North - Northwest Austin Edition | March 2024

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North Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 2 MARCH 28APRIL 29, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

The $60 million McKalla Station opened on Feb. 24, in line with Austin FC’s home opening game against Minnesota United.

COURTESY CAPITAL METRO

Capital Metro’s triumph for transit, soccer fans faces challenges

time the station will become a staple for residents. “This is a game-changer, not just for the sta- dium and our fans, but it’s also a game-changer for the neighborhood,” Austin FC President Andy Loughnane said.

The $60 million station is expected to make going to and from Austin FC games easier and encourage residents in the growing North Burnet neighborhood to use public transit. While CapMetro and Austin FC ocials learned lessons from that opening night, ocials hope with

BY KATY MCAFEE

Thousands of soccer fans decked out in bright green jerseys boarded Capital Metro’s Red Line on Feb. 24 to experience the grand opening of McKalla Station—a double platform station less than 100 yards from Q2 Stadium.

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Golden Eye Chocolates now open in North Austin (Page 6)

Government: City manager race down to two nalists (Page 8)

Development: Council OKs The Domain redevelopment (Page 17)

Dining: Rocket Coee serves space-themed treats (Page 23)

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The new state-of-the-art �� million facility is now seeing patients for all kinds of care, from the simple to the most complex. All the life-changing care and world-class physicians of Texas Children’s Hospital bring a new level of care to Austin. It’s the right doctors. The right care. All right here in Austin.

See why the difference is life-changing at texaschildrensaustin.org.

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Get care 24/7 close to home

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If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Taylor Caranfa Stover General Manager

Grace Dickens Editor

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Publisher Travis Baker

Jill Futch Account Executive

Correction: Volume 18, Issue 1 On page 22, the opening time for Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline was listed incorrectly. The market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Impacts

2 Breitling The luxury watch store sells men’s and women’s watches and straps in Domain Northside. • Opened March 22 • 11700 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 150, Austin • www.breitling.com 3 MealBux The specialized lunch delivery service offers Halal- certified boxed meals for individuals and groups. • Opened March 1 • 3405 Steck Ave., Ste. 106, Austin • www.mealbux.com Lucky Dog Mobile Groomers The mobile pet grooming company provides dog washing, nail trimming, teeth brushing and hair cuts. • Opened Feb. 12 • www.luckydogmobilegroomers.com/austin Moms I Like to Feed Meals The online meal prep service delivers healthy, family- style meals that are gluten-, dairy-, soy- and nut-free. • Opened Jan. 22 • www.momsiliketofeedmeals.com

LYNDHURST ST.

45 TOLL

GREAT OAKS DR.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

620

45 TOLL

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

POND SPRINGS RD.

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

620

1 15

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

JOLLYVILLE RD.

MOPAC

ROCK ROSE AVE.

ALTERA PKWY.

WALNUT CREEK PARK

GREAT HILLS TRL.

Coming soon

360

183

2222

4 P Thai’s Khao Man Gai Two months after closing its Research Boulevard location, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai will reopen at a new spot to serve Thai-style Hainanese chicken and rice. • Opening in late April • 4807 Airport Blvd., Austin • Instagram: pthaiatx 5 The Fika Table Austin resident Laura Galos draws from her Finnish heritage to create goods such as honey-lavender buns, salted chocolate-toffee cookies and more. • Opening March 30 • 14735 Bratton Lane, Ste. 210, Austin • www.thefikatable.com

MCCANN DR.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

ANDERSON LN.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

charcuterie boards filled with artisan breads, locally sourced produce, meats and cheeses, in addition to sauces, dips and jams made in-house. • Opened Feb. 27 • 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 124, Austin • www.grazecraze.com

Now open

1 Graze Craze Great Hills Locals Renee and Nick Whitley opened Graze Craze in Barrington Oaks Plaza. The shop specializes in

HEARTS AND PAWS

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

6 Frost Financial Center Expected to cost around $6 million, the 4,300-square- foot location will offer a range of personal and commercial financial services, according to bank officials. • Opening in 2025 • 11680-A, Research Blvd., Austin • www.frostbank.com 7 Idea Labs Kids Idea Lab Kids offers science-, technology-, engineering-, arts- and math-based programming for students primarily in kindergarten through fifth grade. • Opening March 30 • 13642 Research Blvd., Austin • www.idealabkids.com/location/austin 8 Tim Hortons The Canadian coffee chain serves various breakfast items. • Opening in late 2024 or early 2025 9 Haywire The Texas cuisine-inspired restaurant will offer locally sourced cuts of steak and more, plus two bars. • Opening in June • 11501 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 100, Austin • www.haywirerestaurant.com 10 Solaris House Brandywine Realty Trust and ZRS Management will open a 341-unit multifamily residential space at Uptown ATX. • Opening in late spring • 11501 Burnet Road, Bldg. 906, Ste. 600, Austin • www.solarishouse.com 11 Frosty Fox The chain tea shop sells a variety of milk teas, boba teas, mocktails, slushies and street-style waffles. • Opening in August • 14005 N. US 183, Unit 580, Austin • www.frostyfoxusa.com • 16201 RM 620, Austin • www.timhortons.com

Now open

Coming soon

12 Golden Eye Chocolates Owner Lynde Mitchell and co-founder Jess Morrisey opened their first brick-and-mortar shop in late January after operating out of a shared commercial kitchen space for three years. Using a mixture of European and American chocolate, treats are all handmade in small batches with flavors ranging from classic to unique. • Opened Jan. 27 • 3010 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. E, Austin • www.goldeneyechocolates.com

Eggs Up Grill Breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant Eggs Up Grill will expand its Texas presence with eight new locations planned for the Austin metro area. Four locations will be opened in the North Austin area. An initial North Austin-area location is expected to open later this year.

• Opening TBA • Locations TBA • www.eggsupgrill.com

In the news

Closings

13 Freytag’s Florist The family-owned flower shop celebrated its 50th anniversary in February. • 2211 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.freytags.com Emancipet The low-cost veterinary care nonprofit organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary by opening an online retail store with T-shirts, mugs and more. • Multiple locations in Austin • www.emancipet.org

14 The Austin Antique Mall Forty years after opening its doors, the antique mall with nearly 100 vendors will shutter to make way for an expansion of Playland Skate Center. • Closing May 15 • 8822 McCann Drive, Ste. 6931, Austin • Instagram: austin_antique_mall 15 Fat Dragon Sushi Bar Two months after opening, Fat Dragon Sushi Bar closed indefinitely due to staffing shortages. • Closed in January • 8650 Spicewood Springs Road, Ste. 111, Austin

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

Garza secures party nomination for DA

Two finalists remain in city manager search City Council narrowed its search for Aus- tin’s next city manager in March and could soon vote on a final hire. Current situation After a national search in early 2024, City Council selected three finalists in a March 5 closed-room discussion: • T.C. Broadnax, the outgoing Dallas city manager • Sara Hensley, Denton city manager • Brian Platt, Kansas City, Missouri city manager On March 10, Platt announced his with- drawal from the process. A public town hall with both candidates is scheduled for March 25, after press time. Council could make a final decision April 4.

Local races

Winner

66.86% José Garza 33.14% Jeremy Sylestine Travis County District Attorney, Democratic Party 56.68% Sherine Thomas 28.7% Susana Castillo 14.63% Madeleine Connor 353rd Judicial District judge, Democratic Party 86.09% Lloyd Doggett 7.88% Christopher “Chris” McNerney 6.04% Eduardo “Lalito” Romero U.S. House District 37, Democratic Party

Incumbent José Garza won the Democratic nomination for Travis County district attorney in the higher-profile local race of the March 5 primary election. Garza received just over two-thirds of the vote in his race against opponent Jeremy Sylestine. The context Garza will face Republican Daniel Betts in the November general election. First elected in 2020, Garza said he’s focused on reducing gun violence and providing justice for sexual assault survivors. Sylestine, a defense attorney and former prosecutor in the DA’s office, ran a campaign that promised to restore trust in the DA’s office by resolving a backlog of unin- dicted cases and prosecuting domestic violence and child abuse cases.

SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

In other news Incumbent U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett won the Democratic primary in District 37 and will face Republican Jenny Garcia Sharon in the fall.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATY MCAFEE & BEN THOMPSON

City faces budget deficit; cuts ahead

Austin Water expands water reuse strategies Backing up Austin Water’s efforts to expand the local use of reclaimed water systems, city officials signed off on a residential rate increase and new development policies for water reuse in March. The setup Water reclamation involves water that has already been used, such as sewage or other waste- water, that’s recycled for nondrinking purposes. What happened As part of the AW GoPurple initiative, named after the purple pipes that carry reclaimed water, City Council approved several program changes March 12. Those included: • Adding a new AW residential charge of $0.15 per thousand gallons used to fund GoPurple, estimated at a monthly impact of $1.47 for the average customer

"I think we’re going to see lots of things change over time where what we’re doing with reclaimed water is going to make an enormous dierence for the families and the business

Austin faces a projected budget deficit this year, and some city programs could be at risk. The big picture City staff suggested a tighter spending plan may be needed this year due to dwindling sales tax collections. Officials will also be dealing with the end of federal relief they used for historic homeless- ness investments and other priorities. More than $188 million from the American Rescue Plan Act must be spent by the end of 2026. Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea said the county must also contend with the loss of “essential” services while facing the end of nearly $250 million of ARPA reserves. More city budgeting updates are expected in April. Council’s annual financial planning will take place in the summer.

owners who adopt it." ALISON ALTER, DISTRICT 10 COUNCIL MEMBER

• Setting new on-site water reuse requirements for bigger developments in the city • Incentivizing the inclusion of reclaimed systems in new projects AW projects that on-site water reuse will save Austin 6 million gallons of drinking water per day by 2040, while communitywide reclaimed water systems will save 10 million gallons daily. The new residential GoPurple Community Benefit Charge will apply citywide but exempts Austin Water’s more than 51,000 customers on its lower-income assistance program.

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

Home sales more than doubled year over year in February for ZIP code 78750, according to Austin Board of Realtors data. Residential market data

Homes sold

February 2023

February 2024

-33.3%

-7.69%

+111.11%

-16.67%

+31.58%

45 TOLL

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

78729

620

MOPAC

183

Median home sales price

78727

78750

78759

February

2023

2024

78758

360

$431,000 $447,750 $675,000 $422,000 $529,000

$435,950 $475,000 $575,000 $432,000 $575,000

78727

2222

78729

78750

78758

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

78759

Average days on market

North-Northwest Austin market

February 2023

February 2024

-52.9%

-32.14%

-20.78%

-6.1%

+11.67%

February

2023

2024

103

166

New listings

Closed sales

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

Homes under contract

Homes sold by price point in February

Months of inventory

1.4

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

1 1

0 0

3 3 6 6

6 5 7 7 0

$900,000+

1 1

Days on market

$700,000-$899,999

5 7

$500,000-$699,999

11 0

8 5

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

186 220

<$299,999

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Education

BY ELLE BENT & BROOKE SJOBERG

AISD officials working around budget deficit As Austin ISD officials plan for the fiscal year 2024-25, district officials are working amid a projected budget shortfall. Current situation Superintendent Matias Segura said that because the basic student allotment—the amount school districts receive from the state based on student enrollment and attendance—did not increase this year and hasn’t since 2019, cuts would have to be made alongside any proposed budget increases for fiscal year 2024-25. The basic allotment is currently at $6,160. AISD officials say current enrollment is at 72,800, with a 92% attendance rate. Going forward with budget planning district officials will keep the following in mind: • Lowering the 20% fund balance would be “risky” due to decreasing enrollment

RRISD, ACC form free degree partnership Starting this fall, Round Rock ISD students will be able to pursue associate degrees free of charge through a new part- nership with Austin Community College. What you need to know The partnership announced Feb. 23 allows RRISD high school students to combine courses taken through the district with those offered at ACC to earn the 42 core credits comprising an associate degree. This pathway to a degree will include the following courses, according to the district: • Advanced Placement • International Baccalaureate • OnRamps • Dual credit and ACC courses

The district is working to lessen the deficit through the following: Decreasing the deficit Vacancy savings, or costs saved by a staff position that is not filled

Managing overtime expenses Monitoring contract expenses Interest earnings

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Adopting a shortfall greater than $30 million would put the district at risk of going below the fund balance in FY 2026-27, but decreasing the projected shortfall to $25 million or less would require multiple budget cuts What’s next? This spring, district officials will propose investments and potential cuts, such as staff, for the FY 2024-25 budget as it is being drafted. The AISD board of trustees will vote on the budget in June.

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Election

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Anyone registered to vote in Travis County can vote at any polling location in the county. Travis County will announce polling locations after the Commissioners Court approves them at an upcoming meeting.

Candidates for Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees Place 2

Melissa Lee Occupation: Volunteer & Community Advocate

Charlie Torres Occupation: Retired and Education & Community Advocate Relevant experience: Trustee; Education Foundation leadership; PfISD SHAC and District committees; PTO and HHS- FFA; Teacher advocate. www.facebook.com/torresfortrustee

Relevant experience: District involvement: advocate, guest educator, volunteer, PTO Leader. Background: corporate finance, strategic planning, analytics. http://tinyurl.com/5bvfpdss

Why are you running for this position? I’m running because my time volunteering in our schools supporting students and staff, building relationships, and advocating through letters and public comments has helped me gain understanding and interest in critical issues facing PfISD. These experiences have heightened my commitment to our kids, compelling me to seek a trustee role. If elected, what is your No. 1 priority to address? My foremost commitment, if elected, is assessing the district’s financial standing, aiming to minimize the impact of financial decisions on students and staff, safeguarding educational opportunities within PfISD. Preserving the integrity of public education is vital to unlocking the full potential of our community and fostering a thriving academic environment.

If elected, what is your No. 1 priority to address? My priority is addressing the educational needs of our 25,000-plus PfISD students, supporting their journey to post-graduation success. Our diverse district requires enriched educational experiences, both in and out of the classroom. We must support our educators and ensure equitable access to quality education, fostering academic achievement for all. Why are you running for this position? I’m running for the school board because I am passionately committed to advocating for the comprehensive educational needs of all PfISD students. My goal is to enhance community awareness, foster strong support and encourage active district participation to ensure our students succeed now and in the future.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Transportation

BY GRACE DICKENS & KATY MCAFEE

BY GRACE DICKENS

Redevelopment could be on the horizon for 46.7 acres of The Domain following action taken by Austin City Council in February. Council approved a rezoning request Feb. 15 allowing taller, denser buildings within The Domain. The change permits additional future shopping, residential, hotel, industrial and office space for portions of the center, city documents show. The changes include: • Buildings can now be up to 420 feet tall, or up to 42 floors • Limitations on the max number of dwelling units for redevelopment was removed • The floor-to-area ratio, a measure of a development’s density, was increased to 12:1, the highest ratio possible in the plan Changes ahead for The Domain

East Braker Lane extension begins

More closures, traffic pattern changes ahead for US 183 North in 2024 Crews will continue work on the US 183 North Mobility Project following foundational work in 2023, per a February update from project officials. The background The project will add two express toll lanes on the interior of the road alongside one additional nontolled lane. The $612 million endeavor from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and Texas Department of Transportation is funded by CTRMA and the Texas Transportation Commission. Looking ahead In 2024, drivers can expect: • Work on the fourth general purpose lane of the

Moving forward

Area of The Domain rezoned

45 TOLL

Recent changes to zoning and development patterns have been prompted by growth in the region’s transportation system, including the February opening of McKalla Station, according to a report from city staff. For The Domain, new commercial and multifamily developments will require reapproval of the area’s site plan through the city’s Development Services Department, according to city documents. The latest zoning approval was not accompanied by any concrete plans for further redevelopment. Representatives with The Domain did not respond to requests for comment as of press time. In late March, council will also review an amendment to create a new zoning subdistrict for life sciences in the area.

MOPAC

620

183

A new construction project expected to relieve traffic on East Parmer Lane in North Austin broke ground Feb. 16. The four-lane road will include bike lanes, sidewalks, a pedestrian crosswalk near Pio- neer Crossing Elementary School, and center turn lanes for left turns onto Taebaek Drive or Samsung Boulevard. The $27 million project, led by the city of Austin’s Capital Delivery Services depart- ment, will take about two years to complete.

MOPAC

main roadway and inside widening for bridges at multiple intersections. • Construction on outside bridges that connect to US 183 and completion of 7,200 feet of sidewalks • U-turn closures and periodic closures of MoPac and US 183 What else? There will be a traffic shift to the center median in 2024 but exact timing has not been established, Construction Manager Bradley Deal said.

SAMSUNG BLVD.

DESSAU RD.

TAEBAEK DR.

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

Capital Metro’s triumph for transit, soccer fans faces challenges From the cover

Two-minute impact

Leander

The North Burnet area has seen expansive growth in recent years with the addition of several multistory developments, new restaurants and now McKalla Station.

McKalla is the newest addition to CapMetro’s Red Line, which began operations in 2010 and now spans 32 miles with nine stops from downtown Austin to Leander. However, the story of Austin’s commuter rail begins much earlier. The tracks the Red Line was built on were rst created in the late 1880s when workers hauled pink granite from Northwest Austin to downtown to build Texas’ Capitol building. After a bold plan to build a 52-mile light rail throughout Austin failed in 2000, leaders settled on a more straightforward rail system that became the Red Line. A light rail plan for Central Austin was later approved in 2020. Fast forward to 2024, the McKalla stop now has the largest platform along the Red Line. CapMetro ocials said they hope it will become a go-to for soccer fans, as the previous closest station, Kramer, was a near-mile walk from Q2 and not Americans with Disabilities Act accessible. Ocials also said the ride gives people a chance to see if riding the train could be feasible for work commutes, shopping trips and more. “Special events, especially an event like a soccer match at Q2 Stadium, is a great way to test out transit. You could probably throw a baseball right into the stadium; it’s very close,” said Samantha Baez, CapMetro’s executive vice president, and chief experience and engagement ocer. Loughnane called the station a “spectacular” addition to Q2, as the stadium only has 750 parking spaces but has an average attendance of 20,738 people per match. The new station also “unlocked” the east side of Q2, making accessing the stadium easier for pedestrians, and it created a new designated space for ride hailing services, Loughnane said.

183A TOLL

Round Rock

Key

Rail stations

Red Line

Station to be decommissioned

Cedar Park

45 TOLL

THE DOMAIN

MOPAC

183

North Austin

360

KRAMER STATION

BROADSTONE NORTH ATX

PANHANDLE RD.

STADIUM TOWER

DONLEY DR.

CALLE NORTE

MOPAC

Q2 STADIUM

290

Q2 STADIUM ASSEMBLAGE

MCKALLA STATION

WEST RD.

Austin

183A TOLL

CESAR CHAVEZ ST.

SOURCES: CAPMETRO, AUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The other side

Over 4,500 people boarded the Red Line Feb. 24—about one fth of the people who attended the match. While CapMetro ocials said they had prepared for crowds, several mechanical failures caused trains to be delayed and people to pile up. Passengers were left in the dark as to when the next train would come, as the digital signs at each station were showing the train schedule, not its real estimated time of arrival. Many fans ended up missing the start of the game or taking a ride hailing service due to the delays, said Andy Skabowski, executive vice president and chief

operating ocer at CapMetro. CapMetro ocials rectied the situation at Austin FC’s next home game March 9. They transported over 7,000 people by rail that day, over 4,000 of which went to McKalla Station. “[On March 9] trains were consistently on time, communication was boosted with both more accurate message boards and personnel on the platform, and getting out of the stadium was ecient and smooth,” Executive Director of Transit Forward Bill McCamley said. “This was even more impressive given the high ridership all day with South by Southwest attendees.”

“Without being able to tell people when the train was coming, people just said, ‘I’m going; I’m taking an Uber,’ and they just kind of gave up on us. [But] we want the 4,000 customers

again. We learned from what we did wrong. Give us another shot, and please come back.” ANDY SKABOWSKI, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT CAPMETRO

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATY MCAFEE

The big picture

What's next?

ridership and meet aordability goals. “Austin is a growing, dynamic city that needs a world-class transit system in order to let people get around,” McCamley said. “Unless we have more dense, aordable housing near transit, so that people can live in a place where they don’t have to drive a car every day, we’re not going to hit the greenhouse gas reduction goals that are needed for Austin to really ght climate change eectively.” According to CapMetro data, the organization has seen a slow but steady increase in ridership of the Red Line since 2021, and ocials expect McKalla Station to boost ridership higher.

McKalla is one of the rst projects created using funding from Project Connect—the city’s plan to expand transit options in the city, including a multibillion-dollar plan to build a 9.8-mile light rail throughout Central Austin. Proponents of Project Connect said they hope the light rail system and new policies that support dense housing will work together to make Austin a city that is less car dependent, more aordable to live in and environmentally friendly. McCamley said North Austin is setting a good example of how building transit systems next to dense housing as well as retail and entertainment hubs, such as The Domain and Q2, will increase

Q2 Stadium, McKalla Station, The Domain and breweries have all contributed to North Austin’s growth. Austin City Council is also in the midst of rezoning the North Burnet neighborhood to allow for more high- rise developments and denser housing, paving the way for the area to become Austin’s “second downtown.” A multifamily apartment complex less than 0.1 miles from Q2 called Broadstone North ATX will begin leasing in April, Managing Director of Alliance Residential Je Diltz said. Just east of Broadstone, a New York- based developer Turnbridge LLC is planning a 45-story tower called Q2 Stadium Assemblage. The $242 million project could have live music venues, public parks, housing, restaurants and bars. The Austin Planning Commission recommended rezoning the parcel, which is zoned for one- to three-story oce buildings, at its Feb. 13 meeting, and it now awaits City Council approval. Solaris House, part of the rst phase of the 66-acre mixed-use project Uptown ATX, is slated for completion in late spring. The $328 million project will span 5 acres and will bring 341 apartment units, according to a February news release. CapMetro is also pursuing more public- private partnerships that will help expand the Red Line near areas with high pedestrian trac. The Broadmoor Station, which could drop passengers o within feet of The Domain shopping center, is in the design phase.

CapMetro Red Line Ridership Ridership of CapMetro’s Red Line has remained stagnant mostly since 2021, however ocials hope McKalla Station will encourage more passengers.

Ridership

Austin FC season

70,000

March 2023: 61,630

March 2022: 58,802

56,000

Oct. 2021: 49,817

42,000

28,000

14,000

2021

2022

2023

2024

SOURCE: CAPMETROCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Emily Warren Roebling In 1872 Roebling took over the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. She is credited as one of the first female engineers.

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Shultz launched the first woman-owned bus line, Red Ball Transportation Company, in 1922.

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Events

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

March

‘Wicked’ Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the Grammy- and Tony award-winning Broadway show tells the story of Elphaba Thropp, who grew to become the Wicked Witch of the West in the Land of Oz. • Through March 31, times vary • Prices vary • Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin • www.texasperformingarts.org

April

‘Disney Princess: The Concert’ Actors from Broadway and television will perform Disney songs and talk about their experiences on the stage. The show will feature animation and theatrical effects to enhance the experience; however, no costumed characters will perform. • April 3, 7-8:45 p.m. • $29.50-$184.50 • Dell Hall at The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.broadwayprincessparty.com Texas Bridal & Wedding Expo Vendors will fill the Austin Convention Center offering services from food and beverage to dance lessons, photography, tuxedos and gowns, decor, and more alongside bridal fashion shows. • April 6, 12:30-5 p.m. • Free (advance), $10 (door) • Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.bridalshowstx-au.com ABC Kite Festival One of Austin’s oldest traditions, this 96th annual festival is an all-day event filled with kite making, flying and gazing. • April 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.abckitefest.org

Social Distortion and Bad Religion Tickets are on sale for the co-headlining concert featuring California punk bands Social Distortion and Bad Religion. • April 20, 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) • $42 and up • Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St., Austin • www.ticketmaster.com Austin Psych Fest Presented by Levitation and Resound, the three-day festival will feature live psych-rock, dream-pop and indie-rock music from a host of bands and musicians on two stages with visuals and art installations. • April 26-28, times vary Beach Weather Domain Northside will host a free concert on The Lawn with musicians Beach Weather, along with guest bands Almost Monday and Rec Hall. Other activities will include yard games, photo opportunities and streetside popup bars.

• April 19, 6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) • Free (admission) • The Lawn at Domain Northside, 10910 Domain Drive, Austin • www.domainnorthside.com

• $75-$475 • The Far Out Lounge & Stage, 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.levitation.fm/pages/austin-psych-fest Austin Blues Festival The team at Antone’s and Waterloo Greenway will host the festival featuring a variety of local food trucks. The music lineup will showcase both longtime and newer artists, such as Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Robert Finley, Big Freedia and more, with a pop-up vintage record shop and a variety of local food trucks. • April 27-28, noon-10 p.m. • $80 and up (one-day pass), $130 and up (two-day pass) • Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, 1401 Trinity St., Austin • www.austinbluesfestival.com

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Sami Alasi is the owner of Rocket Coee ATX.

The coee shop serves pastries and desserts at its current location.

Rocket Coee ATX serves classic and specialty space-themed drinks such as Star Light Star Bright, a brown sugar vanilla latte.

PHOTOS BY AMANDA CUTSHALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Blast o the day at space-themed Rocket Coee ATX

With over 20 years of restaurant experience, entrepreneur Sami Alasi launched Rocket Coee ATX in mid-2022 at The Artisan Center, aiming to curate an inclusive, community-focused coee shop. What’s special about it? Alasi said his focus is to create a welcoming space for coee connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. To achieve this, he said the coee drinks are all made using 100% Fairtrade Certied Organic beans to produce exceptionally avored coees. “We are proud to only serve coee from sustain- able, ethical growers,” Alasi said. “It really helps us to keep an unparalleled consistency and taste.” On the menu Signature drinks at the shop include the Star Light Star Bright, a brown sugar vanilla latte; the Androm- eda, a hot matcha and rose latte; and the Blast O, an iced white chocolate cold brew with cream. Other popular menu items include the Blue Moon, a hot lavender Earl Grey tea; and the Plane- tarium, an iced honey and lemon green tea. Classics, such as Americanos, cortados, macchi- atos, drip coee and more, are available, as well as hot and iced teas, blended drinks, and Italian sodas in a range of customizable avors. Giving back Not afraid of a tall order, Alasi said since day

one, he and his team of baristas have worked to ensure they not only serve high-quality drinks, but spur positive change in the neighborhood. A few projects that Rocket Coee ATX is involved with include monetary donations to reading programs at local schools, supporting teachers with supplies and other needs, and hosting pet adoption clinics. “We host events on our large patio with our community and animal shelters, and donate 100% of the proceeds back to the community,” Alasi said. Looking ahead Alasi spilled the beans about the plan he is brewing to open another location of Rocket Coee ATX. Although an exact site for the next shop has not been nalized, Alasi said he will maintain the current menu oerings and add a few new ones. “At the second coee shop, we will have an in-house bakery for all of our pastries and des- serts,” Alasi said, noting that he sees value in fresh-baked goods—especially when paired with a good cup of coee. In his own words “It’s our vision to do business in an honorable way and to see our community impacted to be a better place for all of us,” Alasi said. “We strive to value every individual and create the best experi- ence possible.”

Options to add extra espresso shots, avored syrups and more are available.

Lead barista Kelly Randolph uses the steam wand to froth a coee.

8701 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 2127, Austin www.rocketcoeeatx.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY GRACE DICKENS & KATY MCAFEE

New bakery options for residents in Austin The Austin metro area has a number of bakery options available for residents to explore, several of which have opened in the last year. Zooming in Many new bake shops in the Austin area tout an additional service or niche menu item to separate them from the competition. Local chef Lorin Peters upgraded her cookie food truck Cookie Rich to a brick-and-mortar spot in Tarrytown and opened a savory pastry concept next door. The Rose Bakery opened in North Austin late last year by Award-win- ning pastry chef Julie Myrtille, oering French, English and American pastries.

RESEARCH BLVD.

183

MOPAC

WINSTED LN.

360

The Rose Bakery 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 123, Austin Instagram: therosebakeryatx

Cookie Rich and Goldy’s 2401 Winsted Lane, Austin www.getcookierich.com

OAK BRANCH DR.

290

RAWHIDE DR.

Rose Haven Bakery and Venue 12013 Hwy. 290, Austin www.cakesrockaustintx.com/rosehaven

Unicorniverse European Bakery & Cafe 2400 S. I-35, Ste. 130, Round Rock Facebook: Unicorniverse Bakery

Wolf and Wheat 1009 E. Sixth St., Austin Instagram: wolfandwheatatx

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