Continuing its investment in the greater Austin, Texas, area, H-E-B plans to build new stores, renovate older locations and support community initiatives, including efforts to build affordable housing.
In East Austin, the retailer has plans for a new store at McKinney Falls Parkway and William Cannon. To help spur additional development, the effort is aligned with community investments, which include a $1 million gift to Austin Habitat for Humanity to support two affordable housing projects.
“At H-E-B, we’re always looking for ways to invest in our stores and the community. This level of investment takes years of planning, and we are incredibly excited to continue providing the greater Austin area with stores that are new, expanded and remodeled,” said Cathy Harm, H-E-B’s SVP of Central Texas Region.
“As we look for ways to serve even more Texans, we also remain committed to support those in need and uplift our communities where we operate and beyond.”
Store investments
This year, H-E-B has announced 12 major projects for the greater Austin area. Half of those involve plans for new stores, while the others are renovation projects, efforts that position the retailer to improve the shopping experience for customers while adding more than 4,000 jobs.
With the addition of the McKinney Falls store, H-E-B is moving into an underserved area that’s experiencing population growth. Construction is slated to start next year, with the store expected to open in late 2027.
Also on the city’s east side, H-E-B recently opened its third location in Pflugerville, which includes the area’s first True Texas BBQ location. In October, H-E-B started building a 106,000-square-foot store in Manor, which is expected to open in late 2025. Major renovations and expansion were recently completed at the Tech Ridge store at Parmer Lane and Interstate 35, and the retailer has plans to update and expand the Ed Bluestein store, a project estimated to start in 2026.
[RELATED: H-E-B Celebrates Opening Of Third Store In Pflugerville, TX]
Outside the Eastern Crescent, H-E-B has plans for store renovations in Kyle, Bastrop and other locations in the greater Austin area. Additional store openings also are on the books for Georgetown and San Marcos, locations set to open in 2025 and 2026, respectively. On Dec. 4, H-E-B’s South Congress store will open. At more than 145,000 square feet, the multi-level store will include a ground level with indoor and outdoor dining, a second level with a large assortment of products and three levels of above-ground parking with more than 500 spaces.
H-E-B continues to evaluate sites across the city. This includes Del Valle, where H-E-B anticipates that the property the retailer has owned for several years will be sold back to the developer.
Future growth
H-E-B is investing in nonprofits and communities around Austin. One critical issue is housing affordability, as the rapid rise in housing costs puts Austin’s median home price as one of the most expensive in Texas.
To help combat the issue, H-E-B has committed $1 million to support Austin Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to build two affordable housing communities in east Austin.
“This $1 million gift from H-E-B is a monumental contribution to the future of Austin Habitat for Humanity. It’s more than just a financial investment, it’s a commitment to helping hard-working families achieve the dream of homeownership and building strong, vibrant neighborhoods,” said Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity.
“With this generous support, we can expand our reach, empower our workforce and create lasting change in the community. We’re excited to partner with H-E-B in this critical work and are deeply grateful for their dedication to making Austin a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Near the retailer’s planned store at McKinney Falls, part of the donation will support the nonprofit’s project at Persimmon Point. Currently under construction, the affordable housing project will include 126 units. South of H-E-B’s Manor store, the gift also will support the organization’s Whisper Valley affordable housing project, which will initially consist of about 50 single-family homes.
Over the past five years, H-E-B has committed nearly $50 million to support Austin-area nonprofits in various capacities, including many organizations that support efforts in Austin’s Eastern Crescent.
Additional details about store and community investments will be shared as projects and plans develop. Serving communities across Texas since 1905, H-E-B hopes to serve more communities in the future.
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