Buda Economic Development Corporation and the City of Buda Partner to Advance an $80 Million Light Industrial Project Expanding Jobs, Increasing Tax Base, Infrastructure, and Target-Industry Capacity
(Buda EDC) BUDA, TEXAS, March 11, 2026 — The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) and the City of Buda today announced an incentive agreement supporting Buda Gateway, an ArenaMan Development Company, Saxum Real Estate, and Drake Real Estate Partners development. The project will be a transformative $80 million light industrial project that will deliver five state-of-the-art buildings totaling approximately 500,000 square feet within Buda’s growing industrial corridor. The project represents one of the largest private investments in the City of Buda and a major step forward in advancing Buda’s long-range economic development strategy.
ArenaMan Development Company, Saxum Real Estate, and Drake Real Estate Partners plan to assemble multiple previously underutilized properties into a modern commercial hub, expanding Buda’s supply of class A light industrial space and strengthening the city’s competitive position to attract companies in advanced manufacturing, technology, and professional services. Two of the five buildings are specifically designed to accommodate Buda’s target industry users, directly aligning with Buda’s strategic plan and its focus on sectors including advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, clean energy, aerospace and defense, and knowledge-intensive business services.
The project is expected to support 300+ new jobs over seven years, including skilled assembly, engineering, and professional roles. This investment builds on Buda’s reputation as a workforce-ready community with strong educational partnerships and access to one of the most robust talent pipelines in Central Texas.
A key component of the development includes a new roadway connection linking Buda Commerce Center to South Loop 4, improving mobility, emergency access, and long-term transportation capacity within the industrial district. This infrastructure enhancement will serve existing employers and accommodate future growth.
To support the project’s near-term feasibility amid rising construction and financing pressures, the City and Buda EDC are proposing a targeted incentive package that will help deliver critical public infrastructure while generating long-term taxable value and new employment opportunities for the community.
“The Buda Gateway project reflects the future of what ArenaMan, Saxum, and Drake are building in Buda—one where innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity converge to create meaningful growth for our residents and employers,” said Brian Dyer, Assistant Director Recruitment & Development, Buda Economic Development Corporation. “This project strengthens our light industrial building stock, expands mobility, and positions our community as a destination for advanced manufacturing and knowledge intensive business services.”
“This project is an ideal partnership leveraging significant private investment to advance shared goals in job creation, tax-base expansion, and target-industry recruitment,” said Micah Grau, Buda City Manager. “Buda Gateway will help businesses scale in Buda, bring new opportunities for local talent, and reinforce our city’s position within the Texas Innovation Corridor.”
“ArenaMan is excited play a role in delivering a business park that supports Buda’s long-term economic vision and strengthens the community with sustainable growth,” said Gabe Bruehl, Principal at ArenaMan Development Company. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful growth, modern infrastructure, and creating an environment where businesses and jobs can thrive. The City of Buda and the EDC were critical to the success of this project, and we are excited to continue to work with them to secure a quality mix of tenants.”
“Buda Gateway is a great example of what’s possible through true collaboration,” said Ian Kukowski, VP of Industrial Acquisitions at Saxum Real Estate. “We’re grateful to participate in the development efforts and commend The City of Buda, the Buda EDC, Arenaman, and Drake for tremendous effort and initial vision for what stands to be a critical hub for commerce in Central Texas.”
Chase Clancy and Travis Hicks of Colliers will handle leasing negotiations at Buda Gateway on behalf of the development venture.
Buda continues to attract companies and families seeking a certain balance of location, workforce, business climate, and quality of life. With 284 acres of parks, a vibrant historic downtown, an active community, Buda offers an environment where businesses and families can thrive.
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About the Buda Economic Development Corporation
The Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC) champions commerce and community by fostering a business-friendly environment that drives innovation, attracts investment, and honors Buda’s heritage. Through strategic partnerships, targeted industry development, and comprehensive business support, Buda EDC advances sustainable economic growth and quality of life. Focused on advanced manufacturing, knowledge-intensive business services, entrepreneurism, and arts and entertainment, the organization supports businesses at every stage while preserving the character that makes Buda unique. Learn more at www.budaedc.com.
About the City of Buda
Buda, the Outdoor Capital of Texas, is located along the Interstate 35 corridor in Hays County, just south of Austin. Home to more than 18,000 residents, Buda is known for its burgeoning commercial and innovation hub, exceptional quality of life, desirable neighborhoods, charming historic downtown, and vibrant events and festivals where residents and visitors can shop, dine, relax and breathe easy. Learn more at www.budatx.gov.
About ArenaMan Development Company
ArenaMan Development Company is a Central Texas commercial real estate development company focused on contributing to its communities by delivering enriching, creative, forward-thinking mixed-use, residential, office, and industrial projects to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market. Learn more at www.arenaman.com.
About Saxum Real Estate
Founded in 2014, Saxum Real Estate is a Central Texas-based vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm specializing in value-add and ground-up development opportunities across multiple asset classes, focused on Industrial, Cold Storage and Food & Beverage, and Housing. For more information visit www.saxumre.com.
About Drake Real Estate Partners
Founded in 2012, Drake Real Estate Partners is a New York-based real estate investment manager with a track record of identifying and executing on under-the-radar opportunities across the U.S. The firm focuses on value-add strategies in income-producing assets, generally acquired at a significant discount to replacement cost. Drake has completed over $3.0 billion in transactions, leveraging its flexible capital and long-term mindset to invest across sectors and geographies. For further information, visit www.drakerep.com.
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Contact:
Buda Economic Development Corporation
John Costilla
john.costilla@budaedc.com | 512-295-6525
