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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 JUNE 24 JULY 22, 2025
2025 Health Care Edition
Building Texas State's future
New master plan sets the blueprint for growth through 2035 with projects that will reshape San Marcos
INSIDE
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New developments
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The 10-year plan outlines 30 new buildings and more than 20 renovations.
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RENDERING COURTESY TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
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More health care coverage
INSIDE
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Read updates on area hospitals (Page 24)
See how local law enforcement is addressing mental health calls (Page 33)
Your superpower? Knowing where to go in an emergency. 24/7 emergency care, right here in Buda. Be a h ER o
5330 Overpass Road Exit 220, across from Cabelas Drive
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2024 Baylor Scott & White Health. 09-BU-993545 DT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
WELCOME TO MAYFAIR’S BEAUTIFUL BEGINNING NEW HOMES SELLING Kids need room to grow. At Mayfair in New Braunfels, not far from historic Gruene, our community is designed around gracious public parks and a robust trailway system. Connecting a variety of new single-family, town and for-lease homes to nature and soon to Midtown Mayfair—our planned shopping, dining and workplace district. Because parents need their space, too. We invite you to join us.
Nine builders. Eight model homes to tour. More coming soon.
MAYFAIRTX.COM
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
sun the @ fun
Lakeside Amenity Center Now Open!
Just 15 minutes south of downtown Austin, Sunfield offers endless ways to have fun in your own backyard! Enjoy the miles of hike and bike trails , catch and release ponds , the dog parks or our three spectacular Amenity Centers including Swimming Pools , two Lazy Rivers and plenty of shade!
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CASTLEROCK • CENTEX • CHESMAR HOMES • DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES BRIGHTLAND HOMES • PULTE HOMES • TAYLOR MORRISON
Your family never has to leave Austin to get the care your child needs, even if it’s a complex surgery. As Austin’s only nationally ranked pediatric hospital and the largest freestanding one in Central Texas, we oer the most comprehensive services and the most specialists — all from doctors who live here, work here and get to know you. Start a conversation today. Find the doctor who’s right for your child at ascension.org/DellChildrens ” “ All our questions answered, every option explained. That’s why Dell Children’s is my children’s hospital.
Only in Austin. Only at Dell Children’s.
© Ascension 2025. All rights reserved.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
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.
Market leaders & metro team
Reporters Brittany Anderson Jacquelyn Burrer Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Martha Ambrose Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia Karoline Pfeil Sam Scha er
Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com
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Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker
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Correction: Issue 16, volume 1: On page 19, the labels on the "school scores" graphic should be ipped.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Impacts
San Marcos
BLANCO RIVER
offers a selection of premium denim, casual apparel and accessories for men and women. • Opened in May • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 240, San Marcos • www.joesjeans.com 5 Sherwin-Williams The store offers products for homeowners, contractors, and businesses looking for quality paint and coating solutions. • Opened April 7 • 2840 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.sherwin-williams.com 6 Gotji’s Bangkok Chicken Rice The Thai food truck opened its first San Marcos spot, serving dishes such as signature Bangkok chicken rice and
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traditional Thai tea. • Opened in April • 801 Chestnut St., San Marcos • Facebook: Gotji’s Kitchen
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The Lore, Legends, and Landmarks Tour The self-paced, mile-long listening tour covers iconic areas such as Kissing Alley and The Calaboose Museum. • Opened in April • www.youraudiotour.com/tours/lore-legends- landmarks-san-marcos-tx
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Coming soon
7 Inevitable Homegrown The retail plant nursery moved to San Marcos from Lockhart and offers custom germination services. • Opened in April • 103 Center Point Road, Ste. A, San Marcos • www.inevitablyhomegrown.com
• Opened May 3 • 100 N. Edward Gary St., San Marcos • www.airafitness.com/sanmarcos 3 Whisper South The residential community features multiple floor plans and smart home amenities. • Opened in May • 213 Iron Mountain Cove, San Marcos • www.drhorton.com/texas/san-marcos/san-marcos/ whisper-south 4 Joe’s Jeans Located in the San Marcos Premium Outlets, the store
Now open
1 El Pollo Rico El Pollo Rico serves a wide variety of chicken taco plates, flautas, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas. • Opened June 14 • 5403 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.pollosricos.com 2 Aira Fitness Owned by Army Veteran Jeremy Nadeau and his wife, Sara Nadeau, the 24/7 gym is membership-based with no contracts.
What’s next
8 CarMax According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or TDLR, the $19.3 million used car dealership will be completed in March 2026.
Confused about MEDICARE? Your LOCAL experts are Here to HELP
(512) 872-6012 gofouroaks.com/cibk
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ, ELISABETH JIMENEZ & JAMIE MOORE
12 San Marcos Treatment Center The center celebrated 85 years of providing mental health care and residential treatment services to children and adolescents. • 120 Bert Brown St., San Marcos • www.sanmarcostc.com
• I-35 frontage road and Chuck Nash Loop • www.carmax.com
Coming soon
9 Foodie’s Corner Construction of the Austin-based convenience store chain will be completed in December, according to a TDLR filing. • 16550 Hwy. 123, San Marcos • www.foodiescorner.com
Closings
13 Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings Zaxby’s closed its San Marcos location, according to a sign posted on the door directing customers to visit its nearby restaurants in Buda and Cibolo. • Closed June 1 • 4002 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.zaxbys.com 14 Hooters Located next to Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, this was the only Hooters location in San Marcos. It opened in 2016. • Closed June 4 • 310 N. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 201, San Marcos • www.originalhooters.com
In the news
10 Ferguson Enterprises The plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, company signed a lease for 35,000 square feet at Clovis Crossing. • 1603 Clovis Barker Road, Ste. 102, San Marcos • www.ferguson.com 11 San Marcos Veterinary Clinic The family-owned clinic will celebrate its 35th anniversary on June 29. Opened by Dr. Julie House in 1990, the clinic provides pet wellness services, surgery,
15 Tumble 22 The Texas-based hot chicken restaurant serves chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and salads, as well as family and kids’ meals. • Opens June 28 • 1104 Thorpe Lane, Ste. D, San Marcos • www.tumble22.com
vaccinations, dental cleanings and more. • 1980 Old Ranch Road 12, San Marcos • www.sanmarcosvetclinic.com
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Impacts
Buda & Kyle
Newsboy Marketing and Publishing The woman-owned remote agency offers marketing, design and hybrid publishing services to clients in Buda, Kyle and San Marcos. • Opened in March • www.newsboymarketing.com
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3 Target The 99,347-square-foot store will undergo a $2.26 million renovation. Construction is scheduled from April 28 to Aug. 1, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or TDLR. • 5188 Kyle Centre Drive, Kyle • www.target.com 4 Kyle Nails Construction on the nail salon began on March 31 and is expected to be completed by July 31, according to a TDLR filing. • 340 Ranch to Market Road 150, Kyle 5 Paramount D.R. Horton will soon open the residential community Paramount, offering seven modern farmhouse-style floor plans, according to a TDLR filing. • 430 Denali Drive, Kyle • www.drhorton.com/texas/austin/kyle/paramount
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In the news
locations such as apartment complexes, schools, senior centers and local events.
Now open
6 MudBugs The Cajun food restaurant opened an outdoor bar on May 29 with a live DJ, drink specials and the final crawfish boil of the season.
• Opened May 3 • Locations vary • www.cityofkyle.com/library
1 Onion Creek Trail A $1 million+ paved path extends from Old Black Colony Road to John D. and Byrd Mims Garison Memorial Park, with a pedestrian bridge over Onion Creek. • Opened May 30 • 901 Garison Road, Buda • www.budatx.gov
• 306 S. Main St., Ste. 107, Buda • www.peaceloveandcrawfish.com
2 Burchfield Educational Theatre Founded by Buda residents Angela and Tim Burchfield, the family-run theater company teaches aspects of production from acting to backstage work. • Opened June 2 • 2581 South Loop 4, Ste. 400, Buda • www.burchfieldtheatre.com
7 St. David’s CareNow Urgent Care The urgent care clinic opened in the former FastMed Urgent Care and offers services for minor conditions, such as colds, flus, minor sprains, allergies and more.
Kyle Mobile Library The mobile library brings books to high-impact
Before
After
What’s a prosthodontist? Prosthodontist are specialists in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and oral/facial structures with natural, esthetic, and functional replacements.
What we do: ¤ Full mouth rehabilitation ¤ Crowns and bridges with or without implants ¤ All-on-4, All-on-X
¤ Veneers ¤ Snap dentures, dentures, partial dentures ¤ Cosmetic dentistry
Dr. “Jane” Chia-Chen Tsai, DDS, MSD | 512-518-4358 | www.CentralTexasProsthodontics.com | 2410 Hunter Rd, Ste 101, San Marcos, TX 78666
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ, ELISABETH JIMENEZ & JAMIE MOORE
• Opened May 8 • 135 Bunton Creek Road, Kyle • www.carenow.com/locations/austin/kyle
Now open
What's next
Worth the trip
Winehouse Owned by Kristine Clark and former proprietors of Epicure, Jerry Gray and Julio Llop, the wine shop and tasting room offers a selection of wines, craft beers, mocktails, bar bites from their food truck and more. • Opened March 28 • 501 Old Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs • www.winehouseatx.com Dripping Springs Sports Club Founded by Drew Rose, the 200,000-square-foot sports club will open in the Sunset Canyon and Headwaters neighborhoods. The hub will feature a variety of amenities, including workout equipment, sports courts, a cafe and more. • Opening in 2027 • Highway 290 between Canyonwood Drive and Headwaters Boulevard, Dripping Springs • www.drippingsportsclub.com
8 Primrose School of Kyle Locally owned by Lisa Hegner, the private day care and preschool serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, and offers before- and after-school care for children ages 5 to 12 years old. • Opened June 2 • 145 Green Dragon Way, Kyle • www.primroseschools.com/schools/kyle
9 Perspire Sauna Studio A $400,000, 1,800-square-foot location is set to open at the Shops at Brick & Mortar in Kyle. Construction is set to start in September and finish by mid-December, according to a TDLR filing. • 150-A Heroes Memorial Drive, Ste. A-200, Kyle • www.perspiresaunastudio.com
220 Opportunity BIvd, #2A San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 451-0103 Our retina specialists treat a wide range of retinal conditions including diabetic eye disease , macular degeneration and retina detachments. At the leading edge of specialized retina care for more than 40 years
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A LONG WAY
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But the people you’re helping never will.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY JAMIE MOORE
3 data centers newly proposed in and around San Marcos
Three data center projects are in motion within a 3-mile radius of the greater San Marcos area. After months of discussion, San Marcos City Council revisited the topic at its June 3 meeting, where resi- dents voiced concerns about growth, infrastructure and transparency. The first proposal—commonly referred to as the ‘Maberry’ data center—is planned for 904 Francis Harris Lane. A public hearing was held at the meeting, with a vote anticipated July 1. The project was previously denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission on March 25. The second proposal, managed by CloudBurst, was discussed at the May 20 Hays County Commissioners Court meeting and is planned for a 96-acre site at 2955 Francis Harris Lane, under county jurisdiction. The third proposal, managed by Sabey Data Centers, was presented June 3 and would be located adjacent to Maberry. Council appointed Mayor Jane Hughson and council members Amanda Rodri- guez and Lorenzo Gonzales to begin negotiating a development agreement with Carson Select Investments LP and Sabey—Sabey’s first formal step toward a local facility. Entering negotiations does not guarantee approval. Maberry Data Center The council revisited the proposed ‘Maberry’ data center at 904 Francis Harris Lane, covering a 125.91- acre annexed parcel and a 63.68-acre unzoned tract. A cemetery on the site will remain accessible. Residents have dubbed it the “Maberry” data center since the intended operator has not been announced. The applicants for the data center are Highland SM One LLC, associated with John
Maberry, and Donald and Germaine Tuff CloudBurst Data Center
Data Centers
The data center is planned for a 96-acre site on Francis Harris Lane, just outside the city limits and Extra Territorial Jurisdictions, or ETJs, of both New Braunfels and San Marcos. The project is under review in Hays County for a flood hazard permit— the only active application there. In neighboring Guadalupe County, proposals are underway for the first phase of the center and an accompanying nat- ural gas plant. Hays County Development Services Director Marcus Pacheco clarified that, like all Texas counties, Hays County does not have legal authority over land-use regulations or zoning for the site. Sabey Data Center The applicant tied to Sabey Data Center is seeking a development agreement for about 785 acres southwest of South Old Bastrop Highway and Center Point Road. The proposal includes a mix of land conservation, housing and data center devel- opment. Plans outline 184 acres for light industrial use, including a “state-of-the-art” data center and a Pedernales Electric Cooperative substation. At least 392 acres would be designated as Charac- ter District-1 open space, allowing only parks, trails and conservation areas. Another 209 acres would be set aside for future Character District development, including low-density housing under Character District 2.5 zoning. What’s next Council will consider the first reading for the Maberry data center on July 1 and the second reading on Aug. 19. Meanwhile, CloudBurst Data Center is progressing
Sabey Data Center Maberry Data Center CloudBurst Data Center*
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*NOTE: THE EXACT PROPERTY LINES OF THE CLOUDBURST DATA CENTER HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC. LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE.
through the permitting process in both Hays and Guadalupe counties. For Sabey, council members have entered development agreement negotiations with the applicants. The item expected to return at a future meeting.
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Government
BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ & JAMIE MOORE
San Marcos denies license plate readers
Google Fiber to expand to Kyle
“However you feel about the contract, however you feel about this expansion—
it doesn’t matter right now. It is not the right time to expand this.” COUNCIL MEMBER AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
Following months of public feedback, San Marcos City Council voted 5-2 on June 3 to deny a proposal to expand the police department’s auto- matic license plate recognition, or ALPR, tech- nology from 14 to 33 cameras. Council members Shane Scott and Matthew Mendoza dissented. At a glance Flock Safety’s cameras capture images of vehi- cles. The system analyzes license plate numbers, vehicle make, model, color and issuing state. Data is stored for 30 days, which city o cials said allows time for victims to report crimes and for investigations to proceed. During the meeting and public comment period, supporters argued the system assists in real-time alerts and investigations. Critics—including several council members— voiced concern about insu cient safeguards
Google Fiber, or GFiber, will begin con- struction in Kyle this summer, with the goal of serving its rst customers by next spring. In an email, GFiber o cials said service should become available in areas through- out Kyle on a rolling basis as segments of construction are completed; however, an exact timeline and map were not available. The overview GFiber will primarily use micro-trench- ing—a method that reduces interference with other utilities and speeds up con- struction, according to a City Council presentation June 3. Construction will begin in southeast Kyle before expanding northward, GFiber representative John-Michael Cortez said during the meeting.
and potential access by federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The latest Following feedback from the meeting, SMPD announced that e ective June 9, it ceased all automatic sharing of ALPR data with outside law enforcement agencies. Instead, data will only be shared upon request by an agency and con rma- tion of a speci c criminal investigation or prose- cution, according to a news release. Requesting agencies must also complete a formal process, including a non-disclosure agreement.
Hays County Jail o ers free Narcan to reduce deaths A vending machine with Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is now available to the public
according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Free educational resources and materials are also available near the vending machine. How we got here The project comes from a collaboration with the Hays County Sheri ’s O ce, the Health Depart- ment’s Behavioral Health Program and UTHealth Houston’s Integrated Community Opioid Network.
inside the Hays County Jail lobby to ensure “timely access to this critical intervention,” according to a news release. The details Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse the often fatal e ects of an opioid overdose,
Hays County community members can now utilize a Narcan vending machine, located in the Hays County Jail.
COURTESY HAYS COUNTY OFFICIALS
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Government
BY JAMIE MOORE
San Marcos ramps up river, park rules
What else?
Paid parking at the City Park lot will begin July 1, according to the city. A resident registra- tion and education campaign will launch in June, and registered residents will not have to pay. Fines will be enforced using fixed license plate reader cameras, similar to those already used by enforcement vehicles. Visitors can pay by phone or at one of four kiosks. During peak weekends, overflow parking often spills into nearby neighborhoods. Staff also report challenges with intoxicated visitors fighting, lit- tering, and using drugs, while amenities like pools and tennis courts are frequently overwhelmed.
fenced access point is a pilot effort to improve rule compliance and manage summer crowds. The fence was completed in May. Park rules include leashed pets, limits on grills and shelters, and container restrictions. The can ban, adopted in February 2024, prohibits single-use containers in “No Zones” and limits coolers and small alcoholic beverages. The ordinance’s first year focused on education. This summer begins enforcement, with penalties ranging from warnings to citations.
San Marcos City Council is tightening riverfront park management this summer with new enforcement of the city’s single-use beverage container ordinance, or “can ban,” a new fence at Rio Vista Park and paid parking at City Park— just upstream from Rio Vista. At its May 20 work session, the council voted 6-1, with council member Alyssa Garza dissenting, to install a temporary fence enclosing Rio Vista Park, with controlled entry gates staffed on weekends and holidays. The
Rio Vista Park fencing
"No Zones"
Areas that do not allow any cans, or “No Zones” have rule signage.
Fence Street access gate
Exit only Entry point
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San Marcos may soon charge out-of- town visitors to access Rio Vista Park, with proposed fees of $25 per group (up to 10 people) or $5 per individual (age 6+). Residents would be exempt with a free Resident River Pass. A City Council vote was postponed for further discussion. If approved, the fees would be collected at staffed gates and used to offset the cost of securing, cleaning, and maintaining riverfront parks. Roughly 70% of weekend park visitors are from outside San Marcos, with most coming from Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, according to a city council presentation.
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Texas Public Education Funding in 2025
Thank you, Texas Lawmakers, for HB 2. Let’s keep going!
New funding provided in House Bill 2
#FundOurSchools
Needed to keep up with inflation since 2019
Needed to match the national average in per-pupil spending
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Education
TXST, SJC team partner for business degree A new partnership between Texas State Univer- sity and Houston-based San Jacinto College will soon offer students a chance to earn both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in business at the
Career certs offered by TXST, Coursera Texas State University students, alumni members, faculty and staff with a university email address can now access Coursera’s Career Academy at no cost. The online learning platform includes 81 professional certificate programs. Why it matters According to Scot Chadwick, senior direc- tor of Coursera, research shows micro-cre- dentials have an impact on employment, with 87% of employers having hired at least one micro-credential holder in the past year. Get involved Access to Coursera’s Career Academy can be found at www.coursera.org.
same time. The details
Texas State and San Jacinto College o cials said their goal is to make higher education more accessible.
Students at San Jacinto College will be able to attain a four-year degree through the college’s recent partnership with Texas State University, set to begin in fall 2026. In a news release, officials said the students will be able to enroll in classes at both institutions simultaneously, earning college credit toward their associate and bachelor’s degrees in business—both of which can be completed at San Jacinto College. What else? Texas State officials said the initiative is part of a
COURTESY SAN JACINTO COLLEGE
larger goal to make higher education accessible. “That’s why we are proud to partner with San Jacinto College—to help more students achieve their goals and reach their full potential,” Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse said in the release. More information about the co-enrollment program can be found on Texas State University’s website at www.admissions.txst.edu.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ, JAMIE MOORE & HALEY VELASCO
Hays CISD greenlights 2025 bond projects Efforts to improve Simon Middle School, along with Hemphill, Kyle and Tom Green elementary schools, are underway to expand capacity as the district grows. Hays CISD trustees approved the guaran- teed maximum prices, or GMPs, for the four projects at a May 19 meeting. Digging deeper Following voter approval of the 2025 Bond Proposition A with 60% support, HCISD will fund these improvement projects. Hemphill, Kyle and Tom Green elemen- taries will see upgrades to expand capacity to accommodate 900 students, according to district documents. Simon Middle School’s project includes expanding the campus to serve 1,200 stu- dents and adding turf to the campus field.
San Marcos High School project timeline Construction at SMHS is expected to run from June 2025 through August 2027. Phase 1 June Sept.
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SOURCE: SAN MARCOS CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
NOTE: THESE ARE ANTICIPATED DATES AS OF MAY 21, 2025. START AND COMPLETION DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
$27.6M San Marcos HS project moves forward Improvements at San Marcos High School will be underway in June as part of a 2023 bond project heavily focused on fine arts. In a nutshell Upgrades will include three phases of renova- tions throughout the campus.
The cost The guaranteed maximum price approved by voters and San Marcos CISD trustees for all three phases came in under budget and saved around $200,000, according to district documents. Breaking it down Phase one will include a new parking lot, band pad and administration building renovations. Phase two will include band hall and black box additions, and performance area renovations. The final phase will include special education room renovations and a new classroom.
Located in one of the fastest growing suburbs South of Austin , Crosswinds in Kyle is centered around Windy Point Amenity Center, where neighbors gather for Pickle Ball , Swimming or just relaxing in the Covered Pavilion . Younger residents can let out their energy at the Play- ground while furry friends run in the Dog Park! MASTER-PLANNED LIVING FROM THE $300s Breeze Life’s a
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PACESETTER HOMES • MILESTONE COMMUNITY BUILDERS HIGHLAND HOMES • PERRY HOMES • PULTE HOMES
KYLE
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Transportation
BY JAMIE MOORE
Busy Buda intersection may see upgrades Buda City Council is weighing options on what officials call one of its busiest intersections at FM 1626 and RM 967 following a May 20 update. The overview The intersection sits near Dahlstrom Middle School, Elm Grove Elementary, two medical clinics and a fire station. Both FM 1626 and RM 967 have four driving lanes and two turn lanes. In order to address traffic congestion and safety concerns, the study team created eight preliminary design concepts. These included a conventional traffic signal, a partial displaced left turn and other configurations. The background The city received funding in 2018 from Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or CAMPO, to support the intersection study.
Bebee Road closures to end late June Motorists will see fewer delays when intermittent lane closures and detours along part of Bebee Road end June 27. In a nutshell Crews began the intermittent lane closures on May 27 to remove old asphalt, repair street failures and apply a new asphalt overlay. Kyle officials will continue to post construction updates on the city’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/cityofkyletx.
1626
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Intersection traffic volume
One of Buda’s busiest intersections, the average daily car count hits:
Up to 32,517 on FM 1626 Up to 19,243 on RM 967
SOURCE: CITY OF BUDA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Next steps Refinement of the concept plans will continue through the summer. Draft recommendations and a final report are expected in the coming months, according to city officials.
ANTON DR.
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Kyle approves $446K fix for Roland Lane intersection
the project will ease turns and improve traffic flow while avoiding changes to the nearby Union Pacific Railroad crossing and quiet zone. Council member Robert Rizo said the project will allow drivers “to come in safely, instead of being rear-ended by somebody going 50, 65 miles an hour.” A construction start date had not been set by press time.
Kyle drivers navigating the intersection of Roland Lane and the southbound I-35 frontage road will soon see safety improvements after City Council approved a May 6 proposal to construct a longer deceleration lane on the frontage road to help drivers turn into Roland Lane. Zooming in Using the existing road alignment, officials said
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UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
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JAMIE MOORE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY JAMIE MOORE
Roundabout in Buda will add 65,000 square feet of retail to the area.
La Ola Pop Shop The family-owned business from Kyle will o er handmade Mexican paletas and heladeros. • www.laolapopshop.com
Gracie Humaitá The academy will o er Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons, promoting discipline, tness and community. • www.graciehumaita.com
MCKENNAS COVE
967
CULLEN BLVD.
HALEYS WAY DR..
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Park and recreation amenities will include:
Pickleball courts
Patios
Volleyball courts
Trails
Playgrounds
Roundabout in Buda to mix retail, community Rooted in small-town charm, Buda is preparing to welcome a 65,000 square-foot mixed-use com- munity hub designed to bring neighbors together through shopping, dining and recreation—all in one walkable destination. The overview Longtime Buda resident Tim Dowling is leading the development of the Roundabout in Buda, located at 1141 FM 967. Tenants include La Ola Pop Shop, Gracie Humaita, M. McCall’s Pub, Amici Cucina Italiana, Mercantile at Home, Trianon Co ee and a to-be- named Moontower restaurant. Dowling noted there’s still leasing space available, especially for boutiques, specialty and textile shops, bookstores, along with tness or wellness studios. What the expect Plans include 1.2 miles of walking trails to be donated to the city, along with recreational courts, children’s playgrounds and patios. Dowling said he hopes to break ground later this year.
M. McCall’s Pub The team behind Kelly’s Irish Pub will o er authentic Irish cuisine such as sh and chips. • www.kellysirishpubatx.com
Amici Cucina Italiana The third-generation family-run restaurant will feature recipes from Little Italy, such as homemade lasagna and chicken parmigiana. • www.amiciscucina.com
Mercantile at Home A branch of The Mercantile at Mill + Grain, the shop will o er curated home goods, artwork, furniture and decor. • www.themercantileatmillandgrain.com
Trianon Co ee The cafe will o er locally roasted co ee. • www.trianoncoffee.com
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Building Texas State's future From the cover
The overview
Texas State University’s enrollment from 1924 to 2024 Since fall 1985, Texas State has doubled its enrollment. The university plans to continue growing, with one of President Kelly Damphousse's goals being to increase enrollment.
As Texas State University prepares for a decade of rapid growth, students, faculty and sta can expect major changes to campus. In May, Texas State unveiled its 2025-2035 Campus Master Plan—described by President Kelly Damphousse as a “visionary roadmap” to guide campus growth amid historic enrollment highs and shifting student needs—which was approved by the board of regents May 1. The master plan, developed from July 2023 to December 2024, is organized around ve key themes: student success and experience, academic excellence, discovery and research, community and connectivity, and stewardship of resources. For the San Marcos campus, it outlines 30 new buildings, along with more than 20 renovations and numerous green space and walkway improvements. Together, these changes will shape the student experience for years to come, according to university o cials.
50K
40,678 in 2024
40K
30K
19,267 in 1985
20K
1,076 in 1924
10K
0
NOTE: THIS ONLY SHOWS FALL ENROLLMENT AND NOT SPRING, WHICH SOMETIMES HAS HIGHER OR LOWER NUMBERS. SOURCE: TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY IMPACT
What you should know
Eric Algoe, executive vice president for oper- ations and chief nancial o cer, said that Texas State is trying to be strategic with the phasing of the plan. Algoe said the university plans to stream- line projects by speci c areas, so multiple projects in a speci c area get done at a time rather than spreading out construction across all of campus. He emphasized this would help keep costs down, which allows for the upgrades without increasing
student tuition. “It’s making sure that when we go in to do one thing, that we get the most bang for our buck,” Algoe said. For example, Algoe said if Texas State had to replace a steam line somewhere in the heart of campus and there were plans to replace sidewalks in that area in the future, they would plan to do both projects at once.
“We’re excited about the growth that is happening at Texas State and all that is happening here and the potential to expand what we’re doing, not just academically inside the classroom, but in our campus spaces as well.” KELLY DAMPHOUSSE, TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
Student success and experience
Sterry, Butler and Lantana Halls—will receive renovations. Blanco Hall and Harris Dining Hall will undergo expansions. The plan reimagines Alkek and Lyndon B. John- son plazas with added green spaces, arts, seating and community-centered activity areas. Both plazas will replace stairs with accessible slopes. “The campus is not the buildings; the campus is what’s in between the buildings,” University Architect Gordon Bohmfalk said.
The master plan includes expanding the Student Health Center, increasing support for graduate students, improving open spaces, and upgrading infrastructure to better support academics and campus life. With enrollment growth and the requirement for rst-year students to live on campus, Texas State plans to complete Castro Hall in the fall, adding 942 beds. The university will also build two new dorms and a dining hall in the Hilltop Housing complex. Several older dorms—including
The master plan designated LBJ Plaza, LBJ Student Center and Alkek Library the “Heart of Campus.”
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JAMIE MOORE
Academic excellence
Discovery and research
New projects
Several projects include expansions in Round Rock and other satellite locations, plus online programs accessible statewide. On the San Marcos campus, plans feature a new music building, a gallery linked to the performing arts center, renovations of Supple Science, Encino Hall, Jackson Hall, a campus hotel, theater center restoration and adaptable space behind Lantana Hall.
One of Texas State’s goals is to make research a top priority, according to plan documents. To support this, the university plans to complete a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM, neighborhood and expand space through new and renovated facilities. The area will feature an Integrated Science and Discovery Building, parking garage, quad and a pedestrian bridge. Renovations will include Thornton House and the Science Greenhouse.
The following projects are part of the 2025-2035 Campus Master Plan.
Hotel: planning and approval underway Academic Center: planning and approval underway STEM Building: 2024-2027 Hilltop Housing Phase 2: pending design approval Castro Residence Hall: 2023-mid-2025 South Endzone Complex: completed May 2025
Baseball/Softball Club House: 2025-late 2028
Lindsey Street Garage: mid-2025-mid-2027
Indoor Practice Facility: 2028-late 2029
Integrated Science & Discovery Building: 2028-late 2031
Spring Lake Dam Replacement: 2028-late 2031
A new music building is planned to support the growing School of Music.
Construction of a new STEM neighborhood to promote research initiatives is planned.
Charles Austin Garage: 2030-late 2031 Mitte Building Expansion: 2029-mid-2032 Harris Dining Hall Expansion: mid-2030-mid-2032
Music Building: 2033-late 2036
Community and stewardship
Future Exhibition or Performance: 2033-late 2035 Blanco Addition: 2035-late 2036
Spring Lake
Texas State aims to improve mobility on campus, while preserving Spring Lake and Sewell Park. Texas State’s “vision” for Spring Lake includes a new academic center, welcome center, event pavilion, heritage walk, blu trail, discovery peninsula and recreation corner. Notably, Texas State plans to restructure Aquarena Gateway and add a trail under.
Live Oak Garage: 2035-late 2036
Arts/Academic Building: 2036-late 2038 Student Health Center Expansion: proposed variable timeline
Sewell Park
Signature Bell Tower: proposed variable timeline
The master plan has a new “vision” for both Sewell Park and Spring Lake.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health care
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Health Care Edition
2025
Welcome to Community Impact ’s annual Health Care Edition, focusing on topics vital to San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. In this edition, we’re diving into crucial local and regional health issues. We address the statewide blood shortage, how Texas heat impacts those with diabetes and more. A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors and advertisers. Their support allows Community Impact to keep you informed on the news that truly matters. Enjoy the read!
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What's inside
Heat-related risks for Texans with diabetes (Page 23)
Texas expands medical cannabis access (Page 29)
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We Are Blood continues to urge blood donations, following a “critical shortage” reported earlier this year. The blood bank provides donations to every hospital within the area it serves, including Williamson, Travis and Hays counties. Representatives say one donation could save up to three lives and takes less than one hour. “We are calling on generous O-type donors to help us rebuild and meet the needs of local patients at area hospitals,” Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at WAB, said in an April release. As of late 2023, members of the LGBTQ+ community can donate; the gender of a donor and their sexual partners is no longer a consideration for donor eligibility. Residents urged to donate blood
How it works
On arrival, potential donors will sign in at the front desk and be asked to read information about the process. After that, they will complete a survey regarding medical and travel history. The donor will receive a mini-physical, including checking temperature, blood pressure, pulse and red blood cell percentage. A phlebotomist will then lead them into the donation room. Those interested can schedule an appointment online for any of the four Austin-area locations or mobile drives held across all the counties it serves. O cials said donors should drink plenty of water the night before and bring photo identi cation. Anyone with questions can call 512-206-1108 or email whocandonate@weareblood.org.
Austin-area residents can make a life-saving impact by donating O-type blood amid a current shortage.
COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Donors must be in good health, be at least 17 years old weigh at least 115 pounds for whole blood donations or 110 pounds for platelet donations
SOURCE: WE ARE BLOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Back-to-school means a visit to Texas Children’s Pediatrics. With 15 locations throughout the Greater Austin area, we have a location in your neighborhood. From wellness exams, sports physicals, asthma consultations and immunizations, we go beyond the routine to provide personalized care that helps your child be their best self. Schedule your child’s back-to-school checkup today. Ace their back-to-school checkups at Texas Children’s
Book now at texaschildrens.org/pediatrics
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health care
BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ
With Texas heat and humidity, people with diabetes can struggle to cool down, facing a greater chance of experiencing heat-related illnesses, experts have found. For a person without medical problems, the body Diabetic people face health risks with Texas heat
adapts to heat through sweat production and blood vessels, said Dr. Natalie Williams, family medicine doctor at Austin Regional Clinic. Sweat, which contains salt and water from the body, comes up to the skin, gets evaporated and helps the body cool down. Blood vessels can expand or shrink to disperse heat throughout the body, such as bringing the heat up to the skin instead of keeping the heat internally. However, because people with diabetes have excess sugar in their blood, that can disrupt the body’s natural cool-down mechanisms, Williams said. People with diabetes are more likely to get dehydrated because of the excess sugar, creating
a lack of water in the body needed for sweat production. Additionally, some people with diabetes can have damaged blood vessels, preventing them from effectively cooling down, she said.
"Heat stroke is very dangerous, and so the hope is to not ever get to heat exhaustion
if we can, because heat stroke is the next step." DR. NATALIE WILLIAMS, AUSTIN REGIONAL CLINIC
The risks
Handling heat
These struggles with regulating body tempera- ture and dehydration can lead to greater risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, she said. Williams said that she anticipates an increased risk for heat-related illnesses in the coming sum- mer months. She said last year she and the ARC medical staff saw cases of “very bad dehydration,” including in nondiabetic patients. So far this year, Austin has seen above average temperatures since January and below average precipitation, data from the NWS shows. For the June to August months, NWS is predicting temperatures will be above normal, according to a NWS forecast issued May 15. “If you are in the middle of downtown or you’re going to be on the east side, there’s not as much shade as there would be,” she said. “If you’re in the middle of Zilker [Park], it’s hard to get to an AC, but there’s plenty of space for shade.”
Williams said that diabetic patients should be mindful of how heat can affect medicine and equipment. She said some medicines such as insulin are heat-sensitive and can lose effectiveness when exposed to heat. Equipment such as pumps, monitors and glucose test strips can be damaged by heat. Glucose test strips can also go bad in the sunlight. Williams recommends talking with a doctor to understand individual heat-related risks. “Have conversations with your doctor about how to take care of yourself in the heat because every condition has something else that you may need to keep an eye on,” she said. Checking the heat index, which measures temperature and humidity, is a way to prepare for the day, Williams said.
Williams said both diabetic and nondiabetic people can deal with high temperatures in a variety of ways, including:
Working out in the morning
Avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks
Checking the heat index
Wearing loose, light- colored clothing
Ensuring access to shade or air conditioning
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
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