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.

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.