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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 5 JAN. 7 FEB. 6, 2026
Brought to you by our premium gold sponsor: 2026 Health & Wellness Edition
The new Old Settlers Park City of Round Rock makes progress on $258M in park improvements
of Austin’s Zilker Park, is now the focus of a major voter-approved investment. “Old Settlers [Park] is probably one of our greatest assets in Round Rock,” Mayor Craig Morgan said. “We’ve grown, the population has grown, so local use has grown the demand for practice elds.”
BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.
E. OLD SETTLERS BLVD.
Often described by city leaders as the “crown jewel” of Round Rock’s park system, Old Settlers Park has become one of the city’s most heavily used recreational spaces as population growth has increased demand for elds, events and amenities. The 645-acre park, which is nearly twice the size
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Also in this issue
Impacts
Page 6
Check out a new pho restaurant in Round Rock
The city of Round Rock hosted a grand opening for the Lakeview Stage & Pavilion on Nov. 15. COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK
Government Page 15 Learn about a proposed data center in Round Rock
Keep your heart happy with care close to home. You’re never far from advanced cardiovascular care. From minimally invasive procedures and expert care for irregular heart rhythms to open heart surgery, our cardiovascular team delivers personalized care in a treatment plan as unique as you. And with multiple locations, where you get care is up to you.
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Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 13-ATX-1671800 DT The power to live better ®
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Impacts
Round Rock
representative. It is located next to The Gap outlet. • Opened Nov. 24 • 4401 I-35, Ste. 121, Round Rock • www.newbalance.com 5 Qvevri Georgian & European Market Locally owned by Khatia Pipia and her husband, David, the market offers European dairy, meats, snacks, desserts and other specialty items. Pipia said the shop is focused on sharing Georgian culture with the community, including food, wine, handmade scarves and other merchandise imported from the eastern European nation. • Opened Oct. 4 • 1205 Round Rock Ave., Ste. 113, Round Rock • www.qvevrimarket.com 6 Scooter’s Coffee The company offers a variety of drinks that can be served hot, blended or iced, including coffee, lattes, smoothies and protein shakes. The coffee shop is known for its Caramelicious beverage featuring caramel sauce, espresso and whipped cream. Scooter’s Coffee also serves food items such as bagels, burritos, cake bites, egg bites, muffins and a maple waffle sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese. • Opened Nov. 12 7 Sommer Garcia Tax Services Locally owned by Sommer Garcia, an enrolled agent, the business offers tax preparation services for both individuals and businesses in the area. Garcia said she will begin tax services on the first business day of the new year, Jan. 5, 2026. She will operate the business with office manager Rebecca LaBeth. • Opening in November • 1101 Satellite View, Ste. 101, Round Rock • www.sgarciatax.com • 1675 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.scooterscoffee.com 8 Top Shots Liquor The shop offers a variety of wine, beer and spirits in a retail space adjacent to a Valero gas station and convenience store. The liquor store is locally owned by Aaijaj Badarpura. • Opened in November • 8801 CR 110, Ste. 300, Round Rock • 512-647-0506
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• Opened in November • 2051 Gattis School Road, Ste. 520, Round Rock • www.buffalowildwings.com 3 HTeaO The Texas-based beverage company originated in Dallas and now has franchise locations statewide. HTeaO’s menu offers a variety of tea and coffee options, as well as a special menu of drinks named “cotton candy,” “pink flamingo” and more. • Opened Nov. 28 (Brushy Creek); Opened Dec. 13 (East Palm Valley Boulevard)
Now open
1 B. Sweet Lash Wax Medspa The beauty-oriented business is locally owned by Brooke Sweet. It offers a variety of services including eyelash extensions and lifts, skincare, waxing, advanced microblading, permanent makeup, ear piercing, laser hair removal, as well as medspa treatments. • Opened Dec. 9 • 1307 Chisholm Trail Road, Ste. 150, Round Rock • www.bsweet.shop 2 Buffalo Wild Wings GO A delivery and takeout-only location of the restaurant is now open in Round Rock, according to a company representative. The restaurant offers a variety of wings with sauce, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and more.
• A 211 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock; • B 2331 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.hteao.com
4 New Balance The footwear and apparel retailer opened in November at Round Rock Premium Outlets, according to a Simon Malls
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BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Now open
Now open
Coming soon
9 Curry Pizza House The company is an Indian pizza establishment that offers classic pizza, curry-inspired pizza, wings, salads, vegan pizzas and build-your-own pizza options. The franchise operates locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington with locations opening in Delaware, Georgia and Indiana as well. This location is locally owned by Mahendra Kakarla. • Opened Dec. 6
12 Noble Pho The menu includes a variety of appetizers including spring rolls, egg rolls, chicken wings and poached eggs; main dishes such as beef broth pho, oxtail pho, vegan broth pho, banh mi sandwiches, fried rice, rice plates and vermicelli bowls; and boba tea, as well as Vietnamese coffee. The restaurant is owned by Candice Lui, Eunice Tsang, and chef Jenna Choe, who are residents of Austin and Round Rock. • Opened Nov. 29 • 200 University Blvd., Ste. 530, Round Rock • www.noblepho.com
14 The Toasted Yolk The restaurant offers a menu centered around breakfast, brunch and lunch, as well as specialty donuts and beverages. • Opening in January • 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 300, Round Rock • www.thetoastedyolk.com
• 1300 S. Mays St., Round Rock • www.currypizzahouse.com
10 Echo Suites The hotel brings extended-stay rooms geared towards affordability, according to a spokesperson. The hotel will offer suites with full kitchens, including refrigerators, dishwashers and storage; free wifi and 24/7 laundry facilities; an on-site fitness center; and pet-friendly accommodations. • Opened Jan. 1 • 1485 Meister Lane, Round Rock • www.wyndhamhotels.com/echo-suites 11 Los Campeones The gym features over 200 new exercise machines, 100 feet of cable stations, 100 feet of turf and 100 feet of dumbbells and benches. The facility, locally owned by franchisee Tim Mantel, also includes a HYROX Performing Center and over 20 Eleiko platforms and
racks for power lifters. The business also has locations in north Austin and south Austin. • Opened Dec. 12 • 1201 S. I-35, Ste. 200, Round Rock • www.loscampeonesgym.com
Relocations
15 VeraBank The bank relocated from its current location near East Palm Valley Boulevard to the corner of I-35 and Hester’s Crossing in December. VeraBank provides personal and business banking, personal and business loans, home loans as well as wealth management services to Central
Coming soon
and East Texans. • Opened Dec. 15 • 2300 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.verabank.com
13 Bricks & Minifigs A franchise of the Lego reseller will open in the Mays Crossing retail center. Locally owned by Eric VanDyke, the shop will sell new and used Lego sets, bulk Lego bricks and third-party accessories. • Opening in February • 1201 I-35, Ste. 320, Round Rock • www.bricksandminifigs.com
• Large secure outdoor space • All-inclusive pricing with no level of care charges • Serving Texas since 1997, e Cottages is family owned & operated. Visit www.alzcottages.com to learn more Facility No’s 106486 Memory Care AT CHAPEL CREEK MCeamr oe r y FEELS LIKE FAMILY WHERE
“This is my purpose in life.” ~ Alice, Caregiver
“This is my purpose in life.” ~ Alice, Caregiver
Visit www.alzcottages.com/stories to read more.
Visit www.alzcottages.com/stories to read more.
Facility No’s 106486 Memory Care AT CHAPEL CREEK 030118, 030119 & 104692 CHANDLER CREEK
8111 Wade Boulevard . Frisco, Texas 75034 . 972.668.5200 2351 North AW Grimes Blvd. Round Rock, Texas 78665
8111 Wade Boulevard . Frisco, Texas 75034 . 972.668.5200
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Impacts
Pflugerville
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1 Apolonia Smiles The practice offers a wide range of services, from routine care to transformative treatments, and serves as an in-network preferred provider partner with several major insurance companies. Led by Dr. Hussam Asker, a University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduate, Apolonia Smiles emphasizes preventive and restorative dentistry focused on patient comfort and long-term oral wellness. Treatments include cleanings, implants, Invisalign, veneers and whitening. • Opened Dec. 4 • 1500 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Ste. 300, Pflugerville • www.apoloniasmiles.com 2 GOFO The logistics company provides last-mile delivery services. The facility will handle parcels for major e-commerce platforms—including TikTok Shop, TEMU and Shein—as well as other online retailers. Last-mile operations focus on transporting packages from a local distribution point directly to customers’ homes. A company spokesperson said the Pflugerville site will support delivery routes across Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto and portions of North Austin. • Opened in November • 2939 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.gofoexpress.com
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MOVE-IN READY SPRING 2026
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BY GRANT CRAWFORD & MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.
Coming soon
Now open
3 Ivybrook Academy The private preschool, owned by Sagar and Jesal Bhakta, offers early childhood education with programs for children from ages 18 months to 6 years old. The half-day school provides curriculum that integrates elements of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Curriculum subjects include literacy, mathematics, creative arts, science and nature, and social-emotional learning. The school also offers a full- day, dual-session option for ages 3 to 5. • Opened Dec. 1 • 1204 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Ste. 110, Pflugerville • www.ivybrookacademy.com/pflugerville Hired Service Co. The locally owned contractor and handyman business serves customers across Central Texas, traveling to any location within roughly an hour of Pflugerville. The company, owned by DaNey Ross and Cody Chrisle, offers a wide mix of services including general contracting, landscaping upgrades, fence building, carpentry, demo and haul-off work, home repairs, and residential clean-outs. • Opened Nov. 17 • 512-975-1073 • www.werehired.com
4 Tumble 22 The Austin-based hot chicken restaurant is now planning to open in early 2026. With a total of nine locations, the restaurant is known for its Texas-raised chicken that’s hand-breaded and tumbled 22 times for a crunchy texture. The restaurant serves spicy chicken sandwiches and tenders with various heat levels, plus
sides and desserts. • Opening Jan. 26
• 18725 FM 685, Ste. 100 Pflugerville • www.tumble22.com/pflugerville
Closings
6 Santé Eyecare The boutique eye care clinic offers residents a mix of preventive care, medical services and independent eyewear options. The practice, led by optometrist and owner Dr. Andrea Kells provides comprehensive and preventive eye care for patients of all ages, including infants receiving their first vision assessment between 6-12 months old. • Opened in early October • 801 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 110, Pflugerville • www.santeeyecare.com
5 Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen
The restaurant in Pflugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center closed just six months after its grand reopening. The short-lived reopening followed a change in ownership earlier in the year. The menu featured pizza, pasta, sandwiches, calzones, salads and appetizers. • Closed Oct. 22 • 18816 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 500, Pflugerville • www.nypizzeria.com
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Impacts Hutto
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3 Chipotle Mexican Grill The fast-casual restaurant offers build-your-own options for burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads and tacos. Customers can choose from a selection of protein, including carne asada, chicken, steak, beef barbacoa, carnitas or sofritas, which is a plant-based protein. A second Chipotle in Hutto is located at 326 Ed Schmidt Boulevard. • Opened in December • 2260 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 100, Hutto • www.chipotle.com 4 Bites & Basil The restaurant, owned by Phen T. Diep, held a soft opening at the end of 2025, serving Vietnamese cuisine with a Texas twist. Bites & Basil offers bun sliders, egg rolls, pho, rice plates, vermicelli and more. Diep also owns Broth & Basil in Pflugerville. • Opened Dec. 29
1 Hutto Hobby The shop, owned by Chris and Erika Loftis, specializes in sports and entertainment trading cards, board games, puzzles, Warhammer and hobby supplies. Chris said the shop plans to host a grand opening in early 2026. The business is located within The Shoppes at Affordable Storage. • Opened Dec. 6 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 30, Hutto • www.huttohobby.com 2 Treasure Trove Hobby Store The store recently took over the space previously occupied by EveOfDay Creations in Hutto. It specializes in trading cards, toys and collectibles, and also hosts gaming nights. For instance, the shop will host community nights to play Pokemon, Lorcana, Elestrals, Dungeons & Dragons, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other games. The store is also connected to Rare Candy Collectibles, which sells comics, autographed memorabilia, trading cards and action figures, and also features classic arcade games for patrons to play. • Opened Nov. 27 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 134, Hutto • www.instagram.com/treasuretrovehobbystore
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• 150 Alliance Blvd., Ste. 240, Hutto • www.instagram.com/bitesandbasil
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BY GRANT CRAWFORD
In the news
Now open
Now open
5 Toyota Hutto Construction on a new Toyota dealership is underway in Hutto after officials broke ground on the business Dec. 11. The project, by Penske Automotive Group, will include the construction of the new dealership as well as a service center. Toyota has other locations in Round Rock, North Austin and Cedar Park. • 2160 Innovation Blvd., Hutto • www.toyota.com 6 Texas Veterans Commission Hutto City Hall now includes a space dedicated to veterans in need of guidance or support through the Texas Veterans Commission. Services available include assistance with disability compensation and pension claims, as well as referrals and support for Veterans
7 What’s the Tea? The boutique cafe, owned by Lisa and Diana Nguyen, offers a menu emphasizing healthier options, such as noncaffeinated herbal teas, mushroom-infused espresso, matcha lattes with oat milk cold foam, and bubble tea with pink tapioca pearls colored with beet juice and sweetened with agave nectar. Customers will also find a selection of snacks, including mini banh mis and sticky rice bowls. • Opened Nov. 29 • 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 450, Hutto • www.whatstheteaatx.com
8 The Stone Garden Owned by Yvette Dayal, the business specializes in handcrafted goods, gemstone jewelry, crystals, home decor, incense and spiritual wellness items. Customers can also visit the shop, located within The Shoppes at Affordable Storage, to learn how to make candles, jewelry and soaps. • Opened in December • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 33, Hutto • www.instagram.com/shopthestonegarden
Affairs health care services. • 500 W. Live Oak St., Hutto • https://tvc.texas.gov
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Events
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Martin Luther King Jr. Walk The Round Rock Black History Organization will host the 39th annual Commemorative Walk & Celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The walk will begin at Eagles Nest Street and end at Sweet Home - The Pinnacle of Praise. After the walk, a program will take place with keynote speaker Anthony Watson, Stony Point High School principal. • Jan. 17, 1-4 p.m. • Free • Eagles Nest Street and Sunrise Road, Round Rock • https://tinyurl.com/2xh9kd2k
• Jan. 17, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free with online registration, $10 at door • 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock • www.txhomeshows-au.com AEW Dynamite The professional wrestling TV show, “AEW presents DYNAMITE,” will be held at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. • Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m. • $35+ • 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.hebcenter.com Family Winter Ball The city of Round Rock will host an adaptive and inclusive winter ball for individuals of all ages with Daddy Daughter Dance The annual Daddy Daughter Dance has a “boots and bling” theme this year. The dance at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock will feature a live DJ, professional photography, a dance contest and prizes for the daughters. Tickets to the dance must be
purchased in advance. • Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m. • $25 per person • 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock • www.roundrocktexas.gov
various disabilities. Tickets are pre-sale only. • Jan. 31, 6-8 p.m. • $5 per person • 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock • www.roundrocktexas.gov
January
Winter Pfest The Pflugerville Public Library will host its annual Winter Pfest, featuring indoor winter-themed activities and games for families with kids up to age 10. • Jan. 10, 2-4 p.m. • Free
February
Soup & Bread Luncheon The Round Rock Woman’s Club will host its 51st annual Soup & Bread Luncheon and silent auction at First United Methodist Church in Round Rock. • Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $15 (admission)
• 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville • https://library.pflugervilletx.gov/
Austin Home Show The home show event is designed for homeowners in various stages of remodeling, landscaping and decorating their homes. The event will feature home improvement and remodeling exhibits.
• 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock • www.roundrockwomansclub.org
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Friday, Feb. 6 First United Methodist Church Round Rock (Family Life Center) Menu: Soup, salad, bread, dessert & drink Auction: Bidding closes at 12:45 PM Soup & Brea Luncheon and Silent Auction 51st Annual Round Rock Woman’s Club
Round Rock Firefighters
YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PROMISE Your Round Rock Firefighters are proudly committed to serving our community. Protecting your safety is our highest priority LEARN MORE
Tickets $15
Proceeds benefit Round Rock charities
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Government
Water, wastewater infrastructure investments approved by council
The system handles wastewater for the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander and Austin. Round Rock will be responsible for 55.3% of the construction cost, which has not been contracted out yet. A $5.13 million contract with Cash Construction will connect a reuse water line from Kenney Fort Boulevard to a waterline near Forest Creek Drive. What’s next? Round Rock Public Works Director Michael Thane said the city will consider a future item related to the regional wastewater interceptor project, as it proceeds through the design phase.
Round Rock City Council mem- bers approved three contracts Dec. 4 for projects related to the city’s water, wastewater and reuse water systems. The details Council approved a $1.46 mil- lion contract with Patin Construc- tion for the replacement of nine valves on a 36-inch transmission line near FM 1431. Design for the expansion of a Brushy Creek Regional Wastewa- ter System interceptor was also approved. The project is part of an interlocal agreement to expand and rehab about 11,500 feet of the wastewater interceptor running parallel to Brushy Creek.
Regional Wastewater Interceptor Reuse line extension Valve replacements near FM 1431
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Chihuly artwork headed to city space
The piece will be installed in the Griffith Building, which will house the future City Arts Center alongside the Round Rock Visitors Center and Round Rock Chamber. The artwork, funding for which was already approved in the current year’s budget, is described as a glass chandelier measuring 9 feet high and 6 feet wide.
Round Rock City Council approved a $360,000 agreement with Chihuly Studio to commission a large-scale glass artwork for the city’s new arts center downtown. The gist The agreement with Chihuly Studio is for an original blown- glass sculpture by internationally recognized artist Dale Chihuly.
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BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR. & BROOKE SJOBERG
Round Rock council to revisit zoning proposal for Skybox data center
$4.5M approved for emergency vehicles Round Rock City Council approved $4.5 million in pur- chases for safety and emergency response vehicles during a Nov. 20 meeting. The details Council approved the purchase of a new mobile command center unit for the police department. Round Rock City Council will consider a measure to rezone a property for a data center in Janu- ary, after approving a first reading in a December meeting. What happened? About 20 speakers addressed City Council and representatives of Skybox Datacenters regarding the rezoning of a 29.69 acres of property near the intersection of A.W. Grimes Boulevard and East Old Settlers Boulevard, sharing concerns about the proposed data center such as noise, water use, health impacts and potential impact on energy prices. The request from Skybox would see the property rezoned from light industrial to a planned unit devel- opment. The property is bordered on two sides by other tracks zoned as light industrial, but backs up to the Chandler Creek neighborhood. The details The proposal for the develop- ment would divide it into three sections with different uses to establish what is permitted on each part of the site, such as a data
Skybox Round Rock
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center, substation and open space. What’s next City officials will again take up the matter in January. Should council vote to deny the rezoning, the site would remain zoned for light industrial use and allow for other manufacturing, warehousing and other light-industrial facilities, according to a Round Rock news release. If council approves the rezoning, Skybox will still have to enter into a contract with electric- ity provider Oncor to secure power for the project.
Join us for an Open House! Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday, February 2, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Early Competence, Earned Confidence Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–K) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin
Vehicle purchases
Ladder truck: $1.7M Mobile command center unit: $1.5M Air truck: $520,000 Mini pumper truck: $400,100 Skeeter rescue side brush truck: $277,535
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The city will purchase a mini pumper truck, an air truck, a Skeeter rescue side brush truck and a ladder truck for the Round Rock Fire Department.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Transportation
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
4 Chisholm Trail South Project: Pavement reconstruction, sidewalk upgrades, utility and drainage improvements to Chisholm Trail Road between Sam Bass Road and RM 620. Update: The project will include pedestrian enhancements along the low-water crossing, near the city’s namesake Round Rock. • Timeline: July 2025-September 2026 • Cost: $4.26 million • Funding source: Sales tax revenue 5 Gattis School Road Segment 6 Project: This project will widen the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane arterial thoroughfare with a raised median between Via Sonoma Trail and Red Bud Lane. Update: Council awarded a construction contract to Smith Contracting Co. in November. • Timeline: Late 2025-late 2027 • Cost: $20.4 million • Funding source: Sales tax revenue 6 Gattis School Road Segment 3 Project: This project includes expanding the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane divided road with updated pedestrian paths and turn lanes. Update: Construction is underway, with paving expected to take place in 2026. • Timeline: Completion expected in February • Cost: $33 million • Funding sources: Type B sales tax revenue, Road CO bonds, Texas Department of Transportation loan
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approved the purchase of 3.7 acres of right of way for the next segment of the road. • Timeline: In design • Cost: $500,000 land purchase • Funding source: Sales tax revenue
Upcoming projects
Completed projects
1 Heritage Trail East Project: The trail will connect Mays Street to Georgetown Street through a future park on the north bank of Brushy Creek. Update: In permitting • Timeline: TBA • Cost: $7.25 million • Funding sources: Self-financed construction fund, grant funding 2 Kenney Fort Boulevard Segments 5 and 6 Project: An extension of Kenney Fort Boulevard to University Boulevard Update: In late September, Round Rock City Council
7 Heritage Trail West Project: This is a 1-mile addition to the Brushy Creek Trail System and links the west side of Round Rock to the city’s downtown via other trails in various stages of completion. • Completed: January 2025 • Cost: $21 million • Funding sources: 2013 bond, grant funds
Ongoing projects
3 Lake Creek Trail Project: Construction of a 10-foot-wide path from Round Rock West Park to Centennial Plaza Update: A bridge connecting the trail on either side of
I-35 was placed in October. • Timeline: 2023-early 2026 • Cost: $2.46 million • Funding source: 2023 Bond
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Education
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
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$2.3M planned for campus renovations and vehicles Several Round Rock ISD campuses will undergo renovations and new maintenance vehicles will be purchased after $2.3 million in contracts and purchase orders were approved in November. What you need to know Funded by 2024 bond monies, architects and construction managers will be hired for the ren- ovations. Three middle school tracks will also be resurfaced and eight district vehicles replaced. Track resurfacing at Canyon Vista, Chisholm Trail and Cedar Valley middle schools Cost: $675,504.25 Canyon Vista Middle School renovation, design services Cost: $620,000 Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center renovation Cost: $559,943 Seven Chevrolet cargo vans, one Chevrolet pickup truck Cost: $375,805 CTE center renovation Cost: pre-construction fee of $30,000 Great Oaks Elementary School addition and renovation Cost: pre-construction fee of $30,000 Bluebonnet Elementary School and Cedar Valley Middle School renovation Cost: pre-construction fee of $18,600 RRISD Support Services building renovation Cost: pre-construction fee of $10,000 ROUND ROCK EDITION RRISD shares plans for first phase of new CTE center Round Rock ISD shared a first look at the district’s future career and technical education center in November. RRISD budgeted $51.7 million in 2024 bond funds for the facility that will host many CTE education programs, as well as the 18+ Community Access Program, part of the district’s Special Education Transition Services. What you need to know In a Nov. 18 meeting, administrators shared render- ings showing what the remodeled facility could look like. RRISD purchased the over 200,000-square-foot building at 9900 Spectrum Drive, a former LegalZoom office, earlier this year for $37.75 million. Plans for the facility show that it would host several programs in its first phase, with room to grow inside.
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The details The center is currently in the design development phase. The first phase includes plans for:
• 18+ program • Cosmetology • General education • Robotics
• Auto body shop • Semiconductor • Electrical trades • Collaborative student space
$3.4M to go to new laptops, phone system Round Rock ISD will purchase new laptops for staff and upgrade campus phone systems using bond funds. The details Trustees approved the use of about $3.4 million in 2024 bond funds to upgrade servers to support a new district-wide phone system, as well as the replacement of 1,870 laptops used by staff members. Monies used to make these technology upgrades comes from the $125.3 million Proposi- tion B passed by voters in November 2024. The $1.9 million laptop refresh will replace out-of-warranty staff devices in the spring 2026 semester, district documents show. About $1.5 million will be used to replace servers at the district level to support a new phone system, including system deployment and migration as well as five years of technology support. This project will also be carried out in the spring 2026 semester. Voters also approved the $798.3 million Prop- osition A to fund campus renovations, as well as Proposition C, which allocated $8.6 million to fine arts facilities.
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Development
BY CLAIRE SHOOP
Samsung site in Taylor progresses
The background
Construction on the $17 billion Taylor site began in 2022. To date, Glaze said the 1,200-acre campus, totaling 4 million square feet, is home to:
and a meditation space. Additionally, the site is landscaped with Georgia loblolly pines, a lazy river that runs through the campus and a Texas-shaped water fountain. About 1,000 Samsung employees will move into the Taylor site over the rst two quarters of 2026, Glaze said, adding that this doesn’t include additional sta needed for security, hospitality and landscaping.
Some Samsung Austin Semiconductor employees began moving into the new o ce building at the manufacturer’s Taylor campus in November, Michele Glaze, senior director of communications and community a airs, said. Glaze, speaking at a Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon in October, said the six-story o ce building boasts a number of amenities, including two cafeterias, open- concept cubicles, atriums, a tness center
• The o ce building • A fabrication plant • Two gas and chemical supply buildings • A utility station and building • An electrical substation • Water and wastewater facilities
• Two water tanks • Three warehouses • 250 construction trailers
Samsung Austin Semiconductor Taylor campus
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Glaze said the rst fab—or fabrication plant where manufacturing takes place—will be operational by the end of 2026. Using advanced techniques, the facility hopes to make some of the smallest semiconductor chips used for arti cial intelligence, Glaze said. Samsung Austin Semiconductor has room to grow in Taylor, as the company’s economic development agreements are for up to 10 fabs. However, Glaze said demand for semiconductor chips and geopolitical factors will drive when these subsequent fabs are built.
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The rst nonconstruction employees moved into the Samsung campus in Taylor when its o ce building opened in November. (Matthew Brooks/Community Impact)
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Development
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, MANUEL HOLGUIN JR. & BROOKE SJOBERG
Five area businesses will receive support through a first-time program by the Round Rock Chamber geared toward startups. What you need to know Five startups were chosen for the first cohort of its gBETA Round Rock program. Launched in September, the Chamber received 60 total applicants. The startups cover a variety of industries, such as artifi- cial intelligence, wearable health technology and cybersecurity. The five businesses selected are: • Formus • Longhorn Life Sciences • ThreatVisor • TillerXR • XPerf Startups selected for gBETA incubator
Round Rock pushes forward on new fire stations from 2023 bond The highest structural point on Fire Station 10 in Round Rock was placed in late November, as the city continues work to build public safety improvements. The gist The $9.1 million project, located on Old Settlers Boulevard near Red Bud Lane, is expected to be finished in fall 2026. The city held a topping out ceremony to celebrate the milestone. Fire Station 10 is one of three new fire station buildings stemming from the 2023 voter-approved bond package, which included $44 million to fund public safety investments. What else? The city of Round Rock also recently filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and
$17.5M sports center expansion completed Round Rock officials and guests marked the completion of the Round Rock Sports Center expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 17. The overview The $17.5 million expansion added 25,000 square feet of space to the facility. The project includes two full basketball courts, making the total eight. The added courts are designed for flexibility, allowing the facility to switch to 16 volleyball courts or run simultaneous events, such as basketball games and more. Upgrades also include expanded championship seating, more surface parking and a touchless Amazon retail store that lets visitors buy snacks and drinks without a cashier. A secondary entrance is meant to provide increased flexibility for operations and event management. Chad McKenzie, the city’s director of sports
New fire stations
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Neurology clinic in Round Rock expands Central Texas Neurology Consultants held a ribbon cutting in November to mark a renovation to the clinic. What you need to know The clinic announced that, along with a renovation, a partnership with Nira Medical led to an expansion of care offerings to include multiple sclerosis. A representative of the clinic said the renovation added new exam rooms, a larger infusion center and a suite dedicated to clinical research.
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management and tourism, said Round Rock may further expand the facility to 14 basketball courts and 28 volleyball courts to meet a demand for practice space. The project stems from a $274 million bond package voters approved in May 2023, dedicated to quality of life, recreation and sports projects. The center first opened in 2014. More than 70,000 players and 120,000 spectators visit the center annually for tournaments, leagues and club sports. The city’s sports tourism program has generated more than $210 million in economic activity, according to a news release.
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Regulation for the construction of Fire Station No. 11. This station is planned to go on property the city purchased from Ascension Seton Wil- liamson Hospital. It will also include a satellite office for the Round Rock Police Department. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. The first facility approved in the 2023 bond, Fire Station 1, was completed in November 2024.
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BY BROOKE SJOBERG Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2026
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! In this guide you’ll nd the latest news, updates and resources related to health and wellness in our community. Topics span physical, mental and social well-being, with a variety of stories reported and written by our local journalism team. In the second year of this edition, read about the latest updates to Round Rock’s Play for All Abilities Park, learn more about the impact of excessive technology use, check out a local running club to enjoy some physical exercise with others and continue reading about the ongoing expansion of Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
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Read up on digital detoxing e orts in Austin (Page 25)
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Round Rock is moving forward with the rst project in an expansion to the city’s accessible Play for All Park. The expansion is funded both by 2023 bond funds and a grant from Republic Services Recycling and will be sustainability-themed. The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department was awarded the National Neighborhood Promise grant from Republic Services in January. The $250,000 funds branded playground equipment, while the city will pay $536,468 to prepare a site for and install the new equipment in an undeveloped portion of the park, city documents show. Play for All Park to expand with new equipment
Did you know?
Included in plans for the park expansion are:
A Republic Services-themed recycling truck slide
The bond-funded expansion to the park will also include a replacement of Dennis’s Dream Playground, a 14-year- old section of the park that served as the original all-abilities play area of the park. Per the city, the play structure is named for Dennis Seymore, a child with mobility challenges whose father advocated for accessible play spaces. Work on the expansion began in December and is expected to be completed in spring or summer 2026.
Interactive play recycling center
Interactive wall
Accessible globe spinner
PLAY FOR ALL ABILITIES PARK
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A Republic Services-themed recycling truck slide will be added to Round Rock’s Play for All Park.
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SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK COMMUNITY IMPACT
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
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