The city of Bastrop, Texas, is poised for a substantial transformation as Houston-based Pearl River Companies unveils plans for a $300 million mixed-use development named Sendero. This project is set to cater to the increasing demand for residential and commercial spaces in this rapidly expanding area, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Austin. Bastrop, with a current population nearing 12,000, is strategically positioned to absorb this growth, having shown a population increase from 7,776 in 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sendero will span 75 acres at the intersection of Texas Highway 21 and FM 969, just west of downtown Bastrop. This ambitious development will include 782 apartments already accepting renters, a 120-room hotel, and more than 250,000 square feet of retail and food-and-beverage space. The project will feature popular tenants such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Jersey Mike’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Chuy’s, an Austin-born Tex-Mex restaurant now owned by Darden Restaurants. The development aims to become a standalone fixture in the community, offering a blend of hospitality, residential, and retail experiences.
Construction for Sendero is slated to begin with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 10, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman. The completion of this expansive project is expected by 2030, marking a significant milestone in Bastrop’s growth trajectory. In addition to commercial and residential spaces, Sendero will enrich the community with medical offices, a public park, walking trails, and an entertainment pavilion, providing a comprehensive environment for residents and visitors alike.
Bastrop’s growth aligns with broader trends in Texas, where smaller communities are experiencing a boom as technology hubs and business incubators. This development reflects the increasing interest and investment in these areas, contributing to infrastructure advancement and economic diversification. As highlighted by Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino, Bastrop City Manager, the city’s population is expected to grow by another 42% over the next five years, underscoring the need for developments like Sendero to accommodate this influx.
Notably, Bastrop has attracted attention from high-profile entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, who has established operations for SpaceX and the Boring Co. in the area. Plans to relocate his social media company, X, and launch a Montessori school in Bastrop County further signify the area’s growing appeal as a tech and innovation hub.
Mason Mote, founding partner of Pearl River Companies and a native of Bastrop, emphasized the development’s intent to honor the community’s unique charm while providing modern amenities and opportunities. Sendero is designed to reflect the community’s values, supporting sustainable growth and enhancing Bastrop’s reputation as a vibrant, thriving locale.
As Sendero takes shape, it promises to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bastrop, offering a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces that cater to the needs of its burgeoning population. This development not only marks a significant investment in the local economy but also showcases Texas’s broader trend of growth and development in smaller communities.
