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ROUND ROCK EDITION
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VOLUME 18, ISSUE 4 DEC. 2, 2022 JAN. 10, 2023
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AN EXPANDING ‘SILICON HILLS’ Several semiconductor companies are located in Central Texas, rivaling other notable metros for chipmakers. 29 CENTRAL TEXAS
Key:
existing semiconductor manufacturing sites
Northwest Oregon 10 facilities
Greater Minneapolis 5 facilities
290 Corporate additions in the Austin area brought more than 3,500 71 manufacturing jobs in the sector since 2015.
290
MOPAC
New tea retailer open in Round Rock
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Northern California 5 facilities
360
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AUSTIN
290
Greater Phoenix 5 facilities
71
183
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Central Texas 6 facilities
NEW BRAUNFELS
Dallas-Fort Worth 8 facilities
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10
46
16
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SOURCES: SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Many holiday events happening in December
SAN ANTONIO
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After a year that has seen a national increase in focus on the multibillion-dollar semiconductor industry, Cen- tral Texas could maintain its position as a key chipmak- ing center for the U.S. and a regional economic driver. Today, tiny semiconductor chips have a range of con- sumer, government and telecommunications uses and BY BEN THOMPSON Semiconductor industry heats up in Central Texas CONTINUED ON 38 can be found in everything from toasters and cell phones to vehicles. Greater Austin has been a home to chipmak- ers since the 1970s, leading in part to its “Silicon Hills” moniker, and recent announcements led by more than $200 billion in potential investments by Samsung point to Central Texas as an in uential industry hub. N 10
SENIOR LIVING GUIDE 2022
Senior facilities
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As the populations of Round Rock, P ugerville and Hutto are projected to expand signi cantly by 2030, local governments are working to com- bat tra c concerns and ensure roads will be able to accommodate ever-increasing tra c. City leaders are also planning new major arte- rial roadways and are in the process of conducting corridor studies and master plan updates to ascer- tain the needs of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Local road projects planned to ease tra c, add capacity
140 years of barbecue tradition thrives in WilCo
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One major improvement project in Round Rock involves substantial upgrades to RM 620. (Courtesy Texas Department of Transportation)
Round Rock on Page 40 P ugerville, Hutto on Page 43
READ MORE
You don’t have to wait any longer to find the right spine specialist. Getting back to your daily life can start with one call to book a consultation for our comprehensive spine program. Call today to schedule with our multidisciplinary network of experienced neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who specialize in spine surgery, pain management and rehabilitation at Ascension Texas. We answer your questions and connect the dots to help you find the treatment options and a recovery plan that are right for you. Minimally invasive options are available . Leading the way in spine care
Request an appointment online to find the spine care that is right for you. We also offer second opinions.
Call 512-324-BACK or find a doctor at ascension.org/TexasSpine
Ascension Texas © Ascension 2022. All rights reserved.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DREAMING OF A Round Rock Christmas Dreaming of a Round Rock Christmas? Maybe like the ones you used to know? Well, the lights will glisten and there will be tunes to listen from December 1st
to 31st. So, no need to dream, your days will be merry and bright. DowntownRoundRockTexas.com/HometownHoliday
3
ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
PAID ADVERTISMENT
CALL US TODAY AT: 512-872-5170 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY CAN BE TREATED. Superior Physical Medicine will be offering this complimentary neuropathy consultation for the next 15 callers.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Leonard Bryant SENIOR EDITOR Brian Rash REPORTERS Carson Ganong, Brooke Sjoberg GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gloria Gonzalez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Steffanie Bartlett METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY CHIEF Andy Comer SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES rrknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING rrkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM AMY: As more technology companies locate to the area, some are settling in the suburbs, and the region’s growth has certainly been spurred by these local jobs. With that, the roads are more traveled and require improvements, expansions and even new routes. Our top story in our first edition 17 years ago featured a transportation story, and we have provided updates on road projects ever since. We hope you enjoy reading about both the semiconductor industry and getting updates on major road projects in this issue. Amy Leonard Bryant, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM BRIAN: In this issue we have compiled a noncomprehensive guide to senior living facilities in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto (see Pages 22-23). Included are several residential options for senior adults who need a range of specialty services from memory care to assisted living to hospice care. Also in the guide are facilities for independent living. Brian Rash, SENIOR EDITOR
WHAT CAN YOU SUPPORT?
If you love Community Impact, consider supporting us by becoming a CI Patron. Thanks to your giving, here are three big accomplishments our organization achieved this year to continue our mission of providing trusted news and local information that everyone gets.
communityimpact.com
MORE LOCAL TALENT: We created several new editorial positions to focus on our local content niche, including additional reporters for the newspaper and more multi-platform journalists for our daily newsletter and website.
NEW LEADERSHIP: We hired a new chief financial officer, Kelly Outlaw, who joined us from Habitat for Humanity. Her favorite saying is "I add faith and humanity to the spreadsheet." You can trust that every dollar you give, along with our advertiser support, is reinvested with integrity and a people-first approach.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS: We launched podcasts in our Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston metros with host Olivia Aldridge and created an additional digital offering for our advertisers called CI Storytelling.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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1431
JOE DIMAGGIO BLVD.
SENDERO SPRINGS DR.
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10
KENNEY FORT BLVD.
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Sharetea
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PHOTOS BY BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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as well as branded merchandise, such as T-shirts and coffee mugs. The coffee chain has locations in Marble Falls, Liberty Hill, Lampasas and Austin. 737-308-4627. www.mojodrivethru.com 4 The PetSmart location at 2601 S. I-35, Round Rock, held a grand reopen- ing Nov. 4. The pet store closed in late March after a tornado damaged several businesses in southeast Round Rock. 512- 218-1816. www.petsmart.com 5 Round Rock Asian Mart opened at 1800 N. Mays St., Ste. 110, Round Rock, on Sept. 2. The family-owned Filipino grocery store provides a wide variety of food, bev- erage and personal care items in addition to prepared meals. 737-209-0066. www.roundrockasianmart.com
SUNDANCE PKWY.
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ROUND ROCK NOW OPEN
boots and Western wear. 737-309-4114. www.bootbarn.com 2 Destination Pediatric Dentistry opened in late October at 3100 RM 1431, Ste. 400, Round Rock. Locally owned by practitioner Dr. Phil Matson, the practice offers cleanings, checkups, cavity care, fillings, and sedation for treatment and procedures among its services. Pediatric
dental patients can choose between a beach house-, ski lodge- or safari lodge- themed exam room. 737-239-0123. www.destinationpediatricdentistry.com 3 Mojo Coffee held the grand opening of its Round Rock location Nov. 17. The Texas-based coffee chain, located at 3100 RM 1431, Ste. 100, offers specialty coffee beverages, smoothies, tea and lemonade
1 Boot Barn opened Nov. 9 in the Round Rock La Frontera Village shopping center. The location occupies two tenant spaces at 120 Sundance Parkway, Stes. 300 and 350, Round Rock, and offers a selection of
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8 Spherion Staffing & Recruiting opened its first Round Rock office at 3001 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Ste. 650 B, on Nov. 1. The franchise location is locally owned by Lati Bouraima. Bouraima said Spheri- on will operate as a community partner through plans for involvement with local activities and initiatives. 512-717-4614. www.spherion.com NAME CHANGES 9 Sugar Daddy’s , a bar locally owned by Martin Salyer, closed Oct. 11 for a rebrand. Located at 101 E. Main St., Round Rock, the bar reopened in late November under the name Legends, and is oriented around the history of the murder of Deputy A.W. Grimes, which happened inside the build- ing. Legends offers a variety of brews, cocktails and some light fare on its menu. 512-520-4895. www.sugardaddysbar.com IN THE NEWS 10 The Round Rock Public Library launched its seed library program Oct. 24, allowing residents to donate and take home open-pollinated and heirloom seeds. Any Round Rock citizen may make use of the seed library. The program is limited to three packs of seeds per household, and borrowers must be age 18 or older. The Round Rock Public Library is located at 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. 512-218-7000. www.roundrocktexas.gov
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Spherion Staffing & Recruiting
Amazing Magnets, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of magnetic-related devices and products, opened its new global headquarters at 1992 Steam Way, Round Rock, on Oct. 6. FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN
6 Second Swing Golf Balls held a grand opening Sept. 23 at 1801 Red Bud Lane, Ste. A, Round Rock. The secondhand golf ball shop offers a selection of used golf balls in good condition and retrieved from “hard-to-reach” parts of existing golf courses. Second Swing has locations in Texas, California, Illinois, Florida, Ari- zona and Missouri. 737-217-0968. www.secondswing-golfballs.com 7 Sharetea , a Taiwan-based retailer of boba teas that offers a variety of brewed, milk and fruit tea varieties, held a grand opening for its Round Rock location at 3107 S. I-35, Ste. 770, on Nov. 12. The tea shop occupies a space formerly home to Front Porch Frozen Desserts, which closed in September 2021. 512-363-5192. www.1992sharetea.com
both direct-to-customer and commercial sales. The company also o ers design, engineering and production services for prospective businesses through its i2M program. 512-678-2940. www.amazingmagnets.com
Amazing Magnets, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of magnetic-related devices and products, opened its new global headquarters at 1992 Steam Way, Round Rock, on Oct. 6. The company relocated from Anaheim, California, and faced labor shortages, supply chain issues and extreme weather events while constructing the building. Amazing Magnets manufactures rare earth magnets, magnetic glass and whiteboards as well as custom items for
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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GREENLAWN BLVD.
PFLUGERVILLE
1
BENNING DR.
35
5
2
AUTUMN SLATE DR.
N. HEATHERWILDE BLVD.
The Victory Tap
JDog Junk Removal & Hauling COURTESY JDOG JUNK REMOVAL & HAULING
130 TOLL
MAIN ST.
TRACI RODRIGUEZ/COMMUNITY IMPACT
WELLS BRANCH PKWY.
685
COMING SOON 4 General dentistry office Smiles on Wells will open in December at 801 Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville. The locally owned business will offer a range of family and cosmetic dentistry services. 737-304-6777. www.smilesonwells.com CLOSINGS 5 Cafe 1 by Chef Juan is still in business, but the storefront at 1100 Grand Avenue Parkway, Ste. 112, Pflugerville closed in October. Owner Juan Leon said the bakery, which creates custom baked goods, still operates out of his home in Pflugerville. www.cafe1bychefjuan.com
3
3 Neighborhood sports bar The Victory Tap held a soft opening Nov. 2 at 111 E. Main St., Pflugerville. The brand-new sports bar in downtown Pflugerville has a selection of beers on tap, serves food, and has extensive indoor and outdoor seating. 512-358-6150. www.thevictorytap.com Junk removal franchise JDog Junk Removal & Hauling opened Oct. 24 in Pflugerville. JDog offers services throughout Central Texas that include junk hauling, mattress removal, and garage and apartment cleanout. Franchisee Joshua Schaefer said the business is home-based, but he has plans to open a physical storefront in the future. 512-839-0478. www.jdogjunkremoval.com
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PFLUGERVILLE NOW OPEN
2 Pflugerville waterpark Typhoon Texas opened a dining and entertain- ment venue Nov. 12 called The Patio at Typhoon Texas. Located at 18500 SH 130, Pflugerville, The Patio overlooks the Typhoon Texas waterpark and has a menu that includes barbecue, burgers and hand-breaded chicken tenders. The restaurant will host events including live music and movie nights. 512-782-2592. www.thepatioaustin.com
1 A new Kohl’s department store locat- ed at 2101 Autumn Slate Drive, Pfluger- ville, held a grand opening Nov. 18. Kohl’s is a national retail chain that sells clothing, accessories, electronics, furniture, decor, and bed and bath products. The new store also features a location of beauty retailer Sephora. 512-813-1969. www.kohls.com
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HUTTO
Barnsco
Baked ‘n Sconed
COURTESY BARNSCO
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ANNIVERSARIES 5 Hutto’s Baked ‘n Sconed celebrated 10 years in business in November. Locat- ed at 143 Exchange Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto, the shop serves coffees, teas, baked goods and lunch dishes. 512-222-5200. www.bakednsconed.com EXPANSIONS 6 The Austin Regional Clinic located at 150 Exchange Blvd., Ste. 500, Hutto, be- gan offering internal medicine in November as part of its lineup of services. Clinic ser- vices also include family medicine, pediat- rics and Medicare wellness. 512-846-1244. www.austinregionalclinic.com
3333 CR 119, Ste. 130, Hutto, owner David Power said. The microbrewery will have an engineering theme. Once open, patrons will be able to enjoy a pint of selections brewed on premises, Power said. A website is coming soon. RELOCATIONS 4 Construction supply retailer Barnsco officially opened its new Hutto location at 600 Schneider Blvd., Ste. 100, on Nov. 1. Barnsco’s Hutto store was previously located at 50 Iron Horse Drive. Barnsco sells concrete construction supplies and offers equipment rental and repair. 512-354-4970. www.barnsco.com
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HUTTO COMING SOON
2 Central Texas-based eatery Jack Allen’s Kitchen will open a sit-down restaurant on the north end of Hutto’s Co-Op District. Matt Harris, project financial lead for The Co-Op, said the new restaurant will take about 18 months to build and does not yet have a specific opening date or address. www.jackallenskitchen.com 3 Microbrewery Power Brewing Project will open in late February or early March at
1 Fitness studio Hotworx will open a new location in January at 567 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 102, Hutto, according to franchise owner Tay Toliver. Hotworx will offer exercise programs that take place in an infrared sauna, where participants are guided through a virtual workout routine. www.hotworx.net
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
TO DO LIST
December & January events
DEC. 03
TAKE THE KIDS TO A HOLIDAY PFESTIVAL DOWNTOWN PFLUGERVILLE
The annual Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade will take place throughout downtown P ugerville and feature musical performances, opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, a kids area and a tree lighting at City Hall. 4-7 p.m. Free admission. Downtown P ugerville. 512-990-6100. www.p ugervilletx.gov (Courtesy city of P ugerville)
06 CATCH UP ON CITY NEWS Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan will lead a State of the City event at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. KVUE anchor and reporter Bryan Mays will discuss updates on the city with Morgan as part of the program, which includes lunch. Registration is required. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-5805. www.roundrockchamber.com 08 UNWIND WITH A DIY PROJECT The P ugerville Public Library’s Adult Craft Night program’s December event will see participants create framed pressed owers. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free (registration required). P ugerville Public Library, 1008 W. P uger St., P ugerville. 512-990-6375. www.library.p ugervilletx.gov 09 HAVE A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Hanovers Draught Haus, in partnership with Bloody Rose Boutique and The Darker Side of Austin, will host a Horror Punk Xmas event featuring performances from local horror punk groups Ole Creepy, The Immortalz and Rebel Flesh. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $5 admission. Hanovers Draught Haus, 108 E. Main St., P ugerville. 512-969-5027. www.hanoversaustin.com 09 MAKE THE HOLIDAYS INCLUSIVE The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department will host a winter- themed dance for individuals with disabilities featuring dress-up and dance contests and plenty of snacks. Registration is required. 6-8 p.m. Free (caregivers), $5 (participants). Rabb House, 151 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock. 512-218-5540. www.roundrockrecreation.com 10 CELEBRATE IN HISTORIC HUTTO The Hutto Downtown Christmas Fair will bring over 100 craft and food vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities and snow to the historic area.
DECEMBER 01 THROUGH 31
CHECK OUT MODEL TRAINS AT KALAHARI The Tinplate Trackers Model Train Show will expand from downtown Round Rock to Kalahari Resorts and Conventions for the 2022 holiday season. Wednesdays through Sundays in December, visitors to the Tom Foolery Events Center inside Kalahari can view a train display that includes a “Harry Potter” scene and a 1950s-style town. 2-7 p.m. Free. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, 3001 Kala- hari Blvd., Round Rock. 877-525-2427. www.austintinplatetrackers.com 01 THROUGH 24 VISIT WITH SANTA Bass Pro Shops will o er its annual Santa’s Wonderland programming, including free photos with Santa Claus and decorations in store. Each participant will receive a free 4-by-6- inch print of their photo with Santa. Reservations for photos can be made on the Bass Pro Shops website. Hours vary. Free. 200 Bass Pro Drive, Round Rock. 512-876-2700. www.basspro.com 03 JINGLE ON A TRAIL The Jingle Bell 5K run and walk will kick o at the Community Park Trail. Participants are invited to tie bells on their shoes to jingle along down the trail. 9 a.m. Free. Community Park Trail, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock. 512-255-7871. www.bcmud.org 03 SHARE IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District will hold a holiday festival and craft fair with live music, an opportunity to meet Santa and Rudolph, train rides and a petting zoo. The event will also support the Williamson County Sheri ’s O ce’s Brown Santa toy drive. Attendees can bring an unwrapped toy to the park’s large pavilion. Noon-3 p.m. Free admission. Brushy Creek Community Center and Park, 16318 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock. 512-255-7871. www.bcmud.org
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Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me
*All prices shown are list price
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DEC. 20
ENJOY A PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING CENTENNIAL PLAZA
2 bds
2 ba
1,418 sq ft
3 bds
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3109 Rufina Pass, Round Rock, TX 78665 Holly Mccormick | 512-699-5590
1605 Academy Pl, Round Rock, TX 78664 Jeff Sehon | 512-695-2919
Join Chabad of Round Rock for a public menorah lighting celebrating Chanukah, a holiday that lasts from Dec. 18-26. Attendees may participate in the construction of a six-foot-tall Lego menorah and enjoy holiday treats. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20 suggested donation. Centennial Plaza, 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock. 512-387-3171 www.jewishroundrock.com/chanukah (Courtesy Chabad of Round Rock)
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
Free admission. First United Methodist Church, 1004 N. Mays St., Round Rock. www.roundrockcommunitychoir.org 17 MAKE CHRISTMAS GIFTS Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will host woodworking classes throughout December to create one-of- a-kind gifts. On Dec. 17, the retailer will o er a workshop to create a Christmas tree-shaped snack dish or epoxy and wood cheese board. Registration is required. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. $90-$150. Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, 2701-A Parker Drive, Ste. 240, Round Rock. 512-813-7969. 17 SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS Hutto Market Days, held every third Saturday of the month, bring local artisans and vendors to historic downtown Hutto for a small town shopping experience. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Hutto, 200 East St., Hutto. 512-759-4015. https://tx-hutto2.civicplus.com JANUARY 01 START THE YEAR OFF Soul Strong Yoga will host a New Year’s Day retreat and light circle. Participants can look forward to yoga, meditation, a sound bath, a light circle and healthy snacks. 1-6 p.m. Prices vary. Soul Strong Yoga Sanctuary, 503 E. Main St., Round Rock. 512-686-7685. www.soulstrongyoga.com 01 TAKE A POLAR PLUNGE Slide into the new year with the Pfreeze P op at the Scott Mentzer Pool. Admission is free with the donation of a canned food item. Wetsuits, cotton T-shirts or any loose clothing that might catch on the slide are not allowed. Participants must be in line prior to 10 a.m. 9-10 a.m. Free. Scott Mentzer Pool, 901 Old Austin Hutto Road,
Participating businesses in the downtown area will o er Christmas Fair specials. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. East St., Hutto. 512-759-4015. www.tx-hutto2.civicplus.com 10 ENJOY A HEATED SWIM District’s Highland Horizon Pool will host an all-ages Candy Cane Swim event, including a themed obstacle course, photo opportunities with Rudolph, cookie decorating and open swimming in the heated pool. Noon-2 p.m. Free. Highland Horizon Pool, 416 Highland Horizon. 512-366-5736. www.bcmud.org 10 GO HOLIDAY SHOPPING Grace Presbyterian Church The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility will host a child- and pet-friendly outdoor vendor market. The event will feature a holiday food and toy donation drop-o . 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Grace Presbyterian Church, 1705 Gattis School Road, Round Rock. 512-255-9818. www.gracepresrr.org 10 VISIT A DRIVE THRU NATIVITY SCENE At Immanuel Lutheran Church in P ugerville’s annual drive-thru nativity, visitors can see live nativity scenes from the comfort of their cars. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Immanuel Lutheran Church, 500 Immanuel Road, P ugerville. 512-251-4494. www.ilcpville.org 11 ATTEND A LIVE NATIVITY The Round Rock Presbyterian Church will hold a live nativity presentation event accompanied by a petting zoo, Christmas activities and refreshments. 6-8 p.m. Free. Round Rock Presbyterian Church, 4010 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock. 512-244-2152. https://roundrockpresbyterian.org 17 HEAR THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON The Round Rock Community Choir, Round Rock Youth Choir and Council Oak Bells will put on an evening of family-friendly holiday music. 7 p.m.
realtyaustin.com/p/2945925
realtyaustin.com/p/5096745
$399,900
$415,000
3 bds
2 ba
1,609 sq ft
4 bds
2 ba
1,747 sq ft
3202 Onion Branch Cv, Round Rock, TX 78681 Chuck Jenner | 512-851-3131
2204 Sycamore Trl, Round Rock, TX 78664 Jackie Horton | 512-706-5951
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realtyaustin.com/p/5234160
realtyaustin.com/p/7625576
$500,000
$449,900
4 bds
2.5 ba 2,849 sq ft
3 bds
2 ba
1,675 sq ft
508 Pheasant Rdg, Round Rock, TX 78665 Robie Dodson | 512-565-4701
5015 Cleves St, Round Rock, TX 78681 Amy Edwards | 512-789-6522
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realtyaustin.com/p/4090259
realtyaustin.com/p/5037038
$800,000
$999,000
4 bds
3 ba
2,520 sq ft
4 bds
3.5 ba 3,673 sq ft
15804 Dink Pearson Ln, Austin, TX 78717 Ferree Rhodes | 512-826-1555
15209 Thatcher Dr, Austin, TX 78717 Michael Bindel | 503-926-2005
PENDING
SOLD
realtyaustin.com/p/7524598
realtyaustin.com/p/7414543
$999,000
$825,000
P ugerville. 512-990-6350. www.parks.p ugervilletx.gov
3 bds
2 ba
2,585 sq ft
5 bds
3 ba
3,451 sq ft
1702 Brushy Bend Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681 Betty England | 512-619-3040
15509 Prestancia Dr, Austin, TX 78717 Kevin McCord | 512-784-9644
Find more or submit area events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
Be confident and secure in selling your home. Visit RealtyAustin.com/Sell to look up your home’s value.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
GEORGETOWN
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45 TOLL
Increases on toll rates for portions of SH 130, MoPac, SH 45 N and SH 45 E will take e ect Jan. 1.
130 TOLL
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COURTESY TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Toll rates will increase 2.4% on Central Texas Turnpike The Texas Transportation Commission voted to increase toll rates for the Central Texas Turnpike System at a Nov. 16 meeting. The rate hike will begin Jan. 1. BY HANNAH NORTON by 8.3% in 2023, according to meeting documents. This increase was “unusually high,” said Tracey Johnson, the TxDOT Toll Operations Division director, at a Sept. 22 meeting.
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At that meeting, the commission voted to pause rate increases to review its toll rate escalation policy and examine other rate adjustment options, Johnson said. Toll rates typically increase annually unless paused by the commission. Earlier this year, rates for the Central Texas Turnpike increased by 5.3%.
The tolled portions of the Central Texas Turn- pike include SH 130, MoPac, SH 45 North and SH 45 Southeast. More information about the tolled highways can be found through the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation. Toll prices on these roads were set to increase
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
LUXURY LIVING
COMPILED BY BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Land added for improved access to single-family development Round Rock City Council
For 55+ Active Adults In Liberty Hill, Texas
Original property New property
housing units, a storage facility, and commercial sites to 31.72 acres in northeast Round Rock received rezoning and annexation approval. Planning and Development Depart- ment Director Brad Wiseman said that if constructed to the proposed maximum, the proposed project would be the largest mixed-use development in the city. City Council approved the pro- posal Nov. 3. The site will also have 2.73 acres of adjacent right of way on CR 118 annexed into the city limits. Called the University Marketplace, the large housing development is proposed to have a maximum building height of six stories, with proximity to property boundaries dictating how tall sections of the development can be. For example, the development cannot exceed two stories within 40 feet of the western property boundary, three stories within 80 feet and four stories within 100 feet of the boundary that will include a wall. approved the addition of 3.12 acres to an existing 5.19-acre planned unit development, or PUD, on Cade Lake Drive to improve access for detached single-family homes that will be built on the property. Officials also approved a service agreement and annexation for the property, bringing the parcel and the homes that will occupy it into city limits. The development is expected to bring a maximum of 65 detached single-family homes and will be served by private roads, according to city documents. Property owner RCG Cade Lake LLC requested the added land, ser- vice agreement and annexation for the site located southeast of the I-35 and SH 45 N interchange. The Round Rock Korean Presbyterian Church,
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PALO DURO LOOP
CADE LAKE DR.
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located at 2011 Cade Lake Drive, Round Rock, owns the additional 3.12 acres and will remain on 2.25 acres located outside of the PUD boundary.
Largest proposed mixed-use development in Round Rock gets zoning, annexation approval A property proposed to bring 1,550
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Parking for the multifamily hous- ing portion will be in a separate or attached parking structure, accord- ing to city documents. Plans also include the con- struction of a self-service storage unit facility, as well as parcels for commercial and gas station use. In May, the city approved a similar request for a planned unit development near Kenney Fort Boulevard that could bring up to 1,200 housing units to the area.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
HEALTH CARE Several area hospitals expanding to meet growing local need
BY CARSON GANONG
according to a press release. The St. David’s Round Rock expan- sion, which is expected to be com- plete sometime in 2023, comes as part of a larger $953 million investment in expanding St. David’s hospitals across Central Texas. Regarding expansions for BSW, on Oct. 4 the Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a resolution to issue $55 million in bond funds for an expansion of the BSW medical center at 2600 E. P ugerville Parkway in P ugerville and $200 million in bond funds to expand the BSW medical center at 300 University Blvd. in Round Rock. Gabe Martinez, senior public rela- tions consultant for BSW, said details are not yet available for the P uger- ville expansion, but the Round Rock expansion will add 165,000 square feet and include the construction of a 10-bed neonatal intensive care unit, 30 new labor and delivery rooms, and 30 new medical-surgical rooms. Even though Williamson County o cials approved the issuance of $255 million in bond funds for the expansions, Martinez said cost estimates are still not set. He added the Round Rock facility expansion will be complete in 2024. Barclay said hospital expansions, such as those at St. David’s and BSW, will remain crucial as area popula- tions continue to boom. “It de nitely makes me excited to know that many more people will be able to seek health care within our community,” he said.
A pair of large-scale medical center expansions at St. David’s HealthCare and Baylor Scott & White Health facilities in Round Rock are planned over the next two years. An expansion at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center will cost about $53.1 million and bring two additional oors to the center’s main hospital. St. David’s CEO Jeremy Barclay said the expansion will help St. David’s keep up with the increasing need for health care in Williamson County as Round Rock and nearby cities continue to grow. “Over the past couple years, we have certainly noticed an increase in demand for health care services, like we have with housing and everything else,” Barclay said. One of the new oors will house a 34-bed intermediate patient care unit, and the other will be a shell space for future expansion. The expansion will also create space for four new operating rooms in the hospital’s surgical suite that will be used for specialty services, such as neurosurgery and oncology. Barclay said the fourth oor will contain another 34 intermediate care beds when built out. “We added additional [intensive care unit] beds last year, so we were able to help with that demand, … and the biggest need we have now is for that middle level of care,” he said. St. David’s expects to hire approx- imately 60 employees over the next two years to ll the new space,
Ground broke on the $53.1 million St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center expansion Nov. 8.
COURTESY ST. DAVID’S MEDICAL CENTER
EXPANDING SERVICES Two major medical centers will grow in scope over the next two years in Round Rock.
St. David’s Round Rock expansion
WYOMING SPRINGS DR.
new operating rooms for specialty surgery 4
PARK VALLEY RD.
-bed intermediate
care unit 34
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additional oor reserved for future expansion 1
2400 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock Completion in 2023
Baylor Scott & White Round Rock expansion
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new labor and delivery
-bed neonatal intensive care 10
rooms 30
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new surgical suites new endoscopy suites
medical- surgical
300 University Blvd., Round Rock Completion in 2024
rooms 30
SOURCES: BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE HEALTH, ST. DAVID’S ROUND ROCK MEDICAL CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TECHNOLOGY Council approves Google Fiber Round Rock expansion
WIRELESS, MODEMS, & FIBER
Consumers in the U.S. have multiple options available to connect to the internet:
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
limits, such as in the city’s extrater- ritorial jurisdiction or in a municipal utility district, Cortez said access will depend on which entity owns the roads, and that Google Fiber is in talks with Williamson County to o er its services. Once in place, Round Rock resi- dents would have access to download speeds of 1 gigabit for $70 per month or 2 gigabits for $100 per month. Residents who are interested in receiving noti cation of Google Fiber availability in their area can sign up at www. ber.google.com with additional information available from the city of Round Rock’s website. Residents can expect news about availability to be forthcoming, although likely not as soon as they would like, Bennett said. “The chatter on social media has been everything from, ‘It’s coming tomorrow,’ to, ‘We’re going to sign up, and it’s not going to be here for ve years,’” Bennett said. “The reality is, it’s going to be somewhere in the middle.” Cortez said construction is expected to commence in late 2023, and some residents could be able to connect before others, depending on where they are located. Google Fiber has not shared details regarding which areas may be rst to connect to the network. “I would say we are going to try our hardest to under promise and over deliver,” Cortez said. “As we build parts of our networks, in segments, we will turn it on for that neighborhood and keep moving. It is entirely conceivable that we can move faster.”
“We build our network in segments,” Cortez said. “As we complete segments, residents who live in those areas will have access to service once we’re nished. So some Round Rock residents and small businesses will have access to service relatively quickly.” During the Oct. 27 meeting, Cortez said the network would likely begin operating in Round Rock’s southern section rst, because it will extend from North Austin and will coordi-
Google Fiber gained clearance to expand its network north of Austin following approval of a nonexclu- sive license agreement with the city of Round Rock. “This is a simple agreement with big impact,” Assistant City Manager Brooks Bennett said of the agreement during a packet brie ng. Approved at an Oct. 27 City Council meeting, the agreement allows the provider to construct
Cable modems Internet service providers use coaxial cables, the same cables that transmit picture and sound to a television set, to connect a modem to the internet. Wireless broadband These wireless connections can be mobile or xed, and typically require an antenna. Fiber-optic cable Similar to internet connections such as cable modems and wireless broadband, ber o ers a connection between a customer’s home and the provider’s facilities. Fiber o ers fast upload and download speeds.
its ber-optic cable network within city limits in exchange for a 1% fee. With the approval, Round Rock joins Austin and San Antonio as one of three cities in Texas included in the high-speed internet provider’s service area. “We enjoy being on the cutting edge of technology here in Round Rock, so we are excited
nate with the city’s street maintenance e orts. As for the location of the potential expansion, Cortez pointed to the area’s rapid growth and friendliness to business opportunities as well as the Google Fiber mission to bring access to all communities. “We believe that everyone in every community,
“THE CHATTER ON SOCIAL MEDIA HAS BEEN EVERYTHING FROM, ‘IT’S COMING TOMORROW,’ TO, ‘WE’RE GOING TO SIGN UP, AND IT’S NOT GOING TO BE HERE FOR FIVE YEARS,’ THE REALITY IS, IT’S GOING TO BE SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE.” BROOKS BENNETT, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER
SOURCE: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMMUNITY IMPACT
GOOGLE FIBER INSTALLATION
1 Google Fiber runs a line through a given area using a micro trenching approach along the edge of a curb. 2 The line will connect to a covering called a pedestal, similar to internet services, before entering into homes. 3 An installer will drill a hole through the home’s exterior wall to connect the pedestal to a ber jack that will distribute a signal throughout a home via the device network. Google Fiber crews will begin installing its network in Round Rock by placing the ber line through a process called micro trenching. Round Rock Assistant City Manager Brooks Bennett said connecting to the service is fairly simple for residents.
that Google Fiber has chosen our community for its next expansion,” Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said in a release. “We look forward to our residents and businesses having even more options for internet service.” John-Michael Cortez, Google’s government and community a airs manager, told Community Impact that it could take several years for a full build-out in a community the size of Round Rock.
whether they’re big, small, urban, suburban, rural, everywhere in between, deserves access to internet that’s fast, reliable, fairly priced and open,” Cortez said. “That’s why we were founded. As far as Round Rock is concerned, it’s long been a great place to do business and a fantastic place to call home.” Regarding concerns of whether the service would expand to Round Rock addresses located outside of the city
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK COMMUNITY IMPACT
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
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EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Round Rock ISD
COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG
NUMBER TO KNOW outcomes during RRISD meetings held in October, compared to 202 minutes spent discussing other topics 285 The number of minutes spent discussing student
Policies updated relating to books in libraries, classrooms
ROUND ROCK ISD The board of trustees approved two policies regarding instructional materials and library books during its Nov. 17 meeting. The two policies concern the process by which books for instructional use, such as for class reading assign- ments, and library books are selected and reviewed. Previous discussion of the policies from district sta and the Texas Association of School Boards took place in October and centered around the district’s existing informal process for reconsidering reading materials. RRISD Chief of Instruction Ryan Smith told the board of trustees that this existing method is most commonly used within the district when a parent or guardian nds a resource questionable. “At that point, the librarian agrees a majority of the time, and then that book is removed,” Smith said Oct. 20. “We haven’t had any books that had to have a formal process on the library side, at least as far back as any of us that are here currently can remember. Those have all been resolved in an informal process.” The new policies will have selected members of local regulatory groups examine an informal challenge of reading materials before advancing the process to a more formal challenge codi ed into district policy.
THE CHALLENGE PROCESS
QUOTE OF NOTE
If a parent or guardian wants to challenge the inclusion of an instructional or library resource within Round Rock ISD, the process will advance through the following steps: A complaint may be issued to a campus librarian. It then goes to a principal if it cannot be resolved. Informal challenge
HIGHLIGHTS ROUND ROCK ISD Trustees approved the use of capital funds for a replacement of McNeil High School’s roof during a Nov. 17 meeting. The contract was awarded to Advantage USAA Inc. for $2.17 million. ROUND ROCK ISD Trustees tabled an update to the district’s rank- in-class policy on Nov. 17 that would have expanded the number of courses counted toward the nal class rank of students. Board members cited a need for more discussion on the item given the number of courses in consideration for inclusion. Round Rock ISD board of trustees Meets Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock 512-464-5000 www.roundrockisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER "ON THE TEMPLATE I'M WORKING OFF OF, THEY TYPICALLY LOOK AT TWO HOUR MEETINGS OR LESS. I'M NOT SURE HOW REALISTIC THAT IS FOR THE KINDS AND TYPES OF BUSINESS THAT YOU HAVE TO CONDUCT." DAVID FALTYS, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY MONITOR ASSIGNED TO ROUND ROCK ISD, ON REDUCING TIME SPENT CONDUCTING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
A review committee at the campus level decides whether to pull the book from the library or classrooms. Unresolved complaints escalate to campus principal
The superintendent may invoke a districtwide review committee to consider the resource. Districtwide consideration invoked
An appeal to the decision resulting from Level II may be made to the school board. An appeal may be made
SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Virtual public comments no longer allowed at meetings per new policy
ADDRESSING THE BOARD
Public commenters will see some changes to the Round Rock ISD policy go into e ect at the next regular meeting of the board: • Public comment is limited to 2 minutes from the previous 3 minutes allowed. • Starting with the Dec. 13 meeting, speakers who cannot appear in person may only address the board through recorded voice messages . • Speakers for the Dec. 8 meeting may only address the board in person.
ROUND ROCK ISD The board of trustees will implement a new public comment policy that eliminates virtual options. O cials approved the change at a Nov. 17 meeting. The policy update limits the amount of time speakers have to address the board from three minutes to two and no longer allows virtual public comments. RRISD General Counsel Cindy Hill said the new policy will allow
commenters to leave phone messages.
“You can either show up here and speak in person or you can record on a phone, and we will play that back,” Hill said. For the Dec. 8 RRISD board meet- ing, Hill said speakers will only be able to address the board in person. Details on the new policy, including rules for public comments left via phone messages, are forthcoming.
SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • DECEMBER 2022
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