In the heart of Austin, Texas, lies a story of transformation, innovation, and revitalization. The 156-acre former 3M manufacturing campus in Northwest Austin, now known as Highpoint 2222, underwent significant transformation since its acquisition by Karlin Real Estate LLC in 2021. The developer plans to complete renovations and make the property move-in ready by late summer of this year. The revamped campus, spanning 1.1 million square feet, will feature lab spaces to support Austin's burgeoning life sciences sector, contributing to the region's economic growth and development.
“I would be hard pressed to find another example of something similar if I tried in the whole world than the 3M campus. We truly believe that that has the potential to change the world.”
Highpoint 2222 plans to target the life sciences industries, specifically startups, for the leasing of lab and office space on the campus.
The acquisition of the Highpoint 2222 campus in 2021 marked the beginning of an ambitious vision by Karlin Real Estate LLC. With a rich history of developing properties tailored to support the life sciences industry, Karlin saw an opportunity to transform the aging campus into a modern hub for innovation and research. One previous experience highlighting Karlin’s expertise is its Parmer RTP project in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park—a dynamic property anchored by prestigious institutions such as Duke University's Human Vaccine Institute and other leading life science companies. This vision, coupled with Austin's vibrant ecosystem, set the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
The renovation process of Highpoint 2222 has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite its age, the campus has been revitalized from the ground up, with meticulous attention to detail. Interior and exterior renovations, the revitalization of an on-site utility plant, installation of cutting-edge HVAC systems, and the creation of state-of-the-art lab spaces exemplify Karlin's commitment to creating a conducive environment for scientific exploration. Highpoint 2222 will not only cater to the life sciences industry, though. The construction of an “innovation center” and atrium to house community events illustrate the holistic approach Karlin has adopted throughout the project.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Austin's real estate and life sciences sector, Highpoint 2222 stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and innovation. Through careful planning, relentless dedication, and a shared commitment to excellence, Karlin Real Estate LLC has breathed new life into a once-forgotten campus, shaping the future of Austin's vibrant community. Whether it's groundbreaking research, transformative discoveries, or new partnerships, the future of Highpoint 2222 shines bright. As we look ahead, let us embrace the possibilities that Highpoint 2222 holds and continue to propel Austin's legacy of innovation forward.
