UT Picks Firm to Develop Plan for Brackenridge Tract

The regents of the University of Texas have selected Cooper, Robertson & Partners to create a master plan for potential development of the 345 acres south of Enfield, west of Mopac and north of Lady Bird Lake known as the Brackenridge Tract. The regents instructed the firm to come up with a plan for "permanent dedication of potential revenue realized from the development of the land to benefit faculty, graduate and undergraduate students" and included "efforts aimed at faculty recruitment and retention and the funding of academic programs and essential student services" as examples of beneficial uses. Comprehensive plans are to be presented to the regents some time between March and June 2009.

The area currently includes student housing, the West Austin Youth Association, stores, restaurants and a biology field laboratory, but the portion currently causing the loudest calls for conservation is Lions Municipal Golf Course. A group of citizens have formed a group called "Save Muny," which aims to convince UT to leave the golf course in place.