New owner of Austin's Arboretum reveals plan to add retail, dining space

Retail real estate investment firm Asana Partners is adding retail and dining space to The Arboretum, a well-known shopping center in Northwest Austin. A press release says updates to the property will "reflect the surrounding Great Hills neighborhood."

Right now, the announcement is only that plans have been finalized; construction won't begin until spring of 2027. It will build a retail outparcel — a new building — on the edge of the center, spanning 14,000 feet. Asana hopes to attract a variety of new shopping and dining tenants, with openings by fall of 2028.

Part of the goal is to encourage guests to spend more time at The Arboretum, even if they're not visiting a specific business. Asana will work on exterior updates to make the space appealing for "year-round, lifestyle programming," which will begin in 2027. More updates to change the visitor experience include new dining patios, kids' play areas, more seating, new signs, and upgraded paths connecting businesses to the courtyard.

Outdoor upgrades are designed to give shoppers a reason to stick around.Rendering by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture