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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 3 NOV. 5 DEC. 6, 2025
2025 Volunteer Guide
Round Rock rising Downtown takes shape with zoning for taller buildings, new parks
INSIDE
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Gri th Building & paseo
Max 8 stories
Town Green
Max 4 stories
Max 8 stories
Also in this issue
Impacts Page 7 Check out a new Cuban restaurant open in Round Rock
Round Rock City Council recently approved zoning changes to expand and allow taller buildings in the downtown area.
Nonpro t
Page 19
Learn about places to donate your time and money
MATTHEW BROOKS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Meet a team of providers ready to get you back to doing what you love. We’re proud to welcome new physicians to Round Rock with expertise in everything from cardiology to gastroenterology. It’s even more care and support to help you feel better—and stay that way. Caring for you. And about you.
Now taking new patients. Schedule an appointment 512.509.0200
Ezinwanneamaka Ejiofor, MD Family Medicine
Lee Elam, MD Pediatrics
Benjamin Gough, DO Colorectal Surgery
Caitlin Marsh, DO Breast Surgery
Isadora Mathias, MD Cardiology
Kunal Shetty, MD Ear, Nose and Throat
BSWHealth.com
Physicians are employees of Scott & White Clinic, an affiliate of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2025 Baylor Scott & White Health. 99-ATX-1550514 DT
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Want to get involved? Scan to learn more!
Celebrating 75 years of service to children and families
deeply committed to strengthening families, restoring hope, and building brighter tomorrows for generations to come. Over the past seven decades, TBCH has provided safe homes, supportive care, and a renewed sense of purpose for children and families in crisis. Through partnerships with churches, volunteers, and donors, the ministry remains a beacon of compassion in Round Rock and beyond. Come see what TBCH is all about! Join us for a campus tour with David Gillian, Director of Development. Experience firsthand how we support our clients every day. Schedule your visit today! Call (512) 246-4286.
Texas Baptist Children’s Home hosted a Family Festival on Saturday, October 25, at 1101 N. Mays in Round Rock to celebrate 75 years of ministry and service. Families, alumni, staff, and neighbors gathered to honor the legacy of hope and healing that TBCH has built since its founding in 1950. Guests enjoyed an afternoon filled with music, games, food, and activities for all ages, along with moments of reflection honoring the countless lives touched through TBCH’s programs. The event celebrated the community while honoring TBCH’s legacy, established by founders Louis and Billie Sue Henna, and those who make its mission possible. As TBCH looks to the future, we remain
1101 N Mays St., Round Rock, TX 78664 | 512-255-3682 | www.tbch.org
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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact
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Impacts
Round Rock
• Opened Sept. 18 • 5701 Hwy. 79, Round Rock • www.quiktrip.com
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5 Storm’s End Reconstruction The company began offering services in the Round Rock area in August. Locally owned by Juan Quintero, the business provides reconstruction services for homes with fire, water or other types of significant damage. • Opened in August • 7 Applegate Circuit, Ste. 120, Round Rock • www.stormsend1.com 6 Panda Express A fourth location of the eatery is now open in Round Rock. The American-style Chinese restaurant serves chow mein, orange chicken, egg rolls and more. • Opened Oct. 17 • 105 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.pandaexpress.com 7 Island Riddim & BBQ Grill The restaurant is owned by local husband-and-wife duo Dianne and Wayne Anderson, who are from Jamaica. Wayne will be the chef at Island Riddim. Previously, the couple operated a Jamaican and Caribbean franchise restaurant called Golden Krust in New Jersey. When it opens, proceeds from Island Riddim Jerk & Grill will also help fund scholarships for students in Jamaica pursuing educational goals. • Opened Nov. 3 • 200 University Blvd., Ste. 350, Round Rock • www.islandriddimgrill.com
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• 1551 E. Old Settlers Bvld., Ste. 250, Round Rock • www.jetspizza.com
Now open
1 El Pollo Rico The Austin-based restaurant is now open in the building where Dazzle Coffee was previously located. El Pollo Rico offers charcoal-grilled chicken, including whole- and half-chicken plates, carne asada, caldo de pollo,
3 Nikala The Georgian restaurant is family owned and operated, offering authentic cuisine, including Ostri, a Halal beef stew, traditional soup dumplings and wines from the region. • Opened Oct. 7 • 1205 Round Rock Ave., Ste. 115, Round Rock • Facebook: Georgian Food in Austin 4 QuikTrip The convenience store and gas station sells a variety of grab-and-go food, such as hot dogs, taquitos, tacos, egg rolls, pastries and sandwiches. Customers can also find made-to-order foods, such as pizza, in addition to a variety of beverages.
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
flautas and more. • Opened Oct. 6 • 2651 Gattis School Road, Round Rock • www.pollosricos.com
8 Burlington Coat Factory Project information filed with TDLR show potential plans to retrofit the former Joann Crafts retail space for a Burlington Coat Factory. • Opening TBA • 201 University Oaks Blvd., Round Rock • www.burlington.com
2 Jet’s Pizza The pizza shop is a national chain that offers Detroit- and New York-style pies, fresh salads, wings, breads and desserts. • Opened Sept. 24
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BY GRANT CRAWFORD, KATLYNN FOX & BROOKE SJOBERG
Coming soon
Now open
Coming soon
minority owner of the Houston Astros, according to the league. • 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.milb.com/round-rock 15 Tony C’s Pizza & Beer Garden The restaurant celebrates its five-year anniversary, serving coal-fired New York-style pizzas, authentic Italian food, craft beer and wine. The business is locally owned and operated by Austin-based Tc4 & Co. Hospitality. • 3800 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 140, Round Rock • www.tonycsbeergarden.com 14 Grey Orchard The restaurant, owned by James Sun, will take over the former space of Denny’s on I-35 in Round Rock. Cole Fitzgerald, who earned a Michelin Guide mention in 2023, will lead the kitchen. Together, the pair opened Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar in Austin. The restaurant will have a bar-top seating in addition to the dining room, as well as space for private parties and events. • Opening winter 2025 • 2700 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.greyorchard.com
9 Q’Bola The restaurant serves authentic Cuban cuisine. The new eatery has both bar and table seating, and plans to have live music in the evenings. Q’Bola moved into the space previously occupied by Pacific Star Restaurant & Oyster Bar, which closed in May. • Opened Sept. 28 • 351 W. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • Instagram: qbolarestaurant
12 Happy Slice Restaurant owners Forrest Higdon and Jason Carrier collaborated to create a healthier pizza spot with more gluten-free offerings. The new pizza restaurant includes an updated interior space, as well as expanded seating in the back with a new patio deck and turf area, according to Carrier. • Opened in October • 9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin • www.happyslicepizza.com
at the border of Round Rock and Georgetown, rebranded to Mariella of Teravista in September. Mariella of Teravista offers hospitality-based memory care and assisted living. The facility is pet-friendly, and offers studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include a game room, library, movie theater, 24-hour staff, wellness center, salon and barber, religious space and more. • 4155 Teravista Club Drive, Round Rock • www.mariellaofteravista.com 13 The Round Rock Express The Round Rock-based Minor League Baseball team marked the completion of its 25th season with a final game on Sept. 21. The team was founded in 2000 by Ryan-Sanders Baseball, a partnership between Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and Don Sanders, a former
Expansions
10 Blue Diamond Boutique The boutique marked the opening of a second suite in October. The business offers a variety of clothing, accessories, artisanal perfumes, candles, home decor and specialty pet products. • Expanded Oct. 4 • 302 W. Main St., Round Rock • www.shopbluediamondboutique.com
In the news
11 Mariella of Teravista Volante of Round Rock, a senior living facility operating
Service Areas: Round Rock • Georgetown • Greater Austin
Storm’s end Reconstruction
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Before
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512-965-0612 | stormsend1.com
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Impacts P ugerville
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What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.
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3 McDonald’s Plans for a new McDonald’s in Pflugerville are in the works, according to a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with completion expected in November 2026. • Wells Branch Parkway and 10th Street, Pflugerville • www.mcdonalds.com
1 Card Gurus Comics & Collectibles The business specializes in trading cards, comics, games, action figures, memorabilia and other collectibles. Customers can buy, sell and trade items at Card Gurus, which is owned by Blake Perkins, Justin Johnson and Vo Nguyen. In addition to Card Guru’s merchandise, the shop also provides space for other vendors to operate out of. • Opened Oct. 25 • 2401 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • Facebook: Card Gurus Comics & Collectibles
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In the news
Coming soon
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4 Cowboy Fit The gym’s Pflugerville reached its five-year anniversary in October. The facility features a cycling room, basketball court, indoor pool, free-weight equipment and more. Members can also attend a variety of group fitness classes. • 1401 Town Center Drive, Pflugerville • www.cowboysfit.com
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2 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 a curriculum that integrates elements of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. The school also offers a full-day, dual- session option for ages 3 to 5. • Opening this fall • 1204 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Ste. 110, Pflugerville • www.ivybrookacademy.com/pflugerville
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EDUCATING SHARP MINDS TO SHAPE A BETTER WORLD Join us for our Discovery Weekend
AUSTIN, TEXAS
December 6–8, 2025 Scan to register or visit sstx.org
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BY GRANT CRAWFORD & MANUEL HOLGUIN JR
Closings
Now open
In the news
5 Billiard Factory The Pflugerville Billiard Factory store closed in October. The company offered game tables, including pool tables, foosball, and air hockey, as well as entertainment room furniture. The Austin location, along with other stores in various states and its online presence, remain operational. • Closed in October • 19116 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.billiardfactory.com Pflugerville, closed its doors at the end of October. Owner Justin Gibson said over the years the business helped thousands of customers quit smoking and eventually wean off vaping. Gibson also owns a second location inside of The Florence Marketplace in Florence. • Closed Oct. 31 • 2700 W. Pecan St., Ste. 305, Pflugerville • www.vintagevaportexas.com 6 Vintage Vapor The vape shop, which operated for 12 years in
7 Himalayan Flavor The restaurant serving Nepalese and Indian cuisine offers dishes such as butter chicken, tikka masala, curry, biryani, chow mein, fried rice, chicken and tandoori and more. For appetizers, customers will find chicken lollipops, vegetable pakora, chili wings and pani puri. The eatery also serves naan, rice pudding, mango ice cream and rasmalai. • Opened Aug. 18 • 1615 Grand Avenue Parkway, Ste. 208, Pflugerville • www.himalayanflavorpv.com
8 Rec’s Hushpuppie Heaven The restaurant celebrated its five-year anniversary since opening a brick-and-mortar location in Pflugerville. The eatery, owned by Kenneth Rector Jr., specializes in hushpuppies, which can be filled with macaroni and cheese, shrimp, jalapenos and bacon, and brisket on Wednesdays. • 200 E. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.recscatering.com
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512-551-9536 ESTIMATES.ICS@GMAIL.COM
WWW.ROUNDROCKORTHODONTICS.COM
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Impacts Hutto
location hasn’t been announced yet. Located next to SH 130 and Chris Kelley Boulevard, this Taco Bell will be the second one in Hutto. • Opening TBD
Now open
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1 Bogey Master Golf Simulator The indoor golf simulator and lounge area, owned by Justin Chitwood and Pete Sandoval, features golf bays that are available day or night, as the business is open 24/7. The golf bays are rentable by the hour, while the business also offers memberships. • Opened Oct. 14 2 Moxie Music Lessons Barrett Simms provides private music instruction, including piano, ukulele, guitar and drums lessons. The business also offers a free discovery session for people to explore music lessons for themselves or their children. • Opened Aug. 1 • 567 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 202, Hutto • www.moxiemusiclessons.com • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 131, Hutto • www.bogeymastergolf.com
• 2320 FM 685, Hutto • www.tacobell.com
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4 Mike n Karla’s Doggie Stylez Grooming The pet-grooming business recently relocated from Pecan Street in Pflugerville to a new space near downtown Hutto. Owned by Karla Holmes and Mike McCulley, the pair have over 50 years of pet-grooming experience. • Relocated in July • 201 West St., Hutto • www.facebook.com/mikenkarlasgroomig
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In the news
Hutto
5 Freebirds World Burrito The restaurant delayed its grande opening, which was scheduled for Oct. 16. Freebirds serves burritos, bowls and nachos. • Opening TBD • 126 Chris Kelley Blvd., Hutto • www.freebirds.com
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
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3 Taco Bell A new location of the fast-food restaurant is under construction in Hutto. An opening date of the new
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BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Now open
Now open
In the news
6 The Story Book Emporium & Book Shop The business, owned by Ash O’Rourke, is the city’s only book store. Along with curated book selections, the store plans to host a variety of events, writing workshops and support local creatives. It also features a coffee shop and wine and beer bar. • Opened Nov. 1 • 202 Hwy. 79, Hutto • www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.com
7 Trnd Setters Barbershop The barbershop is now offering hair cuts in Hutto, from fades and tapers to braids and custom styles. The shop also offers color enhancements, beard trims, hot towels and more. • Opened Sept. 1 • 567 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 205, Hutto
8 Happy Panini The business, which first opened out of a food truck in Hutto in October 2020, reached its five-year anniversary. Most recently, Happy Panini opened a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Hutto, offering a variety of hot-pressed sandwiches.
• 202 Farley St., Hutto • www.happypanini.com
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Government
BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST
Round Rock approves $1.6M repairs on drainage basins Round Rock City Council approved a $1.6 million contract with construction company Royal Vista in early October to rehabilitate two wastewater basins within the city. The gist With roughly half of the Round Rock located over the Edwards Aquifer, the city is required to evaluate its wastewater system inside of the aquifer’s recharge zone every five years. By eliminating defects within the recharge zone, Round Rock’s cost for wastewater treatment should decline, according to city documents. The inspections are required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Round Rock has five major drainage basins. The city recently conducted inspections on 14 sub-basins and determined repairs are needed in two of those basins. “We do that [inspection] work in house,” said Public Works Director Michael Thane. “We have camera Sports center expansion to open this month The $19 million expansion of the Round Rock Sports Center is nearly complete, with city officials preparing for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 17. The setup Chad McKenzie, Round Rock director of sports management and tourism, said crews were finish- ing final “punch list” items in late October, which include small touch-ups and equipment testing. One remaining component—a retractable bleacher system—is expected to be installed in December. City Council voted Oct. 16 to allocate $263,590 in 2023 bond funding to complete final improvements, including parking lot resurfacing, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and landscaping.
Basin 2
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trucks, we have staff that inspect the lines [and] we also inspect all the manholes. We have crews that will do some of the easier repairs that we can handle. Some of the bigger ones will go out to bid, so here we are on basins [one and two].” Work on the drainage basins is expected to conclude in August 2026. Round Rock approves new drone technology Round Rock City Council approved a contract at its Sept. 25 meeting to provide the police depart- ment with new drone technology to help relay information across the city. The gist The agreement with Unmanned Vehicle Tech- nologies will provide radar-based infrastructure to allow autonomous drone deployment, as well as software, pilot licenses, a drone and its ancillary equipment. Assistant Police Chief Willie Richards told council that the new technology provides “nodes,” or a radar system throughout the city that allows drones to launch, respond to calls and feed video information to police officers and communications personnel. The $692,799 contract will be split over five years. A majority of the contract will be paid for using $417,000 in state grand funding from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. This will cover the cost of the first two years of the drone program, while the city intends to seek additional grant funding.
PRIZES AND MORE!
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Transportation
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Upcoming projects
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1 Kenney Fort Boulevard Segments 5 & 6 Project: This segment will connect Old Settlers Boulevard to University Boulevard and will be a six-lane roadway with a median. Update: Under design with 60% completion of design • Timeline: Construction expected to begin in late 2026 or 2027 • Cost: $4.5 million for design • Funding sources: Sales tax revenue and municipal bonds 2 Gattis School Road Segment 6 Project: Reconstruct existing four-lane roadway to six lanes with median, intersection and pedestrian improvements from Via Sonoma Trail to Red Bud Lane Update: Design is complete and a construction contract is expected to be awarded in November • Timeline: Construction expected to begin in early 2026 and inish in spring 2028 • Cost: Estimated $20 million • Funding sources: Municipal bonds and sales tax revenue
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Ongoing projects
• Cost: $23.4 million • Funding sources: Sales tax revenue, municipal bonds, Williamson County Road Bond Program 5 Red Bud Lane North Project: Expand the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane road with an intersection Update: Construction is underway and approximately 10% complete. • Timeline: Completion expected in spring 2027 • Cost: $34.7 million • Funding sources: Developer contributions, sales tax revenue, municipal bonds 6 Wyoming Springs Segment 1 Project: Construction of a new four-lane roadway with shared use paths, extending from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Boulevard Update: Construction began in December 2024 and is
approximately 25% complete • Timeline: Completion expected in fall 2026 • Cost: $25.9 million • Funding source: Sales tax revenue 7 2025 Arterial Street Maintenance Program Project: Project provides preventative maintenance for city streets, curbs and driveways Update: Construction contract approved in October • Timeline: Expected completion in spring 2026 • Cost: $2.9 million • Funding sources: Sales tax revenue and municipal bonds
3 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 late 2025 • Timeline: Completion expected in 2026 • Cost: $33 million • Funding sources: Municipal bonds, sales tax, Texas Department of Transportation loan 4 Old Settlers Boulevard Extension Project: Old Settlers Boulevard will connect Red Bud Lane to CR 110, creating a new four-lane roadway with a center median and twin bridges over McNutt Creek. Update: Construction is underway and approximately 35% complete. • Timeline: Completion expected in spring 2026
PROJECT NO. 7 IS PART OF A CITY PROGRAM TO MAINTAIN MULTIPLE NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS, INCLUDING UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD, COUNTY ROAD 122, HOPPE TRAIL, CHISHOLM TRAIL ROAD, WOLLE LANE, CHISHOLM PARKWAY, NORTH MAYS STREET, CHISHOLM COVE, MAYS CROSSING, JARRETT WAY, MICHAEL ANGELO WAY AND WADLEY PLACE.
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When facing cancer, where you go rst matters
If you suspect cancer or have been recently diagnosed, choosing e University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center rst can make all the di erence. Our expertise combined with personalized, comprehensive assessments ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, from the start. At UT MD Anderson, we know cancer inside & out.
Visit MDAnderson.org to request an appointment.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
180443_GSDM-P00115735-CommunityImpact_105C.indd 1
10/23/25 9:31 AM
State
BY HANNAH NORTON
Texas to phase out STAAR and launch 3 new exams in 2027
Beginning in fall 2027, third- through 12th-grade students will take three shorter exams in lieu of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. The changes come after state lawmak- ers passed House Bill 8, a law phasing out the STAAR, in September. The overview Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R Salado, said in September that the new law will reduce test-related anxiety and help educators track student growth throughout the year. Critics of the plan, including most Democratic lawmakers and a few Republicans, said they were concerned it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and result in “another STAAR test.” In the 2027-28 school year, school districts will be required to administer a beginning-of-year assessment in late August or September, a mid- year assessment in January or February, and an end-of-year assessment in May.
What to expect The Texas Education Agency will develop the three new exams. Lawmakers said educators will be allowed to continue administering third-party assessments in the beginning and middle of each year with TEA approval. All districts will be required to implement the state-developed end- of-year exam to measure year-over-year growth. Students’ scores will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. Currently, most students take the STAAR in April and receive their results in June, per the TEA. Questions from the new state-owned exams will be reviewed by Texas teachers and piloted in schools ahead of the 2027-28 school year. The TEA is required to release a plan for the rollout of the new exams by February 2027, which Buckley said will allow lawmakers to provide feedback and make adjustments to the testing system before it takes e ect later that year.
“[HB 8] reforms our Texas assessment program ... creating greater transparency, oversight and, ultimately, predictability.” REP. BRAD BUCKLEY, R SALADO
"No parent has asked for this; no parent wants this. This bill was supposed to be [a] win for our public schools and for
our kids. This is no win." REP. GINA HINOJOSA, D AUSTIN
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
Bridge to connect Round Rock West, downtown Work continues on a new trail segment to con- nect Round Rock West with the downtown area, as the city recently placed a bridge over Lake Creek. The gist The 1-mile Lake Creek Trail will connect the east side of I-35 to the west side. It includes a
New lakeside pavilion nears completion The new two-story, open-air pavilion area at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock will open this November. The setup As part of the ongoing expansion at Old Settlers Park, the city built a new pavilion and permanent stage in the Lakeview area. The new pavilion triples the size of the former pavilion, which remains standing. The new space, designed to serve as a gathering place for concerts and other com- munity events, features modern restroom facilities and the city plans to build a new Joanne Land Playground. Funding for the project comes from a 2023 bond package in which voters approved $230 million in park improvements.
connection from Round Rock West Park, through a pedestrian underpass under I-35 and a bridge connecting to Centennial Plaza. The project was first approved in 2023, when City Council signed off on a $2.46 million con- struction contract using 2023 voter-approved bond funding. After facing delays due to a waterline issue, the project was back on track earlier this year. Council approved an additional $524,000 for the contract earlier this year, to address the delay and cost increases. The trail is expected to be fully complete by late 2025 or early 2026.
CENTENNIAL PLAZA
Round Rock
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Round Rock safety training facility to get upgrades Round Rock City Council approved a contract in late September for phase two of a project to enhance the Round Rock Public Safety Training Center. Overview skills pad and a backup generator. Chad McDowell, director of general services, said the new classroom space will allow simulta- neous training for both the fire department and police department.
McDowell said the project will cost close to $19 million. About $13 million will come from a 2023 general obligation bond while the city will look for other funding avenues to cover the remaining cost.
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The project will expand the main building and include a new classroom building, fire shed for training vehicles, a police shed for vehicles, a new
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1099 E. Main Street | Round Rock, TX 78664
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Nonprofit
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Volunteer guide
This list is not comprehensive.
Advocate for animals
Advocate for animals
PAWliska Rescue and Reunite The nonprofit dog rescue works to reunite missing dogs with their families as well as find homes for street dogs. • Sample activities: Volunteers may assist with adoption events and other rescue operations, including walking dogs. Those active on social media can volunteer to help increase its social media presence. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, Tractor Supply gift cards, H-E-B Heritage Ranch brand dog food • Phone: 512-577-5166 • Facebook: PAWliska Rescue and Reunite Pflugerville Animal Welfare Services The nonprofit works to protect the health and safety of pets and homeless animals in Pflugerville. • Sample activities: Volunteers can assist with walking dogs, playing with cats, cleaning and enriching animal enclosures, and more. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, pet supplies • Address: 1600 Waterbrook Drive, Pflugerville • Website: www.pflugervilletx.gov/city-government/ animal-welfare-services Simple Sparrow Care Farm This nonprofit organization provides therapeutic care to adoptees and those in foster care, as well as others in the community, through caring for animals. • Sample activities: Volunteers ages 15+ can clean cages, brush rabbits, weed gardens, water plants, feed chickens, clean homes and provide administrative assistance. • Donations accepted: Items can be purchased from an Amazon wishlist and monetary donations are welcome • Address: 1615 CR 207, Hutto, TX 78634 • Website: www.simplesparrow.farm
Jack Jack’s Pack Street Dog Rescue The organization rehabilitates and reunites or finds new homes for lost, dumped and abused dogs in Central Texas. • Sample activities: Volunteers can take dogs to the
vet, walk dogs, help clean up at adoption events or foster dogs. • Donations accepted: H-E-B Heritage Ranch brand dog food, dog beds, enrichment toys, bully sticks, martingale collars, monetary donations. • Phone: 512-470-9877 • Website: www.jackjackspack.org
meals by car. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, adult diapers, pet food, hygiene kits • Address: 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Ste. 2, Round Rock • Website: www.mealsonwheels-williamsonburnet.org AGE of Central Texas Austin Groups for the Elderly helps older adults and caregivers thrive as they navigate the realities and opportunities of aging. • Sample activities: Volunteers help provide care and assist in programs for those living with dementia and other memory-loss conditions. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, used medical equipment and gently used durable medical goods and products • Address: 475 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 120, Round Rock • Website: www.ageofcentraltx.org Drive a Senior ATX The nonprofit organization recently merged with Senior Access and Chariot to become one organization dedicated to providing seniors with transportation. Volunteers provide rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events and more. • Sample activities: Volunteers can help with simple home maintenance, yard work, technology assistance, and friendly visits and calls.
Contribute to the community
Hope Alliance The nonprofit provides a range of services and counseling for those affected by family and sexual violence. • Sample activities: Volunteers maintain shelters, answer crisis calls and assist with the organization’s programs. • Donations accepted: monetary donations • Address: 1011 Gattis School Road, Ste. 100, Round Rock • Website: www.hopealliancetx.org Giving Christmas Spirit The nonprofit provides Christmas trees, ornaments and lights to families who cannot afford them. • Sample activities: Volunteers help set up for events, pick up donated Christmas decorations and ornaments, and craft giving events. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations, and gift wrap • Website: https//givingchristmasspirit.org
Benefit seniors
United Way for Greater Austin The organization is a nonprofit aimed at advocating for the health, education and financial literacy of all residents in Austin. • Sample activities: Volunteer opportunities include corporate curated events to build supply kits, preparing meals and distributing diapers. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations • Address: 1111 N. I-35, Ste. 220, Round Rock • Website: www.unitedwayaustin.org Meals on Wheels-Round Rock The organization makes and delivers meals to homebound members of the Round Rock community, including those 60 years of age and older. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist in delivering
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• Donations accepted: monetary donations • Address: 2601 Exposition Blvd., Austin • Website: www.driveasenioratx.org
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ROUND ROCK EDITION
Nonprofit
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
RRISD Partners in Education Foundation Founded in 1985, the organization connects local communities and business organizations to education programs. It has been able to give back over $10.5 million in support of teachers, students and staff programs. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist in events like School Supply Drives and Back to School Celebrations, put together gift bags, and review scholarships and grant requests. • Donations accepted: Monetary, school supplies, hygiene items • Address: 595 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 404, Round Rock • Website: www.rrisdeducationfoundation.org The Sandbox at Madeline’s Place The organization works to provide a space to empower teenagers through education, offering recreational activities, mentorship, relationship-building opportunities and skills training. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist in fundraising opportunities, recreational activities and tutoring. • Donations accepted: monetary donations • Address: 10700 FM 1660, Hutto • Website: www.thesandboxatmadelinesplace.org
Seedling Foundation Seedling provides school-based mentoring for children impacted by parental incarceration in Austin ISD, Austin Achieve Public Schools (including Pflugerville campus), Del Valle ISD and Hays CISD. • Sample activities: Volunteers mentor a child in a local public school once per week. No prior experience or specific skills are required. Seedling provides advance training and ongoing match support. • Donations accepted: Donate monthly or online at seedlingmentors.org • Address: 8001 Centre Park Drive, Ste. 140, Austin • Phone: 512-323-6371 Texas Baptist Children’s Home The nonprofit organization provides housing to mothers and children, as well as support to young adults who are facing homelessness. TBCH also provides free counseling services to Williamson County residents. • Sample activities: Volunteers donate time through yard work, cleaning, organizing, providing items for holiday needs and helping with special events. • Donations accepted: monetary, food, clothing donations • Address: 101 N. Mays St., Round Rock • Website: www.tbch.org
• Website: www.backpackfriends.com
matches, in-kind donations • Address: 200 College St., Hutto • Website: www.HuttoEF.org
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Contribute to the community
Contribute to the community
CHASCO Family YMCA The organization offers child care, youth arts, cooking programs and youth sports. • Sample activities: Volunteers provide a variety of assistance in activities and programs geared toward building stronger families and communities. • Donations accepted: Not applicable • Address: 1810 N. I-35, Round Rock • Website: www.ymcactx.org/locations/round-rock Circle of Hope Community Center This nonprofit provides food donations and connection to community resources to those who need them. • Sample activities: Volunteers will help distribute and organize food donations. • Donations accepted: Food and monetary donations • Address: 2900 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • Website: https://www.circleofhopecc.org The Hutto Education Foundation Independent from Hutto ISD, the foundation provides funding, scholarships and resources to lift the district. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist at HEF events throughout the year, including its annual gala. • Donations accepted: monetary donations, donations to its Luminary Circle of Giving, employer donation
Hutto Family YMCA The organization offers fitness, child care, youth activity center and children’s gym, an indoor aquatic center, and a full-size gymnasium for basketball and volleyball. • Sample activities: Volunteers provide activities and programs geared toward building stronger families and communities. • Donations accepted: monetary, children’s books or toys and crafting supplies • Address: 200 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • Website: www.ymcactx.org/locations/hutto Pflugerville Education Foundation Independent from Pflugerville ISD, the foundation provides funding to help meet the needs of the local district’s academic plans and programs. • Sample activities: Volunteers can sign up to help with the foundation’s annual gala. • Donations accepted: monetary donations
Round Rock Area Serving Center The center serves families by providing financial assistance for necessities such as rent, utilities, prescriptions, temporary shelter and transportation. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist in picking up donations, restocking the pantry, sorting donations, aiding in social work, acting as cashiers and phone receptionists. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, clothing,
furniture, appliances and grocery bags • Address: 1099 E. Main St., Round Rock • Website: www.rrasc.org
Hutto Resource Center The center provides resources to improve people’s well-being, increase independence and financial self-sufficiency. The center has a community food pantry and partners with Austin Diaper Bank to provide free diapers to families. • Sample activities: Volunteer to help at the center, pick up food donations, provide donations or become a sponsor. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, non- perishable food and hygiene items • Address: 204 E. Live Oak St., Hutto • Website: www.huttoresourcecenter.org
Uplift local youth
Backpack Friends The nonprofit provides food for K-12 students on free and reduced meal programs. • Sample activities: Volunteers can participate in “packing parties,” and campus deliveries as well as help with fundraising events. • Donations accepted: monetary and some packaged food donations • Address: 700-C W. Pecan St., Pflugerville
• Address: P.O. Box 73, Pflugerville • Website: www.thepfoundation.org
ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681
GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696
PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070
From the cover
Round Rock rising
The setup
Zoning changes Round Rock’s zoning changes allow for more density and taller buildings in certain areas.
GEORGETOWN ST.
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ROUND ROCK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Downtown Round Rock could reach new heights after council approved taller buildings along major corridors such as I-35, Round Rock Avenue, and Mays and Georgetown streets. Changes to Round Rock’s zoning, approved in October, expand the downtown boundaries, increase the density allowed on Mays Street and Round Rock Avenue, and permit taller buildings. The taller building heights are allowed through a mixed-use designation, said Brad Dushkin, the city’s director of planning and development services. “We’re really trying to have a targeted, very thoughtful approach to where that added density is going to go,” Dushkin said. Taller building heights allow for developers to create greater density, he said, bringing more foot traffic to support existing and future customer- facing businesses. “A lot of [shops and restaurants] won’t open up here unless you sort of have a density of people that are living here and visiting more regularly,” Dushkin said. “We’re trying to look at that goal and use our knowledge of downtown and of planning to help make that happen.” The update comes as other projects to amenitize downtown are well underway.
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Downtown Round Rock Rezoning areas
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LAKE CREEK
ROBERT & HELEN GRIFFITH BUILDING
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FORMER PALM HOUSE LOCATION
TOWN GREEN
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1 Previous: single-family Updated: open space (no buildings) 2 Previous: max 2.5 stories Updated: max 4 stories 3 Previous: max 3 stories Updated: max 8 stories 4 Previous: max 12 stories Updated: max 12 stories 6 Previous: green space with water tower Updated: park with amenities 5 Previous: max 3 stories No change: max 8 stories
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9 Previous: max 2.5 stories Updated: max 3 stories 8 Previous: max 8 stories Updated: max 12 stories Updated: future home of Round Rock Chamber, Visitors Center and City Arts Center 7 Previous: library
10 Previous: max 2.5 stories No change: max 2.5 stories 11 Previous: max 2.5 stories No change: max 2.5 stories 13 Previous: max 2.5 stories No change: max 2.5 stories 12 Previous: max 2.5 stories Updated: max 3 stories
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT
The conditions
What’s happening?
The city’s 2030 comprehensive plan outlines a goal to revitalize the downtown area into a destina- tion that is pedestrian friendly. City Manager Brooks Bennett said the city has achieved several aspects of the plan, such as expanding parking and adding sidewalks. In a September hearing, Dushkin highlighted the city’s impact fee programs for water, wastewater and roadways, requiring developers to pay fees for more intense land use to help fund infrastructure. Downtown strategy Jan. 2023: New Round Rock Public Library and parking garage opens to public May 2023: Voters pass $230 million bond proposition for parks, recreation and sports facilities Sept. 2023: Council approves funds to convert Griffith Building to arts center, home of Chamber and construction of paseo Jan. 2024: The Palm House, adjacent to the Griffith Building, is relocated July 2025: Council approves funding for Town Green
Green fencing around the historic Round Rock water tower marks the city’s most recent project: Town Green. Spanning from Liberty Avenue to Main Street, the park is a “total overhaul” of a historic part of downtown Round Rock, Parks and Recreation Director Rick Atkins said. Designed to function as a central plaza or town square, the Town Green will bring a host of amenities to downtown, such as wooden deck seating, food truck parking and a renova- tion of the Johnson building to its historic state as a gas station, although in appearance only. The project is expected to be completed around April. Bennett said the Town Green represents a significant milestone in achieving goals outlined by the 2030 plan. “Over 10 years ago, that was identified as a great location for a town green—just a good spot in the middle of the community for people to gather, grab a doughnut, come meet a neighbor and hang out downtown,” Bennett said.
Town Green
• Amenities: wooden deck seating, synthetic and natural turf lawns, pedestrian plazas, food truck parking and renovation of the Johnson building, including restrooms, ADA improvements, signage and landscaping • Construction costs: $4.8 million • Expected completion: April 2026 The new central park project is located at the site of the historic Round Rock water tower and is planned to serve as a public gathering space.
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