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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 MAY 27 JUNE 24, 2026
2026 Home Edition
Future of 10 closing schools under review by Austin ISD
BY CHLOE YOUNG
290
street from his house will be developed into a park or another amenity the community can enjoy. The dis- trict has begun a process to determine how the closing campuses might be repurposed, leased or sold. “It’s been a part of our community as long as we’ve been here,” Jacob said. “It would be nice if it was something that was more community-oriented.”
Sunset Valley resident Tom Jacob was looking for- ward to sending his children to Sunset Valley Elemen- tary, but in a matter of weeks, the Southwest Austin campus will sit empty. This summer, Austin ISD will close 10 campuses, including Sunset Valley, to address a mounting budget shortfall and declining enrollment. Now, Jacob said he hopes the campus across the
Sunset Valley Elementary is one of the AISD campuses to be closed. (Chloe Young/Community Impact)
CONTINUED ON 22
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Learn About Austin’s Water Quality
We’re Continuously Sampling and Testing Austin Water collects and tests samples at our treatment plants and across our water system multiple times a day, every day, for bacteria, and chemicals that could pose a risk to our customers. Our top priority is to ensure our water is safe and satisfying to drink. We have taken steps to protect drinking water safety and quality in key areas that include: Protecting vital infrastructure Enhancing treatment reliability Ensuring quality control in storage, pressure and pipes Increasing treated drinking water testing An expanded snapshot of our rigorous quality controls is posted on our website as well as in our annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Find the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report online at the link below , or call 512-972-0155 to receive a copy by email or mail. Austin Water’s annual consumer confidence report describes the overall quality of water from its raw collection and storage to the treated purity at your tap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all drinking water suppliers provide a water quality report to their customers on an annual basis.
Austin Water Quality Report 2025 Austinwater.org/WaterQuality Para una versión en Español llame al 512-972-0155.
AustinWater.org
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
HOMES FROM MID $ 500s – $ 1.5MIL+
DRIPPING SPRINGS’ MOST SCENIC COMMUNITY
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We’re only a few minutes away, but life at Headwaters feels worlds apart. Here, every home backs to rolling greenbelts and the community comes alive with trails, modern amenities, and get-togethers. It’s Dripping Springs’ most distinctive community—shaped by the Hill Country and defined by its views.
COVENTRY HOMES • DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES
708 HEADWATERS BLVD | DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. All rights in these materials are reserved. All products and company names marked as trademarked (™) or registered (®) are trademarks of their respective holders. Copying, reproduction and distribution of materials without prior written consent of Freehold Communities is strictly prohibited. All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Headwaters. Models do not reflect racial preference. Buyer incentives are subject to change without notice. Please see each individual builder for more information on incentives and special pricing.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 65+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth metros.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Impacts
Southwest Austin
2 Family Care Center South Austin The newest Family Care Center location opened in Southwest Austin this spring. The outpatient behavioral health clinic offers therapy, psychiatry and medication management for all ages, according to a news release. The South Austin clinic is the sixth Austin-area location. • Opened March 30 • 8701 Menchaca Road, Bldg. 1, Ste. 102, Austin • www.fccwellbeing.com 3 Whole Athlete The business provides a variety of chiropractic and sports therapy treatments, including extremity adjustments, manual and tool-assisted soft tissue mobilization, cupping, dry needling, shockwave therapy and red light therapy to help athletes recover and reduce the risk of future injury. • Opened Jan. 28 • 4630 West Gate Blvd., Ste. 210, Austin • www.wholeathleteatx.com
COLORADO RIVER
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4 Switchback Coffee and Beer Owned by Ethan Wagner and Grace Nicholas, the new business will operate as a coffee shop and bar offering specialty coffee, craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer and non- alcoholic beverages. • Opening in May • 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Ste. 110, Austin • www.switchbackcoffeebeer.com 5 The Lucky Duck The bar is slated to open its second location in South Austin. Its first location off Sixth Street offers signature cocktails, beer, seltzer, and a food menu with burgers, wings, loaded fries, chicken sandwiches, fried pickles and breakfast tacos. • Opening in May • 2105 Lynnbrook Drive, Austin • www.luckyducktx.com My North Star Learning A new micro school is opening in Southwest Austin this fall, with six to eight students per class. My North Star Learning uses a “neuro-inclusive model,” which is
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Thai tea and piña colada. Customers can also top their drinks with boba pearls, fruit-flavored popping pearls, fruit jellies, or a flavored cream foam cap. • Opened May 2 • 9021 Goodnight Ranch Blvd., Ste. 3110, Austin • www.bobamagictx.com
Now open
1 Boba Magic The shop serves a variety of milk teas, fruit teas and smoothies in flavors such as honeydew, lychee, taro,
Let’smake Austin better, together! Let’s Aust toge smake tin better, ether!
Download the FREE mobile apphere!
Call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to submit your service requests. Call 3-1-1 512-974- tosubmit or 2000 t your service .
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
8 The Little Darlin’ The Little Darlin’ has offered drinks, eats and an outdoor space in South Austin since 2016. The business celebrated its 10th anniversary with live music, free t-shirts, tattoos and live screen printing in April.
designed for autistic, ADHD and neurotypical learners to thrive together, according to the website. • Opening in the fall • Austin, 78735; tours can be scheduled by contacting the school directly • www.mynorthstarlearning.com
Now open
• 6507 Circle S. Road, Austin • www.thelittledarlin.com
PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
What’s next
9 Bluebonnet Therapy Specialists Formerly eSLP Clinic, the Bluebonnet Therapy Specialists team announced their new name on April 28. The business is also expanding its services, offering
6 Autozone The auto shop sells automotive parts, accessories and tools and offers a variety of auto services such as check engine light testing, battery testing and charging.
in-home physical therapy for seniors. • 10200 Hwy. 290, Ste. 101, Austin • www.bbtsaustin.com
• 11801 US-290, Austin • www.autozone.com
11 Crux Climbing Center The climbing facility features 48-foot-tall climbing walls; rope climbing; bouldering; strength training, fitness and yoga spaces; locker rooms and saunas; a kids area; wellness space with recovery; remote work pods; and outdoor turf space. The gym’s original South Austin location was located at 121 Pickle Road across from Cosmic, but closed at the end of 2024 after operating since 2016. • Opened May 5 • 220 Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Austin • www.cruxclimbingcenter.com
Closings
In the news
10 Lammes Candies The family-owned candy manufacturer and retailer has operated in the Austin area since 1885. The company is known for a specialty praline made with Texas pecans as well as chocolates, taffies and brittles. • Closed in May • 5330 Airport Blvd., Austin • www.lammes.com
7 Snarf’s Sandwiches Snarf’s Sandwiches is celebrating 30 years. The shop offers made-to-order classic and specialty sandwiches, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. • 1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 149, Austin • www.eatsnarfs.com
BUILT FOR
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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FIND YOUR HOME
290
1826
Loop1
Parten
1826
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
35
967
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967
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
Dripping Springs
BY SIENNA WIGHT
launched a mobile unit offering STEM labs, story times, cultural programs, books and technology. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in Hays County is eligible to receive a free library card. • Opened April 23 • www.dscl.org
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4 Home Grown Farm & Ranch The Home Grown team is holding a grand re-opening celebration at its new location on May 13. The new space is triple the size of the old location, at 167 Hargraves Drive in Austin. Home Grown Austin offers raw milk, eggs, specialty cheeses, meat, cosmetics, apparel and more. • Relocated May 6 • 2001 Hwy. 290, Ste. 105, Dripping Springs • www.homegrown777.com
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• Opened May 17 • 12680 Hwy. 290, Ste. 100, Austin • www.zennaillounge.net
Now open
1 Golden Chick Austin local Tariq Khan owns the Dripping Springs location. The menu features a variety of chicken dishes such as wings, tenders and roasted chicken. • Opened April 28 • 104 Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.goldenchick.com 2 Zen Nail Lounge Locally owned by Danny Nguyen, the business offers over 30 manicure and pedicure chairs, over 20 nail stations and non-toxic, odor-free services.
3 Band Aid School of Music The Austin-based music school opened a Dripping Springs location last month. Band Aid School of Music offers band programs and summer camps. Music lessons offered include voice, guitar, drums, bass and piano. • Opened April 19 • 30307 RR 12, Ste. 700, Dripping Springs • www.bandaidschoolofmusic.com
In the news
The Zone Recording Studio The business is celebrating its 30th anniversary on May 17 and offers studio time and production services.
Library on Wheels The Dripping Springs Community Library recently
Business location is not disclosed. • www.thezonerecordingstudio.com
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Government
BY BEN THOMPSON, SIENNA WIGHT & CHLOE YOUNG
Travis County shares child care, parks, museum district updates Travis County Judge Andy Brown shared updates on several major county initiatives at the State of the County address, followed by county commissioners’ approval of funding in May. What happened Several updates stemmed from the 2024 voter-approved tax rate increase to generate $75 million for a ordable child care. County commissioners voted on $13 million in new contracts with 11 community organizations for after-school care and summer programs, and a $4.1 million agreement for small business child care assistance. More than $30 million has now been awarded through the tax-funded Raising Travis County initiative, including child care for 1,000 children.
Austin task force proposes nearly $770M bond A resident-led task force proposed the scope of Austin’s next bond. The overview After months of public input and deliber- ation, the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force released its bond recommendations in May. A preferred $766.53 million package would fund a ordable housing, parkland initiatives, transportation projects, public facilities and ood protection, while a narrowed $436 million proposal requested by some council members struck housing and drainage funds. City Council will advance bond plans this spring.
“These investments in our downtown, in our parks and in our people
are how we build real economic resilience” ANDY BROWN, TRAVIS COUNTY JUDGE
What else? The largest addition to the county’s park system east of I-35, 1,300 acres on Wilbarger Creek, a partnership with The Nature Conservancy, will preserve the creek’s greenway from P ugerville to the county line, Brown said. To revitalize underused space in downtown Aus- tin, Brown said the county will create a museum district centered around the historic Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse. The new museum district will come from a partnership between the University of Texas School of Architecture and Travis County Commissioner Je Travillion.
Dripping Springs wastewater service costs could rise O cials are discussing modi ed wastewater service rates, which were last adjusted in 2022. The big picture City Council was presented with six options
Proposed wastewater fees FY 2025 26 For customers averaging 5,262 gallons per month, proposed prices ranged from $103 to over $130.
were over 100% more than current rates of about $50. Commercial users’ expenses are also expected to rise. What they’re saying Mayor Bill Foulds asked council to consider delinquent bills, while council member Geo rey Tahuahua discussed making other budget cuts to o er lower wastewater rates.
$150
$100
$50
backed to varying levels from the city budget and fees. Rates for a residential customer using an average of 5,262 gallons per month ranged from $103 to $133 for scal year 2025-26. All proposals
0
Current bill
Lowest scenario
Highest scenario
SOURCE CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY ELLE BENT, SIENNA WIGHT AND CHLOE YOUNG
AISD proposes cuts to address $181M shortfall Austin ISD o cials shared some preliminary reductions that may be made to the scal year 2026-27 budget May 5. The proposed reductions come as the district faces a budget shortfall that has grown to $181 million for FY 2026-27. The breakdown As of May 5, AISD o cials have identi ed $73.8 million in reductions to budgets. This will include eliminating vacancies. Sta anticipates $45 million in revenue from real estate monetiza- tion, according to district documents. Additionally, district o cials have identi ed $33.9 million in proposed reductions to campus budgets. This includes new student-to-teacher ratios and increased class sizes at some campuses, updated special education and bilingual stipend criteria, and changes to technology, including software transitions. DSISD invests $4.4M on bus safety upgrades The Dripping Springs ISD bus eet is now in 100% compliance with Senate Bill 546, which requires all public school-operated buses to be equipped with three-point seat belts. At a glance DSISD Chief Operations O cer Scott Berry gave a transportation report at an April 27 meeting. DSISD replaced 16 buses and retro tted 37. Retro tting is the process of removing old seats and replacing them with ones equipped with three-point seat belts. This process cost the district $4.4 million.
Quote of note
"This has been incredibly di cult work, and we know that there are real impacts to all of these reductions. Ultimately, we must have
a balanced budget." KATRINA MONTGOMERY, AISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Going forward The timeline for the nal budget decision is as follows: • May 21: The recommended FY 2026-27 budget is presented to the board of trustees. • June 18: The board of trustees votes on the nal budget before the deadline of June 30. • July 1: The new budget takes e ect. • July 25: Travis County Appraisal District nal certi ed values are received.
Responsible, results-driven government Protecting the values that make Texas strong while respecting our diverse community Pol. Ad Paid for by Jennifer Mushtaler Campaign Doing the work. Delivering results. borhoods, improve local planning, and bring accountability and better outcomes to healthcare systems that serve our most vulnerable. She stands for: Jennifer Mushtaler isn’t a career politician—she’s spent her life serving others and delivering results. As an OB-GYN and business owner, she’s cared for thousands of Texas families. She wasn’t recruited by political insiders; Jennifer was asked to run by local women who knew our commu- nity deserved a leader who listens, leads, and delivers. Her commitment to service goes beyond her profession: HOA President Planning Commissioner Member, Central Texas Medicaid Advisor Committee She has worked to strengthen neigh- Doctor. Businesswoman. Proven Community Leader.
Harris Elementary School
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Modernized Harris Elementary opens Harris Elementary students moved into a fully modernized campus in January. The overview The $56.28 million modernization—funded by the district’s 2022 bond—includes new classrooms, administrative o ces and out- door learning areas along with a new cafeteria and gym, Principal Sonya Wyatt said at an April 28 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dripping Springs ISD school buses SB 546 requires all school buses to be equipped with three-point seat belts. Of the district’s 91-bus eet, 53 needed to be brought into compliance.
Retro tted: 37 No work needed: 38 Replaced: 16
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SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY SIENNA WIGHT
Check out 2 transportation updates impacting your commute in Southwest Austin
OLD BEE CAVES RD.
Ongoing project
Upcoming project
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2 Oak Hill Parkway Project: TxDOT is reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 14 miles of shared-use paths. Update: In mid-May, A the Hwy. 290 and SH 71 yovers will open. B The Convict Hill cross-street bridge opened in April. • Timeline: 2022-26 (total project) • Cost: $677 million • Funding source: TxDOT
1 Old Fitzhugh Road Project: Road construction will improve tra c ow, pedestrian access and connectivity. Update: Old Fitzhugh Road will be restricted to one- way operations throughout construction. • Timeline: August 2026-June 2028 • Cost: $8.9 million • Funding sources: city of Dripping Springs, Dripping Springs Water Supply, Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission, Texas Department of Transportation
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Transportation
Bee Cave City Council approves nal vision for local alternative to Hwy. 71
Western school exit wait times Tra c delays could reach nearly 10 minutes by 2045 if current conditions persist.
2045 tra c solution
Delay
Existing two-lane roadway
9.86 minutes
Several changes to Bee Cave’s Thoroughfare Plan were approved at the March 24 City Council meeting, marking updates to the city’s future transportation goals in the area. Of the approved changes, the most notable is the nal alignment of a Southwest Collector road that connects to Hamilton Pool Road, intended to provide an alternative path to Hwy. 71. Current tra c on Hwy. 71 and Hamilton Pool Road exceed capacity, and Bee Cave Parkway is approaching capacity, city documents show. A Southwest Collector is intended to address mobility and safety in the area. “We know tra c is already congested, and we expect that it’s going to continue to grow,” said Mallory Scates, transportation engineer with
Freese and Nichols, a rm assisting the city. Four alternatives were initially proposed in October for the Southwest Collector, but Option 3 was approved at the meeting. Option 3 aligns the Southwest Collector to meet at the Bee Cave Elementary School driveway and includes one signalized intersection, rather than two nearby intersections. Three scenarios were examined for tra c queuing at the second proposed driveway for Bee Cave Elementary. The study found that by 2045, a signalized, four-lane roadway resulted in a tra c delay of 52.7 seconds, compared to nearly ve minutes for a signalized two-lane road and almost 10 minutes for the existing roadway con guration.
Two-lane roadway with signal
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Four-lane roadway with signal
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Approved Southwest Collector
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SOURCE: CITY OF BEE CAVE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Village Grove is now open from the high $300s Find your new home with America’s Most Trusted ® Home Builder in Dripping Springs, TX
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*Taylor Morrison received the highest numerical score in the proprietary Lifestory Research 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder study. Study results are based on experiences and perceptions of people surveyed. Your experiences may vary. Visit www.lifestoryresearch.com. All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. This is not an offering in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager for details and visit www. taylormorrison.com for additional state and community specific disclaimers, licensing information and other details (as applicable). © April 2026, Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. and WLH Communities – Texas LLC, each the “Selling Entity” as applicable to client’s transaction. All rights reserved. 04/07/26 9182 taylormorrison.com | 737.216.0856
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY GRACE DICKENS
Diving deeper
What’s next?
Average annual daily tra c
Daily tra c is expected to increase for several Bee Cave roads by 2045.
Approved plans are subject to change, pending council action. The recent update is just one of other future changes to come for the city’s Our Bee Cave 2037 Comprehensive Plan, another guiding document for the city. “We do have … an update to our Comprehensive Plan coming, and this thoroughfare update is part of the comprehensive plan,” City Manager Julie Oakley said. “So this is just an update on what we knew we needed to tackle rst, but we will be doing another update to the thoroughfare plan during that process.” The city approved an item to solicit proposals for consultants to assist in updating the plan at the April 14 City Council meeting.
2025
2045 (projected)
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Events
28th Annual Driftwood Music Festival The all-day music festival will feature food, drinks, family-friendly fun and music from over 15 bands. Performers include Austin Music Award Winners Omar Vallejo and Lila and Sofia. • June 13, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. • $10 (advance tickets), $20 (tickets on-site) • 18300 FM 150 W., Driftwood • Eventbrite: 28th Annual Driftwood Music Festival June 2026 Summer Party Locals can visit Bell Springs Winery and Brewery for its annual summer party with live music, food, beverages and family-friendly activities. • June 13, 6-9 p.m. • $10 (club members), $15 (general admission) • 3700 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs • www.bellsprings.co ScareWaves Movie Night Radio Coffee & Beer will host a scary movie night featuring “The Guest.” Radio serves coffee, tea, cocktails, mocktails and bites from various food trailers. • June 21, 7:30 p.m.. • Free • 4204 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.radiocoffeeandbeer.com/radio-south This list is not comprehensive. All events are subject to change.
• June 8, 6 p.m. • Free • 1009 W. Ditmar Road, Austin • www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/ health-promotions
May
Meanwhile Brewing free concert The brewery will host a free concert showcasing music by The English Channels, a tribute to The Cure. • May 31, 7 p.m. • Free • 3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin • www.meanwhilebeer.com
ArtSmart: When Dinos Walked and Dinos Rocked Community members can visit Austin Public Library’s Menchaca Road Branch for a crafting event with dinosaur stories, songs, a puppet show and dinosaur- themed crafts. • June 9, 2-3 p.m. • Free Blues on the Green 2026 The annual two-day festival at Zilker Park will feature music from headliners Alejandro Escovedo and Brownout. Other acts include Aaron Behrens and Mama Duke. • June 9-10, 7 p.m. (music starts) • Free • 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin • https://radio-coffee-beer.webflow.io/radio-south • 5500 Menchaca Road, Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov
June
FREE Community Clothing Swap For those looking to refresh their wardrobes, Girl Guitar is hosting a free clothing swap. Participants are invited to bring clothing, shoes and accessories. The event will also have a mending station for alterations and quick projects, courtesy of Laurel Goods. • June 6, 1-3 p.m. • Free • 8701 S. 1st St., Bldg. 2, Ste. 220, Austin • Facebook: FREE Community Clothing Swap Community Zumba class The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will host a free Zumba class at Dittmar Recreation Center.
BY KATLYNN FOX
Austin Noise Fest The two-day music festival will feature a range of genres from heavy metal to psychedelic rock to dreamy shoegaze. Attendees can expect to hear music from The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, Narrow Head and The Dwarves. • June 12 and 13, 5 p.m. (doors open) • $78 (Friday pass), $90 (Saturday pass), $144 (two-day pass) • 8504 S. Congress Ave. Austin • www.thefaroutaustin.com
Kids Block Party The public library will host a summer kickoff event for kids of all ages with storytimes, music, crafts and outdoor activities.
• June 6, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Free • 710 W. César Chávez St., Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov
Che s to Savings! ®
BRODIE LANE 4970 W Hwy 290 (512) 366-8260 BEE CAVE 13015 Shops Pkwy (512) 263-9981
SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 S I-35 Frontage Rd (512) 280-7400 DRIPPING SPRINGS
166 Hargraves (512) 432-0186
Nonpro t
BY SIENNA WIGHT
Children gather for story time at the Dripping Springs Community Library in 1993.
COURTESY DRIPPING SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARY
40 years of the Dripping Springs Community Library
Dripping Springs library celebrates four decades The Dripping Springs Community Library has been a staple of the community since it was founded in 1986. In the years since, the city has grown and changed, but the DSCL has remained consistent. Whether patrons are seeking a new read or a learning opportunity, the DSCL has o ered programming and resources for 40 years and counting. “While the way we access information has changed over the years, the library’s purpose has remained the same: providing knowledge, connection and opportu- nity for everyone,” Board President Missy Atwood said. The history When the DSCL was rst established, it operated out of the high school, now Dripping Springs Middle School. Local leaders and community members raised funds for the library’s current facility, which was completed in 1998. Since 2022, the DSCL has been raising funds for a new library, as the community has outgrown the current space. Many of the people who helped the DSCL through- out the years are still involved, including Atwood. She joined the board in 1988 and has served on it ever since. “My fondest memories are of seeing the community come together in support of expanding our library,” Atwood said. “It feels especially meaningful now to see that same spirit coming full circle, as the community once again comes together to support and raise funds for a new library building.”
1986: The library opens The library opened in Dripping Springs High School, now Dripping Springs Middle School, on June 7. 1998: New building opens The DSCL moved into the new building, located at 501 Sportsplex Drive. 1999: Special district created Voters approved the creation of a special library district, allowing the DSCL to receive a portion of sales tax revenue. 2005: Children’s wing opens The children’s wing of the library opened to the public. 2026: DSCL launches Library on Wheels The DSCL launched a mobile library to expand access to library programming as the team continues to work towards a new library.
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SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs www.dscl.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate Home Edition
BY SIENNA WIGHT
2026
Welcome to our annual Home Edition, a reader favorite. This edition includes updates on the Caliterra subdivision in Dripping Springs, an article on the di erence between dry and wet rainwater collection systems and a feature on Spaces Designed. Thank you to our area businesses for supporting our local content and our informed readers who depend on our news every day. Stay tuned for our annual Health Care Edition next month.
This year’s Home Edition delivers a wealth of information.
Central Texas has become a desirable place for people to call home. From April 2020 to July 2025, the population in Dripping Springs increased by 126.5%. Austin saw a 4.6% increase in residents during the same period—surpassing 1 million, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. As our local neighborhoods evolve, we remain dedicated to providing you with trusted, hyperlocal news that helps you make informed decisions about one of your biggest investments: your home.
Heather Demere General Manager hdemere@ communityimpact.com
Sierra Martin Editor smartin@ communityimpact.com
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The newest phase of the Caliterra subdivision is nearing completion in Dripping Springs. The Ranch at Caliterra will o er 234 additional homesites, averaging 2700 to 4500 square feet. The big picture The Ranch at Caliterra will include homes from Dress Custom Homes, David Weekley Homes and Scott Felder Homes, according to a representative for the company. Prospective buyers can also solicit custom homes. The aforementioned builders will have new models completed by the end of June. Additionally, The Ranch will feature a second amenity center called The Bunkhouse, which will include a tness pool, a pickleball court and an event center. The Bunkhouse is expected to open in 2027. Lots will be available by the second quarter of 2026, the representative said. The Ranch at Caliterra hits 80% completion
The Ranch at Caliterra will feature an amenity center called The Bunkhouse.
RENDERINGS COURTESY CALITERRA
Caliterra Community
CALITERRA PKWY.
ONION CREEK
PREMIER PARK LOOP
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Scott Felder Homes models will be available at The Ranch.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
BY SIENNA WIGHT
Population growth, decreased rainfall and drought are among the factors contributing to the water supply conditions in Central Texas. Hill Country Alliance, RainBees and several Central Texas groundwater conservation districts hosted a presentation on April 28 in Dripping Springs to inform local homeowners and community members about rainwater harvesting as an alternative to wells. There are two main types of rainwater collection systems: dry and wet. In a dry system, tanks are closer to the house or structure, and pipes deposit water directly into the tanks. In a wet system, tanks tend to be further from the structure. Pipes are installed underground and come above ground closer to the tank. When the rain stops, wet systems will still retain water in the pipes. A wet system also features a low-point cleanout, allowing water to be released before freezing temperatures to prevent the pipes from being damaged, according to RainBees consultant Larry Sunn. Homeowners look to rainwater harvesting
Rainwater collection systems:
Wet system When the rain stops, the pipes remain wet.
Dry system When the rain stops, the pipes go dry.
Pipes
Pipes
In a wet system, the tank must be three to six feet below collection pipes.
Over ow
Tank
Tank
Low-point clearout
Pipes travel underground in a wet system
SOURCE: RAINBEES COMMUNITY IMPACT
Why it matters
By the numbers
Although the water supply conditions of lakes Buchanan and Travis are normal due to large amounts of rainfall last summer, groundwater is in “really bad shape,” according to Lane Cockrell, Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Con- servation District, or STCGCD, general manager. Due to a variety of factors, including aquifer depth and porosity, the Lower Trinity Aquifer is not as readily recharged as surface water, and some areas will not be recharged for thousands of years, Community Impact previously reported. Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, or BSEACD, general manager Charlie Flatten said: “we need … to nd alternative sources of water.” As of May 15, the STCGCD and BSEACD have both declared Extreme Drought. The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District is in an Emergency Stage of drought, with the district predicting that 37 inches of rain is needed over the next six months to end it, which has a less than 1% probability of occurring.
Drought conditions Approximately 77% of Travis County is in extreme drought as of April 28, compared to 96% of Hays County and 1% of Williamson County, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
For every inch of rain, each square foot of roo ng can collect .62 gallons of water. A system with a 2,400 square- foot roof can collect 1,488 gallons per inch of rainfall.
Abnormally dry None Severe drought Moderate drought Extreme drought
To calculate the amount of water needed for a given household per day, multiply the number of people by 50. A family of four uses roughly 200 gallons of water per day.
Williamson
RainBees consultants recommend that people keep three months of water supply on hand to account for periods of reduced rainfall. For a family of four, that equates to roughly 18,000 gallons.
Travis
Hays
SOURCE: RAINBEES COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: U.S. DROUGHT MONITOR COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Future of 10 closing schools under review by Austin ISD From the cover
The overview
291 Temporarily used for staging equipment and furniture during consolidation and moves 9 Winn Montessori Swing site for Andrews Elementary while undergoing modernization TBD 10 Blackshear Elementary 71 AISD properties by purpose Surplus 1 Becker Elementary Appraised value: $16.09M 2 Dawson Elementary Appraised value: $62.65M 3 Ridgetop Elementary Appraised value: $11.57M 4 Sunset Valley Elementary Appraised value: $16.19M 5 Widén Elementary Appraised value: $11.08M Land banked 6 Barrington Elementary Swing site for Wooldridge Elementary while undergoing modernization 7 Bedichek Middle School District training, Special Education Department, community partners and expanded 18-plus program 8 Martin Middle School
As the 2025-26 school year ends, AISD o cials have begun assessing how to repurpose eight elementary schools and two middle schools that will close this summer. The district has proposed designating six properties as surplus, including additional land at Bedichek Middle School, which could be leased or sold to another entity. Meanwhile, the district plans to keep, or land bank, four of these campuses for other educational purposes. This spring, the district held community meetings to receive feedback on the six surplus properties. AISD sta have been collecting data to assess campuses while seeking to monetize properties to alleviate the district’s $181 million budget shortfall for scal year 2026-27, said Jaime Miller, AISD executive director of operations. The district could maintain ownership of some properties while leasing them to other groups for purposes such as “a community bene t space or a nonpro t hub” or sell them to another owner for a one-time cash payment, Miller said. “There’s a lot of interest in keeping these as community-based spaces, but if we can’t make them nancially feasible for the district, those won’t be options,” she said. AISD has already been working to repurpose several former campuses, including selling the former Rosedale School site, which closed in 2022, to multifamily housing developer OHT Partners for $26 million. The development of a 435-unit, six-story apartment complex has been delayed by a lawsuit between AISD and dozens of homeowners over whether the project violates a 1938 deed restriction. Amid the pushback, Austin City Council passed resolutions to increase the city’s involvement in discussions around repurposing public land.
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SOURCES: AUSTIN ISD, TRAVIS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT
The background
Formerly closed AISD properties
AISD has repurposed four campuses that closed in 2020 alongside the former Rosedale School and Anita Ferrales Coy Facility, which formerly housed the Alternative Learning Center. In February, the district broke ground on a mixed-use housing development at Anita Coy featuring some income-restricted units for teachers and other community members. Chris Allen, a Rosedale resident organizing the Play Fair with Rosedale group, said his neighbor- hood is asking AISD to build a ordable multifamily housing that is 100% income restricted.
Pease Elementary
Anita Ferrales Coy Facility
• Year closed: 2020 • Proposed use: early childhood education center through United Way For Greater Austin • Timeline: TBD
• Year closed: 2025 • Proposed use: nearly 700 apartment homes and nonpro it space • Timeline: Feb. 2026-late 2027 (Phase 1)
Metz Elementary
Rosedale School
• Year closed: 2022 • Proposed use: 435-unit, six-story apartment complex • Timeline: TBD
• Year closed: 2020 • Current use: home to AISD departments, including health services and nursing, library media services, construction management
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CHLOE YOUNG
Going forward
The approach
AISD created a new repurposing process that may be used to assess any district facility going forward, following the hiring of new Director of Real Estate James Valadez in January, Miller said. If AISD expects to need the property for edu- cational or district use in the next 20 years, the district will retain the property. If not, AISD may consider extending a short-term lease with or with- out improvements made by the tenant, a long-term ground lease or a one-time property sale. For the surplus properties, community members have requested repurposing the schools for medical uses, early childhood centers and other uses that address “the pain points that come along with daily life in Austin,” Valadez said. In recent months, district sta have been collect- ing reports and wrapping up scoring the six surplus properties to rank potential reuse options, Miller said. AISD is considering the facilities’ condition and maintenance needs, as well as the repurposing option’s impact on the community and its ability to
generate revenue for the district, Valadez said. The district has aimed to improve trust with community members by showing sta members’ repurposing work and providing more accessible opportunities for input, including virtual and in-person meetings in English and Spanish along- side an online survey, Miller said.
The district is expected to complete a second round of community feedback meetings in May and June before presenting repurposing recommendations to the board of trustees this summer or fall, Miller said. The board must vote to declare a campus as surplus and lease or sell it to another organization. Allen said he and other Rosedale residents have begun working with residents a ected by the upcoming school closures who fear their communities could be impacted by similar multifamily housing developments. “What’s happening [at Rosedale] is only probably months away for some of those other neighborhoods,” Allen said.
“While no one wants to be in the position that we’re in as a district, I think it opens the door for us to think creatively about what we want our
communities to look like and how they can best serve the residents within them.”
JAMES VALADEZ, AISD DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE
Short-Term Rehab and Long-Term Care Helping Austin get back to living life at its fullest
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2101 Frate Barker Rd | brodieranch.com
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
Business
BY KATLYNN FOX
Spaces Designed brings Austin design and real estate expertise Komal Sheth started her real estate and design journey with a passion for creating spaces that made people feel something, she said. Being drawn to texture and architecture alike led her to create a company that o ers a range of remodeling, design and real estate services. “What inspired me was to see how the design could bring in the warmth, the function, the beauty and the emotion together in such a meaningful way,” Sheth said. The backstory Sheth founded Spaces Designed in 2005. As her projects grew in scale, Sheath expanded into full home transformations, exploring how to make a space feel elevated and livable. Fostering a personal connection with clients became the foundation of Spaces Designed. “What set me apart was not just making spaces look beautiful but truly understanding our clients’ lifestyle, their stories and how they wanted to feel in their homes,” Sheth said. What are the options? For residential design o erings, Spaces Designed takes on kitchen and bathroom design, home additions and project and construction manage- ment tasks. In addition to residential projects, the company also assists with commercial design. Another unique aspect of the business is Sheth’s experience as a real estate advisor. Spaces Designed o ers assistance with purchasing and selling property, space planning, furnishing and styling.
Common projects at Spaces Designed include kitchen and bathroom remodels, as well as selecting artwork and lighting.
PHOTOS COURTESY SPACES DESIGNED
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2710 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 101, Austin www.spacesdesigned.com
Komal Sheth founded the business in 2005.
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AUSTIN • ROUND ROCK • BURNET LULING • DRIPPING SPRINGS
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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