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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 11 FEB. 20 MARCH 19, 2026
2026 Private School Guide
Hero Way, RM 2243 expansion underway By Chloe Young 18
Projected tra c growth
The RM 2243 corridor has seen rapid commercial, retail and residential growth, increasing congestion.
+40%
30,978 Projected number of vehicles per day on RM 2243
22,127 Average number of vehicles per day on RM 2243 2020
2040
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
29
SOUTHWEST BYPASS
2243
183A TOLL
N
35
Also in this issue
Impacts Page 6 Read about a new Senior Activity Center in Leander
Private School Guide
Page 16
The rst phase of roadwork will expand the roadway from one lane to two main lanes. CHLOE YOUNG COMMUNITY IMPACT
Check out this list of over 20 private schools in your area
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Impacts
opening in late spring or early summer, according to marketing manager Tony Yourell. • Opening this summer • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 100, Leander • www.monkeysports.com 6 Strong Sprouts A new indoor gym and playground for children is headed to The Crossover, according to co-owner David Fiori. Strong Sprouts will offer age-based gym classes and organized and free play. • Opening this summer • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.strongsproutstx.com 7 Tacodeli The Austin-based taco joint has plans for a new Leander location, Jordin Lineback, marketing manager for Tacodeli, confirmed. The concept is known for its tacos, salads, bowls, and chips. • Anticipated completion in November • 408 E. San Gabriel Parkway, Ste. 110, Leander • www.tacodeli.com 8 Sky Zone Construction on the 29,000-square-foot location is expected to begin in March. The new indoor trampoline park is slated to feature a cafe and kitchen area, private event spaces, lounge areas and office space. • Opening in late 2026 or early 2027 • 1611 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.skyzone.com 9 Shake Shack Construction on the burger and shake chain is expected to begin later this year, wrapping up in early 2027. The menu is stacked with burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken bites, hot dogs, fries and shakes. • Slated to open in 2027 • 10209 183A Toll Frontage Road, Leander • www.shakeshack.com Juiced Fuel Austin The company brings fuel to the dock, driveway or job site to eliminate trips to the fuel pump or having to transport containers of gasoline.
SAN GABRIEL PKWY.
9
Leander
7
279
ANTLERS TRL.
1
12
11
4
13
2243
14
N. GABRIEL ST.
2
MUNICIPAL DR.
3
RAIDER WAY
HIGHLAND FALLS DR.
10
8
183A TOLL
15
5 6
Cedar Park
SCOTTSDALE DR.
183
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Leander
Coming soon
1431
3 Game On Bar & Grill The new sports bar will feature a 16-by-9-foot LED TV, 44 different draft beers and classic American grill food such as burgers, wings and loaded fries • Opening mid-February • 15609 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. A100, Leander • www.thegameonbar.com 4 Lioness Books The Williamson County-based mobile bookstore is slated to open a brick-and-mortar in Old Town Leander, said owner Sarah Ambrus. • Opening in spring 183 .
Now open
1 Paint Pro The business repairs and repaints stucco, brick, siding and fascia for homes around the Austin area. Paint Pro also pressure washes homes before repainting. • Opened in October • 2500 CR 279, Ste. A-2, Leander • www.paintprousa.com 2 Senior Activity Center The newly opened space is designed for residents age 55 and older. The activity center offers opportunities to attend creative workshops, social gatherings and participate in fitness activities. • Soft opened Jan. 13 • 709 Municipal Drive, Leander • www.leandertx.gov ANDERSON MILL RD.
• 208 N. Gabriel St., Leander • www.lionessbookstx.com
45 TOLL
5 Monkey Sports Monkey Sports will bring sports gear, apparel, shoes and accessories to The Crossover, with a planned 620
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6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Now open
Now open
Worth the trip
10 Estância Brazilian Steakhouse The restaurant offers a traditional Brazilian-style dining experience featuring premium meats carved tableside, along with gourmet side dishes and salad bar. • Opened Jan. 28
12 Layne’s Chicken Fingers The fast-casual chain opened a Leander location in January, serving chicken fingers, fries, sandwiches, shakes and more. Chicken is served with a variety of sauce options, including the business’s signature Layne’s Sauce. Layne’s also offers family meals and catering. • Grand opening Jan. 24 • 11312 Hero Way West, Ste. 100, Leander • www.layneschickenfingers.com
PopStroke Mini-golf company PopStroke has announced plans to open a second Austin-area location in Cedar Park. The $5.8 million venture is anticipated to open in April, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Cedar Park community members can expect to find two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a full-service scratch kitchen restaurant and an ice cream parlor. • Opening in spring • 817 C-Bar Ranch Trail, Cedar Park • www.popstroke.com
• 2132 Raider Way, Leander • www.estancia.com/leander
13 Crunch Fitness According to an update from the city of Leander, the gym has registered a new 40,000-square-foot location. The fitness center offers cardio, weights, group classes
• Opening TBD • Service area: Austin area and Highland Lakes region • www.juicedfuel.com/austin-texas
address within Old Town Leander, officially moving to the new office in early January. • Relocated Jan. 7 • 103 N. West Drive, Leander • www.leandercc.org
and personal training. • Hero Way and US 183 • www.crunch.com
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
Closings
11 Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods The national liquor store has proposed a new location along Hero Way, slated to finish construction in April, according to a TDLR filing. The Leander storefront will sell a selection of wine, liqueurs and cocktail mixers.
15 The Williamson County Bagel Company The handmade bagel shop has permanently closed. The family-owned storefront offered hand-rolled, boiled and baked-in-house bagels every day. • Closed in October • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park
Relocations
14 Leander Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center The city’s chamber and visitor center relocated to a new
• 1481 Hero Way, Leander • www.specsonline.com
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
277
Now open
5
214
1869
332
1
183
4
Liberty Hill
E. MYRTLE LN.
1869
29
KAUFFMAN LOOP
3
SOUTH FORK SAN GABRIEL RIVER
279
6
282
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MAP NOT TO SCALE
2
N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
6 Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids A new location of the children’s barbershop concept is now open near the Liberty Hill and Georgetown border. The business officially opened to clients in December—bringing haircuts to children, teens and adults, according to Neal Courtney, CEO of Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids. • Opened Dec. 20 • 2029 Kauffman Loop, Ste. 425, Liberty Hill • www.haircutsarefun.com
Liberty Hill
Relocations
3 The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce has relocated to a new office, according to Executive Director Kelly Michael. The Chamber of Commerce made the move in January. The new office is across the street from the old office space, which was in the city-owned Stubblefield Building. • Relocated in January • 100 E. Myrtle Lane, Ste. D, Liberty Hill • www.libertyhillchamber.org
Now open
1 Elenita’s Taco Truck Elenita’s Taco Truck opened in Liberty Hill on Dec. 8, co-owner Elena Soto said. Soto owns the food truck with her daughter, Grace Salazar. The family previously owned Elena’s Mexican Restaurant. Elenita’s is open for breakfast and lunch, serving Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, tortas and soups. • Opened Dec. 8 • 14251 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • Instagram: @elenitaslh, 512-657-1900
In the news
nine-hole mini-golf courses, a 2,000-square-foot laser tag area for players ages 5 and older and a private party room for events. • 350 CR 277, Liberty Hill • www.kitfoxs.com
4 Blinded by the Light A locally owned boutique celebrated five years of operation in Liberty Hill in November. Owned by Deb Lohman, Blinded by The Light combines her passion for interior design with love of customers. She first opened her store in November 2021. • 14125 SH 29, Ste. A104, Liberty Hill • www.bbtlwindows.com 5 Kitfox’s Fun Center The family-friendly entertainment concept recently changed its name from Kitfoxy’s Putt Putt & Pew Pew to Kitfox’s Fun Center. The indoor activity center has two
Coming soon
2 bex+Co. Salon The shared-workspace salon bex+Co. will open a new location near the Georgetown and Liberty Hill border this spring, according to a news release. The Liberty Hill salon will be the company’s first franchise location, led by Raven Eilers. • Opening spring 2026 • Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Blvd. • www.bexandcosalon.com
Closings
7 Angela Ronzoni’s Pizzeria Angela Ronzoni’s Pizzeria in Liberty Hill is permanently closed. The concept first opened in January 2023. • Closed in February • 9073 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Government
BY DANIEL SCHWALM
Liberty Hill City Council unanimously approved plans Jan. 28 to sell $25.9 million in bonds to fund construction of an Advanced Water Puri cation Facility—a wastewater treatment system—pilot. The bonds will be sold to a bidder selected by the city and repaid over time using revenue from the city’s wastewater system. The city is scheduled to receive the funds from the bond sale in February, according to city documents. The treatment facility is a key component of the city’s Pure Water LHTX program, which aims to provide long-term clean water for Liberty Hill OK’s $26M bond sale for water reuse
What’s next
Liberty Hill's projected water needs
Construction of the pilot facility is currently scheduled to be completed by October. The next step is to test di erent water puri cation methods, which will take about eight months, according to a representative from Garver, an engineering rm contracted with the city. The pilot facility is also being designed as a permanent structure for future educational use.
15M Water demand (millions of gallons per day)
+766.67%
10.4M
10M
7.3M
4.9M
2.9M
5M
1.2M 1.9M
0
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL COMMUNITY IMPACT
the city as it continues to grow. The city’s water needs are projected to increase by 12% per year for the next decade and then by 16% per year through 2050, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The new pilot water puri cation facility will test di erent types of systems to help o cials decide which water puri cation method is best for the city.
A pilot water puri cation facility will test wastewater treatment methods.
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Election
BY DANIEL SCHWALM
Leander residents cast ballots in a special election Feb. 7. Na’Cole Thompson won the race for mayor of Leander and Annette Sponseller won the race for City Council Place 4. The mayoral position opened up after Mayor Christine DeLisle stepped down in October. Thompson stepped down from the Place 4 seat on the council to run for mayor. Thompson faced opponents Mike Sanders and Kathryn Pantalion-Parker. Sponseller also faced one other candidate, Andy Eis. Thompson, Sponseller win City Council seats
What they’re saying
Results breakdown
Winner Leander
“I’m really excited to continue serving the city of Leander,
and I rmly believe that this win belongs to all of us.” NA’COLE THOMPSON, LEANDER MAYOR ELECT
Leander City Council Mayor
57.01% Na'Cole Thompson 25.88% Mike Sanders 16.92% Kathryn Pantalion-Parker
52.21% Annette Sponseller 40.44% Andy Eis Leander City Council Place 4 seat
“I’m excited to be elected. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I can’t wait to get started.” ANNETTE SPONSELLER, PLACE 4 COUNCIL MEMBER ELECT
SOURCE: CITY OF LEANDER COMMUNITY IMPACT
The victors will serve for the rest of the current terms, which expire in May 2027. As of press time, Sponseller was scheduled to be sworn in on Feb. 19. Thompson is scheduled to be sworn in on Feb. 27.
1407 N. Bell Blvd. (Hwy 183) Cedar Park HillCountryWaterGardens.com 512-260-5050
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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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Discover why Regency at Santa Rita Ranch was awarded Best 55+ Community by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. This active-adult community in Liberty Hill oers a selection of 15 home designs and master-planned amenities including an exclusive clubhouse, resort-style pool, and more.
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Brokers Welcome. Regency at Santa Rita Ranch is a 55+ active-adult community intended to operate under the Housing for Older Person’s Act of 1995, as amended. One resident must be 55+. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an oering where prohibited by law. Toll Brothers Real Estate, Inc. RegencyatSantaRitaRanch.com/Impact 500 Sweetgrass Ct, Liberty Hill, TX 78642 | 833-405-8655
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Liberty Hill ISD adds some Fridays back Liberty Hill ISD is asking students to return to school on four Fridays that were not previously included in this school year’s calendar. In January, the Texas Education Agency denied a sta development waiver that would’ve allowed LHISD to dedicate 2,100 required instructional minutes to professional development for sta . In a nutshell The district announced it will require students to attend school on four more Fridays that were not scheduled in the current academic calendar, including March 6, March 27, May 8 and May 15. The TEA’s updated policy states that four-day- school-week districts or charter schools are not eli- gible to receive the waiver, e ective in the 2025-26 school year and detailed in a 2024-25 TEA handbook released in September 2024. This year, the district adopted a hybrid calendar featuring a mix of ve-day and four-day school
Leander ISD to repurpose Faubion The Leander ISD board of trustees approved P uger Architects as the architec- ture rm to provide services for the repurpos- ing of Faubion Elementary during the Jan. 22 board meeting. The gist The board voted Dec. 17 to close Faubion in 2026-27 due to the campus’ projected low enrollment and LISD’s budget shortfall. The school will be consolidated with Westside Elementary and its campus repurposed. District o cials said they’d consider using the campus for New Hope High School’s expansion, the Leander Extended Opportu- nity Center or the Early College High School. Per district documents, P uger Architects will help establish the new campus use based on identi ed needs and provide full design services necessary to support construction.
LHISD calendar preference survey In November, LHISD surveyed around 5,000 parents and sta on whether they would prefer a traditional ve-day-school-week calendar or an innovative calendar featuring some four-day school weeks.
Innovative calendar Traditional calendar
No preference
Parents
Sta
54.2%
72.5%
SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
weeks, intended to provide professional develop- ment time on Fridays. LHISD o cials believed the district would still qualify for the waiver, stating that the TEA has not provided a clear de nition of what it considers to be a four-day-school-week calendar. According to the TEA’s handbook, “the waiver minutes are only applicable to sta development provided instead of student instruction during the school year.”
Local private schools approved for ESA program Hundreds of private schools and prekindergar- ten providers have been approved to participate in the state’s $1 billion new education savings account program. Eligible families will receive thousands of dollars to send their children to a private school or homeschool them beginning in 2026-27. Six Leander and Liberty Hill-area schools have been approved to accept ESAs: • Champion Kids Day Out • Fortis Classical Christian Academy • Divine Savior Academy-Santa Rita Ranch • Goddard School • Invictus: An Acton Academy • Sterling Classical School
Divine Savior Academy-Santa Rita Ranch o ers private education for grades pre-K 12.
COURTESY DIVINE SAVIOR ACADEMY SANTA RITA RANCH
13
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Transportation
BY DANIEL SCHWALM
Upcoming projects
ISAIAS DR.
29
1869
4
3405
1 Freedom River Parkway East Project: The project, formerly called the Liberty Hill Bypass East, includes design and construction of two lanes of the new bypass from Bagdad Road, also known as CR 279, to Hwy. 29. Update: Williamson County is in the final design phase. • Timeline: spring 2026-fall 2027 • Cost: TBD • Funding source: 2023 Williamson County Road Bond 2 Crystal Falls Parkway rail bridge Project: City officials are considering building a railroad bridge over Crystal Falls Parkway at US 183, removing the current ground-level rail crossing and allowing traffic to flow uninterrupted by passing trains. Update: The city is actively seeking a $40 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as additional funding opportunities. The design phase is expected to take around two and a half years, followed by roughly three years of construction. • Timeline: 2029-2032 • Cost: $103 million • Funding source: TBD 3 US 183 resurfacing Project: The stretch of US 183 from San Gabriel Parkway to Cedar Park Drive will be repaved to improve roadway integrity and prevent future damage. Update: The project is currently in the planning phase. • Timeline: 2027-2028 • Cost: $5.5 million • Funding source: TxDOT
SAN GABRIEL PKWY.
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
6
1
183
279
Leander
5
FREEDOM RIVER PKWY.
BAGDAD RD.
29
183
2
183A TOLL
CRYSTAL FALLS PKWY.
Cedar Park
3
1431
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
CEDAR PARK DR.
• Timeline: January 2025-February 2027 • Cost: $7 million • Funding source: city of Leander certificates of obligation 5 Ronald Reagan Boulevard lane widening Project: Seven miles of existing road from Hwy. 29 to FM 3405 will become northbound-only, and a separate two-lane southbound road will be constructed. Update: Construction is currently underway. • Timeline: August 2024-estimated completion summer 2027 • Cost: $52.4 million • Funding source: 2019 Williamson County road bond
Completed projects
Ongoing projects
6 Freedom River Parkway Project: The middle segment of the Freedom River Parkway project, formerly called the Liberty Hill Bypass, constructed a new two-lane roadway from RM 1869 to Bagdad Road, also known as CR 279. Update: The Freedom River Parkway was completed in December and is open to the public. • Timeline: spring 2024-December 2025 • Cost: $14.4 million • Funding source: 2019 Williamson County Road Bond 45 TOLL
4 San Gabriel Parkway extension Project: Phase 2 will see the extension of San Gabriel Parkway eastward from Isaias Drive to Ronald Reagan Boulevard between Palmera Ridge and Palmera Bluff subdivisions. Update: Construction is currently underway. The traffic signal at San Gabriel Parkway and Ronald Reagan Boulevard is expected to be brought online in early 2026.
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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Community Private School Guide
2026
Guidepost Montessori at Brushy Creek Type: Montessori Grades served: ages 6 weeks to 6 years Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: sports, music, dance, art, gymnastics, cooking Enrollment: 130 Tuition: $1,300-2,000 per month • 3017 Polar Lane • www.guidepostmontessori.com Harbor Leadership Academy Type: private therapeutic school, training those who learn differently to succeed Grades: 4-12 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: music, fitness, art, social skills, production Enrollment: 50 enrolled on and off campus Tuition: Starting at $15,000 annually • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 103 • www.harboracademy.org Extracurricular activities: clubs, art, theater, performing arts, STEM and engineering projects, leadership cohorts, field trips Enrollment: over 60 Tuition: starting at $225 per day • Location not disclosed • www.innovationlearninglab.com The Master’s Christian Academy Type: religious-based, classical Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: martial arts, theater, music Innovation Learning Lab Type: homeschool center Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: secular
Enrollment: 40 Tuition: $13,500-$18,500 per year • 3003 Blue Ridge Drive • www.mymasters.academy
Cedar Park
Apogee Cedar Park Type: microschool Grades served: pre-K-9 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: Up to 50 Tuition: $1,400 per month • 12129 N. FM 620, Ste. 650 • www.apogeecedarpark.com
Sapienta Montessori School Type: Montessori, Association Montessori International (AMI), accredited Grades served: toddler through grade 6 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: art, chess, computing, dance, multi-sports, piano, soccer, STEAM, Spanish Enrollment: Not disclosed
Tuition: Available upon request • 1220 Cottonwood Creek Trail • www.sapientiamontessori.com
BASIS Cedar Park Type: charter, college preparatory, liberal arts Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: Biology Olympiad, chess, robotics, MathCounts, Science Olympiad, speech and debate, programming, Key Club, Impact clubs, athletics Enrollment: 1,400 Tuition: Free • 165 N. Lakeline Blvd. • www.enrollbasistx.com Cedar Park Montessori Type: Montessori, Association Montessori International (AMI) accredited Grades served: toddler through grade 6 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: art, chess, computing, dance, multi-sports, piano, soccer, STEAM, Spanish Enrollment: Not disclosed Tuition: Available upon request • 400 E. Whitestone Blvd. • www.cedarparkmontessori.com
Summit Christian Academy Type: religious-based, college preparatory Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports, fine arts, music, dance, theater, media club, National Honor Society,
student council Enrollment: 282 Tuition: $13,086 average annually
• 2121 Cypress Creek Road • www.summiteagles.org
Leander
Harmony Science Academy Leander Type: charter; STEM-focused Grades served: Pre-K-7 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: drones, VEX Robotics, FIRST LEGO League, arts, fitness, creative writing Enrollment: 649 Tuition: free
CONSERVATIVE LUTHERAN | BIBLE-BELIEVING | CHRIST-CENTERED | SACRAMENTAL, REVERENT WORSHIP | HISTORIC CHRISTIANITY
Join us on Sunday, March 1st at 7.00pm for a Concert Band Performance by Bethany Lutheran College students! FREE ADMISSION! 2940 County Road 175 • Leander, TX 78641
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KATLYNN FOX, HALEY MCLEOD & DANIEL SCHWALM
• 3250 Hero Way • https://hsaleander.harmonytx.org
Cedar Park
Leander
Primrose School of Crystal Falls Type: private preschool
Grades served: 6 weeks-K Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: coding, chess, drama, dance, sports, Primrose Summer Adventure Club Enrollment: up to 215 Tuition: rates available upon request • 1781 Osage Drive • www.primrosecrystalfalls.com
Valor Leander Type: charter Grades served: K-10 Religious orientation: none
Fellowship Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: K-8 on campus, 9-12 homeschool support Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: art, P.E., music Enrollment: 67 Tuition: $6,000 per year • 3600 RM Road 1869 • www.fellowshipacademylh.org The Goddard School of Cedar Park Type: STEM Grades served: infants-kindergarten for full day, after school care for K-5 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: music, STEAM enrichment, chess, Spanish, yoga, soccer, dance, martial arts, outdoor learning, gardening, cooking Enrollment: approximately 200 Tuition: varies by age and schedule, call for more information • 1905 El Salido Parkway • www.goddardschool.com
Fortis Academy Type: religious-based, classical university model, hybrid in-person-homeschool Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: soccer, volleyball, flag football, basketball, theatre, art Enrollment: 280 Tuition: starting at $3,600 per year • 15611 Hwy. 29 • www.fortisacademy.net Invictus: An Acton Academy Type: Montessori, accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: entrepreneurially focused, hosts a children’s business fair every year Enrollment: 28 Tuition: $1000 non refundable enrollment fee and $1279 per month for 11 months • 10000 W. Hwy. 29 • www.invictusleander.org
Extracurricular activities: women's volleyball, boys' flag football, basketball, soccer, track and field, chess club, running club, theatre club, choir club, garden club, French club Enrollment: 800 Tuition: Free • Grades K-2: 906 Crystal Falls Parkway; Grades 3-10: 168 Kauffman Loop • www.valoreducation.org/valorleander
Liberty Hill
Divine Savior Academy - Santa Rita Ranch Campus Type: religious-based, college preparatory Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports, music, art, drama, clubs, student council, national honor society Enrollment: 364 Tuition: $13,695-$17,880 per year • 23857 Ronald Reagan Blvd. • https://santaritaranch.divinesavioracademy.com
This list is not comprehensive.
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17
LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Hero Way, RM 2243 expansion underway From the cover
The overview
increased tra c, address safety concerns and foster economic growth along the corridor, county and city o cials said. “It is going to revolutionize the way tra c moves through Leander, and it’s critical that it starts and opens,” said Bridget Brandt, president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce.
In January, Williamson County broke ground on a $132 million road project that is expected to improve west-to-east mobility between Leander and Georgetown. The project would transform Hero Way and RM 2243, a state road, into a divided, controlled-access highway from 183A Toll to Southwest Bypass. The existing rural two-lane roadway is set to be
expanded into two main lanes running in each direction alongside two three-lane frontage roads. For Phase 1A, the county will build the rst frontage road from 183A Toll in Leander to Garey Park in Georgetown with one lane in each direction alongside a center turn lane. Phase 1A is scheduled to be completed by early 2028. The new roadway is anticipated to accommodate
Georgetown
Hero Way/RM 2243 expansion
LEANDER RD.
E S
FUTURE PHASES
35
PHASE 1A
183A TOLL
2243
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
GAREY PARK RD.
GAREY PARK
PHASE 1A: WESTBOUND FRONTAGE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
183
Leander
2243
183A TOLL
2243
RONALD REAGAN BLVD.
N
©GOOGLE EARTH
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
The context
RM 2243 average daily tra c over time The annual average daily tra c, or AADT, count measures the average daily number of vehicles on the road each year.
Leander resident Josh Howard said the road is constantly congested with heavy tra c, result- ing in a 30-minute commute from Leander to Georgetown. Long said she hopes the realignment of RM 2243 with Hero Way helps smooth out dangerous curves along RM 2243 that have resulted in fatalities. From 2016 to 2025, there were nearly 500 crashes along the corridor, according to TxDOT data.
Tra c along RM 2243 has more than doubled over the last 20 years, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation. “Anybody that currently drives Leander Road [known as RM 2243] … knows the need for this project,” Williamson County Precinct 2 Commis- sioner Cynthia Long said. “Both cities have been two of the fastest growing in the county, and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down.”
+248%
20K 15K 10K 5K 0
15.3K
4.4K
2004 2008 2012 2016
2024 2020
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
SECURED ELEVATED SPACES (512) 375-3379
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CHLOE YOUNG
The cost
The impact
“In ve to 10 years, I think we will see enormous potential for commercial growth along that corridor.” RANDALL MALIK, DIRECTOR OF
The city of Leander has seen the Hero Way and RM 2243 corridor explode with economic growth, welcoming new commercial, retail and warehouse developments, said Randall Malik, the city’s director of economic development. Plans to develop the roadway have already attracted many new developers and employers to the area, Malik said. Future projects coming online include a Home Depot; a 1.3-million-square-foot industrial warehouse space that will house large employers; as well as a new hotel, event center and Big Air trampoline park by ARS Developers. The availability of undeveloped land and proximity to I-35 have created an unparalleled economic opportunity for the city, Brandt said. Access to major roadways is a main factor many companies consider when deciding where to locate their business, she said. “It is such a wide-open opportunity that does not
County o cials said they spent years acquiring $100 million worth of right of way from about 60 landowners along the corridor. The majority of this funding comes from the county’s $412 million road bond package in 2019. “There’s not a county that I know of in the country that is as proactive as we are in transportation,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said at a Jan. 29 groundbreak- ing ceremony. U.S. Rep. John Carter of Williamson County helped secure $20 million in federal funding to construct the project, Long said.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CITY OF LEANDER
exist anywhere else near us,” Brandt said. “I think you have an opportunity to see some really big-scale unique o erings in that vicinity [near Leander].” Although Georgetown has not seen as much commercial development along the road, the city has issued more than 1,400 permits for new homes in the Parkside on the River subdivision over the last decade, according to city of Georgetown data. This spring, the city is slated to complete its second phase of improvements at Garey Park, including an expanded event center, amphithe- ater, an 18-hole disc golf course and skate park.
Project funding breakdown Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Williamson County Federal government City of Leander
Design
Stay tuned
$2M
Design work is underway for Phase 2—the construction of a second frontage road from 183A Toll and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. This year, the county will begin designing the continuation of the rst frontage road from Garey Park to Southwest Bypass for Phase 1B. Phase 3 will include the construction of the highway’s main lanes. “We’re going to see real progress very soon,” Long said.
Utility relocations along Hero Way will begin this year, while the majority of roadwork will not occur until next year, according to county information. No lane closures are anticipated, while some tra c may be shifted onto short-term driving surfaces, known as temporary pavement. Years of ongoing construction could temporarily impede some tra c at existing businesses, Brandt said.
Construction
$2M $8M
$30M
$20M
Right of way
$100M
$14M
$86M
SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
19
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
Community
BY KATLYNN FOX
The Cedar Park and Leander areas are transitioning into hubs for independent bookstores to plant their brick-and-mortar locations. Between Leander and Cedar Park, six new bookstores opened in the last two years–four alone opening in 2025, including Adventures in Ink, The Kids Bookshop, Secret Lantern Books and Games and Phat Tracks Books & Records. The shops sell a range of comic books, children’s books, fantasy, romance, horror and a mixture of other physical media and entertainment. The cohort of bookstores that opened in 2025 joined Paper Bark Birch, a family-owned children’s book shop that began operations in December 2023. The store specializes in children’s products, Local bookstores expand options for readers
More details
What’s next
Cedar Park and Leander bookstores 1 Paper Bark Birch: opened Dec. 2023 2 Adventures in Ink: opened Feb. 2025 3 The Kids Bookshop: opened Aug. 2025
N. GABRIEL ST.
In 2026, Lioness Books is headed for Old Town Leander, eyeing a spring opening date, said owner Sarah Ambrus. The Williamson County-based mobile bookstore o ers a range of titles, as well as a selection of physical books, audiobooks and rare and collectible books. Lioness Books will mark the third Leander bookstore to open in the last two years.
When planning her goals for the year, Robertson hoped to encourage collaboration across the di erent booksellers in Cedar Park. Between Paper Bark Birch, Secret Lantern Books and Games and Phat Tracks Books and Records, the local stores have formed a community, each o ering a unique niche. On Feb. 28 the shops will host a Boozy Book Fair at The All Good in The Railyard shopping center. The fair will have a live DJ, food and drinks for purchase from JABS and The All Good and a variety of books, games and gifts. “As we continue to grow this,” Robertson said. “I’m really hoping that some of the bigger authors that tend to go to Austin will also come out to Cedar Park.” In addition to the emergence of locally-owned bookstores opening in recent years, the new Cedar Park Public Library also commemorated it’s rst year of operations. Since opening, the library has welcomed 655,785 visitors, a 143%
3
6
2243
4 Secret Lantern Books and Games: opened Oct. 2025 5 Phat Tracks Books & Records: opened Dec. 2025 6 Lioness Books: opening in the spring 2026
2
183A TOLL
Leander
events and storytimes, with a small selection of adult books, owner Stephanie Robertson said. As a member of several online bookseller organizations, Robertson was inspired by the range of events that other stores can host. It can be challenging to adapt what general-interest stores or adult-focused niche shops do and apply it to the children’s bookstore space, Robertson said. “But, as Cedar Park has grown, the literary community and we’ve added more bookstores here, we’ve really expanded who we reach,” Robertson added.
183
1
1431
5
Paper Bark Birch hosts a range of events for readers, including a book club and storytimes with characters like Waldo and Princess Tiana.
VISTA RIDGE BLVD.
COURTESY PAPER BARK BIRCH
Cedar Park
4
increase from 2024, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The growth signals to a developing interest and network centered around literacy and community-focused events.
Secret Lantern Books and Games hosts recurring hobby nights and game nights.
N
SOURCE: COMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY SECRET LANTERN BOOKS AND GAMES
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L CAL Leander Fest Friday, February 27th 2026 3:00-7:00pm Premier Athletic Complex 8220 183A Toll Road COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • BUSINESS AND NONPROFIT FAIR • VENDORS • KIDS ACTIVITIES • PERFORMANCES Presented by L C Lean
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY KATLYNN FOX
Ryan Branning has been a collector from a very young age. What started out as trading items with friends or people with a similar style has morphed into buying and selling vintage items professionally over the last decade. After moving from Southern California to Texas ve years ago, Branning and his co-owner, Taylor Rishor, wanted to bring something new to the Leander area. The pair aimed to bring hand-selected, vintage items to customers while focusing on preservation and sustainability. “We didn’t just want to have a retail space like any other,” Branning said. What to expect Branning and Rishor launched Remnant Resale in fall 2024, o ering an alternative approach to shopping. Remnant Resale primarily o ers clothing from various decades, with additional collectible and decorative items for sale. The shop stocks men’s vintage denim, t-shirts, outerwear, hats, accessories and bags, as well as women’s clothing inspired by the early 2000s era. Branning and Rishor also source books, media, VHS tapes, blankets and other trinkets. They source items from all over, but love con- necting directly with collectors, Branning said. “I like to put things back into circulation, which I think is paying homage to the item because it doesn’t do any good if it’s just sitting in someone’s closet,” Branning said. Their goal was to create a unique shopping experience with a private, one-on-one feel, Branning said. The store is open Monday through Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday by appointment only. “I know it can be a little bit overwhelming going into a spot with music blaring, and some- times people don’t really want to interact while they’re shopping,” Rishor said. Looking ahead In the spring, Branning and Rishor are looking to relaunch Remnant Outpost, an outdoor market that will take place every third Saturday of the month. Remnant Vintage initially launched its pop-up market last year to celebrate the shop’s rst anniversary. The market was previously hosted outside their current location; however, the pair hopes Remnant Resale brings private shopping, unique o erings to Leander
Remnant Resale sells a range of women’s and men’s clothing. Secondary to apparel, the store o ers vintage media, blankets and decoration.
PHOTOS BY KATLYNN FOX COMMUNITY IMPACT
Much of the women’s clothing available at Remnant Resale is inspired by fashion from the early 2000s.
Co-owners Taylor Rishor and Ryan Branning opened Remnant Resale in fall 2024.
to host the market in a new spot with additional parking options and space for new vendors to participate. The Remnant Outpost will sell cloth- ing, mid-century decor and collectable items. Community members are encouraged to visit the Remnant Resale website and social media channels for more information. Remnant Resale will also launch an online store this year to help make shopping more con- venient and accessible to all, o ering shipping worldwide.
183A TOLL
N
11520 Hero Way W, Ste. G, Leander www.remnantresale.com
23
LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION
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