The Austin-based company is optimistic that the stickling point will be resolved Mar. 13, opening the door for a ground-breaking before Apr. 1, Mimi Heiman, Carr vice president, tells GlobeSt.com. A master plan change has the developer before the board seeking a zoning change from Neighborhood Service District to Planned Development Retail District so he can develop 7.6 acres as a neighborhood retail village, with the largest tenant spot available riding at 20,000 sf. So far, so good, says Heiman, who notes talks have been cooperative and the community has lent its support to Carr's proposal.

The first phase, Uplands Center I, calls for 18,000 sf on 2.6 acres. Carr is eyeing a three-building project that will bring another restaurant and more community services to Bee Cave Road. Uplands Center II, which tentatively calls for 30,000 sf, will be positioned on five acres. Heiman says Carr is still toying with the design, which will be Mediterranean or Hill Country style of stone and wood. "We've not landed on one yet," she says, "but it will be conducive to the style that's there." Allan Nutt of Austin is the project architect.

The Uplands Center project is part of a 25-acre commercial undertaking, which had two more projects get a green light from Bee Cave's planning and zoning commission earlier this week. Heiman says the First State Bank of Moltan has been given a go-ahead to build on about two acres fronting Bee Cave Road while the Church of the Latter Day Saints has an approval to build a church on another fronting tract, totaling 3.5 acres. Heiman says the bank is planning to take about a year to develop its site while the church is ready to start as soon as the final papers are signed.