The 55,000-sf medical project, Columbia Professional Centre, will be situated on 4.67 acres behind the South Austin Medical Center, says listing broker Mark Higgins of First American Properties. Construction should begin in July, with occupancy set for spring 2002.

While doctors are an obvious tenant, Higgins tells GlobeSt.com that all types of professionals will be invited to sign leases on the property. "We did research before we developed our plans to build this project and we found there is a strong need for professional office condominium space in South Austin," Higgins says. "We have property that is very well situated, with good access to State Highway 71 and Interstate 35."

Austin-based Chiles Architecture is the designer of the centre and Whiddon Development of Dripping Springs is the general contractor. Higgins says the facility will be constructed with traditional Texas stone and stucco, featuring tile roofs and covered assigned parking.