrian engagement and contributing to the public realm. Behind the retail layer, a structured parking podium is discreetly embedded within the massing, taking advantage of reduced parking ratios afforded by the TOD zoning. This approach preserves street-level continuity while optimizing site efficiency.
Above the podium, four levels of wood-framed residential construction provide a range of unit types, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Resident amenities are distributed throughout the project and include a shared coworking space, an elevated outdoor terrace, and a rooftop sky lounge offering panoramic views of the Austin skyline.
The material strategy draws from the regional vernacular, incorporating cream-colored brick, dark gray fiber cement siding, and wood-look accents to create a contemporary expression rooted in Central Texas traditions. Facade articulation and detailing were carefully considered to establish a distinct architectural identity while maintaining compatibility with the surrounding urban context.
