Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | August 2024

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Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 12 AUG. 9SEPT. 10, 2024

Driverless semis take on Texas

INSIDE

The truck's technology uses sensors, cameras and mapping software to adapt to road conditions, according to Kodiak Robotics.

One of the self-driving truck companies, Kodiak Robotics, is already carrying freight on SH 130 running through Pugerville and Hutto.

COURTESY KODIAK ROBOTICS

Also in this issue

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Impacts: New indoor pickleball facility opens in Pugerville (Page 8)

Dining: Sushi Zoa oers unique dining experience in Hutto (Page 27)

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Preservation During National Water Quality Month

Here are some things you can do to help maintain water quality in the region: • Dispose of medications, paint, oil, antifreeze, trash, and other chemicals properly. • Clean up after your pets. • Maintain water and wastewater lines at your home. • Use fertilizers without phosphorous.

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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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Reporters Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Parks Kugle Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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CHAMBER CONNECTION Register your business for the 2024 Pflugerville Pfamily Expo Submit your booth application on the chamber website now; space is limited! SAVE THE DATE: Sat., Oct. 26 at Typhoon Texas

Aug. 13 Monthly Chamber Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Spare Time Texas 1724 FM 685 Speaker: Tx. Assoc. of Business Executive Director Stephanie Hale Matthews $25 Members, $35 Future Members

Aug. 30 Morning Edition 8-9 a.m. Location TBD Hosted by Pflugerville ISD & the Pflugerville Education Foundation Free • Open to the public Sept. 5 Business After Hours 5-7 p.m. Hawaii Fluid Art 1513 Stone Hill Drive Free • Open to the public

Join us! Events Calendar

Aug. 16 Time with the Mayor 8-9 a.m. Pflugerville Chamber 101 S. 3rd St. Free • Open to the public

Aug. 20 Small Business Initiative, Topic: Human Resources 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Pflugerville Chamber 101 S. 3rd St. Speaker: Renae Mitchell Free • Open to the public • Includes lunch

101 South 3rd Street | Pflugerville, Texas 78660 | 512.251.7799 | info@pfchamber.com

PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

• Opened July 1 • 4000 Sunrise Road, Round Rock • www.thehilltopacademy.com

Round Rock

4 Play Street Museum Camron and Kaitlyn Adams own and operate the local franchise, which features outdoor adventure-themed activities for kids 8 and younger. Parents can reserve play sessions and host parties or events for their kids to enjoy a range of immersive exhibits. • Opened June 22 • 3021 S. I-35, Ste. 210, Round Rock • www.roundrock.playstreetmuseum.com 5 Prime Market The combination gas station, grocery market and taqueria opened its doors in Round Rock in early July. The newly rebuilt gas station is located at the corner of Logan and Mays streets, formerly home to a Shell gas station. • Opened July 2 • 801 S. Mays St., Round Rock • Facebook: Prime Market at Mays St & Logan St 6 TorresBee Brazilian Cafe & Restaurant The Brazilian cafe and restaurant held a soft opening in Round Rock in early July. The restaurant offers cuisine like coxinha, a fried soft dough with pulled chicken and Brazilian cream cheese, and classic Portuguese pizzas. The restaurant also serves desserts like carrot cake with brigadeiro topping and churros. • Opened July 15 • 1901 Town Centre Drive, Ste. 150, Round Rock • Facebook: TorresBee

ROCKIN J RD.

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Round Rock

J. Crew Factory and Converse stores. The business sells a wide variety of men’s and women’s footwear. Customers will also find outerwear, bags and accessories, such as wallets, hats, sunglasses and more. • Opened July 3 • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.colehaan.com 3 The Hilltop Academy Locally owned by Ryan Hill, the daycare offers extended hours for flexible scheduling and age-based curriculum. For children ages 6 weeks old through 5 years old, the academy offers infant care, toddler care, preschool education and kindergarten programs. Programs available include STEAM education, language immersion for Spanish and Mandarin, yoga and mindfulness, arts and music, and garden and nature learning.

Now open

Coming soon

1 BK Tacos The taco truck opened in Round Rock in June, offering a variety of breakfast tacos, protein bowls, pancakes and waffles. • Opened in June • 3566 Rockin J Road, Round Rock • www.bktacosatx.com/menu 2 Cole Haan The luxury shoe and accessory retailer opened in the Round Rock Premium Outlets, located between the

7 Scooter’s Coffee The drive-thru coffee shop chain is expected to open three new locations in Leander, Round Rock and Austin this fall. Leander residents Mitch and Lori Linder will own the three new franchise locations and said they hope to eventually open 12 Scooter’s Coffee shops in the greater North Austin area, Mitch Linder said. The couple opened their first location in Leander in October. • Late October (Round Rock)

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• 1601 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.scooterscoffee.com

Now open

Closings

Layne’s Chicken Fingers The College Station-based chicken restaurant is planning to open 15 locations around the Austin metro over the next several years, according to a representative for the company. Other details, such as exact addresses or expected open dates for the restaurants, are not yet available.

• Opening TBD • Locations TBD • www.layneschickenfingers.com

Relocations

11 Chick-fil-A Locally owned by Carlos Gindi, Chick-fil-A Great Oaks is the franchise’s fourth location in the city. The fast-food chain serves chicken sandwiches, nuggets, wraps and chicken strips. The breakfast menu includes chicken biscuits, burritos and scramble bowls, and for dessert patrons will find milkshakes, brownies and cookies. • Opened July 11 • 113 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock • www.chick-fil-a.com

13 Smokey Mo’s BBQ On June 24, the barbecue restaurant closed its Avery Ranch location at 10621 W. Parmer Lane, Austin, consolidating the restaurant location to 17280 N. RM 620, Ste. 100, Round Rock, which opened in October. Smokey Mo’s has eight other locations in northern Austin suburbs, including Cedar Park, Round Rock, Jollyville, Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown and Hutto. • Closed June 24 • 10621 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.smokeymosbbq.com

8 Carlot Solutions The auto shop completed a relocation from 321 Iron Horse Drive, Bldg. C, Hutto, to a new location in Round Rock in May, owner John Marnell said. The locally owned car shop offers collision and dent repair as well as auto body painting. Marnell said the relocation was required after his Hutto location was damaged in a tornado in 2022. • Relocated in May • 3742 CR 123, Ste. No. 3, Round Rock • www.carlot-solutions.com

In the news

retailer sells discounted, refurbished Dell computers and computer accessories. The Austin-based business is

Closings

9 Chuy’s Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s is set to be acquired by Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, the company announced in July. The Darden brand owns over 1,900 restaurants worldwide, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Bahama Breeze, among others. Chuy’s was founded in Austin in 1982 and has grown to feature 101 restaurants in 15 states, according a news release. • 2320 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.chuys.com 10 Discount Electronics Discount Electronics marked 15 years of operation in July. The store first opened its doors July 7, 2009. The

owned by Rick Culleton. • 1001 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.discountelectronics.com

14 Dazzle Coffee & Smoothies The Round Rock location of the coffee stand permanently closed in July. Co-owner Corey

Wertenberger said the original location at 100 N. Second St., Pflugerville, which Wertenberger and his partner, Mike Scheschuk, have operated since 2006, will remain open. • Closed July 9 • 2651 Gattis School Road, Round Rock • www.dazzlecoffee.com

12 Cordovan Art School The Round Rock location of Cordovan Art School celebrated 15 years of operation in May. Artist John Howell first opened the art school in 2009 in the same facility where it still operates today. • 3810 Gattis School Road, Ste. 108, Round Rock • www.cordovanartschool.com

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

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1 Pickleland The indoor facility provides pickleball players a place to beat the heat or avoid inclement weather. Pickleland features nine climate-controlled and fenced-in courts with professional sports lighting. The facility offers both day play and memberships. • Opened Aug. 5 • 21427 Martin Lane, Pflugerville • www.pickleland.com 2 Living Spaces Cafe A cafe is now open to the public inside of the Living Spaces furniture store. The cafe serves entrees, snacks, beer, wine, coffee and soft drinks. The two-story restaurant attached to the furniture store includes an outside balcony, elevator, restrooms and a private

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banquet room. • Opened July 5 • 19024 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.livingspaces.com

BALATON BLVD.

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3 AB Fadez The new Pflugerville barber shop recently held a soft

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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opening. The shop, owned by Anfernee Friar, offers men's and children’s haircuts. The business plans to have a formal grand opening at a later date. • Opened July 20 • 20205 FM 685, Ste. 175, Pflugerville • 361-676-2536

Now open

Coming soon

Hannah’s Home Call Grooming A new home-call groomer will open for appointments this August. Customers must provide a space that has water and an outlet. The business offers appointments on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Opening Aug. 17 • 325-423-4655

5 PepsiCo The multinational food and beverage company recently opened a new warehouse in Pflugerville. The 153,000-square-foot facility employs about 300 people and is expected to grow its workforce. • Opened July 16 • 3300 Elmore Lane, Pflugerville • www.pepsico.com

6 Morning Ritual The coffee shop is situated inside of The Goat—a two-story restaurant and bar. The coffee shop serves specialty lattes, biscuits and breakfast, coffee flights and more, according to Morning Ritual’s menu. The Goat and Morning Ritual are owned and operated by Lifestyle Communities Pflugerville, an apartment home community. • Opened June 20 • 18612 Pfluger Farm Lane, Pflugerville • www.lcgoat.com/locations/pflugerville

Closings

4 Rio Grande Tex-Mex The restaurant, which offered enchiladas, tacos, fajitas and other Tex-Mex dishes, recently closed in Pflugerville. • Closed June 21 • 15821 Central Commerce Drive, Pflugerville

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Impacts

Hutto

3 Jersey Mike’s Subs The New Jersey-based chain serves made-to-order hot and cold subs, including cheese steak, Italian, tuna, BLT, veggie and club sandwiches. Customers can order chips and a drink to go with their sub as well as fresh- baked cookies and brownies. The company also offers

Now open

1 Skyline Dermatology Board-certified dermatologist Johnny Zhao provides medical, surgical and cosmetic care to all ages. The business offers treatments for a variety of conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer. Other services also include cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, chemical peels and microneedling. • Opened July 1 • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.skylinedermtx.com 2 CrossFit GBC The gym, owned by Mickey Krone, will provide training for people of all ages and fitness levels. The business will offer a variety of packages members can choose from, giving them the option to visit two, three or five

catering services. • Opened Aug. 7 • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 200, Hutto • www.jerseymikes.com

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4 Chuy’s Construction began July 1 on the new Chuy’s planned for the Townwest Commons development center in Hutto, NewQuest Properties announced. The Mexican restaurant, to encompass over 5,400 square feet, will offer a menu of burritos, tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. The eatery is expected in early 2025. The Texas restaurant chain Chuy’s started in 1982 in an abandoned barbecue restaurant in Austin. The chain has since grown with more than 100 locations in 16 states. Locations can be found in Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park. • 250 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.chuys.com

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times per week. • Opened Aug. 1 • 520 CR 108, Ste. 22, Hutto • www.crossfitgbc.com

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CHRIS KELLEY BLVD.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Now open

Coming soon

Relocations

5 Teapioca Lounge The business offers a variety of boba teas, coffee and lemonades. The franchise also sells smoothies, slushies and other frozen treats. • Opened July 1 • 571 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. C100, Hutto • www.teapiocalounge.com

6 Mario Esfiha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu The jiu jitsu studio, which has one location in Austin, offers classes for both adults and kids. Classes include instruction on judo, self defense, takedowns and Muay Thai. • Opening in August • 409 W. Front St., Ste. 230, Hutto • www.huttobjj.com

7 All Around Barber School The barber school, owned by John Aldaya, recently moved from its former location in Pflugerville to accommodate more students at its new space in Hutto. The school offers both day and night classes for aspiring barbers and hair stylists. • Relocated in mid-March • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 9, Hutto • www.instagram.com/allaroundbarberschool

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

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Government

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Pugerville’s landmark water tank to get lighting A project to decorate Pugerville’s water tank with LED light xtures was set into motion after receiving approval from City Council on July 9. Zooming in Pugerville Public Utility Director Brandon Pritch- ett presented the available options from electrical company SA Smart Solutions to the council, which included a base bid and four alternatives. “This is a landmark site for the city, and we want to make sure we have all options on the table,” Pritchett said. City Council approved adding 10 color-changing LED lights around the bowl of the tank and four lights on the support rail, which can be remotely controlled. The lights, each at 50 watts, are expected to last 15 years, SA Smart Solutions Managing Partner Andrew Berteaux said.

City of Hutto to expand trail network The city of Hutto will implement a plan to create a citywide trail network after a trails master plan was passed by City Council on July 18. Zooming in Landscape architecture rm Clark Condon has been working on the plan since it was approved in the scal year 2023-24 budget. The company surveyed Hutto residents, who ranked expanding the trail system as a top priority. The plan includes 35 projects and 27 miles of new trails that will ll in the gaps of the current trail network, totaling an estimated $38.87 million. The plan also identies possible funding strategies such as existing park and recreation city bonds and matching grant opportunities.

A project to decorate Pugerville’s water tank with LED light xtures received approval from City Council July 9.

COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE

What residents should know Although no formal meeting to collect commu- nity input was held, Pritchett said city sta went door-to-door to collect residents’ opinions and received mixed feedback. “It depends on what everyone wants in their backyard, but the intent is to not be so intrusive,” he said. The contract to purchase and install the lights will cost $358,457, paid through hotel occupancy tax funds.

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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

Education

What is a charter school? Charter schools are different than both private and traditional public schools. In Texas, charter schools are public schools open to any student, and these schools may not charge tuition, according to the Texas Education Agency. Private and Charter School Guide 2024 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: fine arts, theater, health and wellness Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 14406 Summit Drive, Austin • www.chaparralstaracademy.com

Stepping Stone School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: concentrated learning centers, chess, ASL, martial arts, dance, gymnastics Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: Varies by age and schedule • 2301 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd.; 651 Teravista Parkway;

E3 Christian School Grades served: K-8 Type: religion-based

7601 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.steppingstoneschool.com

Round Rock

Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 7 Tuition: call for information • 14400 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville • www.e3.academy Endeavor Montessori Grades served: pre-k-3 Type: Montessori Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide

Challenger School - Avery Ranch Grades served: pre-k-8 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: varies by campus Enrollment: 450 Tuition: varies by grade level • 15101 Avery Ranch Blvd., Austin • www.challengerschool.com Challenger School - Round Rock Grades served: pre-k-1 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: varies by campus Enrollment: 120

St. Richard’s Episcopal School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: religion-based Religious orientation: Episcopal Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $700 per month • 1420 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.strichardspreschool.org

Pflugerville

Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: call for information • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Bldg. 2, Pflugerville • www.endeavormontessori.com Harmony Science Academy Pflugerville Grades served: K-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: athletics Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 121 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.hsapflugerville.harmonytx.org

Austin Achieve Elementary and Middle School Grades served: K-8 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 1900 Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville • www.austinachieve.org/elementary-school- pflugerville

Tuition: varies by grade level • 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock • www.challengerschool.com

ESTEAM Academy Grades served: pre-k-12 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: enrichment clubs Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $1,200 per month for five-day program

BASIS Pflugerville Grades served: 6-10 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: visual arts, theater and music Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 1217 E. 10th St., Pflugerville • www.enrollbasistx.com/pflugerville BASIS Pflugerville Primary Grades served: K-5 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: engineering and technology,

Marimont Montessori Preschool Grades served: pre-k-K Type: Montessori Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: chess Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $1,000-$1,200 per month • 801 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.marimontmontessoripreschool.net IDEA Public Schools - Pflugerville Grades served: K-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none

• 12A Lake Drive, Round Rock • www.esteamacademyrr.com

Kids ‘R’ Kids Grades served: infant-5 Type: private Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: did not provide • 1455 Red Bud Lane; 4341 Teravista Drive, Round Rock • www.kidsrkids.com Type: religion-based, College preparatory Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: athletics, fine arts, speech and debate, student organizations and clubs Enrollment: 705 Tuition: $8,950-$11,500 • 800 Westwood Drive, Round Rock • www.rrca-tx.org Round Rock Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-12

visual arts, theater and music Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 1217 E. 10th St., Pflugerville • www.enrollbasistx.com/pflugerville

Extracurricular activities: basketball, baseball, cross country, cheerleading, flag football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field, among others Enrollment: 1,361 Tuition: free

• 1901 Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville • www.ideapublicschools.org/our-schools/ idea-pflugerville

Chaparral Star Academy Grades served: K-12 Type: charter

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BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Round Rock

Pflugerville

IDEA Public Schools - Round Rock Tech Grades served: K-12 Type: charter, STEM Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: volleyball, basketball, flag football, soccer, track, numerous clubs Enrollment: 1,400 Tuition: free • 3301 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock • https://ideapublicschools.org/our-schools/ idea-round-rock-tech

Meridian World School Grades served: K-12 Type: charter, International Baccalaureate Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: around 40 student-led organizations in grades 6-12; sports for grades 7-12; band, orchestra, theatre, Model UN, student council Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 2555 N. I-35 Round Rock • www.mwschool.org

Crosslife Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-4 Type: religion-based Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: 95 Tuition: $700-$1,099 • 4109 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.crosslifepf.academy

Pflugerville Montessori School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: Montessori Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: did not provide

Enrollment: 120 Tuition: free • 616 FM 685, Ste. 204-B, Pflugerville • www.premierpflugerville.com Stonehill Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-8 Type: religion-based

Hutto

The Fellowship Christian Academy Grades served: K-6 Type: religion-based Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: chess club, coding club and soccer club Enrollment: 100

Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: call for information

• 2500 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.pflugervillemontessori.com

Religious orientation: Seventh-day Adventist Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $6,945 per year (pre-k, kindergarten), $5,730 per year (grades 1-8) • 4301 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.stonehill.school

Tuition: $7,700 per year • 6655 Hwy. 79, Hutto • www.fellowshipacademy.org

Premier High School Grades served: 9-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: N/A

This list is not comprehensive.

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Real estate

Fewer homes were sold in June 2024 compared to June 2023 in the Hutto and Pflugerville area. Residential market data

June 2023

June 2024

Homes sold

Average days on the market

-23.4%

-13.9%

-29.3%

78634

130 TOLL

78634

78660

78634

78660

Median home sales price

45 TOLL

June

2023

2024

78660

$382,995

$390,250

78634

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

$417,981

$412,000

78660

Homes sold by price point in June

Pflugerville | Hutto

78634

78660

June

2023

2024

$900,000+

315

273

New listings

$700,000-$899,999

248 189

Closed sales

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Homes under contract

218 162

<$299,999

Months of inventory

2.3

Median home price in June

Hutto $390,250

Round Rock $437,420

Travis County $525,000

Price per square foot

$210 $206

Pflugerville $412,000

Austin MSA $450,000

Williamson County $434,000

535

595

Active listings

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Transportation

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, HALEY MCLEOD & GRACIE WARHURST

Phase 2 of Kelly Lane halfway complete Construction on Phase 2 of the project to widen Kelly Lane in Pflugerville is roughly half- way complete, according to a city of Pflugerville announcement. The details The improvement project on Kelly Lane includes widening the previous two-lane roadway to four lanes and adding a roundabout on Vilamoura Street. Beams for the bridge leading up to the Vil- amoura roundabout have been delivered and installed, marking the project 48% complete. To finish out the phase, six beams will need to be delivered and installed for westbound lanes of Kelly Lane. Once the beams are installed, the contractor will continue constructing the westbound lanes from Vilamoura to just east of Moorlynch. Phase 2 construction is expected to be com- pleted in early 2025. This phase of the project is funded through 2018 voter-approved general obligation bonds. The initial proposed cost of the project came to $17.38 million, but was negoti- ated down to $14.9 million, according to previous reporting. As part of Phase 1, Kelly Lane was already widened west of Falcon Pointe Boulevard. Looking ahead Phase 3 of Kelly Lane construction will extend improvements from Moorlynch Avenue to Weiss Lane. The intersection at Kelly Lane and Cele Road as well as the intersection at Weiss Lane

Limmer Loop, FM 1660 project to wrap A project to widen the intersection at FM 1660 and Limmer Loop in Hutto is projected to be complete in late September. Overview The city of Hutto’s capital improvement project will add dedicated left- and right- turn lanes in each direction at the intersec- tion. At a cost of $7.8 million, the roadwork is meant to improve safety for the current and projected traffic in the area. The city is also planning to build addi- tional sidewalk construction adjacent to the roadway, meant to improve safe pedestrian access in the area. What else The city originally began construction on the project in September 2023. Inclement weather delayed the project in June, before Oncor completed the relocation of utilities in mid-July.

Phase 2 Kelly Lane improvements Expected to be complete in early 2025.

45 TOLL

VILAMOURA ST.

130 TOLL

MOORLYNCH AVE.

FALCON POINTE BLVD.

Phase 3 Kelly Lane improvements

MOORLYNCH AVE.

HODDE LN.

CELE RD.

HIDDEN LAKE DR.

and Hodde Lane will be realigned. In addition to the road widening, there will be shared use paths and sidewalks on both sides for bicyclists and pedestrians. This phase is currently still in design, with construction planned to start mid 2025. Funding for the design comes from 2018 certificate of obligation bonds and 2020 general obligation bonds.

EXCHANGE BLVD.

1660

Colorado Sand Drive extension rolls forward with contract approval in Pflugerville Construction on an extension of Colorado Sand Drive received the green light from Pflugerville City Council July 10, with council members approving a contract with Patin Construction LLC for $6.6 million. The details Construction on the project began at the end of July, with crews working on a connection from Copper Mine Drive to just north of Lone Star Ranch Boulevard, including four new lanes and a roundabout, according to city staff. “This is such a long time coming,” Place 4 City Council member Rudy Metayer said. Originally estimated at only $3.9 million, the project received voter approval in the November 2018 transportation bond program and design of the roadway started in April 2019. The extension is currently anticipated to be completed by winter 2025. However, right of way is still being finalized for one on the properties impacted. “This is a great [new] access to the H-E-B,” Mayor Victor Gonzales said. 130 TOLL COLORADO SAND DR. LONE STAR RANCH BLVD. COLORADO SAND DR. COPPER MINE DR. PFLUGERVILLE PKWY. Future H-E-B N

PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, BROOKE SJOBERG & GRACIE WARHURST

Heritage Park now open in Pflugerville A grand opening was held Aug. 1 for the opening of a newly renovated park Heritage Park in Pflugerville. What you need to know The park was recently renovated with a new shade structure and playground, accord- ing to the city. Pflugerville city staff have been working to make improvements to the city’s parks and trails, citing an increase in visitation by locals and out-of-towners, alike. Heritage Park, located at 901 Old Austin Hutto Road, Pflugerville, is one of several parks projects identified for improvements, such as the renovation of the Gilleland Creek pavilion; a playground and adult exercise stations on the south side of Lake Pflugerville; and a multi-use court at Stone Hill Park.

Firm to develop 150-acre Taylor site near Samsung Commercial real estate development and investment firm KDC announced June 26 it will market and develop a 150-acre site dubbed Taylor HQ next to Samsung’s semiconductor plant going up near Hwy. 79. The gist KDC “will pursue build-to-suit opportunities for manufacturing office, logistics, warehousing, data center and other uses,” according to a news release. The company is also partnering with real estate agency Transwestern to market the Taylor HQ, which will be located on FR 973 in Taylor. “Taylor HQ offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for companies working with Samsung or that are interested in having a high-profile neighbor next door,” Bill Guthrey, KDC senior vice president of land development, said in the release. “Our build- to-suit experience allows us to pivot quickly and

Underground mural completed on trail A city of Pflugerville trail has been beau- tified with a new mural from the Central Texas-based artists known as Artist Couple, per a July 23 release from the city. What you need to know The mural, called “Train of Thought,” is painted on the interior of the trail tunnel located underneath Railroad Avenue, features visual representations of more than 100 idioms, or figurative phrases in speech. It also features several pop culture refer- ences, per city staff. The trail mural is part of the city’s Art in Public Places program, which seeks to express community values and identity, as well as promote tourism among other goals, per the city.

Pflugerville releases draft for streetscape The city of Pflugerville has released a draft of its Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, a part of a larger Downtown Action Plan to continually revitalize the city. What is it? The new Streetscape Master Plan draft lays out recommendations and analysis of improvement opportunities for Pflugerville’s downtown streets, sidewalks, parking and aesthetics. Pulling on community outreach efforts from last year, city officials have prioritized improvements to Pecan Street and Main Street, totaling $11 million and $12.8 million, respectively. More details Updates to the downtown streetscape are guided by the pedestrian experience, with emphasis on cohesive design elements and

Additional enhancements to Pecan Street

973

Taylor HQ

WINDY RIDGE RD.

Shared-use paths

Street trees

Samsung's semiconductor plant

Decorative pavement

Pedestrian-scale lighting

SOURCE: CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

establishing a strong sense of place, according to the document. The city could use funding from general bond elections, grants, general funds, tax increment financing or a combination of different sources. Recommendations for Pecan Street include varying street widths from 80 to 120 feet, reducing the width of vehicle lanes and acquiring additional right-of-way for landscaping and pedestrian-friendly spaces along the road. Next steps for the city include locating underground utilities and obtaining funding.

develop this acreage for a company seeking any number of uses on this prime spot.” The background The development of the site comes as Samsung’s semiconductor manufacturing plant is under construction. In April, Samsung Electronics signed an agree- ment with the U.S. Department of Commerce to receive $6.4 billion in direct funding, while the company is expected to invest more than $45 bil- lion into the region.

ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696 PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone

Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070

Driverless semis take on Texas From the cover

The breakdown

Two minute impact

Automated Driving System crashes in the U.S. Companies who use vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems must report crashes to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the U.S., 25 states have enacted legislation to deploy autonomous vehicles, while another 12 allow for testing, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In Texas, over a dozen companies have tested or begun operating some type of self-driving vehicle. Most recently, self-driving car company Zoox announced in July it will begin testing in Austin this summer. Mars Auto, which develops auton- omous long-haul trucks, also announced it will move its operations to Round Rock this year. Autonomous vehicle companies are required to self-report any crash incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Waymo and Cruise, which build self-driving passenger cars, take the lead in collisions among 39 companies, with 335 and 152 crashes respec- tively, according to data collected from July 2021 to June 17 by the NHTSA. Third in line is General Motors, which owns Cruise, with 145 crashes. Goff said autonomous trucks differ from cars as they have more predictable driving patterns and fewer obstacles, such as pedestrians, cyclists and stop lights. Cruise and Waymo also have larger

By the end of the year, Texas drivers could look over to see a semitruck traveling down the highway with no one in the driver’s seat. Leading the charge in the Austin area is autonomous truck company Kodiak Robotics, which is already hauling goods daily in Texas. Currently, Kodiak trucks have a “safety driver” monitoring the truck as it carries freight for hundreds of miles. By the end of the year, Kodiak will send trucks out unmanned. Autonomous vehicles could resolve supply chain issues and make life for truck drivers easier, Dan Goff, head of policy at Kodiak, said. However, John Esparza, president and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, said officials and trucking companies aren’t looking to eliminate human drivers. “We are improving the safety of our highways and the efficiency by which we move freight,” he said. Part of the effort by state officials to enhance safety includes upgrading a 21-mile stretch of SH 130—running through Pflugerville and Hutto—with new technology to help guide automated trucks.

Companies included among Texas’ fleet, which also reported crashes to the NHTSA, as of June 17: Semitrucks • Aurora Operations • Kodiak • Torc Cars • Cruise • Nuro • Volkswagen • Waymo

California

Arizona

Texas

Nevada

Florida

SOURCE: NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

fleets than autonomous truck companies do. “The Kodiak system doesn’t get tired; it doesn’t get distracted; it doesn’t check its phone; it doesn’t have a bad day and take it out on the road,” he said.

The why

Explained

Truck driving limits

Texas roads have been ideal for autono- mous trucking companies, Goff said, as the state has some of the most lucrative freight routes in the nation and legislators have welcomed the new innovation. The supportive culture sprouted from Senate Bill 2205, a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2017 that prohibits cities from regulating autonomous vehicles. “Trucks lead the country in the technol- ogies and the policies that they adopt and utilize to keep drivers safe,” Esparza said. “And why wouldn’t we? We’re talking about an 80,000-pound vehicle that the driver will drive an average of 100,000 miles a year.” Esparza said that while human drivers can put in many hours behind the wheel, they are still required to rest and limit their weekly driving. Driverless vehicles aren’t limited to these hour requirements. “How much more efficient can we be moving freight, even if it’s just a fraction of freight today?”

Texas law

Autonomous trucking companies such as Torc Robotics, Aurora and Gatik use sensors, cameras and mapping software as safety features, though each company has a different approach. For instance, Kodiak trucks navigate using detailed maps and have 18 sensors that monitor all parts of the vehicle and its surroundings 10 times each second. This allows the semis to respond to changing road conditions, such as accidents. The trucks routinely operate in inclement weather, as its sensors are able to see through rain and fog better than the human eye can, according to the company. During a storm, the semis slow down to match the environment on the road and can pull over to wait it out. Esparza said companies producing the software to manipulate these trucks have built in redun- dancies to mitigate hazardous situations and help vehicles stay in their lanes. “You’re sitting in the back and realizing that this vehicle, with its new-age LiDAR technology, is seeing so much farther than the human eye,” he said.

12 hours of driving within a 15-hour on-duty window 8 consecutive hours of off-duty rest before beginning shift Maximum of 70 hours of driving within 7-day span Drivers must take 34 consecutive hours of rest to reset their cycle

Federal law

11 maximum driving hours within a 14-hour on-duty window 10 consecutive hours of rest required after 14-hour window Drivers can’t work more than 60 hours in a 7-day period No more than 70 hours in an 8-day period Drivers must rest for 34 hours following the 70-hour driving limit

SOURCES: FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, ISAAC INSTRUMENTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, HALEY MCLEOD & COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Diving deeper

What's next

The Texas Department of Transportation and road technology company Cavnue will establish a “smart corridor,” featuring sensors and cameras, on SH 130 from Georgetown through Del Valle in 2025. Amy Madison, former director of the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation, said the corridor can help streamline the transportation of goods and services, and “potentially” save lives.

rates. Meanwhile, operating costs for trucking companies have increased. The average marginal cost to motor carriers per hour, according to a report by the American Trans- portation Research Institute, reached a record high in 2023 at $2.270 per mile. When looking at the average trucking cost to companies per hour, it rose from $66.94 in 2019 to $91.27 in 2023. Additionally, accounting firm PwC estimates— based on a survey of 128 large and mid-size U.S. manufacturers and transportation companies— that autonomous, long-haul trucking could save manufacturers nearly 30% in total transportation costs through 2040.

Abraham Vela, owner of LSA Logistics, a shipping company in Pflugerville, said an influx of under-qualified, or inexperienced, drivers joining the industry in 2020 created a “domino effect.” He said this caused companies to start lowering their rates, in some instances offering to haul loads for 50% less than what was being asked. “Now, if you want to take a load, you take it for way less than what it used to be,” he said. “Then if you don’t have anything [to bring] back, you’re kind of in the negative going back home or going to a different location. It’s just too cheap.” An increase in traffic accidents and damaged cargo, he said, have also led to higher insurance

Georgetown

Average marginal costs of trucking per hour

183

Round Rock

Driver wages Repair maintenance

Fuel costs Permits/license, tires, tolls

Truck/trailer payments Insurance premiums

Driver benefits

45 TOLL

Hutto

Smart corridor Technology along SH 130 will assist navigation of autonomous trucks.

$14.46 $7.37 $8.13 $3.56

$3.99

130 TOLL

Total: $91.06

2023

$31.32

$22.23

290

$3.55

$3.57

MOPAC

Total: $90.79

2022

$29.20

$25.84

$13.37 $7.37 $7.89

183

Austin

Manor

$3.46

$3.61

Del Valle

Total: $74.65

2021

$25.24

$16.78 $11.21 $7.31 $7.04

$3.55

$3.89

Buda

45 TOLL

Total: $66.87

2020

$22.97

$12.52

$11 $6.94 $6

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/ CAVNUE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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