Women Leading the Charge in East Austin Commercial Real Estate Development

East Austin is getting a fresh new landmark at the corner of East Seventh Street and Pedernales, and it’s not your typical development project. WORKBENCH, a four-story office, retail, and restaurant space, with staggering odds that 3 of 6 equity partners are women. The three powerhouse women and equity partners: Jennifer Seay of Art + Artisans, Shawna Sieck of Legacy Lighting, and DeLea Becker of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate are using the development to shine a light on women in commercial real estate. This isn’t just another East Austin commercial real estate project—it's a statement on the future of women in the industry.

WORKBENCH, a 50,000 SF office development breaking ground in East Austin, is proudly 50% owned by women equity partners. Led by female founders Jennifer Seay, Shawna Sieck, and DeLea Becker, WORKBENCH stands as a symbol of progress for women in commercial real estate. This sustainable, women-led project aims to inspire female investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders to reshape the future of Austin’s business landscape.

East Austin was intentionally divided by the 1928 Master Plan, pushing minorities to one side and creating a division that would last for decades. Today, it’s not just about developing properties; it’s about preserving the rich history while steering the area toward a prosperous future. This isn’t just a business for me—it’s personal. We’re not just building structures; we’re rebuilding a community, keeping its authenticity intact while guiding it through explosive growth.

Explore why East Austin is the crown jewel of real estate in this in-depth look at its rich history, unique development, and the forces driving its rapid growth. DeLea Becker the Queen Of East Austin and a panel of fellow developers at BISNOW take you through visionary projects and community efforts are shaping the future of this dynamic area.

Our recent panel discussion on construction quality, led by DeLea Becker, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining high standards from the outset to avoid costly issues later. Experts Guy Dudley, Rommel Sulit, Collins Brunner, and Jeremy Smith shared insights on civil engineering, architectural perspectives, and the significant impact of insurance trends on construction practices. This comprehensive discussion provided invaluable advice for developers and contractors aiming to enhance construction quality and mitigate long-term risks.

Just as people started gearing up for times reminiscent of a pre-pandemic world folks were stunned by the economic swing that has some holding on for dear life, literally, while others are watching for the uptick to take a leap into opportunities and increase their fortunes. We at Beck-Reit thought it would be helpful to compile some noteworthy East Austin news for our community of small businesses, owners, and investors. So, here’s what’s been happening in our neck of the woods!

Commercial Real Estate Leasing is an insiders game. You have to know the market, property type, demand, owner and broker personalities and strategies. It is a cross between playing poker and 2 stepping- a lot of strategy.

For their debut episode, the Texas Triangle Podcast had the honor of gaining insight from esteemed Dr. Lloyd Potter, a Texas State demographer. Read more information and statistics shared at the 2024 Texas Demographic Conference.

Austin Business Journal will host its Inaugural East Growth Summit in April 2024, highlighting the exciting growth of east Austin and beyond. Panel of experts in real estate, development and education, including Commercial Real Estate Agent and Broker DeLea Becker, share decades of insight to gather intel and discover opportunity.

City Council Passes ordinance to eliminate parking requiments in te city of Austin. ADA accessible parking is still required.

Join DeLea Becker at 'Austin Future Unveiled' for expert insights into Austin's construction and development trends shaping commercial real estate. Discover the latest on the evolving skyline, innovative spaces, and strategic investment opportunities. Ideal for real estate professionals, investors, and developers seeking to navigate the dynamic Austin market. Don't miss this deep dive into future-proofing your real estate ventures with advice from a leading industry authority.

Pricing Land for Sale requires years of experience, a rolodex of professionals to call for comps, and a deep understanding of development.

Beck-Reit aims to delve into the unraveling saga of StoryBuilt, exploring the company's rise, fall, legal battles, and the implications for the communities it has under construction. With over 14 of the projects underway we can expect the impact to be felt and there will be many that benefit from the opportunity. But not thier customers they made promises to in an Austin Business Journal Article in 2022 “We then saw the opportunities to expand beyond just acquisition and development and homebuilding and make sure we were managing our customers and properties for life.”

Retail experts in Austin come together in January 2024 to discuss challenges and opportunities in Central Texas.

• The Vibrancy of Texas' Commercial Real Estate

• Insights from the Front Lines

• Navigating Challenges with Strategic Acumen

• The Future of Texas Commercial Real Estate

Times are surely changing and there’s no place like Austin for retail. Driving across America, you may likely find some vacant retail strips or ghost towns with empty stores but definitely not in Austin! Austin is just the opposite of a typical US city, with a surprisingly lower retail vacancy since 2020. The capital of Texas now has the lowest retail vacancy rate for any city in the State of Texas and is also one of the lowest in the country.  Competition is fierce in major Retail Areas such as the Domain and other trendy shopping streets like South Congress, 2nd street Downtown, Burnet Rd, and East Austin. Properties command high rent and spaces have multiple businesses looking at each sight and competing with each other to be selected by the Landlord.