Asbestos discovery halts construction of 10 new townhouses.

A duplex apartment/duplex apartments at the location of 7920 Mullen Drive in Austin, Texas is in the process of being demolished to make way for construction of 10 new townhouses. However asbestos was discovered during the demolition process which resulted the demotion process coming into a halt. Construction workers found asbestos insulation in the attic when doing demolition work. Only half of the attic has been disassembled.


Nothing else has been done to the duplex apartment since then. The construction site has been on the duplex apartment property for months now as of February 2020.

Current owner Goldwright Investments has to find additional funding for asbestos removal as required by city law and state law. Once Goldwright Investments finds the right contracters to remove the asbestos, they will have to get approval from Austin City Council to resume any further construction work. This is all needed to be in compliance with code.

The owner has a site plan approved for 10 townhouses by the City of Austin. After demolition, 10 new townhouses will be built on the former site of this duplex apartment. These townhouses will built using a stylish modern design. Each of the townhouses will come equipped  with high ceilings, garages, fenced yards, and gardens.

Each unit inside these townhouses will 918 square feet (918 SQF). All units will be built at 1,524 square feet (1,524 SQF). Each residence is targeted to sell between $450,000-$490,000. Mullen Townhomes LLC will operate the townhouses as this property is part of the Mullen Townhomes.

However the asbestos has not kept people away. Squatters have been living inside before and after construction began. Articles of clothing and assorted garments can be found on both floors.

Damage from vandalism has occurred to the duplex apartment. The building has been tagged with graffiti at the front facing Mullen Drive. The building has been tagged with graffiti at least 5 times with of the graffiti on the front part of the building. Signs of break-ins are easy to spot as broken glass is scattered everywhere.

Scrappers have stripped valuable metals such as aluminum, copper, steel, and nickel. Pipes have gone missing while several other pipelines are still intact. Other valuables such as furniture and jewelry have been stolen from this property. All other pipelines have yet to be fully removed.

Neighbors in the apartment complex next door and the Wooten neighborhood call the construction site an eyesore. They would like to see the building demolished and revitalized into something else. Neighbors want a new duplex apartments with affordable living options and rent control. Many of the neighbors want a new duplex or apartments.