Hancock Recentered - ULI Hines Competition 2026

2026 ULI Hines Student Competition

Hancock Recentered is a reimagined community core for Austin, Texas, that transforms an aging big-box retail center into a thriving, multi-modal neighborhood node. With a total development value of $1.298 billion, The proposal serves as a reunification project, utilizing proposed highway caps and stitches to bridge the divide created by Interstate 35 and restore permeability between East and West Austin. The development is anchored by two infrastructures: a relocated H-E-B grocery store and an existing Central Health medical hub, which provides new programs like non-invasive healthcare and staff housing. The project introduces nearly 1,200 residential units, with an 18% to 20% commitment to affordable housing across its early phases, ensuring that community needs remain at the heart of the site.

Key Features include:● The Live Oak Greenbelt: A quarter-mile urban trail and green corridor connecting the Red Line Trail to the Hancock Golf Course.● Hancock Square: A central civic gathering space and "urban living room" designed for live music and community interaction.● Transit-Oriented Design: Integration with the Red Line, future Gold Line, and multi-modal transit connections to Downtown, the University of Texas, and the Domain.● Strategic Phasing: An 8-year, 3-phase execution plan that preserves existing community resources, such as the current H-E-B, while new facilities are constructed

Team Members:O'Shen Burgess | Master of Architecture, School of ArchitecturePrasamsa Pokharel | Master of Science in Urban Design, School of ArchitectureJack Hill | Master of Business Adminstration (MBA),  McCombs School of BusinessHarrison Wright, Master in Community and Regional Planning, School of ArchitectureSherly James, Master of Science in Urban Design, School of Architecture

Faculty Advisors:

Dean Almy, Director, Graduate Program in Urban Design, The University of Texas at Austin

Professional Advisors:

Steven Spears, Principal, Land Development/Community Development, GroundWork and Momark Development

Professional Mentors:

Rebecca Leonard | Founder and CEO of Lionheart Places LLC

Paige Siegel | Director, BRAILSFORD & DUNLAVEY, Inc.