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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 11 JULY 3 AUG. 5, 2024
2024 Home Edition
Cracking under pressure
Round Rock resident Arjun Okkath identi es a crack in his pool, which was built in 2021.
KAMERYN GRIESSER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Defect causes damage to Central Texas pools
the inside of his pool. Okkath soon learned he was among thousands of Central Texans burdened with the same defect—“concrete cancer.” Primarily found in Austin-area pools built between 2017 and 2023, alkali silica reaction, also known as concrete cancer, is a defect in concrete mixtures that causes the shell of a pool to weaken and crack.
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
Round Rock resident Arjun Okkath always dreamed of having a backyard pool, but since he and his wife bought their rst Texas home in 2022, that dream has crumbled. Less than a year after becoming the owner of a brand new home in the Vizcaya neighborhood, he noticed spider-like cracks oozing with white gel on
CONTINUED ON 32
Also in this issue
Impacts: 7 Brew Co ee now open in Round Rock (Page 7)
Government: Kristin Stevens appointed mayor pro tem (Page 12)
Real estate: Check out this year’s Home Edition (Page 19)
Business: Local antique gallery o ers unique nds (Page 37)
busine� �u�po�t Hutto’s Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program, aka BizThrive, is an initiative focusing on the prosperity of our business community. Our objective is to support success through engagement and provide access to resources in key areas such as professional education, workforce development, and sources of funding. We seek to understand the needs of all stakeholders and work toward collaborative solutions. Email BizThrive@huttotx.gov to learn more about BizThrive in Hutto. We value your business. community. Our objective is to support success through engagement and provide access to resources in key areas such as professional education, workforce development, and sources of funding. We seek to understand the needs of all stakeholders and work toward collaborative solutions. Email BizThrive@huttotx.gov to learn more about BizThrive in Hutto. We value your business.
Fe�l �u�po�ted with our va�ue ad��:
Buildin� Busine� Suc�e� events are curated quarterly, designed to help your business grow. Learn from experts in their respective fields. 1:1 Me�ting� and personalized services and support is available from our expert team, ready to guide you and connect you with the right resources for your business. Busine� Directo�y with data on hundreds of businesses located in Hutto. Add yours to the list and become part of the growing network.
Connect with us at BizThrive@Huttotx.gov
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Impacts
3 Kyoka Sushi and Bar The sushi spot offers a full bar and serves Japanese dishes, such as sushi, tempura and udon noodles. The building is the former location of Beluga Japanese Restaurant, which closed in July 2023. • Opened in late June • 661 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. 300, Round Rock • https://eat.kyokasushi.site Austin photo booths Locally owned by Dustin Sartoris and based in Round Rock, the business offers three photo booth experiences for customers to choose from for their events. The company facilitates both setup and take-down of its rentable photo booths, Sartoris said. • Opened June 1 • www.austinphotobooths.com
Round Rock
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4 Lone Star Circle of Care The clinic will provide gynecological care, women’s wellness exams and family planning services, per a representative of Lone Star Circle of Care. The opening of the Women’s Wellness clinic expands services provided by Lone Star Circle of Care at the Texas A&M Health Science Center, and will join existing family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral health, senior care and pharmacy services offered there. • Opening Aug. 5 • 3950 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Ste. N103, Round Rock • www.lonestarcares.org
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Round Rock
suite will also be automatically upgraded for check-in at the VIP lounge. • Opened May 17
Relocations
Now open
• 3001 Kalahari Blvd., Round Rock • www.kalahariresorts.com/texas
5 Smokey Mo’s BBQ The business relocated its Avery Ranch location in Austin to Round Rock. The barbecue restaurant serves smoked meats, such as brisket, pork ribs, chicken and sausage. The restaurant also offers group orders and catering services. • Relocated June 24 • N. RM 620, Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.smokeymosbbq.com
1 Kalahari Resorts & Conventions VIP Emerald Lounge The lounge provides access to a dedicated concierge for VIP guests, specifically to assist in booking spa experiences, cabanas, dining reservations and other support needs of guests who stay there. The VIP experience will be available to guests booking VIP All The Way or More Time for More Fun packages for their stay. Guests who book a three-bedroom presidential
2 Shoe Palace The footwear retailer opened a new store in the Round Rock Premium Outlets in June. Based in San Jose, Calif., the shoe store chain offers sneakers and apparel from a variety of in-demand brands. • Opened in mid-June • 4401 N. I-35, Ste. 135, Round Rock • www.shoepalace.com
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BY GRANT CRAWFORD, KAMERYN GRIESSER, BROOKE SJOBERG & BEN THOMPSON
In the news
Now open
In the news
6 Austin FC Austin’s Major League Soccer team will host the 2025 MLS All-Star Game at Q2 Stadium next summer, officials announced in May. This is the first time since 2010 that the MLS All-Star Game will be held in Texas and the first time the All-Star game is being held in Austin, per a news release. • Q2 Stadium, 10414 McKalla Place, Austin • www.austinfc.com 7 R Bank The banking institution marked its 15th anniversary on June 22. The Texas-based bank, which opened in Round Rock in 2009, provides a variety of personal and business banking services. In June, the company welcomed Todd Engemoen as its new president and CEO following the retirement of Steve Stapp. • A 3600 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • B 1900 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.r.bank 8 CityVet Project information filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation show plans for a new CityVet location in Round Rock. CityVet offers veterinary services, urgent care, bathing, grooming, food and supplies, as well as boarding and daycare for dogs. • 7401 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.cityvet.com New Neighbors of Greater Round Rock The local women’s social organization celebrated 45 years of community building May 9. Founded in 1978 by a group of young mothers who met while visiting in a park with their children, the group has since grown to
11 7 Brew Coffee The Texas-based coffee chain held a ribbon cutting in June to mark the opening of its Round Rock location. The drive-thru coffee stand offers a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages, smoothies, shakes, and infused sparkling water. • Opened July 1 • 2130 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.7brew.com
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema The dine-in theater chain has been acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which plans to continue expanding the national dine-in theater chain’s operations. • Locations throughout Austin • www.drafthouse.com
13 Romano’s Macaroni Grill The chain offers small plates and pizza. Per the company’s website, it still has a location in McAllen. • Closed March 4
sunglasses and contacts, first opened in late 2021. • Closed in March • 2150 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 300, Round Rock • www.myeyelab.com 12 Papa Murphy’s With this closure, there is now only one location of the pizza shop left in Round Rock, at 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd. The pizza chain, known for its take-and-bake pizzas prepared in-house to be cooked in the homes of customers, also offers calzones, salads, breads and
• 2501 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.macaronigrill.com
nearly 200 members. • Based in Round Rock • www.newneighborsrr.org
14 Sonic Initially listed as a temporary closure, the restaurant’s location listing has been marked “permanently closed,” and no longer exists on the chain’s website. While the corporate office could not confirm whether the location closed, calls to the franchise owner went unanswered. • Closed in mid-May • 1320 Round Rock Ave., Round Rock • www.sonicdrivein.com
crustless pizzas. • Closed in May • 7399 O’Connor Drive, Round Rock • www.papamurphys.com
Closings
9 My Eyelab The store, which offered in-house eye exams, eye glasses,
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A.W. GRIMES BLVD.
HARRELL PKWY.
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Impacts
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A representative will bring samples and supplies directly to the residence to evaluate style preferences and functionality. The company also services surrounding areas, such as Hutto, Taylor, Northwest Hills and Wells Branch. • Opened May 23 • www.gotchacovered.com/pflugerville
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1 Lazydaze The coffee shop features specialty cafe beverages, such as the purple haze latte, as well as traditional coffee drinks like an americano or espresso. In addition to the coffee, the shop sells hemp products. Both the South Austin and Pflugerville Lazy Daze locations are licensed 137
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Coming soon
FOOTHILLS FARMS LOOP
3 El Pollo Rico The Mexican restaurant specializes in authentic charcoal-grilled chicken and serves a wide variety of chicken taco plates, flautas, quesadillas, tostadas and tortas. • Coming late 2025 • 1304 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.pollosricos.com
consumption lounges. • Reopened April 20 • 1202 FM 685, Ste. A5, Pflugerville • www.lazydazeshop.com 9
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2 Frost Bites Local snow cone and ice cream shop, Frost Bites, has reopened for the summer season. The Pflugerville location features both drive-thru service, as well as indoor space to dine in. • Reopened April 5 • 110 W. Pflugerville Parkway, Ste. B-2, Pflugerville • www.facebook.com/frostbitesatx Gotcha Covered Consultants help clients to find window treatments for every room, including blinds, drapes and shutters. 130 TOLL Pflugerville
FOOTHILLS FARMS LOOP
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4 Infusion Dance The dance studio will combine its two locations in Pflugerville into one. The studio offers a range of dance classes from kids to adults as well as event
space available for rent. • Relocated June 2024
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BY HALEY MCLEOD
• 15635 Vision Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.idtexas.com
end of the year. • 15822 Foothill Farms Loop, Pflugerville • www.tax-office.traviscountytx.gov
Now open
Expansions
7 Torchy’s Tacos The Pflugerville location of Torchy’s Tacos celebrated 5 years serving customers in the Stone Hill retail center this May. The restaurant features tacos, queso, margaritas and more. • First opened May 8, 2019 • 18817 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.torchystacos.com
5 Way of Life Church, Pflugerville With site plans currently under review by the city, Way of Life Church is planning to double its size with an additional sanctuary. Services are offered on both Wednesdays and Sundays. • Expanding in 2025 • 110 W Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville • www.wayoflifepf.com
Closings
In the news
8 The Goat The Goat, a component of the mixed-use development LC Pflugerville under construction near the Stone Hill shopping center, features a coffee shop, bar and restaurant. It also includes live music, karaoke and other games for patrons to enjoy. • Opened June 28 • 18612 Pfluger Farm Lane, Pflugerville • www.lcgoat.com/locations/pflugerville
8 Pigtails and Crewcuts The Pflugerville location closed in June. The hair salon has other locations in Cedar Park and Bee Cave. The company is also exploring options for reopening under new ownership. • Closed June 2024 • 19101 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com
6 Travis County Tax Office The Travis County Tax Office at the North Rural Community Center in Pflugerville is expected to begin renovations this July, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Specific plans for the expansion have not yet been released; however, the filing on TDLR indicates a 1,776-square-foot extension of the existing tax office into one of the adjacent community center bays. The project is expected to cost $525,000. • According to TDLR, renovations will be finished by the
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Impacts
Hutto
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 times per week. • Opening Aug. 1 • 520 CR 108, Ste. 22, Hutto • www.crossfitgbc.com 4 Taco Palenque The restaurant serves Mexican comfort food with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The menu features tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, parrilladas and other items. The chain has other locations in the Austin area as well as throughout San Antonio and southern Texas.
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1 Power Brewing Project The craft-beer brewery with an engineering theme recently opened. Owned by David Power, the business offers a variety of different pints as well as growlers to allow customer to bring beers home with them. • Opened June 16 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 130, Hutto • www.powerbrewingproject.com 2 Smiling Donuts Hutto The doughnut shop recently opened in Hutto. In addition to doughnuts, the shop offers kolaches, croissants and biscuits as well as boba milk tea and smoothies. • Opened May 23 • 4510 Gattis School Road, Ste. 200, Hutto • 512-284-8470 1660 79
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• Opening in August • 2722 FM 685, Hutto • www.tacopalenque.com
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5 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming A new Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming is expected to open at Star Ranch Market in Hutto. The company offers a variety of grooming services, including bathing, nail trimming and painting, teeth brushing, de-matting and ear cleaning. Pet owners will also find a variety of gourmet pet treats and nutrient-rich foods. • Opening TBD • 2098 Muirfield Bend Drive, Hutto • www.woofgangbakery.com
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3 CrossFit GBC The gym, owned by Mickey Krone, will provide training
685
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6 Skyline Dermatology Board-certified dermatologist Johnny Zhao will provide dermatology services 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. • Opening July 1 • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.skylinedermtx.com 7 EVO Entertainment The entertainment venue broke ground June 21 on its new location in Hutto. The 53,000-square-foot building will feature eight dine-in theaters, with both IMAX and laser-enhanced viewing experience screens. The space will also include 12 bowling lanes, a private event space, a video-game arcade and an American-style restaurant and bar with more than 50 HD TVs and projectors.
Coming soon
Expansion
8 Jersey Mike’s Subs The New Jersey-based chain serves made-to- order hot and cold subs, including a variety of cheesesteak, 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 catering services. The franchise owner is Josh Kuebler. • Opening in July • 120 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.jerseymikes.com
9 Paradigm Manufacturing The metal-sheet manufacturing company broke ground on a $10 million expansion to its Hutto facility in mid-June. The business will add 60,000 square feet to its existing headquarters and is expected to create 50-75 jobs. • 1149 New Technology Blvd., Hutto • www.paradigmmetals.com
• Opening summer of 2025 • 180 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.evo.co
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Government
Stevens appointed mayor pro tem Place 5 Round Rock City Council member Kristin Stevens will fill the role of mayor pro tem, Mayor Craig Morgan said during a packet briefing June 11. The details Former Place 3 City Council member Mat- thew Baker, who previously served in the position, did not seek reelection this year. Stevens was reelected to her second term on City Council in the May election.
Samsung Highway connects area roadways Gov. Gregg Abbott, Williamson County officials and representatives of Samsung Corporation cel- ebrated the completion of the Samsung Highway with a ribbon cutting June 7. The specifics The event marked the completion of several road projects in southwest Taylor. These include the reconstruction and expansion of CR 401, improvements to CR 404 and FM 973, water realignment on CR 404, and the completion of segments 1 and 2 of the Samsung Highway, according to a county news release. The Samsung Highway project involves the construction of a four-lane roadway adjacent to the ongoing Samsung plant. Additionally, the new roadway connects FM 3349 and FM 973 in an effort to lessen curves on CR 404, according to previ- ous reporting by Community Impact , which will
Gov. Gregg Abbott, along with state and county o cials, cut the ribbon for the new Samsung Highway in Taylor.
COURTESY WILLIAMSON COUNTY
increase safety around the forthcoming semicon- ductor facility. Zooming out Samsung broke ground on the Taylor site in early 2022. In April, the company signed a preliminary memorandum agreement with the U.S. Depart- ment of Commerce. In exchange for an estimated investment of $45 billion in the Taylor area, Samsung received $6.4 billion in subsidies from the federal government.
“I want to continue to make Round Rock a place where people want to live, work and raise their families.” KRISTIN STEVENS, PLACE 5 ROUND ROCK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
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New city complex to house vehicle shop
Old Settlers Park events remain on
Events planned at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock will remain on the schedule after a June 15 shooting that left two people dead and an additional 14 wounded during a Juneteenth celebration at the park. Overview Events such as the city’s Fourth of July Frontier Days, Light Up the Lake and others will still take place this year. These events will remain free and open to the public, Sara Bustilloz, Round Rock communications and marketing director, said in a statement. “Additional safety measures have been incorporated into these events throughout the years, and we will continue to evaluate these measures as we have for all events in the past,” Bustilloz said.
Round Rock City Council approved a $5.7 million contract May 23 with Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to begin the design work for phases 2, 3 and 4 of the Bob Bennett building, located near Luther Peterson Park. The big picture The complete project will be known as the Bob Bennett Complex and will house a new vehicle shop for the Round Rock Transportation Depart- ment and General Services Department. Additionally, the complex will include a new facility and building construction shop for the city’s General Services, Utility and Environmen- tal Engineering departments. The contract also outlines plans to review and update the city’s master plan for the Bob Bennett property. The updated master plan will address the city’s
LUTHER PETERSON PARK
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needs beyond the originally outlined 2035 long- term goals, according to city documents. The cost The design work is being funded by the city’s General Self-Financed Construction fund; however, the entire Bob Bennett Complex project is estimated to cost $55 million, Director of Transportation Gary Hudder said.
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Education
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Citizen-led group spots over $1B in bond projects In a June 18 update, representatives of the Round Rock ISD Citizens Bond Committee shared its members have identi ed between $1 billion and $1.5 billion in potential capital improvements to district facilities and infrastructure. What happened Fabian Cuero and Lindsay Ledyard, co-chairs of the RRISD CBC, told the board of trustees ve subcommittees focused on capital renewal, safety and security, growth, ne arts and athletics, and technology had identi ed potential propositions for a future bond with estimated funding needs for some of these propositions. These recommenda- tions are based on the district's long-range facili- ties master plan as well as community feedback, per the district.
RRISD trustees set legislative priorities With Texas’ 89th legislative session to start Jan. 14, Round Rock ISD trustees approved a list of priorities to send to the Texas Associa- tion of School Boards for potential adoption. The details The priorities submitted to TASB by the board of trustees are as follows: • Improve accountability rating system • Increase the basic allotment and indexing it to keep pace with in ation • Keep public education funding discus- sions separate from discussions about education savings accounts • Increase special education funding and improving program nance • Increase funding to improve hiring and retention of educators
Breaking it down The RRISD Citizens Bond Committee identi ed four possible election propositions.
Proposition D: $30,000,000 Dragon Stadium conversion
Proposition C: $123,750,000 career and technology education center
Proposition A: $830,569,148 general capital improvements Proposition B: $149,263,161 technology improvements
Total $1.10B
SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
The impact To fund the $1 billion to $1.5 billion in potential bond projects, a few scenarios were presented to the board. Per Ledyard, the district could take on up to $1.25 billion in bond projects without having to increase the debt service tax rate, set at $0.1980 per $100 valuation for scal year 2024-25. What's next? Discussions around potential bond projects will continue at a future board workshop, board President Amber Landrum said.
Round Rock ISD passes balanced $466M budget for 2024 25 scal year
The combined rate of $0.8949 per $100 of valuation will fund the district’s regular opera- tions, as well as fund payments on district debts, including bonds. In April, RRISD Chief Financial O cer Dennis Covington shared that the district was projecting a $30 million shortfall due to increases in costs on multiple fronts, including special education services, fuel and school safety.
Round Rock ISD passed a balanced budget after sta identi ed about $30 million in cuts to its proposed budget for the 2024-25 school year. What you need to know The proposed $466 million budget is based on an operating tax rate of $0.6969 per $100 of valuation and a debt service rate of $0.1980 per $100 of valuation.
“We are the only district in Central Texas passing a balanced budget, but it is not without a lot of pains.
Thanks for sticking with us during this budget season.” AMBER LANDRUM, ROUND ROCK ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT
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Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and your mind on driving. Obey speed limits and traffic laws. Move over or slow down for vehicles pulled to the side of the road. Wear your seat belt. Never drink and drive. Check your tires, windshield wipers and brake lights. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and your mind on driving. Obey speed limits and traffic laws. Move over or slow down for vehicles pulled to the side of the road. Wear your seat belt. Never drink and drive. Check your tires, windshield wipers and brake lights.
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY ELLE BENT, PARKS KUGLE & HALEY MCLEOD
Airport o cials prepare for summer season Transportation Security Administration o cials said this summer—from May 24 to Sept. 3—is fore- cast to be the busiest summer for travel ever seen, nationwide. For the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, May through July are already historically busy months, and passenger volumes have only increased year over year. This year alone, four days made the list of top 10 busiest days for ABIA, including the days following a total solar eclipse. What you need to know Passengers will notice many changes to airport security this summer. For example, Checkpoint 3, near JetBlue Airlines, is closed until 2026. Tips ABIA o cials have for travelers include: • Arrive 2.5 hours prior to domestic ights and three hours before international ights. • Monitor the latest ight status with the airline as well as the weather. • Check if parking is available ahead of time online or by calling ABIA o cials. • Drop o passengers at either the upper departures
County conducts I 35, East WilCo study Williamson County o cials are conduct- ing a right-of-way preservation study for a future east-west connection from I-35 to the East Wilco Highway, to be completed in late 2024. The gist Known as Corridor K, the connection is an e ort to plan for continued population growth in eastern Williamson County. Originally planned as a 350-foot right-of- way corridor road project, county docu- ments show the project has been reduced to an arterial road with a 150-foot right of way, or the area the road takes up. Once a route and funding have been nalized, the rst phase of construction will build a three-lane roadway, with one lane traveling east, one lane traveling west and a turn lane in the middle. Corridor K is funded by the county’s Long Range Transportation Plan, which is nanced by a combination of road and bridge funds and general funds.
ABIA passenger totals, 2018 23 2023 was the busiest year ever for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in total passenger count.
22,095,876
10M 15M 20M 25M
0 5M
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
SOURCE: AUSTIN BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMUNITY IMPACT
or lower arrivals level at the Barbara Jordan Terminal. • Allow extra time to arrive at the airport if tra c conditions are poor. What else Construction is expected to begin on the follow- ing projects this year: • New queuing space and baggage carousels at international facility • Two parallel taxiways to connect the east and west sides of the building • Ticketing-level atrium in ll of 13,000 square feet of space to avoid TSA lines from queuing outside Round Rock on-demand rides program expands The city of Round Rock expanded Round Rock Rides, the city’s on-demand ride-sharing program, to now service the entire city limits beginning July 1. What started as a pilot program last summer, the service o ers on-demand public transporta- tion, similar to that of an Uber or Lyft. A supple- ment to the city’s xed-route bus system, users are able to book, pay and track their ride by using the mobile app, visiting https://book.roundrock. rideco.com or calling 512-312-2124. What residents need to know Passengers can schedule pickups and drop- o s at designated locations throughout the city, found on the city’s public transportation website. The service runs Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Round Rock Rides does not operate on Sundays.
KENNEY FORT BLVD.
79
JOE DIMAGGIO BLVD.
N
Kenney Fort section open in Round Rock Stretching from Old Settlers Boulevard to Joe DiMaggio Boulevard in Round Rock, Segment 4 of Kenney Fort Boulevard opened to the public June 6. The details The new roadway is intended to provide a north-south arterial road on the eastern side of the city, running from Georgetown through Round Rock to P ugerville.
The city of Round Rock is expanding its on-demand ride service, Round Rock Rides.
COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK
Residents can schedule rides as soon as 30 minutes before their pickup, and up to seven days in advance of a ride. Normal fare costs $4 one way. Senior citizens, paratransit service eligible passengers and active- duty military are eligible for a reduced fare of $2 for a one-way trip. Payments can be prepaid on the mobile app or made with exact cash upon boarding the vehicle.
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18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Home Edition
2024
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Home Edition! This guide features news ranging from key real estate trends and new developments unique to your neighborhood to an overview of the housing industry across Texas. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting local businesses. It is always interesting to see how residential real estate trends vary among our local communities, and how they change over time. We report local data on home sales in every issue, but we dive even deeper into trends and related news in our July issue. When I think about the past five years alone, the changes in the industry have been dramatic. We have a range of real estate information in our newspaper this month, including our cover story about the nightmares hundreds of homeowners and pool businesses are facing with their pools. We also have an informative Q&A with two solar panel experts, news reports on municipal utility districts and changes to Realtor fees, and details on developments coming to our area. Whether you are an aspiring or current homeowner, a Realtor, or if you own or work for a home services business, we hope you enjoy and learn from the news we report on in this issue.
What's inside
Solar panel installation, storage on the rise in Central Texas (Page 21)
Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com
Municipal utility districts becoming more popular among developers in Texas (Page 23)
Home buying, selling rules shift (Page 29)
Central Texas home valuations decline as market slows Homeowners are able to challenge their appraisal valuations annually by filing a protest with their county’s appraisal district, the deadline for which was May 15. Central Texas appraised home values Travis County
This year’s release of appraisal valuations from the Williamson Central Appraisal District indicated the overall average appraisal values for residential properties are lower than in recent years. The overview “Values have definitely come down,” Chief Appraiser Alvin Lankford of the Williamson County Central Appraisal District said during an update to commissioners on June 4. “Mainly, [it’s] because the increase in interest rates slowed the market down, but also because builders aren’t constructing as many homes as prior years.” The median value of residential homes in Williamson County for 2024 is $412,310, a small drop from the $414,869 seen in 2023, but a 12.9% drop from $473,325 in 2022. According to a news release from the Travis Central Appraisal District, the median market value for residential properties in Travis County in 2024 is $551,419, representing a 12.8% decline since 2022. Market values don’t directly result in a change in property tax bills, the release said. Instead, these values help decide a property owner’s portion of the total tax levy. The total tax amount is based on the budgets set by local governments, such as cities, counties and school districts.
Williamson County
A total of 186,206 individual protests were filed in Travis County and over 82,300 were filed in Williamson County. Each appraisal district reviews filings and evidence submitted, typically issuing a settlement. If a settlement is not accepted, a formal hearing will be scheduled. While sales and property values have stabilized since 2022, residents can expect to continue to see an annual increase of 10% to their property’s tax value, Lankford said, explaining that the increase will continue until the market value and the taxable value align, per state tax code. As of 2024, the total market value for Williamson County is roughly $171 billion, while the total taxable value is set at approximately $133 billion. What else? Clare Knapp, local housing economist with the Austin Board of Realtors, also predicts interest rates will remain flat for the rest of the year. “I don’t think that we’re going to see any significant movements in rates, especially over
$750K
$551,419
$632,208
$625K
$500K
$375K
$250K
$473,325
$412,310
$125K
$0
SOURCES: TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, WILLIAMSON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
this year or even moving into 2025. ... If you’re a first-time buyer waiting on the sidelines now, well, you’re missing out on building wealth, too,” Knapp said.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Solar panel installation, storage on the rise in Central Texas Three years following Winter Storm Uri—a four-day weather event that hit Texas in February 2021—the solar power industry has seen solar panel installation and storage on the rise. Community Impact interviewed Longhorn Solar CEO Louis Petrik and Patrice Parsons, executive director for Texas Solar Energy Society, to learn more. Why are we seeing an increased trend in solar panels in Central Texas? Parsons: In 1976, when the Texas Solar Energy Society started as an organization, solar hot water heaters were the only solar item on the market. As the cost of panels has continued to drop, solar panels are becoming more a ordable as individu- als continue to see their energy bills drop with the installation of solar on their roofs. Additionally, as the result of storm Uri, home- owners decided that they would prefer to have their own backup systems in the event of a power outage. Since that storm, the market began to see installations of solar plus storage take o . Almost every neighborhood you enter will have solar panels visible. As you see more panels go up, then they become more viable as an alternative power option. Do solar panels really save people money in the long run? How does that work? Petrik: Yes. Electricity prices in Texas have increased substantially over the last few years. If you nance a solar system, then 12 months
Patrice Parsons, Texas Solar Energy Society director
Louis Petrik, Longhorn Solar CEO
PHOTOS COURTESY TEXAS SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY
of xed payments are less than 12 months of variable electricity payments. You also own your solar system, which is an asset while you are just renting your electricity from your provider. If you buy without nancing, then the break even is around 11-12 years. Solar systems produce energy for at least 30 years. Are solar panels more reliable in providing electricity than other alternatives? Petrik: With a battery, then yes. When the grid goes down, then you still have power. If you do not have a battery and the grid goes down, then the system has to shut down also for safety reasons. What happens if a person’s solar panel gets damaged by hail or other extreme weather? Petrik: Solar panels are much more resilient to hail than most people would think. In most cases,
the roof gets damaged but not your solar panels. If the panels do get damaged by hail, then your homeowners insurance pays for them with all of the rest of the damage caused, including the roof, gutters and cars. How are solar panels disposed of? Petrik: Damaged panels should be recycled. You must check with your installer to make sure this happens.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
As the population of Texas continues to grow— having now passed 30 million people according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data—housing communities constructed outside the jurisdiction of existing city or county governments require developers to find alternative solutions to provide residents with key infrastructure to support a subdivision. This solution often comes in the form of a municipal utility district, or MUD. To provide core services for communities, MUDs may issue bonds to reimburse a developer, repaying the debt using property tax revenues and user fees received from utility services, said Amy Giannini, district engineer for Brushy Creek MUD in the Round Rock area. “In addition to other user fees, MUDs use these revenue and financing sources to operate, maintain and improve infrastructure services throughout the district,” Giannini said. MUDs now routine fix for developers
The framework
within 120 days, developers can petition the TCEQ to form a MUD. Voters who live in the proposed district must also give their approval. MUDs are governed by a board of directors, made up of property owners who are elected. Giannini said the Brushy Creek MUD board includes five residents. “At BCMUD, there are also several resident advisory committees that meet regularly to discuss issues pertaining to district infrastructure and operations,” Giannini said.
A MUD is a type of special district allowed under state law that functions as an independent, limited government, Giannini said. According to state law, developers can petition the Texas Legislature or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to create a MUD. If the land where developers want to establish a MUD falls within a city’s jurisdiction, the city must provide consent to create the MUD. Developers are able to negotiate terms with a city, but if the parties can’t come to an agreement
Number of special-purpose districts by county Special-purpose districts can include MUDs, water conservations districts, emergency services districts and others to provide residents with key infrastructure and resources.
What else?
A variety of limited government districts can be created throughout the state. In Texas, thousands of special-purpose districts are set up to provide a wide range of services, according to the Texas Comptroller. These can include emergency services, library, crime control, development, fire control and health services districts. Similar to MUDS, these districts may also impose property tax, sales tax or users fees, depending on the services they provide. In 2017, a state law was passed to improve transparency, requiring certain special districts to provide records annually regarding district finances and tax rates to the Comptroller of Public Accounts. More information about special district finance reports can be found by visiting www.comptroller.texas.gov.
Williamson County
97
Services provided by MUDs
Travis County
113
Water supply
Wastewater treatment
Bexar County 24
Solid waste management
Drainage systems
Hays County
44
Parks and recreation facilities
Roads
Dallas County
40
SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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