South Austin’s MESA Condos Will Soon Rise Again After Recent Fire

A rendering of the MESA condo project. Image: MESA / IMPACT Developers

After a fire at its South Austin construction site last month brought the MESA condos nearly back to square one, the project’s dusting itself off and getting back on track.

A “before” photo of the MESA condo project site. Image: Austin Fire Department

An “after” photo of the MESA condo project site, after the September 19 fire. Image: Austin Fire Department

A message issued earlier this week to buyers at the 45-unit, three-story condo development at 4004 Banister Lane by IMPACT Developers states that despite the considerable damage, the project will be quickly restored to the “approximate point” of construction it had reached prior to the September 19 fire. The developer’s statement includes three major points: 

1. While a formal report from Austin Fire Department is forthcoming, we have been told that arson was not the cause of the fire. While less specific, it is fair to characterize the event as an accident rather than the result of malicious intent.

2. Various insurance adjusters and their consultants have been on site to complete their field investigations. We anticipate having the site released to us in early to mid October, at which time we will begin the restoration process.

3. Both our Developer and General Contractor have coordinated with the City of Austin to determine permit and inspection requirements. The news on this front is better than expected: Existing permits remain open and valid for use, which means construction in the public right-of-way can commence this week.

— Statement to MESA condo buyers from Herman Cardenas, CEO of IMPACT Developers, Sept. 30

Keeping in mind the details listed above, the statement says, the good news is that the building should be back to its approximate condition prior to the fire within the 180-day period outlined in the community’s sales agreement.

An exterior rendering of the MESA project, showing off a more welcome variety of fire. Image: MESA

But getting the development back to its previous state within this timeframe will require what Cardenas calls “a true team effort,” with additional commitments by IMPACT Developers including extra site security, paying rush charges for accelerated deliveries of building supplies, and larger work and installation crews.

“Our aim,” Cardenas says, “is to deliver a beautiful new home to you just as imagined, so thank you again for your patience as we have navigated this challenging event.”

Buyers at the community should, per the statement, receive a more detailed timeline of reconstruction later this month. According to the developer’s website for the project, 30 of MESA’s 45 condo units are currently under contract. The building, designed by notable local architecture firm Mark Odom Studio, has remaining available units starting in the $200’s.

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