Round Rock Edition | August 2024

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 12 AUG. 6SEPT. 5, 2024

Private and Charter School Guide

Texas State University at Round Rock held its rst Discover Day in April to showcase advancements at the university.

COURTESY TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

$180M expansions, incubator planned for Round Rock colleges

TXST Round Rock will soon launch a life sciences incubator to grow student-founded businesses. University ocials highlighted proximity to Samsung, which could yield partnerships with businesses coming to the region to explore oppor- tunities in life and health sciences industries.

Kelly Moreno, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area chief solutions ocer. “We have to anticipate what’s coming down the pipe. That’s why you’re seeing all these expansions in training through [local higher education institutions] because they know what’s coming.” Planning for growth in the life sciences industry,

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, ELLE BENT & BROOKE SJOBERG

Texas State University at Round Rock, Austin Community College at Round Rock and Texas State Technical College in Hutto are spending over $180 million to expand programs in health care, technol- ogy, manufacturing and skilled trades. “We denitely have more jobs coming in,” said

CONTINUED ON 32

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Impacts: New interactive children’s museum now open in Round Rock Crossing (Page 6)

Development: 150-acre site near Samsung plant to be developed for build-to-suit uses (Page 24)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

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

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

ROCKIN J RD.

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Round Rock

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

Now open

Coming soon

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

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

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

Now open

Closings

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

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

Relocations

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

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

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

In the news

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

Closings

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

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

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

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

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

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Impacts

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

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

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

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

Now open

Coming soon

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

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

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

Closings

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

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts

Hutto

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

Now open

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

catering services. • Opened July 31 • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 200, Hutto • www.jerseymikes.com

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In the news

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

130 TOLL

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

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Relocations

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

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

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

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Government

BY PARKS KUGLE & GRACIE WARHURST

County accepts funds to combat homelessness Williamson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously during its June 25 meeting to accept funds from a grant program oered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The gist The county was awarded $162,125 in funds through the Emergency Solutions Grant Pro- gram, aimed at assisting residents experiencing homelessness. Recipients of the grant are required to match grant funds with equal contributions, which can include cash donations, donated buildings or materials, and volunteer services. The funds will be allocated to Bluebonnet Trails Community Services as a subrecipient, said Sally Bardwell, Williamson County Community Devel- opment Administrator, and the organization will report back to the county on their usage.

Round Rock re to get replacement trucks Two new re trucks are coming to Round Rock after receiving approval from City Council July 11. What’s happening At a cost of $1.9 million, the new trucks for the Round Rock Fire Department will replace two old vehicles. One of the old trucks will go back to the manufacturer as a credit, and the second will be retired to the reserve eet. “We really have to plan accordingly to get these vehicles in,” Director of General Services Chad McDowell said at an agenda packet brieng July 9. Of the new vehicles, one will be upgraded with a foam pumper apparatus, which uses a foam to suocate re and can also help put out petroleum products.

"It’s not the elderly and the disabled, ... but 30- and 40-year-olds that are looking for housing, looking for shelter. It’s

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What else? The county will incorporate these funds into its Community Development Block Grant Five-Year Consolidated Plan, according to county docu- ments, which is being developed. In scal year 2023-24, HUD awarded the county with $2.12 million in funds. A list of projects and partner organizations where the funds will go was also approved during the June 25 meeting. They include the Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County Home Repair Program, and the Hill Country Community Ministries Social Service Rental and Utility Assistance program.

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Government

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST

City to use federal funds for low-income programs The city of Round Rock will use federal grant dollars to assist a local food pantry, provide housing assistance and build park improvements, among other projects. The overview Round Rock City Council approved a plan July 11 to spend Community Development Block Grant funding for fiscal year 2024-25. Over $642,000 was allocated to the city to implement programs for affordable housing, for suitable living environments or to boost economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. As part of the program, Joe Brehm, community and neighborhood services director, said the city may use up to 65% of the funds toward city projects, while 15% can go to public services. An additional 20% of the funding can go to administering the grant.

Police department to buy ballistic system The Round Rock Police Department will be able to use new imaging software to analyze bullet casings after receiving City Council approval July 11. The overview Council approved a $218,000 contract with Forensic Technology Inc. to purchase a ballistics imaging software to identify bullet casings and match them to weapons. The background Round Rock PD has previously traveled to surrounding areas to use the same system, delivering over 300 bullet casings last year, Assistant Chief Justin Carmichael said. With the new system, police can analyze crime scenes more efficiently as well as support other area departments, Carmichael said.

Community block grant funding

Greenhill Park playground $240,000 City home repair program $177,453 Program administration $128,446 Round Rock Area Serving Center $60,000 Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA) $20,000 WilCo Meals on Wheels $16,334

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Education

What is a charter school? Charter schools are different than both private and traditional public schools. In Texas, charter schools are public schools open to any student, and these schools may not charge tuition, according to the Texas Education Agency. Private and Charter School Guide 2024 St. Richard’s Episcopal School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: religion-based Religious orientation: Episcopal Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: $700 per month • 1420 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.strichardspreschool.org Extracurricular activities: did not provide Enrollment: 95 Tuition: $700-$1,099 • 4109 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.crosslifepf.academy

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

Round Rock

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

Pflugerville

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chaparral Star Academy Grades served: K-12 Type: charter Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: fine arts, theater, health and wellness Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: free • 14406 Summit Drive, Austin • www.chaparralstaracademy.com

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

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

Crosslife Christian Academy Grades served: pre-k-4 Type: religion-based Religious orientation: Lutheran

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Round Rock

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

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

Stepping Stone School Grades served: pre-k-K Type: private Religious orientation: none

Extracurricular activities: concentrated learning centers, chess, ASL, martial arts, dance, gymnastics Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: Varies by age and schedule • 2301 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd.; 651 Teravista Parkway;

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

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

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

Hutto

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

Enrollment: did not provide Tuition: call for information

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

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

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

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

This list is not comprehensive.

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Transportation

BY ELLE BENT, GRANT CRAWFORD & HALEY MCLEOD

Self-driving cars to be tested in Austin Automated transportation company Zoox announced it will begin fine-tuning their self-driving vehicles in Austin, beginning testing late this summer. What’s happening? Expanding to both Miami and Austin, Zoox will be deploying its new fleet in small areas near the business and enter- tainment districts of the two cities, a company news release states. Part of Austin’s allure stems from the area’s horizontal traffic lights, wire-hang- ing traffic lights, railway crossings and “famous thunderstorms,” the release continues. A driver will remain in the car during this phase of testing and rides will not yet be available for the public.

Austin airport gets new screening options Travelers now have more than one option to expedite security screening at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The gist Clear, a private company that provides identity verification in airports, will now offer Transporta- tion Security Administration PreCheck enrollment at a kiosk near Checkpoint 1. This is in addition to security company IDEMIA’s kiosk near baggage claim at the Barbara Jordan Terminal where passengers can enroll in the program with an appointment. The details TSA PreCheck allows passengers, if deemed low risk by the TSA, to go through security without removing their shoes and bypass full-body scanners. The program can cost up to $85 every five years. Clear can cost up to $189 annually and pro- vides expedited identity verification by using

T I A L B L V D .

AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

CHECKPOINT 1

WEST INFILL PROJECT, CHECKPOINT 3

CHECKPOINT 2 WEST

CHECKPOINT 2 EAST

fingerprints or an iris scan so passengers won’t need a physical ID card to get through security. Going forward Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck and Clear use Checkpoint 2 West at ABIA, after airport officials consolidated security checkpoints May 8. To enroll in the programs in person outside of ABIA, travelers can also visit the following locations with an appointment: • IDEMIA Oak Hill Enrollment Center, 6330 E. Hwy. 290, Ste. 125, Austin • IDEMIA Round Rock Enrollment Center, 600 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 303, Round Rock

Kenney Fort project gets new timeline The city of Round Rock is still working on Segment 2 and 3 of its Kenney Fort Boulevard project after experiencing delays, according to

KENNEY FORT BLVD.

S. LAKE CREEK DR.

FOREST CREEK DR.

ST. WILLIAMS AVE.

city documents. Current situation

Round Rock repairs Deep Wood bridge The city of Round Rock briefly closed the bridge on Deep Wood Drive in mid-July to make way for repairs. Overview The bridge, located between South Lake Creek Drive and St. Williams Avenue, was closed to traffic briefly to allow the city to make repairs to the box bridge on Deep Wood Drive. According to city staff, crews repaired a deteriorated bridge joint as part of the city’s normal maintenance program.

45 TOLL

Segments 2 and 3 of the Kenney Fort Boulevard extension project—from Forest Creek Drive to SH 45—remain under construction. While the city originally planned to have these portions of the roadway extension completed in 2023, the project’s timeline has been extended due to contractor delays. The $23.4 million project—funded by the city’s Type B sales tax and $12.2 million in federal funding from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization—is now expected to be finished this September. What else The work on the new roadway continues after the city recently completed Segment 4, running from Old Settlers Boulevard to Joe DiMaggio

Boulevard. The six-lane divided roadway was designed to alleviate traffic congestion and pro- vide another north-south route through town. It also now provides additional access to the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex. In the future, the city will extend the road to run from Old Settlers to University Boulevard as part of the city’s Master Transportation Plan. However, work is years from completion as city staff are still in the design and right of way acquisition phase, according to a news release.

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Real estate

While year-over-year home prices dropped in the month of June, one Round Rock ZIP code saw an increase in the number of homes sold, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

June 2023

June 2024

-25%

+28%

+1.9%

+10%

78664

78665

78681

78717

130 TOLL

78665

78681

Median home sales price

183 TOLL

78664

620

June

2023

2024

45 TOLL

78717

$410,000

$357,500

78664

MOPAC

$430,000

$425,000

78665

$587,500

$540,000

78681

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

$706,500

$572,500

78717

Market breakdown

Average days on the market

June 2023

June 2024

-43.9%

-8.3%

-4.8%

+29.2%

June

2023

2024

320 333

New listings

213

218

Closed sales

78664

78665

78681

78717

Homes under contract

218

178

Homes sold by price point

Months of inventory

2.8

2.7

June

78664

78665

78681

78717

1 1

$900,000+

11 17

Price per square foot

$700,000-$899,999

$231

$224

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

550 669

<$299,999

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Brushy Creek North, 78681 Located in northwest Round Rock, the Brushy Creek North neighborhood is made up of homes built in the 1970s and into the 1980s. The neighborhood features a variety of nearby walking trails, parks, retail options and health care facilities. • Average square footage of homes: 2,459 • Number of homes for sale as of July 19: 1 • School district: Round Rock ISD • Amenities: No HOA, North Park, walking trails 1 The Brushy Creek North neighborhood is located in northwest Round Rock.

1431

175

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

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, BROOKE SJOBERG & GRACIE WARHURST

Firm to develop 150-acre Taylor site near Samsung Commercial real estate development and investment rm KDC announced June 26 it will market and develop a 150-acre site in Taylor, next to Samsung’s semiconductor plant going up near

Rock Hollow Park gets new playground A new playground structure at Rock Hollow Park in Round Rock opened to the public in early July. What happened The new play structure opened in the 12.52-acre park in July as part of an eort to improve city parks. In the same announcement from the city, it was shared that shade structures were constructed over playground equipment in Kinningham and

SOUTHWEST WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL PARK

KDC Taylor HQ

1431

SAM BASS RD.

SENDERO SPRINGS DR.

County proposes area trail connection Williamson County plans to add a new trail to connect the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park to the Vista Oaks neighborhood in Round Rock. About the project The rst phase of the project would con- nect the park to FM 1431 through the Vista Oaks HOA Greenbelt. To move the project forward, the county will need to secure an easement from the HOA, ocials said.

Construction began on an expansion for the Round Rock Sports Center in July.

404

Hwy. 79. The gist

SAMSUNG TAYLOR

COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

Work begins on $19M sports center expansion A $19 million project to expand the Round Rock Sports Center is now underway, the city shared via social media July 1. What you need to know Work began on a project to expand the sports center with two additional courts, bringing the

total number of courts in the facility to eight, per an announcement from the city. This comes after a construction contract for the project was approved by City Council in March. The contract was awarded to John King Construction at that time, as previously reported by Community Impact . About the project The 25,000-square-foot expansion is funded by the 2023 voter-approved bond and will also see other amenities built into the facility. More parking will also be added to the facility.

KDC “will pursue build-to-suit opportunities for manufacturing oce, logistics, warehousing, data center and other uses,” according to a news release. The company is also partnering with real estate agency Transwestern to market the Taylor HQ, which will be located on FR 973 in Taylor. “Taylor HQ oers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for companies working with Samsung or that are interested in having a high-prole neighbor next door,” Bill Guthrey, KDC senior vice president of land development, said in the release. “Our build- to-suit experience allows us to pivot quickly and

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

Lake Creek parks. How we got here

In February, Round Rock City Council approved the use of $235,542 in self-- nanced construction funds to demolish the old play structure, purchase a new one from Whirlix Design and install it in the park.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health care

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Round Rock hospital first in Texas to use new clot removal catheter technology

Deaths by age associated with pulmonary embolism, 1999-2020 Female Male

35-44 years 25-34 years 2,806 2,261 5,120 45-54 years 15-24 years 1,068 648

A cardiologist at Heart Hospital of Austin at St. David’s Round Rock recently became the first in Texas to perform a new procedure used to treat patients with blood clots in their lungs, according to a July news release. Explained The new thrombectomy catheter system is meant to treat pulmonary embolisms, or a sudden blockage in the pulmonary arteries. It utilizes a flexible tube that a doctor can insert through the leg, into the femoral vein and through the heart into the pulmonary arteries. The catheter system is able to remove the clot by breaking it up and suctioning it out. Dr. Joshua McKay, an interventional cardiologist at the hospital, performed the first procedure in a

phased trial to gain clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Quote of note “Typically, pulmonary embolism is treated with anticoagulation medication, or blood thinners, that help the body break down the clots over time,” McKay told Community Impact . “However, this treatment can take weeks, in some cases. The new thrombectomy system removes clots in an hour or less with a much quicker recovery time.” Zooming out Pulmonary embolism occurs when part of a blood clot in a vein breaks and travels to the lungs. Blood clots affect as many as 900,000 people each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.

6,080

9,759

10,233

55-64 years

13,243

14,996

65-74 years

17,821

17,205

75-84 years

24,779

17,947

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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