Few U.S. music venues are more iconic than Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The legendary Colorado venue has emerged as a major destination for music lovers – becoming a bucket list experience that attracts hordes of concert-goers from all over. 85 years later, Austin, Texas finally has a response: White Rocks.
The White Rocks amphitheater is part of a larger, 71-acre development proposal that include plans for a hotel and private residences near Bee Cave just south of Austin.
Called the UMusic Hotel & Private Residences Austin, the project is a collaboration between White Rocks and UMusic Hospitality & LIfestyle in partnership with Universal Music Group – White Rocks as the property owner/developer, where UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle will operate the hotel.
White Rocks will be the centerpiece of the development. Overlooking the 10,000-acre Texas Hill Country preserve, the 10,000-seat, open-air amphitheater is designed to be integrated into the area’s natural topography. As described in the press release:
“Natural materials, clean architectural lines, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow shape the design, creating spaces that feel elevated and deeply connected to the land, while underground systems centralize mechanical solutions to maintain acoustic and environmental harmony”.
As part of the development’s larger mission of conservation, developers state that over 70 percent of the 71-acre development will be preserved as green space.
The development appears to be an extension/successor to the previously proposed Violet Crown concept. The previous proposal, however, faced environmental and permitting pushback before its ultimate rejection. The White Rocks Amphitheater, hotel and residences requires several key approvals to continue, including a TCEQ Wastewater Permit.
The 150-room hotel will house a central bar, an indoor performance venue, professional recording studios, a nightclub, a comedy club, and an expansive wellness center.
Additionally, UMusic Hotel will debut its first-ever collection of 600 Private Residences condominiums. Residents will receive direct access to these entertainment options, alongside private pools, fitness facilities, and underground secured parking.
Private Residences at UMusic Hotel & Private Residences Austin are now available for purchase.
According to sources, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with a prospective opening of the amphitheater, hotel, and first residential units for late 2028/2029. In its final form, White Rocks in Austin could extend to 2030.
