Northwest Austin Edition | February 2026

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Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1 MARCH 4APRIL 1, 2026

2026 Camp Guide

Burnet Road revamp Construction begins on $64M safety and mobility improvements

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Burnet Road and West Anderson Lane is one of the intersections that will see improvements. Construction along the road will include upgraded trac signals and improved intersections, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, improved bus stops, and more.

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Impacts

Page 6

Check out new sushi restaurant Aburi Tora

Development

Page 15

Learn more about a new project near Q2 Stadium

Dining

Page 24

Find out more about Down South Texas BBQ

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Get Moving This Heart Health Month Getting outside and moving your body can support heart health and overall well-being. Our network of Shared Use Paths makes it easy for our commuters to stay active, no matter how you choose to move. Learn more at www.MobilityAuthority.com/Shared-Use-Paths

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About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.

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Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Taylor Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

Grace Dickens Editor gdickens@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

4 MaxStrength Fitness The franchised fitness studio offers one-on-one guided workouts focused on strength training in 20-minute sessions. • Opened Dec. 10 • 4300 N. Quinlan Park Road, Ste. 125, Austin • www.maxstrengthfitness.com 5 Pronto Pilates The Australian-founded Pilates studio has eight Pilates reformers and offers a variety of daily classes, including full body, low-impact workouts, strength and conditioning, stretching, and restoring and rebuilding mobility. • Opened Jan. 28 • 9722 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 125, Austin • www.prontopilates.com 6 Roya The restaurant serves a variety of Persian cuisine, features a curated dining experience option in which the chef picks out courses for guests, and has wine, craft cocktails and desserts. • Opened Feb. 11 • 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin • www.royaaustin.com 7 Soho Asian Fusion The restaurant serves a variety of Asian cuisine including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. • Opened Jan. 28 • 4300 N. Quinlan Park Road, Ste. 120, Austin • Instagram: @soho.asianfusionaustin 8 Spicy House The restaurant serves Sichuan cuisine such as dan dan noodles, konjac beer duck and chili oil pork dumplings, as well as other meat and seafood dishes, appetizers and tea drinks. • Opened in January • 11630 N. RM 620, Austin • www.spicyhouseaustin.com

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ROCK ROSE AVE.

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STEINER RANCH BLVD.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

GREAT HILLS TRL.

PALM WAY

12 13

2222

N. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

SHOAL CREEK BLVD.

features a mezze-style menu and prioritizes vegetables and seafood. • Opened Jan. 31

Now open

1 Bestlaser The business provides laser hair removal services to treat a range of body areas, and specializes in technology designed to safely treat all skin tones and hair types. • Opened Feb. 10 • 9503 Research Blvd., Ste. 530, Austin • www.bestlaserusa.site 2 Ēma The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant opened its first Texas location at Domain Northside. The restaurant

• 3120 Palm Way, Ste. 170, Austin • www.emarestaurants.com/austin

3 Frost Bank The branch features a drive-thru bank and offers services such as checking and savings accounts, personal financing, personal and commercial loans, trust services, treasury management, wealth advising, insurance, and investments. • Opened Jan. 27 • 11680A Research Blvd., Austin • www.frostbank.com

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Coming soon

Now open

9 Estela Mental Health and Reproductive Psychiatry

The center offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions, and offers help for patients during pregnancy, postpartum, fertility journeys and perimenopause. • Opening in March • 9390 Research Blvd., Ste. 2-200, Austin • www.estelamentalhealth.com 10 Slick City Action Park The indoor action park features multiple waterless slides, a zipline, arcade games, laser tag and a freestyle air court. • Opening TBD • 4501 W. Braker Lane, Austin • www.slickcity.com

14 Aburi Tora The restaurant is known for its “sushi concierge system” and specializes in flame-seared sushi and rectangular pressed sushi. The menu also features nigiri and sashimi rolls, traditional Japanese hot and cold tapas-style dishes, and sake. • Opened Feb. 7 • 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Ste. 8110, Austin • www.aburitoraus.com

15 Swig The shop serves dirty sodas with a variety of flavors, fruits and creams to add in, including seasonal drinks such as the Cupid’s Crush with Dr. Pepper, cherry, raspberry, strawberry puree and vanilla cream. • Opened Feb. 13 • 13492 US 183, Ste. 210, Austin • www.swig.com

Relocations

11 Austin Mindfulness Center The business relocated from 9501 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Stes. 201-202, Austin, to a new site down the street. The center provides counseling services for individuals, couples, teenagers and families. • Relocated in February • 9011 Mountain Ridge Drive, Ste. 250, Austin • www.austinmindfulness.org

Texas Wellness Collective in December, and offers mental health therapy, functional nutrition services and red-light therapy. • 9020 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Bldg. 2, Ste. 280, Austin • www.txwellnesscollective.com

Closings

16 Kung Fu Saloon The bar offered a range of cocktails, domestic and craft beers and was known for its specialty shots and vintage arcade games. Its other Austin location on Sixth Street

In the news

Worth the trip

remains open. • Closed Feb. 2 • 11501 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 140, Austin • www.kungfusaloon.com

12 SPS Pool Care The pool cleaning, maintenance and repair company announced Jan. 23 its acquisition of Pool Troopers. The now-combined company is on track to perform over two million weekly recurring pool services in 2026. • 9020 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.spspoolcare.com 13 Texas Wellness Collective The business rebranded from Nora Mental Health to

Scheel’s The store will be located in the 117-acre CedarView development and feature 75 specialty shops, a 65- foot indoor Ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and Ginna’s Café, which will serve soups and sandwiches. • Opening Aug. 29 • 750 E. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park • www.scheels.com

17 RAD Moves Dance The dance studio offers dance camps and ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap and tumble dance classes for toddlers, children and teenagers. • Closing April 1 • 12593 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin • www.radmoves.us

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON & SIENNA WIGHT

Austin surveillance guidelines passed Austin leaders adopted new policies for the city’s use of surveillance technologies in response to concerns about such systems, including a proposed parks security contract that was once again put on hold. The setup A $2 million contract for security trailers to be placed around parkland was up for City Council authorization both last summer and on Feb. 5, but was withdrawn from consider- ation both times after pushback. In response to public concerns—and previ- ous debates over privacy and data collection related to police license plate readers— council also passed a new civic surveillance technology use policy from Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela on Feb. 5.

Austin’s social service overhaul continues Funding for Austin’s social service programs is in line for further cuts, and the city is now evalu- ating how to both save and reduce portions of its tens of millions of dollars in annual spending. The setup Increased investments in social services like homelessness response, public health program- ming, violence interruption and resident assis- tance were proposed last year in the city’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Most added funding was stripped away in a budget rewrite after voters rejected a tax increase under Proposition Q. Further cuts are now on the horizon as Austin works toward what several officials have called a social services “reset.” The approach Dozens of social service contracts totaling

Social service funding More than $74 million is currently budgeted for social service programs in fiscal year 2025-26.

Violence prevention: $2.4M Workforce development: $2.7M Health equity, HIV services, community planning: $4.4M Basic needs: $5.8M Children and youth support: $9.2M Crisis response and behavioral health: $14.8M Homelessness: $34.9M

NOTE: TOTALS ARE ROUNDED SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

tens of millions of dollars are being reviewed to streamline or remove some programming with limited disruption. The multipart assessment already inventoried nearly 170 past contracts worth more than $200 million. In FY 2025-26 alone, more than $74 million is reserved for social services. Staff will share possible next steps in the spring ahead of final budget adoption in the summer.

$700M bond outlined; council weighs 2026 vote A $700 million bond package to fund mobility, watershed protection, parks and public facility projects has been recommended by city staff. The details Council voted to develop a new bond with cli-

2026 bond recommendation City staff proposed an initial $700 million projects list for a 2026 bond.

The initial outline released Jan. 21 doesn’t represent Austin’s final 2026 bond—if an election is even called this year. The task force will also weigh in with its own project proposals this spring before City Council makes a final decision in the summer. The new list cuts down last year’s $3.87 billion needs assessment from city departments. Given Austin’s current debt capacity, staff said a poten- tial 2026 bond should be capped at $700 million.

Fire/EMS: $29M Community facilities*: $58M Police: $62M Parks and Recreation: $140M Watershed Protection: $160M Transportation: $251M

mate-centered elements in 2024. City departments and the resident-led 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force have handled that work since then.

*ANIMAL SERVICES CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS, LIBRARY RENOVATION, FLEET PROPERTY ACQUISITION, NEW HOMELESS SHELTER SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

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Upcoming project

Ongoing project

Completed project

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SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

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1 Loop 360’s Lakewood Drive/ Spicewood Springs Road

2 Loop 360’s Courtyard Drive/RM 2222 Project: The project will remove traffic signals from main lanes, construct an underpass at Courtyard Drive, reconfigure RM 2222 to include a diverging diamond interchange and add shared-use paths. Update: TxDOT officials said excavation is ongoing for the west cliffs by the southbound lanes. • Timeline: estimated to begin construction mid-2026, completion TBD • Cost: $68.4 million • Funding source: TxDOT, city of Austin’s 2016 Mobility Bond

3 183 North Mobility Project Project: The project includes the construction of two express lanes and a fourth general-purpose lane in each direction on US 183. Update: The northbound express lanes and direct connector opened in January, per the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. • Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026 • Cost: $612 million • Funding source: federal funding, sale of toll revenue bonds

Project: The project will improve safety and mobility by removing traffic signals from the main lanes and constructing an overpass at Lakewood Drive and Spicewood Springs Road. Update: Construction is contingent on funding, per Texas Department of Transportation officials. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding source: TBD

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Burnet Road revamp From the cover

Breaking it down

The overview

According to TPW, Segment C2 is slated to cost $12 million, with construction lasting from February 2026 to July 2027. Key improvements will include traffic signal upgrades at the White Horse Trail, Justin Lane/Pegram Avenue, Northcross Drive/St. Joseph Boulevard and Anderson Lane intersections. C3 is slated to cost $29 million, with construction lasting from June 2026 to December 2028. Key improvements will include intersection and traffic signal improvements at Bright Verde Way, Braker Lane, Kramer Lane, Esperanza Crossing, Solaris Street, Palm Way, Gault Lane and Gracy Farms Lane. C4 is slated to cost $23 million, with construction lasting from March 2026 to October 2027. Key improvements will include intersection and traffic signal improvements at Research Boulevard, Waterford Center Boulevard, Longhorn Boulevard and Rutland Drive.

Efforts to redevelop Burnet Road with $64 million worth of various safety and mobility improvements kicked off in February, marking a major milestone for the corridor project. The project is slated to reach completion in three segments between mid-2027 and late 2028, bringing upgraded traffic signals, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, bus stop improvements, and more. The segment from Koenig Lane to White Horse Trail was completed three years ago and has shown a reduction in crashes in the area following construction, according to city of Austin data. Austin’s 2016 Mobility Bond allocated $482 million toward corridor improvements across the city, with Burnet Road being one of the nine corridors identified. City officials had a rough concept of what improvements to make on Burnet prior to the passage of this bond as the roadway is notably missing proper drainage infrastructure, sidewalks and bike facilities, said Anna Martin, assistant director of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works department. “Burnet Road has been experiencing a lot of growth and redevelopment over the past decade or so,” Martin said. “Especially north of [US] 183, it very much feels like an old highway. … Knowing the kind of development that was happening, this was put in the queue for mobility improvements. So it’s really taking what is an old state highway and bringing it up to urban standards.”

MOPAC

183

GRACY FARMS LN.

C3: Bright Verde Way to MoPac Timeline: June 2026- Dec. 2028

BRIGHT VERDE WAY

C2: White Horse Trail to US 183 Timeline: Feb. 2026- July 2027 C4: US 183 to Bright Verde Way Timeline: March 2026- Oct. 2027

Burnet Road improvements Each segment is expected to see other safety and mobility improvements, including:

WHITE HORSE TRL.

8-foot-wide shared-use paths

Koenig Lane to White Horse Trail Timeline: July 2022- May 2023

Accessible bus stops and other safety improvements

Landscape enhancements

Drainage improvements

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Driveway reconstruction

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Something to note

The local impact

Koenig Lane to White Horse Trail crash data “Before” data was collected between July 2017 to June 2022, and “after” between May 2023 to January 2026. Rates are annualized, or adjusted to reflect a rate based on a full year. Before construction After construction Total crashes 10.6 6.2 Minor injury crashes 3.4 1.09 Pedestrian crashes 1 0

Dozens of businesses line Burnet Road, and some owners have voiced concerns with the city’s com- munication about the project, including Cinthya Romriell of Cinful Sweets along C4, and Tom Rosen of Rosen’s Bagel Co. along C3. While both owners said they support the project’s intent, Romriell said communication has not been informative. “Thoughtful [construction] mitigation strategies could go a long way in ensuring that my small business is not intentionally left behind during the process,” Romriell said. “The reality right now makes it so any non-car-based transportation … is dangerous. … I think most business owners will be in favor of [the project], but we would love to … have a little bit more proactive communication.” TOM ROSEN, OWNER OF ROSEN’S BAGEL CO.

Improvements between Koenig Lane and White Horse Trail were completed in 2023 as part of the mobility program. Work included bus stop improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new turn lanes, shared-use paths and improved crossings. According to Martin, the area has seen a 42% decrease in crashes post-construction compared to pre-construction data collected between 2017-22. The city of Austin has also saved $1.7 million in comprehensive crash costs, calculated by combining economic and quality of life costs. Annualized data shows that crashes along this segment cost $2.5 million between July 2017 and June 2022. As of January 2026, crashes have only cost $764,796 since construction was completed in May 2023. “I think that’s a good visual of maybe what we can expect for the rest of the corridor,” Martin said.

Serious injury crashes 0.4 0

Bicycle crashes 0.2 0.4

SOURCE: AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead

improvements along Burnet and Braker Lane ahead of Q2 Stadium opening in 2021. “I do expect that the corridor will function better for drivers overall, but a really key piece of this is also there’s a lot more foot traffic in the area with Q2 and The Domain and the J. J. Pickle Research Campus,” Martin said. “Having those complete sidewalk and bike networks is really just going to open up ways for people to move around.”

“We regularly hear that there is strong community interest in improving safety and mobility along Burnet Road,” Siegel said. “Many residents expressed support for the project because they want safer streets, better pedestrian and bicycle access, and more connectivity.” Some parts of the project have even been fast- tracked and completed ahead of schedule to facilitate mobility and safety, such as pedestrian

Martin said the city has recently been working with businesses along Burnet that could be impacted by driveway reconstruction or the new sidewalks and bike lanes, and said all business access will be maintained throughout construction. District 7 council member Mike Siegel also said that the project is in line with the broader vision for the district.

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Health care

BY GRACE DICKENS & BEN THOMPSON

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Council approves rezoning for residential project near Q2 Stadium

UT Medical Center shifts from downtown to Northwest Austin

What they’re saying

The rezoning applicants stated in the documents that this rezoning is consistent with the North Burnet/Gateway, or NBG, plan and other urban planning and design best practices. “It appears the existing zoning capacity established in the NBG Master and Regulating Plans was not permissive enough to allow the subject property and others like it to respond to market forces,” the applicants said. “These forces are the primary drivers for implementing the NBG plan through the creation of a transit-supportive, higher-density mix of development.” The rezoning is just one piece of the NBG plan, which city officials say is poised to help make the corridor become Austin’s “second downtown.” Previous zoning and land use amendments have allowed developers to propose taller and denser mixed-use projects within the gateway zone.

Officials confirmed Feb. 18 that the University of Texas Medical Center will be located in Northwest Austin rather than at the former Erwin Center site downtown. “As our two institutions continued to work collaboratively over the last year, it became apparent that the proposed Erwin Center location would not be as conducive to the fully integrated, patient-centered approach that was being envi- sioned, and there would be limits to future growth on that,” UT Board of Regents chairman Kevin Eltife said at a Feb. 18 board meeting. The new site, anchored by Dell Medical School, will be located west of the J.J. Pickle Research Campus on university-owned land in Northwest Austin, although a specific site was not confirmed. Of the several university-owned plots of land in the area, one holds The Shops at Arbor Walk, while another has part of the Braker Lane Crossing shopping center.

The medical center still plans to open in 2030, despite the new location, and will still be in partnership with MD Anderson. There are currently no plans for the Erwin Center site, Eltife said. Diving in deeper The UT Medical Center was first announced in summer 2023 as a “monumental” addition to downtown’s medical district, and a major new piece of UT Austin’s academic health system. The project, then estimated at $2.5 billion, was envisioned as a pair of medical towers housing an MD Anderson clinical and research cancer center and a UT Austin specialty hospital. Following the Erwin Center’s recent demolition, groundbreaking for the UT Medical Center on the old arena property at 1701 Red River St., Austin, was expected in 2026 ahead of a 2030 opening.

UT-owned land

Braker Lane Crossing shopping center

A large residential mixed-use project could be in the works within the North Burnet/ Gateway zone following Austin City Council’s approval of a rezoning request Jan. 22. The request rezoned nearly 7 acres of land near Q2 Stadium from warehouse mixed-use to commercial mixed-use. Per agenda documents, the 6.76-acre site currently operates under warehousing, manufacturing and general office uses, and includes the site of Austin Warehouse & Distribution. The site’s new zoning would allow for the development of a residential project up to 420 feet. Other uses could include destination retail, large-scale civic uses, office space and entertainment complexes.

MCKALLA STATION

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Q2 STADIUM

BRIGHT VERDE WAY

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J.J. Pickle Research Campus

STONELAKE BLVD.

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Community

Camp Guide

2026

Apex Sports Camp (Steiner Ranch) Type: day, outdoors Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-5 Cost: $325 • Bella Mar Community Center, 12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin • www.apexkidscamp.com ART + Academy Type: arts Ages: 5-17 Dates: weekly June 29-Aug. 14, half-day Monday-Friday Cost: $365 weekly • 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 108-B, Austin • www.artclassesaustin.com Art Camps at Cordovan Art School Type: arts Ages: 5-16 Dates: May 26-Aug. 14 Cost: beginning at $299 weekly, half- and full-day

options, extended care available • 8108 Mesa Drive, Ste. B-102, Austin • www.cordovanartschool.com

Austin area

Anderson Mill Limited District Type: day Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 Cost: $250 weekly (Anderson Mill Limited District residents), $300 weekly (nonresidents) • 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin • www.amld.org Apex Adventure Camp (Steiner Ranch) Type: day, outdoors Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 1-5 Cost: $325 • Bella Mar Community Center, 12401 Bella Mar Trail, Austin • www.apexkidscamp.com

ATX Ballers Type: day, sports Grades: pre-K4-9 Dates: weekly June-August Cost: $175 (half day), $230 (full day) • Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Drive, Austin • www.atxballers.com Austin Parks and Recreation summer camps Type: arts, day, sports Ages: 5-15 Dates: June 8-Aug. 12 Cost: Varies • Various locations citywide • www.austintexas.gov/department/summer-camps-0

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Art Amore Type: arts, day Ages: 5-17 Dates: June 8-Aug. 2 Cost: $450-$695 weekly • 6507 Jester Blvd., Ste. 107, Austin • www.artamoreaustin.com

Austin Ninjas Type: sports Ages: 5-12 Dates: May 26-Aug. 14 Cost: $250 weekly (half day), $400 weekly (full day) • 200 Buttercup Creek Blvd., Ste. 107A, Cedar Park • www.austinninjas.com

Club Pup Kids and Dogs Type: day Ages: 9-16 Dates: June 1-July 31 Cost: $520 weekly

• 13291 Pond Springs Road, Austin • www.heartsandpaws.com/club-pup

Badgerdog Creative Writing Camp Type: arts Ages: 7-18 Dates: two-and three-week summer camps run June 1-July 29 Cost: $250-$595 • Multiple locations across Austin and Round Rock • www.austinlibrary.org/badgerdog Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp Type: sports Ages: 7-16 Dates: June 1-Aug. 6 Cost: $280-$299 per four-day session • Multiple locations throughout the Austin metro • www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com

Camp Gan Israel Type: day Ages: 18 months-12 Dates: June 29- Aug. 7 Cost: $399 (weekly), $2,239 (full summer) • 3500 Hyridge Drive, Austin • www.cgiaustin.org Country Home Learning Center Type: day Ages: 5-13 Dates: June 1-Aug. 14 Cost: $416 weekly • 13120 US 183, Austin • www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

DC Riding by Camp Doublecreek Type: day, equine Ages: 7-14 Dates: weekly June 1-July 31 Cost: $550 weekly • 7815 Spicewood Spring Road, Austin • www.campdoublecreek.com/horseback

Dive World Austin Seal Team Type: day, scuba Ages: 8-11 Dates: five sessions from June-August Cost: $560 (four-day camps for ages 8-11); $695 (five- day camps for ages 8-11) • 12129 N. RM 620, Ste. 430, Austin • www.diveworldaustin.com CONTINUED ON 18

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FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER: VISIT AUSTINFILMFESTIVAL.COM/SFC OR CALL 512-478-4795

• Leadership Through Service • Essential Parent Involvement

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Community

Jump! Gymnastics Type: arts, sports Ages: 3-10 Dates: June 1-Aug. 14 Cost: $355-$545 weekly • 2117 W. Anderson Lane, Austin; 10910 Domain Drive, Ste. 112, Austin • www.jumpgymnastics.com/campjump

Mad Science Camps Type: academic Ages: 5-12 years old Dates: May 26-Aug. 14 Cost: $240-$390 per session • Various locations across Austin • https://austin.madscience.org

CONTINUED FROM 17

Dive World Austin Teen Scuba Camp Type: day, scuba Ages: 12-18 Dates: four sessions in June-July Cost: $795 weekly • 12129 N. RM 620, Ste. 430, Austin • www.diveworldaustin.com

My Coding Place Type: academics, day, STEM Ages: 7-16 Dates: May 25-Aug. 14 Cost: $299-$598 (cost varies by length of camp) • 3616 Far West Blvd., Ste. 109, Austin; 1314 Exposition Blvd., Austin • www.mycodingplace.com Neuron Garage Type: academics, day, STEAM Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 1-July 31 Cost: $425-$455 weekly, $95 extra per week for

Kid’s College Type: day Grades: pre-K4-8

Fantastic Magic Camp Type: day Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 1-Aug. 14 Cost: $95 (per day); $450 (weekly)

Dates: June 1-5, 8-12 Cost: $150 per session • 9400 Neenah Drive, Austin • www.holyfamilycs.org

• 13609 N. I-35, Austin • www.magiccamp.com

kidsActing Studio Type: arts, theater Ages: 5-16 years old

Greater Austin YMCA Theme Camps Type: day Ages: 4-14, depending on camp Dates: May 28-Aug. 5 Cost: $295 per child weekly; financial assistance available. • Various locations across Austin • www.austinymca.org/camp/summer-day

Dates: May 25-Aug. 14 Cost: $425 per session • Balance Dance Studios, 4544 S. Lamar, Austin • www.kidsactingstudio.com

extended hours until 5:30 p.m. • 300 E. Huntland Drive, Austin • www.neurongarage.com

CONTINUED ON 21

“Where every camper leaves knowing someone believes in them!”

Spring Break Summer Horseback Riding REGISTER NOW!

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BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, GRACE DICKENS & DACIA GARCIA

Austin

Dancer’s Workshop Type: dance, performing arts Ages: 3-9 Dates: June 8-Aug. 7 (weekly sessions)

Girlstart Summer Camp Type: academic, day, STEM Grades: 4-8 Dates: June 1-July 31, weekly Cost: $450 per session • 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.girlstart.org

idea Lab Kids Type: STEM Ages: 5-13 Dates: May 25-Aug. 7 Cost: $415 weekly • 13642 Research Blvd., Austin • www.idealabkids.com/location/austin

Cost: $280 (member)/$290 (nonmember) for half- day camps; $420 (member)/$430 (nonmember) for full-day camps

• 11150 Research Blvd., Ste. 107, Austin • www.dancersworkshopaustin.com

Designed for kids ages 4*-12 (*select camps are for 4-6 year olds) Hands-on science discovery

Wide range of STEM concepts Entertaining educational

Spring Break & Summer Camps located all over town including Northwest Austin & More!

WORKSHOPS AFTER-SCHOOL

CAMPS

SPECIAL EVENTS

PARTIES Call Today 512-892-1143 Austin.MadScience.org

home Guide Coming Soon! Community Impact’s Promote your business:

Scan, call 512.989.1000 or email ads@communityimpact.com

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• Lessons for Kids 4 Months to 12 Years Old • Trained & Lifeguard-Certified Instructors • Shiver-Free, 90-Degree Pool • Free Make-Up Lessons

Give your child a skill that lasts a lifetime! SCAN HERE!

Northwest Hills | 737.232.4996 8038 Mesa Drive | Austin, TX 78731

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Community

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, GRACE DICKENS & DACIA GARCIA

CONTINUED FROM 19

Austin

School of Design and Creative Technologies at UT Type: art, STEM, technology Grades: 8-12 Dates: varies by camp Cost: $700-$800, varies by camp • Address varies by camp, locations on University of Texas campus • www.designcreativetech.utexas.edu

Summer Wonders Type: arts, education Grades: 1-5 Dates: June 8-July 24 Cost: $430 weekly

• 5206 Balcones Drive, Austin • www.summerwonders.com

Switch Willo Stables Type: day, outdoors Ages: 5-12 Dates: multiple camp weeks between May 25-Aug. 7 Cost: $575 weekly

KidStrong Camp Type: arts, academics, day, sports Ages: 4-9 and fully potty trained Dates: June 1-Aug. 14 weekly

Cost: $300 • 13776 N. US 183 frontage road, Ste. 107, Austin • https://northaustin.kidstrong.com

• 4829 Switch Willo, Austin • www.switchwillostable.com

Tri Star Farm Type: horsemanship, sports Ages: 7-13 Dates: June 1-July 9, weekly Monday-Thursday Cost: $475 • 6648 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin • www.tristarfarm.com

UTeach Outreach at UT Austin Type: day, education Grades: 3-12 Dates: June 1-July 31 Cost: $649-$2,700 weekly • 103 W. 24th St., Austin • www.outreach.uteach.utexas.edu

Young Rembrandts Drawing Workshops Type: arts Ages: 6-12 for most camps Dates: June 1-Aug. 7 Cost: $190-$315 weekly • Various locations in Austin • www.youngrembrandts.com/austinwest

Triumphant Love Lutheran Church Camps Type: day Ages: 1-8 (half-day camp); 4-12 (full-day camp) Dates: June 8-July 23 (half-day camp); July 6-July 17 (full-day camp) Cost: $290 (half-day camp); $250 weekly (full-day camp); $195 weekly (early bird registration until April 15, full-day camp) • 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin • www.tllc.org/camp

Waterloo Swimming Type: half-day, sports, swim

Zach Theater Type: arts

Ages: 5-11 (Swim Safety Camp), 9-14 (Swim Fitness Camp, Water Polo Camp, Sharks and Mermaids Camp) Dates: June 1-July 31 Cost: $220 weekly, half-days Monday-Thursday • 12332 N. RM 620, Bldg. C, Austin; 3200 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.waterlooswimming.com

Ages: 3.5-17 years old Dates: June 1-Aug. 14 Cost: $290-$485, scholarships available • 1510 Toomey Road, Austin; 14010 US 183, Ste. 540, Cedar Park • www.zachtheatre.org/education/camps-classes This list is not comprehensive.

HEARTS AND PAWS

Club Pup Summer Camp

An Interactive kids with dogs camp for ages 9-16. Camp includes training, behavior, tricks, agility, and so much more!

Bring your own dog or we can supply one!

13291 Pond Springs · Austin, Texas 78729

512-249-7255

heartsandpaws.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

Home sales were up in the Northwest Austin area in January compared to the previous year, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

January 2025

January 2026

-40%

+20%

+100%

-70.59%

+125%

+133.33%

45 TOLL

78726

78727

78729

78730

78732

78750

78758

78759

78729

MOPAC

620

78750

183

78727

Median home sales price

78726

78759

LAKE TRAVIS

January

2025

2026

2222

78758

$786,408 $520,500 $363,000 $675,980 $910,000 $690,000 $460,000 $619,500

$781,000 $445,000 $470,000 $1,070,000 $650,000 $494,000 $377,500 $741,500

78726 78727 78729 78730 78732 78750 78758 78759

360

78730

78732

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 WWW.ABOR.COM

Northwest Austin

Average days on market

January 2025

January 2026

-3.08%

-3.17%

+27.66%

-2.78%

+86.84%

+117.65%

+97.56%

-11.84%

January

2025

2026

135

124

New listings

Closed sales

78726

78727

78729

78730

78732

78750

78758

78759

Homes under contract

84 109

Homes sold by price point in January

Median home sale price

78726 78727 78729 78730 78732 78750 78758 78759

$485K $470K

- -

4 1

- -

4 6

$900,000+

3 2

$700,000-$899,999

Price per square foot

$291

$266

- -

6 1 9 2 6 4

$500,000-$699,999

Average days on market

- -

7 12

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

Dining

BY DACIA GARCIA

The food truck has a range of sides available including macaroni and cheese, barbecue beans and more.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

Grandma Joyce’s Texas Trinity features one pound of brisket, ribs and hot links with two sides for $35 .

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

Down South Texas BBQ brings cookout vibe to Austin Owner and self-proclaimed pitmaestro Rico Smith started sharing his barbecue skills with the com- munity while he was working at Texas Roadhouse. Throughout the 2014 summertime, Smith crafted his meals in his apartment complex and his brother made deliveries. In 2017, Smith ocially left the restaurant pork, smoked turkey and hot links. Growing up with a Jamaican and Alabama back- ground, Smith said it was important for him to bring some of his family’s culture to the truck. One of the truck’s unique items is its smoked oxtails, which take 16 hours to cook.

Owner and pitmaestro Rico Smith rst started the barbecue business in 2014.

COURTESY DOWN SOUTH TEXAS BBQ

The sides, which are mostly made by Smith’s brother, include collard greens, macaroni and cheese, barbecue beans, potato salad and corn on the cob. The atmosphere Smith said he wants to transport customers to the neighborhood cookouts he grew up in through the space he creates at the food truck. On Saturdays, community members can enjoy free beer and play pool in the food truck lot. “You can come up, talk to a stranger and it’s like you’ve known them for your whole life,” Smith said. “And when you have food involved, you’re even happier.” Looking forward Smith said he’s currently enjoying his operation in North Austin and hopes to continue taking care of the community with his cuisine. “As long as we expand, the bills are paid and we’re taking care of the community, the community takes care of us—that’s what it’s all about,” Smith said. “Not everybody’s meant to grow to a brick and mor- tar. ... So we’ll see where God decides to take us.”

business and put his money together to buy the food truck that houses Down South Texas BBQ on Howard Lane today. “People would tell me, ‘Hey, it’s really good. You should open up a place,’” Smith said. “I’d never listen to what they would say. I loved my job where I was. Eventually over time it does start getting to you and that’s when I took a leap of faith.” On the menu Taking a look at the eatery’s menu, the item names pay homage to special people on Smith’s barbecue journey. One of these people is his mother, Mama Y, who taught Smith how to make sides. “My best memories were when she used to be here with us,” Smith said. “She would always get rib tips here and collard greens. ... When you’re at a mom and pop’s place and you see somebody’s mom actually in the food truck or in the kitchen or working side by side with their son, it’s a whole dierent feeling.” Diners can order meats by the pound, plates, sammiches, tacos, nachos and Southern sides. Available meats include brisket, spare ribs, pulled

Tanisha’s Lovely Brisket Nachos are topped with onions, cilantro, jalapenos and homemade green salsa, $18 .

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

1716 W. Howard Lane, Austin www.dstxbbq.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

20% OFF entire menu (excludes alcohol) Dine-in or carry out only. Not valid on Happy Hour Menu or any other discounts. Cash & Credit card payment only. Must present this coupon. Exp 3/31/26 NNW

SALES ★ REPAIR ★ INSTALLATION

• Automatic Gates • Telephone Call Boxes • Video Security • Ornamental Iron

• Steel Railing • Mobile Welding • Vehicle IDTags • Replacement Remotes

Open Sundays

NOW OPEN SUNDAYS

SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE! Residential & Commercial (512) 296-2671 www.austinestategate.com anthony@austinestategate.com Buy ONE remote, get ONEFREE! One coupon per residence ($50 value)

Lunch specials are also available

13435 Research Blvd suite 301, Austin, TX 78750 (Located next to Gold’s Gym) www.midorisushiaustin.com | 512-257-1411 Call us for pickup orders or order Delivery

Shoal Creek Nursery has all your springtime planting and landscape needs from colorful annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees to elegant pottery, soil amendments, gardening tools, bulbs and seeds Joy of Spring

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Proud to øe Local Proud to øe Local

Austin's Commercial Cleaning Service

BREAKFAST SERVED 9 - 11 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 9 - 1 SATURDAY MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE WITH BREAKFAST PLATE PURCHASE BREAKFAST SERVED 9 - 11 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 9 - 1 SATURDAY MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE WITH BREAKFAST PLATE PURCHASE BREAKFAST SERVED 9 - 11 TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 9 - 1 SATURDAY MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE WITH BREAKFAST PLATE PURCHASE

CHECK HERE FOR HOURS & MENU CHECK HERE FOR HOURS & MENU CHECK HERE FOR HOURS & MENU

3300 W. Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 • (512) 420-2222 Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX 3300 W. Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 • (512) 420-2222 Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX

austexfence.com

(512) 503-3060

Upgrade Once. Enjoy Forever. Move from wood to TimberTech ® decking for a longer-lasting outdoor space with less upkeep.

best moisture protection Friendlier to bare feet

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Convert your deck to Timbertech decking with AusTex Fence & Deck.

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MADE FRESH. MADE DAILY. MADE FOR YOU.

Taste the adventure. Build your perfect bowl with fresh ingredients, bold house-made patented sauces, and endless combos.

25% OFF Your entire purchase order.

Limit 1 coupon per transaction. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 4/30/26 Discount Code: FBC25OFF KIDS EAT FREE! Limit one kids meal per adult entrée. Limit 1 coupon per transaction. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 4/30/26. Discount Code: FBCKIDS

SCAN TO SEE OUR MENU Takeout & Delivery Available Online

183

9828 Great Hill Trail #100, Austin, TX 78759 512-795-8998

GREAT HILLS TRL.

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