For a few years now, the area around Springdale Road in East Austin has attracted "struggling" artists (are there any other kind in Austin?) and other creative types with its warehouses, cheap rent, proximity to the central city, and greenspace.

As commercial and residential development advanced, inevitably, in that direction, there has been much hand-wringing over the possibility of the creative population—as well as low- and moderate-income residents—being displaced.

Springdale General, a multiuse complex being developed in the area, aspires to address at least the first issue. Located just east of the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Springdale Road and designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the complex will contain 15 buildings with 165,000 square feet of commercial space—all meant to facilitate local creative development.

According to Springdale General's website, the nearly 10-acre property will be a campus of affordable maker studios, creative office space, test kitchens, and workshops. A number of buildings, from 691 to 20,000 square feet in size, will be interspersed with onsite parking. According to Springdale's website, the goal of the development is to provide spaces for small- to medium-sized creative businesses. Plans are for a 2017 opening.

• Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

• Springdale General