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.

"Don't face your fears, ride them" ~DeLea Becker

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.

1980s Real Estate Crisis and Lessons Learned Tramml Crow memo. Our favorite one : “Avoid debt like the plague. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt shrink thine own organization before its overhead drives thee into the grave”

DeLea Becker and Mark Vornberg met for the first time in 2017 for lunch at an old-school dinner in East Austin - Chu-Mikals. Excited to announce our first Partnership in a Commercial Real Estate Development together. 2422 East 7th - 50,000 SF Office and Retail Building in their beloved neighborhood - East Austin

DeLea has been a guest on many podcast, YouTube shows, panels and such. Have a listen, her personality shines through - she doesn’t hold much back. Check out the #PowerBeacon Library

Beck-Reit is no stranger to 1031 exchanges. In fact, you may call us the 1031 experts. In 2022 we closed two 1031 exchanges, and have never failed. The rigorous timeline to identify a property to purchase before Uncle Sam tries to swoop in and grab his “share” can be intimidating for most, but our meticulous process makes every one of those 45 days of the identification period count.

The Mann Report publication wrote an inspiring article geared towards to importance of bringing owners into CRE. It’s no surprise that Beck-Reit’s own DeLea Becker was top of mind on this topic, as bringing more women into Commercial Real Estate is probably her favorite passion project.

Bisnow hosted its very first Inaugural Women Leading Real Estate Awards featuring their inaugural class of Austin Trailblazers including Beck-Reit’s very own DeLea Becker. These accomplished women discussed everything from previous careers, recessions, and attempting to maintain a work-life balance.

Check out a few of DeLea’s Takeaways.

The Massimo Group is the top Commercial Real Estate broker/agent coaching organization in the world! This year for the first time, the Massimo Group hosted their first live conference event that was open to the public. The convention had several CREi Summit List makers on panels and in attendance. #DominateCRE. Here are a few of DeLea Becker’s takeaways.

Live podcast and put on YouTube for everyone to watch. DeLea Becker spends an hour with Lisamarie Wand talking about all aspects of Commercial Real Estate. Especially - buying and owning Commercial Real Estate!

Bisnow is honoring Austin’s most influential trailblazers - Top-level women executives and industry powerhouses who influence the way commercial real estate is done in ATX. Read the article full of quotes by our Founder DeLea Becker : “Building The Plane While Flying It”: Women In Austin CRE Are Soaring

3110 S. Lamar Austin, TX 78704 is now a part of Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate’s portfolio. Secured in a 1031 Exchange | Off-Market Deal. This Advanced Autoparts is situated on one of the most desirable streets in Austin. The current lease gives time for entitlement and development plans (3 year + process in Austin) so we will be poised with the Demolition Permit the day the lease ends.