Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | May 2025

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Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 9 MAY 10JUNE 10, 2025 Hutto draws retail, dining, play

a growing community,” said Charlie Tiantawach, Hooky representative. “For us, being based in Austin, having a location this close is really critical.” Hooky joins a wave of businesses that recently opened in the area, as the city’s increasing trac is attracting new companies.

Adding to that momentum, the area’s newest business—Hooky Entertainment, a family entertain- ment center—will open its doors May 23. With a game room, bowling alley, movie audito- riums and a full kitchen, Hooky is designed to be a destination for residents and visitors. “Why we chose this area is just [because] it’s such

BY GRACIE WARHURST Hutto has seen a surge of economic growth cen- tered around the revitalized Hutto Co-Op District and stretching along the north side of Hwy. 79, with new businesses lling gaps in the city’s entertain- ment and dining scene.

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Top Notch Hamburgers

Multifamily residential

Oce space

Casa Jalisco Sports Bar & Grill

Jack Allen's Kitchen

Parking garage

Hutto Public Library

Hotel/retail/oce

Hutto City Hall

Also in this issue

Development Page 21 Read up on an update to Pugerville’s Downtown East

Impacts Page 6 Check out changes to Pugerville’s business landscape

The Hutto Co-Op District has seen several new businesses open as development continues along Hwy. 79. MATTHEW BROOKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Impacts

Pugerville

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1 Momentum Sports US The facility features indoor badminton, cricket and soccer amenities, with reservation options available. • Opened March 15

RED BUD LN.

45 TOLL

• 21423 Martin Lane, Pflugerville • www.momentumsportsusa.com

Coming soon

LIMESTONE COMMERCIAL DR.

2 The Bower The apartment complex will have 294 units available in a mix of one-to-three-bedroom options. • Opening May 15 (tentative) • 705 E. Olympic Drive, Pflugerville • www.wilson-capital.com/portfolio/the-bower

Pugerville

WINDERMERE DR.

1ST ST. N.

130 TOLL

What’s next

OLD AUSTIN HUTTO RD.

3 Metalplex Wall art company Metalplex recently leased space in Martin Lane Biz Park, according to Resolut RE. • 21415 Martin Lane, Pflugerville • www.metal-plex.com

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In the news

Coming soon

Relocations

4 Pflugerville Animal Hospital The animal hospital, owned by Dr. Vijay Gudipally, plans to break ground on a new location, where it will provide vaccinations, dental services, and general surgery.

• 303 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville • www.pflugervilleanimalhospital.com

5 Big T’s Screenprinting & Embroidery Jared and Ashley Bruno, owners of Beach Bum Custom Apparel, recently took over ownership of Big T’s and merged the two businesses. It offers screen printing, embroidery, signage and more. • 902 Old Austin Hutto Road, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.gobigts.com 6 Jeff Coleman State Farm Insurance Agent Jeff Coleman, an independent insurance contractor with State Farm, celebrated 25 years of serving the Pflugerville community. He and his team help customers select insurance policies that fit their needs, including auto, home, life and health insurance. • 306 N. 1st St., Pflugerville • www.jeffdcoleman.com/insurance

7 Taroko Sports The Taiwan-based baseball entertainment operator plans to open a location in Stone Hill Town Center. The facility will be the company’s first new build in the U.S., according to real estate company NewQuest. The entertainment venue offers batting and pitching cages, simulated MLB play, 5D racing simulators, arcades, and food and drinks. The new location will have indoor and outdoor entertainment. • Opening TBD • 500 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.tarokosports.com

8 Benchmark Self Defense Systems The business relocated from its previous location at 2401 W. Pecan St. Owner Tyrus Cox has 15 years of experience as a martial artist and over 12 years as a personal trainer. The studio offers classes for adults and teens, including striking, self-defense scenario training, edged or impact weapons training, and Brazilian jiujitsu. A special founder membership is available for those who sign up before the opening. • Opening in June • 15803 Windermere Drive, Ste. 302, Pflugerville • www.benchmarkselfdefense.com

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Impacts Hutto

Now open

Coming soon

Hutto

1 Cottonwood Creek Brewery & Smokehouse

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3 Hooky Owned by Es Vedra Cinemas, Hooky will feature eight movie theaters, a game room, bowling alley, an event room and grab-and-go concession stations. Theater offerings will include one IMAX and two Dolby Atmos auditoriums. • Opening May 23 • 180 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • No website available

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The brewery, owned by Bobby Delmonico, offers craft beer, a cocktail menu, wine and mocktails. Out of its kitchen, the business serves smoked meats, fresh salads, fried dishes, sandwiches and more. • Opened April 21 • 610 Hwy. 79, Hutto • www.cottonwoodcreekbrewery.com 2 Diamond Edge Construction The construction company opened a new space in downtown Hutto. The business provides commercial, multifamily and custom-home construction. The new space will also serve as a showroom for the company’s

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What’s next

LIMMER LOOP

EAST ST.

4 Swig The drive-thru drink shop recently signed a lease to take over 1,500 square feet of space at The Commons at Star Ranch, commercial real estate firm ARVO Ventures announced via social media. Swig offers customizable soda drinks, non-soda beverages and energy drinks, allowing customers to select from a variety of flavors and syrups. • 1101 Muirfield Bend Drive, Hutto • www.swigdrinks.com

ALLIANCE BLVD.

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1660

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Now open

Relocations

Expansions

5 Fairy Freeze The business, owned by Angie and Josh

6 Deirdre Dressage The equestrian center recently relocated to Hutto after previously operating in Salado. Owned by Deirdre Sabo, the business offers boarding, equestrian training and personal training.

7 Baylor Scott & White Clinic — Hutto Baylor Scott & White Health unveiled its expanded Hutto clinic in April. The clinic’s expansion doubled its size and is meant to address a growth in demand, includes new exam rooms, a larger lobby size and more nurse

Skrobarczyk, offers shaved ice served with a variety of syrup and toppings. Fairy Freeze’s new stand is located outside the facility it expanded to last year, where the business makes its own block ice to provide to other snowball stand owners. • Opened April 2 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 18, Hutto • www.fairyfreeze.com

• Relocated Feb. 22 • 2195 CR 105, Hutto • www.ddressage.com

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Impacts Round Rock

wide variety of blended beverages, with the option to add nutritional enhancers like protein and collagen. • Opened March 31 • 7399 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.smoothieking.com 5 Total Point Emergency Center The emergency center moved into the space previously occupied by Five Star ER. Individuals can find 24/7 emergency care for trauma, injuries, COVID-19 rapid testing, imaging and lab services. Emergency care illnesses include appendicitis, chest pain, cellulitis, skin rashes, heat strokes and more. • Opened April 7 • 1700 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.totalpointer.com/locations/round-rock 6 Cleanway Waste Management Owned by Suzette Reynoso-Bivens, Court Bivens and retired U.S. Army Colonel Greg Stoute, the family- owned business offers portable restroom rentals for events, construction sites and more. • Opened April 14 • 403 N. Mays St., Ste. 1, Round Rock • www.cleanwayrentals.com

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Coming soon

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7 HTeaO The beverage chain is coming to the Round Rock and Brushy Creek area, a company representative confirmed April 21 to Community Impact via email. HTeaO’s menu offers a variety of tea and coffee options as well as a special menu of drinks named “cotton candy,” “pink flamingo” and more. • Opening later this year • 16419 RM 620, Round Rock • www.hteao.com 8 Purely Provisions The coffee bar and mercantile is set to bring craft coffee by day and cocktails by night to downtown Round Rock. Co-owner Cory Shaw told Community Impact the shop will combine southern charm with “elevated ambiance,” with quality coffee and curating a menu of light bites. • Opening late spring

• Opened in March • 635 University Ave., Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.malonecoffee.com

Now open

1 Desi Brothers Farmers Market The Middle Eastern and Indian grocery store is close to 49,000 square feet and features traditional Indian groceries. The store offers unique brands, such as Nirav, Amul, Haldiram and Swagat. • Opened April 4 • 3203 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. 500, Round Rock • www.desibrothers.com 2 Malone Specialty Coffee The Austin-based roaster took over ownership of the Black Sugar Caffe locations in Round Rock and Cedar Park in February, owners Paul and Donna Malone said.

3 Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard The Pennsylvania-based business offers a variety of sweet treats, including Italian ice, frozen custard and a combination of the two. • Opened in April • 3720 Gattis School Road, Ste. 200, Round Rock • www.ritasice.com 4 Smoothie King The international franchise has over 1,300 locations. The New Orleans-based chain of smoothie bars offers a

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• 212 W. Main St., Round Rock • Instagram: Purely Provisions

Now open

9 Stellar Enclosed Storage The storage facility locally owned by Eric and Michelle Klingemann is targeted to open later this year. Michelle said the facility will be fully enclosed and offer a high level of security for the 40-foot and 50-foot storage units to be located on the property. • Opening this fall • 2250 Caruso Lane, Round Rock

What’s next

10 Panda Express A new location of Panda Express is slated to be constructed, project filings from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations show. The American- style Chinese restaurant chain serves chow mein, rice, orange chicken, egg rolls and more. • Opening TBD • 105 Deer Ridge Dr., Round Rock • www.pandaexpress.com

13 The Cosmic Egg The business locally owned by Carolyn Lane offers sound baths, childbirth education, postpartum support, yoga classes and community events A grand opening for The Cosmic Egg will be held in June, Lane said. • Opened in early March • 106 Harris St., Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.cosmiceggwellness.com

16 Tumbles The children’s gymnasium opened for ages four months to 12 years old. The locally owned franchise, owned by Angelie Esquivel, offers curriculum-based classes including parent- participation classes and independent classes such as gymnastics and ninja warrior. • Opened April 12 • 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 100, Round Rock • roundrock.tumbles.net

Relocations

11 Pilates by Nona The Pilates studio, locally owned by Nona Gardner, relocated from a location on Main Street to a new space. The studio specializes in custom private and duet sessions, and incorporates reformers and towers among other specialized equipment. • Relocated March 9 • 106 S. Harris St., Ste. 300, Round Rock • Facebook: Pilates by Nona

• 3912 Gattis School Rd., Ste. 103, Round Rock • www.silverspurhome.com

for lockouts, rekeying, duplication, replacement of lost keys, deadbolt installation, and other related services. • 1013 S. Mays St., Ste. C, Round Rock • www.acelocksmithtx.com

14 Thundercloud Subs The Austin-based chain known for its variety of sub sandwiches marked 50 years of operation March 23. The business was founded in 1975 by friends Andy Cotton and John Meddaugh, who opened the business with only $2,500 to their names and a dream to sell subs.

Closings

In the news

17 The Short Stop Deluxe Burgers A note posted to windows of the drive-thru and walk- up burger stand stated that the closure is due to the expiration of a lease on the space. Nine other locations remain open throughout the Austin area, with one in Round Rock at 303 Palm Valley Blvd. • Closed in February • 1205 Round Rock Ave. Ste. 141, Round Rock • www.shortstopburgers.com

• 1110 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.thundercloud.com

12 Silver Spur Air, Heating & Plumbing Emergency AC & Plumbing rebranded as Silver Spur Air, Heating & Plumbing in April. Silver Spur offers 24/7 service for cooling, heating and plumbing systems. Its technicians also specialize in integrating smart home systems like Nest, Ecobee and connected heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology to existing HVAC systems.

15 ACE Locksmith Services Founded in 1985 by John Carpenter, the family-owned company celebrated 40 years of operation in March, Margaret Carpenter said. The business offers services

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Government

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, HALEY MCLEOD & GRACIE WARHURST

Pugerville City Council approves $127M in CO bonds for transportation, water, wastewater projects

New HOT fund policy aims to bring more tourism to Hutto Hutto City Council approved a new hotel occupancy tax use policy at a meeting April 3. The breakdown The new HOT fund policy provides guidelines for the use of the tax revenue to promote tourism and related industries in the city. It outlines eligibility criteria for applicants and the approved uses, and establishes a clear application, review and approval process. The updated policy proposal ensures that HOT funds are used responsibly and in compliance with state law, according to city documents. The list of HOT fund uses includes convention center construction, tourism promotion, services for events, historical restoration and more. “We do need a convention center; we need space for community events,” Place 3 council member Randal Clark said.

County sees decline in fentanyl deaths Travis County ocials highlighted a 36% reduction in deaths involving fentanyl in a report on April 21. Overview Since 2021, opioid overdose deaths were the leading cause of accidental deaths in county, according to ocials. Deaths related to fentanyl dropped from 279 to 179 individ- uals between 2023 and 2024. Pugerville City Council approved $127 million in certicate of obligation bonds at its April 8 meeting to fund water, wastewater and transpor- tation projects. About the projects The bonds will fund 19 projects included in the city’s scal year 2024-25 budget, including: • $17.7 million for a future four-lane roadway with a raised center median from Colorado Sand Drive to Weiss Lane on East Pugerville Parkway • $10 million for a project to widen East Pecan Street to six lanes • $27.4 million to expand and increase treatment capacity at Pugerville’s surface water treat- ment plant • $11 million for a 27-inch wastewater interceptor connecting the Kelly Lane lift station to the interceptor along Weiss Lane Other projects, amounting to less then $10 million each, include wastewater lift stations, a reclaimed water line, street extensions and realignments.

The bond funds will help increase the city’s surface water treatment plant to 30 million gallons of water per day.

COURTESY CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE

Some context A CO bond lets local governments fund projects that further public improvement without requir- ing voter approval. Pugerville uses these bonds for roadway, development, facility, infrastructure and utility projects, according to the city. The approval stems from a notice of intent, approved in February, to issue up to $142 million CO bonds.

Pugerville parks propose changes to water tower

Pugerville ocials are eying changes to park land surrounding the city’s historic water tower, as sta presented City Council with a proposed plan for Old Town Park on April 22. The gist City ocials are hoping to reimagine the prop- erty surrounding the old water tower on Second Street, which was built in 1935 and decommis- sioned in 1990. After conducting a series of community engagement events in recent months, Parks and Recreation Director Shane Mize, as well as con- sultants with TBG Partners and BRS Architecture, presented council with a conceptual design of the park changes. The plan includes the construction of a raised boardwalk area, green space, a pavilion, rain garden and play features. “So in addition to creating fun spaces where people can play and gather, we’ve overlaid an education element to this master plan that

Old Town Park

Proposed park area

helps celebrate and educate people about the importance of water in Pugerville’s history, its development and its future,” Craig Bouck, of BRS Architecture, said. The park could cost an estimated $5 million, Mize said, which could come from capital improvement funding, parkland dedication dollars or other sources. The design team said the project could be built in two or three phases. The proposal will go to the Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission, before it can receive council approval.

“While we still have a long way to go, this drop in overdose deaths shows us that the strategies we’ve implemented are not only working, they’re saving lives.” ANDY BROWN, TRAVIS COUNTY JUDGE

PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

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Government

BY ANNA MANESS & HALEY MCLEOD

Williamson County weighs budget needs Discussions for Williamson County’s scal year 2025-26 budget began as elected ocials and department heads gathered to discuss personnel and funding needs at an April 11 budget workshop. Two-minute impact During the discussion, county sta passed a microphone around the room, allowing commis- sioners to get an idea what funding and personnel requests will likely come through, as commission- ers plan to pass the county budget in August. Department heads listed close to 100 new positions for commissioners to consider in the FY 2025-26 budget. Some employees cited under- stang issues, while others requested funding for equipment, maintenance or new county vehicles. County-wide needs are vast, Precinct 3 Commis- sioner Valerie Covey said. At the meeting, requests for additional

Gary Howell named TravCo re marshal After a provisional appointment begin- ning March 2024, Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell will serve another two years with approval from county commis- sioners April 15. About the position The Fire Marshal’s Oce, a division of Travis County Emergency Services, is responsible for re investigations, re inspections, and re code enforcement within the unincorporated areas of Travis County, according to the county’s website. The Fire Marshall oversees burn bans, inspections and education in order to target re prevention. The oce also assists in re investigations, responds to citizens reports and works with local Emergency Services Districts, or re departments.

“The pie is only so big. We’re going to do the best we can in meeting the needs that we have.” VALERIE COVEY, PRECINCT 3 WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER

personnel came from several departments, including the budget oce, county attorney’s oce, county manager, district attorney’s oce, district clerk’s oce, district Court Administra- tion, elections oce and more. The largest personnel requests came from Emer- gency Services and the Sheri’s Oce, as ocials said they’ll be asking for 23 and 37 new positions, respectively. As of February, there are 63 departments and 1,921 employees in Williamson County, according to county documents.

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Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & BROOKE SJOBERG

Projections show possible $13M shortfall for PfISD

Hutto ISD to expand virtual academy Hutto ISD will expand enrollment capacity for its virtual school option in the 2025-26 school year, Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin shared in March. What you need to know Neatherlin shared at a March Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon that the district plans to expand enrollment capacity for the upcoming school year to at least 70 students. 41 students enrolled for the program in the 2024-25 school year, with six students graduating from the program at the end of the semester, according to the district. Hutto Virtual Academy opened in the 2022-23 school year with just six students, according to the district. One student graduated that year.

Pflugerville ISD officials are reviewing the upcoming budget cycle and projecting a possible $13 million shortfall ahead of the new fiscal year that will now begin July 1. Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Land provided the board of trustees a preliminary look at the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget during the April 3 board meeting. Breaking it down Based on the district’s budget snapshot comparing the current FY 2024-25 budget to the FY 2025-26 budget, revenue is projected to grow to $294.3 million, up $4 million, but expenditures are estimated to increase to $307.8 million, up $10 million. Expenditures per students are also expected to increase from $10,563 to $12,039. The result is a projected shortfall of $13 million. Land said PfISD is moving from a Sept. 1-Aug. 31 fiscal year to a July 1-June 30 fiscal year, and

Impacting factors

2% raise for staff, which will cost about $4.9 million 13% inflationary costs for campus and department budgets $1.6 million lost in State Health and Related Services funding $1,114 in additional per-student funding needed to close gap between rising costs

SOURCE: PFLUGERVILLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

doing so means the district could contribute a one-time infusion to its fund balance of nearly $20 million in FY 2024-25. However, by FY 2025- 26, the fund balance would end at $78 million, down from $92 million.

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Education

Pflugerville, Hutto ISDs 2022-23 TEA ratings released

what’s occurring in classrooms today. The TEA remains blocked from releasing ratings for the 2023-24 school year, due to another lawsuit. Ratings from 2024-25 are expected later this year.

In letters to their respective districts, both Pflugerville ISD Superintendent Quintin Shepherd and Hutto ISD Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin described the data informing the 2022-23 ratings as old, and said that the ratings don’t reflect

On April 24, the Texas Education Agency released public school accountability ratings for the 2022- 23 school year. This is the first time since 2019 that schools have received complete ratings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and two lawsuits.

Hutto ISD District score

Reading Math This shows how well a district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. Closing the gaps

Percent of students per rating

The “What-if” rating scores the 2021-22 data using the 2022-23 methodology as a comparison point.

58% 39% Two or More Races 46% 28% African American

50% 33% Hispanic

61% 48% White

11%

2021-22 “what if”

2022-23

85%

43% 44% American Indian 50% 17% Pacific Islander

42% 28% High Focus* 54% 38% All Students

78/100

81/100

75% 66% Asian

School scores

School

2021-22 “what if”

2022-23

*HIGH FOCUS INCLUDES ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND THOSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES

Benjamin Doc Kerley Elementary Cottonwood Creek Elementary

B B C B B B B C B C B

C C C C B B C B D C B

Percentage of students approaching grade level or above on STAAR tests

Four-Year Graduation Rate

Farley Middle School

Howard Norman Elementary

State

District

State

District

Hutto Elementary Hutto High School Hutto Middle School

Hutto Ninth Grade Center

Nadine Johnson Elemementary

Ray Elementary

Reading

Math

Science

Social Studies

Veterans Hill Elementary

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Pflugerville ISD District score The “What-if” rating scores the 2021-22 data using the 2022-23 methodology as a comparison point. 2022-23 2021-22 “what if”

Percent of students per rating

School scores

School

2021-22 “what if”

2022-23

16%

Bohls Middle School

C B B A A B C F D B A F A B A B C A A C C C B A B C C D F B B B

C C B A A B C F D B B D A B A D B B C C C B C A C B D D F C D B

21%

Brookhollow Elementary Caldwell Elementary Carpenter Elementary Cele Middle School Copperfield Elementary

29%

27%

Dearing Elementary Dessau Elementary

77/100

75/100

Dessau Middle School Hendrickson High School Highland Park Elementary John B Connally High School Kelly Lane Middle School

Reading This shows how well a district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. Closing the gaps

Math

45% 26% African American 67% 51% Two or More Races

46% 33% Hispanic

73% 62% White

Mott Elementary

55% 35% American Indian 72% 47% Pacific Islander

41% 30% High Focus* 55% 42% All Students

Murchison Elementary Northwest Elementary Park Crest Middle School Parmer Lane Elementary Pflugerville Elementary Pflugerville High School Pflugerville Middle School

76% 71% Asian

*HIGH FOCUS INCLUDES ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS, ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND THOSE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES

Riojas Elementary

River Oaks Elementary Rowe Lane Elementary Ruth Barron Elementary Springhill Elementary Timmerman Elementary

Percentage of students approaching grade level or above on STAAR tests

Four-Year Graduation Rate

State

District

State

District

Weiss High School

Westview Middle School

Wieland Elementary

Wilhelmina Delco Elementary

Reading

Math

Science

Social Studies

Windermere Elementary

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST

Construction to begin on public works complex Pflugerville City Council approved a $77.6 million construction contract for a city public works complex at its April 8 meeting. Design and bidding for the project are in progress, and the notice to proceed with construction will be issued immediately. What is it This contract establishes a guaranteed maxi- mum price, which includes all construction and equipment, with contingencies for unforeseen issues and potential tariff impacts. The $77.6 mil- lion contract is $8 million less than the approved budget for the complex. Preliminary design plans show six buildings, including a 56,000-square-foot main administra- tive building. Other buildings are designated for supply, storage, vehicle maintenance and fueling. The site will have space for other city offices as

$249M Hutto project moves forward Hutto City Council approved a slate of items at its meeting April 17 relating to a mixed-use development at the intersection of SH 130 and Limmer Loop. Zooming in Developer Limmer Holdings will transform about 111 acres into the Limmer Square development. Preliminary site plans for the roughly $249-million project show a mix of residential, commercial and open space.

500-space parking garage planned for Downtown East

Pflugerville parks get playground upgrades Pflugerville City Council signed off on the purchase of new playground equipment for two local parks—Murchison and Cambridge Estates parks—in early April. The gist Council approved the purchase of new playground equipment, shade structures and a pavilion to be installed at Murchison Park for about $240,800. The project stems from a 2020 voter-approved parks bond. At a cost of around $213,400, the city will also install a new playground, along with custom climbing rocks and rope climbers, at Cambridge Estates Park. Funding comes from the city’s annual park improvement budget.

685

Pflugerville City Council approved an amend- ment in April to its lease with Griffin Swinerton and Cattellus, the master developer for the city’s Downtown East project, to include plans for a parking garage. Overview The city broke ground in December on Phase 1 of Downtown East, which will serve as the home of Pflugerville’s new city hall, a multigenerational recreation center and civic plaza. City Council approved a development agreement in November 2023 with Griffin Swinerton and Catel- lus, which is handling the construction of Phase 1 of Downtown East. According to the lease amendment, the scope of the projects includes a raised parking structure

well, including: • Assistant city manager’s office • Utility billing • Streets and drainage • Transportation engineering • Facilities maintenance

with approximately 500 parking spaces. The con- struction team will have until Oct. 20 to present the final plans for the parking structure to the city. The cost of the parking is estimated to be $13 million-$16 million. What else? City Council is also expected to consider retail components of the recreation center this spring, including a commercial condominium, parking agreement and retail agreement, per city documents.

The space will have room for up to 240 public works employees by 2043, Utilities Director Bran- don Pritchett said at the April 8 meeting. What’s next Since approved, construction will begin imme- diately, with the project expected to be completed by November 2026, according to city documents.

LIMMER LOOP

130

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

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

Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070

Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

roadway impact fees 4 Kelly Lane Phase 2 Project: This project will widen Kelly Lane from two to four lanes. Update: Expected to be completed summer 2025. • Timeline: 2019–2025 • Cost: $27.6 million • Funding Source: certiicate of obligation bonds and general of obligation bonds 5 Neighborhood Street Reconstruction 3 Project: Grand National Avenue, Rowe Loop, Sullivan Street, Dalshank Street, Algreg Street, Mashburn Street, Option Avenue, Diablo Drive and Butler Drive will get pavement rehabs. Update: Construction is ongoing and expected to be complete this year. • Timeline: 2020–2025 • Cost: $6.7 million • Funding Source: certiicate of obligation bonds and general of obligation bonds Hutto

LIMMER LOOP

132

130 TOLL

1660

RED BUD LN.

E. WILCO HIGHWAY

RD.

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

137

45 TOLL

COLORADO SAND DR.

GREENLAWN BLVD.

MOORLYNCH AVE.

COPPER MINE DR.

GRAND AVE. PKWY.

WY.

FALCON POINTE BLVD.

VISION DR.

LONE STAR RANCH BLVD.

685

DESSAU RD.

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

MANGAN WAY

Ongoing projects

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

6 FM 1660 N at Limmer Loop Project: Turn lane and signal improvements at the intersection of FM 1660 N and Limmer Loop. Update: Crews have applied temporary striping and reopened the road as of February 2025. • Timeline: 2023–2025 • Cost: $7,884,001 • Funding Source: TBD 7 FM 1660 S at Hwy. 79 Project: The turn lane and signal at the intersection of FM 1660 S. and Hwy. 79 will be improved. Update: The trac light at Front Street is 90% through TxDOT review as of Jan. 15, and the review completion

Pugerville

Update: Project design is 80% complete and the project is expected to go to bid this summer. • Timeline: 2020–2029 • Cost: $28.7 million • Funding Source: certiicate of obligation bonds, general of obligation bonds and roadway impact fees

Upcoming projects

1 FM 685 Project: The project includes lane realignment, intersection changes and shared-use paths. Update: The schematic design is 30% complete. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $175 million • Funding Source: general obligation bonds 2 Kelly Lane Phase 3 Project: A four-lane roadway with a center median will be built from Moorlynch Avenue to Cele Road.

Ongoing projects

3 Colorado Sand Drive Project: A .53 mile roadway between Copper Mine Drive and Lone Star Ranch Boulevard will be built. Update: Construction is projected to wrap up this year. • Timeline: 2019–2025 • Cost: $9.9 million • Funding Source: general obligation bonds and

will nalize the project. • Timeline: 2025–TBD • Cost: $4,158,600 • Funding Source: TBD

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: Hoodoos in Big Bend Ranch State Park CRITTER: The Caprock Bison

OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Music Makers FEATURE PREVIEW: Meet the Texperts

Above: Big Bend Ranch State Park.

PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

DETOURS

Clods and Monsters

Location: In Big Bend Ranch State Park, 26 miles west of the Barton Warnock Visitor Center BY PAM LEBLANC WALKING AMONG the weird spires of rock that sprout like giant mushrooms in Big Bend Ranch State Park feels like wandering the set of the original Star Trek series. The sand-colored hoodoos—some as tall as a two-story building—look otherworldly, but they developed natu- rally. Eons of wind and rain have scrubbed away softer materials such as fine-grained mudstone and porous tu at the base of the columns, leaving caps of hardened rock at the top. Use your imagination and you might see a human-shaped figure, a lumpy rendition of a troll, or a colossal bird egg balanced on a pedestal. These “fairy towers” famously appeared in the closing scenes of Boy- hood, Richard Linklater’s 2014 coming-of-age drama. An easy stop if you’re driving through the park, the Hoodoos Trail is about a mile long. If you’re not up for the walk, a shaded picnic table oers views of the hoodoos, the Rio Grande, and Mexico beyond.

acres, “they’re usually just cud chewing and wallowing and walking around like they have all day to do nothing,” says Na- talie Smith, a park interpreter. Still, she warns visitors to stay at least fifty yards, or half the length of a football field, away from a bison—and even more during rutting season, which typically lasts from June to September, when they can be aggressive. “If you get two bulls that are equally dominant and are physically equals, they can fight, and they will,” says park superintendent Donald Beard. “We have had bulls killed by other bulls.”

The bison at Caprock Canyons State Park, in the Panhandle, default to photogenic docility, as befits a noble symbol of the American West. They are the descendants of five herds, in- cluding one created by Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight, who in 1878 rescued several calves during the great slaughter that made the once plenti- ful bovines a rarity. There are other herds on private land, but Caprock’s has been designat- ed the o cial herd of Texas, a celebrity status the bison seem unaware of. Mostly unrued by the campers and day hikers who visit the park’s 15,314

YIKES. HOW DO I AVOID IRRITATING A BISON? Leave appropriate space be- tween yourself and any animal capable of tap dancing on your organs, and look out for signs of agitation. “If their tail is in the air, like it’s flagging, you need to step back,” says Smith. Ditto if it’s swinging its head from side to side. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M BEING CHARGED BY ONE? Beard says, “If you get into a situation where you’ve been charged, it’s too late.”

The Caprock Bison CRITTER OF THE MONTH

OH. —Lauren Larson

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