Round Rock Edition | November 2024

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 3 NOV. 5DEC. 3, 2024

2024 Volunteer Guide

Penfold Theatre Company actors rehearse for the troupe’s rst production in its new location.

COURTESY STEVE ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY Penfold Theatre Company unveils Round Rock venue

Nathan Jerkins, Penfold’s co-founder and star of the play, said the story is “about how we’re going to be good neighbors and how we’re going to take care of our neighbors,” —a message he said is appropri- ate for Penfold’s rst show in a new neighborhood.

agreement between Penfold, the city of Round Rock and Danly Properties in an eort to foster creativity in the community. The rst showing, a production of “I’m Proud of You,” centered around the relationship between TV host Mister Rogers and a close friend.

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

When the curtains rose at Penfold Theatre Company’s rst production in its new Round Rock venue Oct. 4, it was the rst time in 17 years the performing arts organization had a stage of its own. The new theater space is a result of a three-party

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Impacts: Learn about a new breakfast, brunch spot now open in Round Rock (Page 6)

Development: Read about what the city of Round Rock is doing at Old Settlers Park (Page 18)

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Impacts

Round Rock

4 Pixel Palace Arcade and Bar Owned by Zane and Michelle Fielding and Nicole and John Palacios, the arcade and bar opened to the public in October. The arcade bar features pinball machines, classic arcade games, claw machines, basketball, skeeball and more games from the late ‘70s to the late ‘90s. All games will be played with tokens that can be bought at the bar. Kids are welcome until 8 p.m.; 18 and older after 8 p.m. • Opened Oct. 14 • 2471 S. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Ste. 130, Round Rock • www.pixelpalacearcade.com 5 The Ri House Rehearsal Rooms Owned by Brady and Kimber Vance, the rehearsal space opened in September. The business provides musicians and bands with a place to practice, oering rehearsal spaces for rent by the hour. The Ri House features sound-treated rooms equipped with drums, sound equipment and microphones. • Opened Sept. 13

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• 894 Summit St., Ste. 104, Round Rock • www.facebook.com/theriffhouseatx

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6 Round Rock Nutrition The business, located between Pizza Hut and F45, is locally owned by Yaritza Sorrells and opened in October. The juice and smoothie bar oers wellness- focused smoothies, energy drinks, and pre- and post-

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workout drinks. • Opened Oct. 7 • 2000 N. Mays St., Ste. 117, Round Rock • Facebook: Round Rock Nutrition

business owned by Savannah Lance; and EvaBelle Skin Retreat, which is owned by esthetician Erin Morgan. • Opened in August • 3000 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Ste. 42, Round Rock • www.earthsignbeauty.com 3 Mays Corner Store The gas station and convenience store opened mid- September in Round Rock, bringing convenient access to grocery items and an in-house taqueria to nearby neighborhoods. • Opened Sept. 16

Now open

7 Stagecoach Inn The historic building in Round Rock was relocated to facilitate RM 620 road improvements earlier this year. A reopening celebration was held in October to mark the completion of renovations to the facility. • Opened Oct. 19 • 750 Chisholm Trail Road, Round Rock • www.roundrocktexas.gov 8 T Liquors The liquor store opened in early August, bringing a wide variety of wine, spirits and specialty tobacco products to central Round Rock. The store carries chewing

1 Babka ATX Owner Sariel Brummer said she opened her Round Rock warehouse to walk-in customers in early September. Brummer’s babkas, a sweet braided bread, are sold at local markets as well as to wholesale clients, such as Summer Moon Coee and Central Market. • Opened Sept. 9 • 1310 Chisholm Valley Drive, Ste. 405, Round Rock • https://babkaatx.com/ 2 Earth Sign Beauty and Brows Locally owned by brow specialist Aimi Sakura, the business is also home to Solstice Beauty, a lash services

• 1801 S. Mays St., Round Rock • Facebook: Mays Corner Store

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tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, CBD as well as Delta 8 and Delta 9 products. • Opened Aug. 1 • 2000 N. Mays St., Ste. 300, Round Rock 9 Waterloo Swimming A grand opening was held for the swim school’s rst Round Rock location in October. The 23,000-square- foot swim facility includes an indoor teaching pool and training pool, as well as family changing rooms and a viewing lobby for parents. The center oers classes for new swimmers and training opportunities for more experienced swimmers. • Opened Oct. 12 • 751 Phillip Warner Place, Round Rock • www.waterlooswimming.com

Now open

Coming soon

13 Home Kitchen The restaurant opened in Round Rock Oct. 19, owner and head chef Daniel Melgar said. Home Kitchen’s menu includes specialty avored pancakes, he said, such as Oreo cookies and cream pancakes, and pastries like croissants made in- house for menu items like croissant french toast. • Opened Oct. 19 • 2471 S. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Bldg. 110, Round Rock • www.homekitchenatx.com

14 Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard The frozen dessert shop plans to open a new location in Round Rock, according to the company’s website. The Pennsylvania-based business oers a variety sweet treats, including Italian ice, frozen custard and a combination of the two. • Opening TBD • 3720 Gattis School Road, Ste. 200, Round Rock • www.ritasice.com

Coming soon

10 Fujiya Ramen & Sushi Bar The restaurant will open a new location in the University Commons shopping center in late October or early November, owner Jason Lin said. Sushi dishes, barbecue, ramen, hot and cold beverages, and desserts will be served, Lin said. It will open in a retail space formerly occupied by Pei Wei, which closed in 2023. • Opening by early November • 200 University Blvd., Ste. 100, Round Rock 11 Smoothie King The juice and smoothie bar is set to open its doors in late February, a company representative conrmed in October. Smoothie King is an international franchise with over 1,300 locations. The New Orleans-based chain of smoothie bars oers a wide variety of blended beverages, with the option to add nutritional enhancers

renovation in 2025, project information listed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows. Per the TDLR ling, the H-E-B store located near the intersection of Greenlawn Boulevard and Louis Henna Boulevard in southeast Round Rock will undergo a renovation totaling just over $13.3 million. The focus of the renovation includes demolition and redesign of the main entrance exterior; remodeling of restrooms, pharmacy and store oor; and replacement of coolers and freezers. • Renovations starting Q1 2025 • 603 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. A, Round Rock • www.heb.com HEB The grocery retailer launched in October tap-to-pay services across all its Texas stores, allowing customers to

make quick, contactless payments using digital wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay in October. • www.heb.com

Closings

like protein and collagen. • Opening February 2025 • 7399 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.smoothieking.com

Good Pickle Juice A sister brand to Round Rock Honey and owned by Konrad and Elizabeth Bouard, the pickle juice-based sports beverage company shuttered in October, the Bouards announced via social media. Round Rock Honey will remain open. • Closed in October • www.goodpicklejuice.com

In the news

12 HEB A Round Rock H-E-B store will undergo a substantial

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Impacts

Pflugerville

Now open

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1 Crux Climbing Center The roughly 30,000-square-foot facility has designated climbing areas, including 55-foot climbing walls, a 90-degree lead climbing roof and a kilter board. • Opened Sept. 30 • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.cruxclimbingcenter.com 2 Pickleball Kingdom The facility is Central Texas’ first and offers three full- sized courts and one half court. Pickleball Kingdom offers a membership program with perks, as well as a one-hour, free pickleball instructive class. • Opened Oct. 13 • 1900 E. Howard Lane, Bldg. E, Pflugerville • pickleballkingdom.com 3 Edgebrooke neighborhood Austin-based home builder Brohn Homes offers 200 floor plans in Edgebrooke that range from 1,230 to 3,007 square feet. The neighborhood features a playground, dog park, walking trails and a pickleball court. • Opened Sept. 12 • 2714 Totley Road, Pflugerville • brohnhomes.com

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4 Infinite Hitting Parents and athletes can now book free swing evaluations at the indoor baseball and softball training clubhouse. The facility offers baseball and softball hitting lessons from professionally trained coaches. • Opened Sept. 30 • 21419 Martin Lane, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.infiniteaustintx.com 5 Spicy Boys Fried Chicken The food truck specializes in fried chicken sandwiches and nuggets. This is the Austin-based business’s fifth location, with the new site situated outside of Crux Climbing Center in Pflugerville. • Opened Oct. 4 • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.spicyboyschicken.com

7 H-E-B Pflugerville’s third H-E-B store will feature a True Texas BBQ restaurant, pharmacy with a drive-thru, curbside and home delivery services, fuel station and car wash. • Opening Nov. 13 • 2641 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville • www.heb.com

Coming soon

In the news

8 El Pollo Rico The restaurant, which serves authentic Mexican grilled chicken and carne asada, is planned for Pflugerville, per a Texas Department of Licensing and Registration filing. • 1304 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.pollosricos.com

10 Daiso Japanese household goods store Daiso will move into Stone Hill Town Center in Pflugerville. The company plans to open by the end of the year, according to real estate manager New Quest. Daiso sells products such as kitchenware and stationary. It is a global retail chain that has over 20 locations in Texas. • Opening late 2024 • 18700 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 700, Pflugerville • www.daisous.com

Coming soon

Closings

6 Union Church Union Church will have its grand opening as an independent church Nov. 10, after transitioning out from a multi-site church over the summer. • Opening Nov. 10 • 1201 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.unionaustin.com

9 Green ‘n Growing Family owned Green ’n Growing, a plant nursery and gardening shop that has served central Texas since 1975, closed its doors to customers at the end of October. • Closed late October • 601 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • greenngrowing.com

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Impacts Hutto

Coming soon

In the news

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1 ProMD Health The medical spa plans to open a new location in Hutto, according to the company’s website. The spa offers a variety of skin care services, Botox, hair restoration, laser hair removal, IV therapy, tattoo removal and

Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts program The East Williamson County TSTC location in Hutto discontinued its Culinary Arts program in July. However, the campus also began offering a Computer Networking and Systems Administration program this fall. TSTC still offers the Culinary Arts program at its Waco location. • www.tstc.edu

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other services. • Opened TBD • 201 E. Wilco Highway, Ste. 200, Hutto • www.promdhealth.com

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2 Chase Bank A new Chase Bank branch will open in Hutto in 2025. The new location will include three ATMS, two of which will have 24-hour access. The site, located near H-E-B in Hutto, will be the third new branch for Chase to open in the North Austin area since the summer of 2023. This is the second Chase location in Hutto, with the other location at 506 Hwy. 79 in Hutto. • Opening mid-March 2025 • 4900 Gattis School Road, Hutto • www.chase.com

Closings

3 Stockade Kitchen The restaurant specializing in American comfort food in a fast-casual setting closed its doors in Hutto. The restaurant is part of a chain of businesses owned by Stockade Companies, which has similar restaurants throughout the country. • Closed Sept. 16 • 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.stockadecompanies.com

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Now open

Coming soon

4 ClubCuts Barbershop The new barbershop opened in the H-E-B Plus complex on Gattis School Road in Hutto. The shop offers a variety of haircuts for adults and children, beard trims, hot-towel shaves and waxing. This is the company’s first Texas location, with the original located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. • Opened Oct. 18 • 5002 Gattis School Road, Ste. 180, Hutto • www.clubcuts.com

5 Amazing Animal Adventures Exotic Pet Shop The exotic animal pet shop plans to open in Hutto. Owned by Jason Miller, the shop will specialize in reptiles, birds, exotic mammals as well as supplies for pets. • Opening mid-November • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 14, Hutto • 888-413-9684

6 Woof Gang Bakery A new Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is expected to open soon at Star Ranch Market in Hutto. The company offers a variety of grooming services, including bathing, nail trimming and painting, teeth brushing, de-matting and ear cleaning. Pet owners will also find a variety of gourmet pet treats and nutrient-rich foods. • Opening mid-November • 2098 Muirfield Bend Drive, Hutto • www.woofgangbakery.com

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Government

WilCo to conduct survey of homeless population An annual count of Williamson County’s homeless population is scheduled toward the end of January. About the project Volunteers with the Williamson County Home- less Coalition will be trained to conduct a point-in- time count to determine the number of unhoused individuals in the area. On the night of the count, around 50-75 vol- unteers will use a survey provided by the Texas Homeless Network to ask the homeless com- munity demographic questions regarding their age, race and gender, along with more personal questions. “We want the community to start engaging with folks that are living unsheltered and see them as their neighbors, so we encourage conversation beyond the survey,” said Christel

City generates $558M in travel spending The city of Round Rock’s sports manage- ment and tourism properties, such as Dell Diamond and the Round Rock Sports Center, helped generate over $558 million in travel spending in fiscal year 2023-24, according to a recent presentation by Chad McKenzie, director of sports management and tourism. The gist After a year of special events, festivals and sports tournaments at Round Rock facilities, the city saw over $22 million in additional cash spent in the local economy, McKenzie said. Along with roughly 5,300 jobs provided through sports and tourism programming, the city generated $54.3 million in state and local tax revenues from visitors.

Sleeping arrangements In January 2024, the coalition surveyed 89 individuals and received 63 answers to the question, “Where are you sleeping tonight?”

Bus, train station, airport: 1 Under bridge/overpass: 3 Abandoned building/ structure: 4 Park: 8 Outdoor encampment: 8 Vehicle: 15 Street/sidewalk: 24

63 answers

SOURCE: TEXAS HOMELESS NETWORK/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Erickson-Collins, vice chair of the Williamson County Homeless Coalition. Volunteers in groups of three to four will split up to drive around and look for unhoused individ- uals for the PIT count, said Janette Gaudiesus, a Williamson County Homeless Coalition member. Cars, streets and parks are checked, along with local food banks earlier in the day.

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City to revisit zoning for downtown area The city of Round Rock is reevaluating the city’s downtown mixed-use zoning districts after recently holding open houses and gath- ering input from community stakeholders. The context The existing downtown mixed-used districts include one-to-three story com- mercial buildings; a variety of building types for combinations of commercial, office and residential; and residential buildings with limited commercial and office use. This plan was adopted as part of the 2010 Downtown Master Plan, with a goal of creating a walkable district with a mix of businesses and homes, while also comple- menting the existing downtown historic district.

Williamson County OKs contentious contract The Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved Oct. 15 a one-year contract renewal with Rippner Tennis after commissioners agreed the owner should evaluate several manage- ment issues citizens brought forward. The background The decision comes after county residents created a petition with over 200 signatures from community members who were against the contract renewal, citing maintenance concerns, communication issues and court availability. RippnerTennis, owned by Brie Rippner, manages the eight tennis courts at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park through a 2017 county contract, Williamson County Parks Director Russell Fishbeck said at the Oct. 15 meeting. The park is located near the border of Leander, Round Rock and Cedar Park. Rippner Tennis

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provides management services for the tennis pro shop at the park, according to the contract. Rippner Tennis can use four courts for lessons, camps and other activities for profit, and the other four are for general public use, Fishbeck said. Going forward Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell made a motion to adopt the agreement to renew the contract for one year, with a caveat that Rippner Tennis work with the Parks Department and citizens to make improvements.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Education

Caraway Elementary renovation finished A project to expand and renovate Cara- way Elementary School was completed in mid-October, improving campus safety and adding classrooms to the school. About the project The scope of work covered by the project included the relocation of administrative offices to the front of the building to improve security. Classrooms were built in the space previously dedicated to existing adminis- trative areas, according to HPM Program Management. The renovations also extended to the campus’s roof, boiler and trash enclosure. Students will also have access to a new rain garden, gymnasium stage, playfield and expanded playgrounds.

RRISD to prioritize funding, accountability in 89th Legislature The Round Rock ISD board of trustees revisited its legislative priorities identified ahead of the 89th Texas legislative session, again approving a slate of priorities focused on increasing state funding via the basic allotment, funding for special educa- tion, mental health and school safety, as well as a restructuring of recapture and adjustments to how accountability ratings are determined. What’s happening? District officials and administrators are working to involve the community in the setting and advocacy of priorities that will guide district efforts at the Capitol during the legislative session, and through the Texas Association of School Boards, of which RRISD is a member district. Board Secretary and Place 4 trustee Alicia Markum said in an

RRISD legislative priorities Following an update based on community feedback, areas of priority identified by the district now include:

Improving the accountability rating system

Reshaping recapture to allow districts to retain more local funds Increasing the basic allotment and indexing it to keep pace with inflation, and keeping it separate from discussions of vouchers

Improving funding for a variety of school-based services

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Oct. 17 meeting that while the district had initially planned to do this via listening circles, a pilot paper and online survey of community members was conducted earlier this year to gauge sentiment regarding some of the district’s priorities. In a 5-2 vote, trustees approved a list of priori- ties for the upcoming legislative session, adding recapture, mental health, school safety and funding for prekindergarten programming to the list.

Recognizing Our Veterans

At the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, we salute our veterans. Our Qualified Veteran Discount Program allows qualified veterans to drive toll-free on select toll roads, including 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, 45SW, and 183 Toll. If you have a specialty plate and meet eligibility requirements, you can apply for the program today.

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BY BROOKE SJOBERG

“Our commitment to this community and Round Rock ISD is we will be that mission-driven organization saying, ‘Yes,’ to every student in need. No wait lists.” MONICA VAN WAADEN, HOPE ROUND ROCK FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Hope Austin rebrands as Hope Round Rock Hope Austin is rebranding as Hope Round Rock exclusively in its partnership with Round Rock ISD and IDEA Round Rock. The nonprofit’s service area will not change. About the program The organization provides weekend meals for students, in-school snack support and family meals.

Monthly rent program helps 78 employees After its first year offering the program, Round Rock ISD’s program to provide assistance with rent is nearing its goal of helping 100 employees per month with the cost of housing. What you need to know Staff provided the first update on RRISD’s rental assistance program, which supports a portion of rental costs at four different apartment complexes in partnership with the Texas Workforce Housing Foundation, at an Oct. 17 meeting. The program initially started with $250 per month in housing assistance for district employees at participating apartment properties. However, as of Oct. 1, district employees participating in the program will now receive $350 per month in rental assistance, totaling $4,200 per year. Assistance is available to all district employees.

Number of participants in program Since the program launched in August 2023, RRISD has seen the number of employees participating in its housing assistance program grow to 68 monthly employees. Sept. Oct. 13 12

Dec. Nov.

17 17

Jan. Feb. March July June April May Aug. Sept.

32 36

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Eagles Nest extension to begin next year A project to connect Eagles Nest Street to Chisholm Trail in Round Rock will begin construction early next year, according to a filing with Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. This is the first phase of a

Round Rock approves $1M contract for CR 112 A project to widen CR 112 East in Round Rock is progressing after City Council approved a supple- mental contract for engineer work Oct. 10. About the project Plans for the CR 112 project include widening the road from two to six lanes, from CR 117 to CR 110. The project also includes additional pedestrian facilities as well as curb and gutter drainage. The anticipated bid date for the road work is Oct. 15. The update Round Rock City Council approved a second supplemental contract with HDR Engineering, bringing the total price to over $1.2 million for its engineering services. Services include preparing traffic signal plans for the intersection of CR 112, or Avery Nelson Parkway, and CR 110. The engineer

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117

two-phase project. About the project

firm will also assist with Kenney Fort Boulevard intersection coordination and design changes. What else? A separate project to widen CR 112, from A.W. Grimes to CR 117, is estimated to start construction late this year. RPS is the engineer for the project, and Dan Williams Company is lined up to do contracting work, pending approval from City Council.

Phase one includes an almost 1-mile, four- lane road section connecting the streets on either side of I-35, from Cypress Boulevard to North Mays Street. Project plans show bridge crossings over Chandler Branch of Brushy Creek and the highway. The first phase of the project is estimated to begin in roughly three months, according to city documents. The project filing shows an estimated cost of $6.2 million and a completion date of August 2025.

Round Rock allocates additional funds for three road projects Three road projects that are part of Round Rock’s Transportation Capital Improvement Program will receive additional funding. Round Rock City Council voted to amend the TCIP to include allocations for projects to improve Red Bud Lane, Old Settlers Boulevard and Wyoming Springs. The gist The TCIP will receive $29.5 million following council’s vote Sept. 26. The majority of the allocation will go towards the Red Bud Lane North project. Contingency costs amount to $5.3 million for Old Settlers Boulevard and $6 million for Wyoming Springs. A closer look Red Bud Lane North improvements will upgrade the two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway from Hwy. 79 to CR 117. The project went out for bid Sept. 10 and should begin construction in 3-4 months. The Old Settlers Boulevard extension from North Red Bud Lane to CR 110 is expected to be a four-lane divided roadway with a bridge. Bids for the project

117

1431

OAKMONT DR.

O L D S E T T L ER S B L V D .

MAYS ST.

PALOMA DR.

STEAM WAY

110

OLD SETTLER'S BLVD.

Mays Street project moves forward Round Rock will move forward with widening sections of North Mays Street, fol- lowing City Council’s approval on Sept. 26 to purchase necessary land. The overview The Mays Street project will widen the existing road to five lanes in two areas, from Paloma Drive to Steam Way, and from Oakmont Drive to the Mays Street and University Boulevard intersection. Round Rock City Council approved a purchase of .0460 acres of land belonging to MS Realty Holdings. The city is still currently going through right of way acquisition and this purchase will help keep the project moving.

SAM BASS RD.

OLD SETTLERS BLVD.

CREEK BEND BLVD.

WYOMING SPRINGS DR.

opened Sept. 24, with construction slated to begin 3-4 months after. Wyoming Springs segment one, from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Boulevard, will create a new four-lane divided arterial roadway with off- street shared use paths. What else? Council approved a $25.9 million contract with Capital Excavation Company for Wyoming Springs.

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Development

Round Rock begins Old Settlers Park buildout The city of Round Rock recently began renova- tions to Old Settlers Park, closing parts of the park for safety. The current situation Construction on the multi-phase Old Settlers Park buildout project began Sept. 23. The park’s Lakeview area is the first to undergo renovations, which will include a new pavilion and event stage. The Lakeview pavilion and Joanne Land Play- ground are closed during construction. About the project Future plans for the park include: • Upgrades to Rock ’N River Water Park • Civil and electrical upgrades for built-in infra- structure for events • Expanding the Multipurpose Complex,

WilCo Justice Center plans move forward Williamson County officials approved the maximum price to be paid for two construction projects related to improving justice system spaces, which will add room to hear more cases and improve security. Overview At a Sept. 17 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the guaranteed maximum price proposals of a Justice Center improvement project alongside Phase 1 and 2 of the Juvenile Justice Center addition. Upon a permit approval in December, the Juvenile Justice Addition construction will go into 2027. The Justice Complex Improvements Proj- ect and the Juvenile Justice Addition’s GMP is $646,184 and $78.09 million, respec- tively, according to county documents.

The city of Round Rock will reconstruct the Lakeview Pavilion and restrooms at Old Settlers Park.

RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

including six new fields • Expanding the Adult Recreation Complex, relo- cating the tennis complex and pickleball courts The buildout project is funded by 2023 voter-ap- proved bonds. What else? Harrell Parkway will also undergo improve- ments, including a roadway connection to Kenney Fort Boulevard, and a new bridge and walkway to improve safety traveling within Old Settlers Park.

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Hospital breaks ground on $230M expansion Ascension Seton Williamson in Round Rock will soon expand its capacity to care for the growing population of Williamson County. The hospital broke ground on a $230 million expansion Sept. 26, anticipating a 2026 opening. About the project The 216,000-square-foot, six-story tower planned to be constructed as an expansion of the existing hospital will allow staff to take on the increased demand for care that has arisen with population growth in Williamson County, hospital president Andrew Gnann said. Once completed, the expanded tower will have: • An additional 160 beds, bringing the total number of beds to 341 • Two new operating rooms • An additional MRI

First Google Fiber customers online

SETON PKWY.

The first Google Fiber internet customers in Round Rock now have service, one year after crews began the installation. The overview According to company representatives, most of the city could be fit with fiber cables by the end of 2025, and the service will also expand to Cedar Park, Kyle and Lakeway.

• A new catheterization lab • A new observation unit • An expanded emergency room 34,000 square feet of the facility expansion will also be dedicated to outpatient wound care, cardiac rehab and pediatric rehab. Previously, the hospital shared the expansion would create hundreds of jobs for local health care workers.

“We have a lot of this area that just finished most of the construction.

We continue to move north and we’ll be crossing I-35.” JOHN-MICHAEL CORTEZ, GOOGLE FIBER GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MANAGER

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Real estate

The median price of homes sold in Round Rock declined slightly year-over-year in September, according to data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

September 2023

September 2024

-28.6%

+40.8%

-5.1%

-41.7%

78664

78665

78681

78717

130 TOLL

78665

78681

Median home sales price

183 TOLL

78664

620

September

2023

2024

45 TOLL

78717

$370,000

$338,000

78664

MOPAC

$449,112

$394,990

78665

$518,025

$545,000

78681

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

$557,200

$580,250

78717

Market

Average days on the market

September 2023

September 2024

-8.5%

-1.4%

-18.2%

+60.6%

September

2023

2024

208 235

New listings

158

152

Closed sales

78664

78665

78681

78717

Homes under contract

160 192

Homes sold by price point in September

Months of inventory

3.1

1.4

78664

78665

78681

78717

4 7

$900,000+

Price per square foot

$700,000-$899,999

$220 $216

12 51

7 4

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

541

616

$299,999>

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Real estate

Forest Creek, 78664 The master-planned community Forest Creek, includes around 1,200 homes built from the late 1990s to the mid 2000s. The neighborhood, centered around the Forest Creek Golf Club, also includes townhomes available for rent. • Average square footage: 3,277 • Number of homes for sale as of Oct. 7: 18 • School district: Round Rock ISD • Amenities: playground, rock wall, community pool, tennis courts and trails

130 TOLL

RD.

NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY MICHELE SHERWOOD BETTER LIFE REALTY 512-587-4334

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Nonprofit

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Volunteer guide

United Way for Greater Austin The organization is a nonprofit aimed at advocating for the health, education and financial literacy of all residents in Austin. • Sample activities: Volunteer opportunities include mentoring students, volunteering at its free tax center, assisting at special events, performing social media tasks and providing administrative tasks. • Donations accepted: monetary donations • 1111 N. I-35, Ste. 220, Round Rock • www.unitedwayaustin.org

• Sample activities: Volunteers will help set up for events, pick up donated Christmas decorations and ornaments, and staff giving events. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations, garlands and wreaths. • www.givingchristmasspirit.org Hutto Resource Center The center provides resources to improve people’s well- being and promotes independence and financial self- sufficiency. The center has a community food pantry, which serves 70-85 families each week. • Sample activities: Volunteer to help at the center, Round Rock Area Serving Center The center serves families by providing financial assistance for necessities, such as rent and utilities. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist in picking up and sorting through donations, restocking the pantry, unloading trucks and completing data entries. • Donations accepted: monetary, food, clothing, furniture, appliances and grocery bags. • 1099 E. Main St., Round Rock • www.rrasc.org provide donations or become a sponsor. • Donations accepted: Monetary donations • 204 E. Live Oak St., Hutto • www.huttoresourcecenter.org

2024

Benefit seniors

• Donations accepted: Monetary donations, Tractor Supply gift cards to be used for dog food, martingale collars, large kennels • 512-577-5166 • Facebook: PAWliska Rescue and Reunite Pflugerville Animal Welfare Services The nonprofit works to protect the health and safety of pets and homeless animals in Pflugerville. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist with walking dogs, playing with cats, cleaning and enriching animal enclosures, among other tasks. • Donations accepted: monetary donations, pet supplies • 1600 Waterbrook Drive, Pflugerville • www.pflugervilletx.gov/city-government/ animal-welfare-services Simple Sparrow Care Farm This nonprofit organization provides therapeutic care to people via caring for animals for a variety of programs. • Sample activities: Volunteers can clean cages, brush rabbits, weed gardens, water plants, feed chickens,

clean homes and provide administrative assistance. • Donations accepted: items can be purchased from an Amazon wishlist and monetary donations are welcome • 1615 CR 107, Hutto, TX 78634 • www.simplesparrow.farm

Advocate for animals

Jack Jack’s Pack Street Dog Rescue The organization rehabilitates and reunites or finds new homes for lost, dumped and abused dogs in Central Texas. • Sample activities: Volunteers can take dogs to the vet, walk dogs, help clean up at adoption events or foster dogs. • Donations accepted: Costco Kirkland brand grain-free dog food, dog beds, enrichment toys, bully sticks, martingale collars, monetary donations. • 512-470-9877 • www.jackjackspack.org PAWliska Rescue and Reunite The nonprofit dog rescue works to reunite missing dogs with their families as well as find homes for street dogs. • Sample activities: Volunteers may assist with adoption events and other rescue operations, including walking dogs. The organization is also seeking a volunteer to help increase its social media presence.

Benefit seniors

Contribute to the community

Meals on Wheels-Round Rock The organization makes and delivers meals to homebound members of the Round Rock community, including those 60 years of age and older. • Sample activities: Volunteers assist in delivering meals by car. • Donations accepted: monetary donations • 301 W. Bagdad Ave., Ste. 2, Round Rock • www.mealsonwheels-williamsonburnet.org

CHASCO Family YMCA The organization offers child care, youth arts, cooking programs and youth sports. • Sample activities: Volunteers provide a variety of assistance in activities and programs garnered toward building stronger families and communities.

AGE of Central Texas Austin Groups for the Elderly helps older adults and caregivers thrive as they navigate the realities and opportunities of aging. • Sample activities: Volunteers help provide care and assist in programs for those living with dementia and other memory-loss conditions. • Donations accepted: monetary donations, adult incontinence products and gently used durable medical equipment. • 475 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 120, Round Rock • www.ageofcentraltx.org

• Donations accepted: N/A • 1801 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.ymcagwc.org/locations/round-rock

Giving Christmas Spirit The nonprofit provides Christmas trees, ornaments and lights to families who cannot afford them.

CONTINUED ON 26

ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

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