Scott Family Makes Largest Land Value Donation in Travis County History
14 Mayo 2024 - 8:30AM
Business Wire
The Scott family today announces the donation of more than $30
million in land and development rights to Travis County. This
historic contribution allows the county to purchase the 1,507-acre
RGK Ranch and transform it into a public park.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240514722306/en/
Aerial View of RGK Ranch (Erich Schlegal
for RGK Ranch)
“The Scott family’s incredible act of philanthropy ensures the
beautiful and ecologically significant RGK Ranch will be preserved
for generations to come,” said Ann Howard, Travis County
Commissioner. “This new park will provide invaluable recreational
opportunities for our community while safeguarding vital natural
resources.”
Given the land’s highly sought after location, the RGK Ranch has
received multiple offers north of $130 million and attracted
interest from developers worldwide. Recognizing the land’s unique
ecological impact and its benefit to the community, Nadya Scott, on
behalf of the Scott family, chose to partner with Travis County and
donate her family’s ownership shares to enable a reduced purchase
price of $90 million.
The land was originally purchased by George and Ronya Kozmetsky
in 1970 as a family ranch, and over the years the family expanded
its land holdings to accumulate nearly 1,600 acres. Mr. Kozmetsky,
Ph.D., is widely credited as a central figure in establishing the
region’s technology economy. Upon the Kozmetsky’s passing, the land
was inherited by their daughter Nadya Scott, son Gregory Kozmetsky,
and their respective children.
Located in Western Travis County between Hamilton Pool Road and
Highway 71, the RGK Ranch boasts rolling hills, canyons, and
vistas. The property is home to diverse native plants and animals,
includes two streams, and sits above the critical Trinity aquifer.
Historically a cattle ranch, the RGK Ranch transitioned to
conservation and forestry management practices under the guidance
of Gregory Kozmetsky. The ranch was awarded Stewardship status
under the Texas Forest Service at Texas A&M.
“I want to preserve the land for future generations because I
have seen what happens when the land around a city becomes so
valuable that it is sold, and little wild area is preserved,” said
Scott. “I believe in protecting unique land for the future and I am
glad that people before me also wanted to protect land so that I
can explore beautiful areas in my travels. The RGK Ranch is a
beautiful and unique part of Texas.”
“Austin and Central Texas are beloved by the Scott and Kozmetsky
families,” said Jordan Scott, Nadya’s son. “The cherished memories
our family created on this land will now be shared with our
community. I am honored by my mother’s decision to preserve and
protect this land.”
Beyond recreation, the RGK Ranch public park will play a vital
role in protecting the environment. Undeveloped land like this acts
as a natural filter, absorbing rainwater, replenishing aquifers,
and contributing excess run-off water directly to Lake Travis. This
is crucial for Travis County, as the area faces water scarcity
concerns. The park will also create wildlife corridors, allowing
animals to move freely between habitats. The park is expected to
open to the public in late 2025.
“Due to the families’ generosity and the foresight of Travis
County, a large and very valuable property with significant
conservation value will become parkland, benefiting wildlife, water
quality, and future park goers in our community,” says Jeff
Francell, associate director of land protection for The Nature
Conservancy in Texas, an environmental nonprofit organization. “The
Nature Conservancy is proud to have played a part in making this
happen.”
Francell assisted Travis County and the Scott and the Kozmetsky
families in facilitating the transaction. Ann Howard, county
commissioner, and County Judge Andy Brown led the efforts to
acquire the land on behalf of Travis County. Funds to purchase the
land were made possible through the Travis County Proposition B
Parks Bond Measure, which passed in November 2023.
“The RGK Ranch offers a unique opportunity to expand park access
for our growing community while safeguarding our green spaces and
critical natural resources,” said Judge Brown. “The Scott family's
generosity also ensures that future generations will have the
chance to experience the beauty and ecological value of this land.
We look forward to collaborating with the community to develop a
park that reflects the diverse needs and interests of our
residents.”
Davis Adams with Jones Lang Lasalle represented the Scott and
Kozmetsky families for the real-estate transaction. Jane Snoddy
Smith and Emily Jung with JAE Law Group represented the Scott
family in structuring and executing the transaction.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240514722306/en/
Bailey Wray anthonyBarnum Public Relations
bailey.wray@anthonybarnum.com 318.470.5403