Georgetown Edition | December 2023

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Georgetown Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4 DEC. 14, 2023JAN. 23, 2024

The road to manufacturing

Crosspoint Business District, which is set to feature seven Class A industrial buildings, is one of the latest industrial parks to develop near I35 in Georgetown.

RENDERING COURTESY JACKSONSHAW

Business parks, industrial developments attracted to Georgetown highways spurring jobs, the economy

[in Georgetown],” said Leigh Ellis, a principal with Austin-based real estate commercial rm Aquila Commercial. “Those are the things that have been leasing and really seem like where all the action is.”

such as Tesla and Samsung have announced or opened operations in Central Texas. This has led other suppliers and industrial companies to move to Williamson County and the surrounding area. “There’s been a lot of bigger buildings developed

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Industrial developments in the works along I-35 and SH 130 are transforming the city into a booming manufacturing hub. In the past few years, ocials with companies

CONTINUED ON 26

Also in this issue

Impacts: Downtown Georgetown gains two dining options (Page 6)

Government: Voters reject re, EMS funding measure (Page 11)

Community: Learn more about area senior living facilities (Page 28)

Business: Texas Treats creates customizable gifts (Page 33)

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

Denise Seiler General Manager

Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Publisher Travis Baker

Claire Shoop Editor

Dana Smyth Account Executive

Correction: Volume 17, Issue 3 On Pages 28-31, the local provider of Meals on Wheels should have been listed as Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties. Information about volunteering or finding services can be found at www.owbc-tx.org.

Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter Support us Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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Impacts

4 Uplifted Movement and Performance Therapy The out-of-network clinic offers pelvic floor therapy as well as performance-based treatment to rehabilitate injuries and help patients reach their exercise goals. The business is owned by husband-and-wife pair Cody and Katelynn McGrath, who are both physical therapists. • Opened in mid-September • 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 171, Georgetown • www.upliftedmovementpt.com 5 Blushing Belle Boutique The store, which is owned by Kristi Carney, is a women’s clothing boutique and hat bar carrying items including dresses, tops and accessories. Customers can also customize suede, felt and straw hats choosing from a variety of designs, ribbons and feathers. • Opened Aug. 1

DEL WEBB BLVD.

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• 712 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown • www.shopblushingbelle.com

6 360 Auto Group The auto body repair shop offers collision repair, advanced driver-assistance systems calibration, detailing, paintless dent repair, advanced vehicle diagnostics and vehicle inspections. • Opened Oct. 15 • 2699 FM 1460, Ste. 30, Georgetown • www.360autogroupllc.com 7 McDonald’s The global fast food chain is known for its burgers, fries, chicken nuggets and McFlurries. The newest Georgetown location is locally owned and operated by David Glaser. • Opened Nov. 8 • 2981 FM 1460, Georgetown • www.mcdonalds.com 8 Popshelf A majority of the discount retailer’s items cost $5 or less. The chain sells home decor, beauty and health products, cleaning supplies, arts and crafts, party goods, and toys. • Opened Dec. 1 • 1019 W. University Ave., Ste. 201, Georgetown • www.popshelf.com

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their garden, Karen and Jack Soeffker decided to bring their concept to the Square. • Opened Nov. 2 • 114 E. Seventh St., Ste. 112, Georgetown • www.thegrumpygeorge.com 3 Mindful Health The provider offers telehealth appointments in addition to in-person options for therapy and psychiatry, including partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care. • Opened in late October • 4847 Williams Drive, Ste. 109, Georgetown • www.mindful.health 1460

Now open

1 La Riv Kitchen & Bar The restaurant serves a menu of classic Italian and locally sourced dishes, including pastas, steak and seafood. The original location has been in Temple since 2014. • Opened Nov. 15 • 200 E. Eighth St., Ste. 101, Georgetown • www.larivkitchen.com 2 The Grumpy George The British pub and restaurant offers traditional food with a modern twist, English beers on tap and a full bar. After building a private pub named The Grumpy Jack in

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Dr. Craig P. Torres D.D.S., Endodontist Board Certified (COL US Army Dental Corps RET) • Non-surgical root canal therapy • Root canal retreatments • Root canal surgery Dr. Gloria T. Torres D.D.S., Prosthodontist (LTC US Army Dental Corps RET) 64 Years Combined Experience (Retired Army Dentists)

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Call for an appointment 512-868-5999 Advanced Technology CEREC (one day all ceramic crowns) Endodontic Microscopes Digital radiography/photography CBCT (3-D) scans Oral/nitrous sedation www.Torres-Dental-Specialties.com

• Restorative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Full mouth reconstruction

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, CLAIRE SHOOP & CHLOE YOUNG

9 UFCU The Austin-based credit union’s first Georgetown location features a walk-up and drive-thru ATM open 24/7, safe deposit boxes and a self-serve coin-counting machine. • Opened Nov. 27 • 4409 Williams Drive, Georgetown • www.ufcu.org

• 1031 W. University Ave., Georgetown • www.facebook.com/cfageorgetowntx

Now open

12 Hewlett Volkswagen The car dealership began serving customers at its newly remodeled facility Nov. 6. The 18-month renovation included redesigning the showroom and improving the service center. • 7951 Hewlett Loop, Georgetown • www.hewlettvw.com Lifelong Learners GTX In celebration of its 25th anniversary this fall, Senior University changed its name to Lifelong Learners GTX. The organization has offered more than 1,500 courses to hundreds of residents since its inception. • Classes are held at various locations in Georgetown. • www.lifelonglearnersgtx.com

Coming soon

10 Austin Lampworks Owners Gary and Cameron McNabb will work with customers to create custom lighting fixtures. The store will also carry lamp shades and chandeliers, and it will offer lamp repair services. • Opening in mid- to late February • 3010 Williams Drive, Ste. 180, Georgetown • www.austinlampworks.com

14 PetSmart Veterinary Services Dr. Renee Jones provides wellness checks, vaccines, sick appointments, X-rays, dental cleanings, behavioral and nutritional consultations, and urgent care to dogs, cats, reptiles and other small pets, excluding birds. • Opened Nov. 27 • 1013 W. University Ave., Bldg. B, Georgetown • www.petsmart.com/ petsmart-veterinary-services.html

Closings

In the news

13 Family Dollar The retailer offers low prices on items including groceries, toiletries, seasonal decor and toys. • Closed in early December • 603 W. University Ave., Ste. 100, Georgetown • www.familydollar.com

11 Chick-fil-A The Wolf Ranch Town Center location reopened Nov. 16 after being closed for renovations since July. The changes included adding a second drive-thru lane with awnings and updates to the dining area.

“My daughter gets ‘Santa Claus-level excited’ every time we go!” –Parent of GPD&O Patient (sorry, Santa)

4507 Williams Drive 512.869.4100 GtownKids.com

Dr. Aaron White

Dr. Kenny Havard • Dr. Travis Hildebrand • Dr. Lisa Jacob

GEORGETOWN EDITION

Government

WilCo voters approve $884M bond package Voters approved a bond package to fund road and parks projects in Williamson County. The overview With all votes from the Nov. 8 election tallied, Proposition A received 62.23% of votes supporting the measure, while Proposition B passed with 59.88% of votes cast in favor. The two bond proposals totaled $884 million, making it the largest bond package brought to voters in Williamson County. Of that, $825 million is designated for road projects and the remaining $59 million for parks projects. What they’re saying “I think the voters have overwhelmingly confirmed the direction that we’re going here in Williamson County,” County Judge Bill Gravell said. “I think our residents want roads so they

Higher solid waste rates now in effect City officials are now applying a 4.5% increase to solid waste rates for Georgetown residents and commercial customers. What you need to know Monthly bills for in-city residents went from $21.71 to $22.69, a $0.98 increase. Commercial customers using the typical once-per-week service with an 8-yard dumpster are experiencing a monthly bill increase from $174.50 to $191.08, which is $16.58 more per month. The increases went into effect Nov. 1. The background The revenues generated by Georgetown’s former rates were not able to support the fees associated with the solid waste system, according to city documents.

Results breakdown

For: 42,398 votes Against: 25,733 votes Proposition A, $825 million for roads For: 40,852 votes Against: 27,366 votes Proposition B, $59 million for parks

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

can be home with their families in time for dinner, and parks so they can enjoy their leisure time together outdoors.” What’s next? County officials have said that given the voter-approval, work on the listed projects will begin quickly. Commissioners Court will select an engineer to begin the design process for projects by the end of the year, Gravell said.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER, HALEY MCLEOD & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

City offers recycling for trees, string lights Georgetown’s free holiday recycling pro- grams collect string lights and real Christmas trees, a Nov. 20 news release states. The two-minute impact To recycle old or broken string lights, they must be dropped off at the following locations through Jan. 31: • Georgetown Municipal Complex • Georgetown Public Library • Georgetown Recreation Center • Sun City Cowan Creek Amenity Center Real Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Georgetown Collection and Transfer Station from Jan. 2-31. Residents may also leave Christmas trees out for pickup on their yard trimmings collection day.

Officials discuss design for Garey Park projects Roughly 30% of the design for improvements to Garey Park has been completed. In a nutshell The upcoming improvements to Garey Park— located at 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown, east of Ronald Reagan Boulevard—are considered Phase 2 of development and will take place over the next five years. Planned improvements include: • Adding a trailhead, parking and a restroom near the park’s entry • Garey House renovations • Three group cabins, a retreat pavilion, an archery range and a RV host site • Expansion of the Garey Play Ranch • A memorial pavilion and amphitheater • A cover over the equine facility

GAREY PARK RD.

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• An 18-hole disc golf course • Additional pedestrian and road improvements Georgetown Parks and Recreation Director Kimberly Garrett said construction is estimated to cost $20.2 million. What to expect Construction for the park improvements is anticipated to start in September 2024, and construction on Garey House is expected to begin in May 2025.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Voters reject fire, EMS funding prop

Why it matters

As the Georgetown area has continued to grow, Sullivan said this has affected emergency response times, necessitating additional fire stations, personnel and resources. The response time to many areas in George- town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction exceed the department’s goal of nine minutes. Sullivan said this is an important target for intervening in medical emergencies involving brain damage and for stopping fires, which grow exponentially. “If the voters there are happy with the response times being what they are, then … we’ll just have to re-identify how we have our deployment plans and build-out plans,” Sullivan said. “It all has to be done within the framework of what voters and the taxpayers are willing to pay, and I fully respect that.”

operational resources. If it had been approved, Sullivan said the sales tax dollars would have helped fund five new fire stations over the course of the next 10 years, reducing the department’s response times. The measure, which failed with 53.13% of voters opposed, would have raised the sales tax rate on purchases made in person and online in the ESD service area from 6.25%— which is allocated to the state—to 8.25%. Now, the ESD will continue to be funded solely by its property tax rate of $0.094073 per $100 valuation for fiscal year 2023-24.

Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan said he was surprised to see there wasn’t sufficient support for Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 8’s proposition that would have increased sales and use tax in the entity’s territory by 2% and allocated it toward ESD operations. ESD No. 8 provides fire and EMS services to more than 28,000 people living outside Georgetown city limits. The Georgetown Fire Department and ESD No. 8 have an interlocal agreement and a cost-sharing agreement that allow them to share fire stations and other

ESD No. 8 overview

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Legend

Georgetown city limits ESD No. 8 service area Response time exceeds nine minutes Current fire stations Proposed fire stations

What’s next

In the coming months, Sullivan said department leaders and the ESD board will have to evaluate the ability to open up new fire stations and the services they provide. He said the department and ESD are in the early stages of a Fire Department Master Plan update and will be able to incorporate the results of the election into that plan. The 10-year plan will be available to the public around early spring, he said.

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NOTE: THE ESD WAS STILL SOLIDIFYING PLANS FOR A FIFTH PROPOSED STATION IN THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE GEORGETOWN ETJ.

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 8/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Education

Upcoming homes drive increase in student body Georgetown ISD’s student population is expected to grow by more than 6,000 students over the next decade, according to a Nov. 13 demographic update. In a nutshell Demographer Bob Templeton said the projected 6,181 new students expected by the 2033-34 school year are based on new housing projects. Put in perspective At present, Templeton said Georgetown is seeing two different growth patterns between new and existing homes, with the latter experiencing some difficulty due to rising interest rates. “Low inventory in the existing market is leading to pretty steady, consistent growth in the new housing market but a little bit of a cloudiness that’s due to the rising interest rates [and] high inflation,” Templeton said.

Maximum price set for second ag barn Georgetown ISD trustees approved a max- imum price for the district’s second agri- culture barn Nov. 13, allowing no more than $4,155,500 to be spent on its construction. The details The maximum price for the barn includes an owner contingency of $250,000, a contractor contingency of $100,000 and a cost escalation allowance of $50, per district documents detailing the price cap provided by Chaney-Cox construction. The barn will be located at Georgetown High School. What’s next? District officials will break ground on the new agriculture barn soon, Superinten- dent Devin Padavil said. The new barn is expected to open in fall 2024.

Enrollment expectations The district's population is projected to grow by more than 6,000 students in the next decade

20K

15K

10K

SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

The Mobility Authority is not an electronic tag provider or operator. We encourage all electronic tag customers to log into their account with their tag provider to ensure they are in good standing and to avoid receiving a Mobility Authority Pay By Mail bill in the future.

Late payment fees do apply

Valid Payment Method

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

Tag Account:

+ $

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

Pos ii itive Balance

There are payment options everywhere

Correct License Plate

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

Vaild Tag

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

* Check with your electronic tag provider for all criteria.

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Rezoning on horizon for Georgetown ISD Georgetown ISD is preparing to rezone students in anticipation of San Gabriel Ele- mentary School and the new Benold Middle School opening in the fall of 2024. What's happening? During a Nov. 6 workshop, board members heard an initial presentation from district staff about jump-starting the process to create attendance zones for the two new schools coming online for the 2024-25 school year. Next steps Tentative timelines show final drafts of the rezoning maps are expected to be shared in the coming weeks, officials said, after campus committees have had a chance to weigh in.

Some district schools near, surpass capacity Seven Georgetown ISD campuses are at or near capacity, per a district demographics report released in October. What you need to know Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in May showed Georgetown is the fastest-growing city in the country with a population of more than 50,000 residents—and that stretch is being felt at the campus level. According to the report from Temple- ton Demographics, Cooper, Mitchell, Williams and Wolf Ranch elementary schools; Tippit and Wagner middle schools; and East View High School have student populations that are at or near capacity. This comes as the district has reached what Superintendent Devin Padavil has described as a “critical” point of growth. The district began the 2023-24 school year with 600 more students than in the 2022-23 school year.

Campus capacity constraints

2022- 23

2023- 24 *

2024- 25 *

Campus

Capacity

Cooper Elementary

693

652 685 670

Mitchell Elementary

792

715 749 814

Williams Elementary

850 658 754 832

Wolf Ranch Elementary

850 847 1,017 1,344

Tippit Middle School

808 628 660 735

Wagner Middle School

950 936 1,081 1,018

East View High School

2,000 2,079 2,155 2,223

*PROJECTED SOURCE: GEORGETOWN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Transportation

BY KATY MCAFEE

How did Austin get so many toll roads?

The actions taken

In 2003, House Bill 3588 passed, allowing regional mobility groups to build and operate toll roads. The passage allowed the CTRMA, which was created a year prior, to begin planning its rst toll road. In 2014 and 2015, two constitutional amend- ments dedicated more money from Texas’ oil, natural gas and sales tax to the state’s highway fund. The two amendments have provided billions more dollars to the state highway fund since their passage.

Without adequate nancial support from gas tax revenue, transportation leaders turned to toll roads as a solution. “In the early 2000s the commission said, ‘There’s got to be a better way to do this,’” Bass said. “One way we [did] that is by having our regional mobility authority go to the bond market [to] issue bonds, borrow money, and then collect the tolls and pay back that borrowed money over time.” The CTRMA has worked with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to build six toll roads through this process. The Texas Department of Transportation built the other four. Langmore said adding toll roads has gone “amazingly well,” as they’ve given drivers a faster option and generated enough surplus to build more roads in the past two decades.

As Austin’s population started to boom about 20 years ago, local transportation leaders recognized the need for more roadways connecting the region. Many roads were in a “lousy state of repair,” and the state did not have the money to x them or build new ones, said John Langmore, former board member of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. At the time, state road projects were funded solely through gas tax—a $0.20 per gallon tax Texans pay every time they’re at the pump. By the early 2000s, the gas tax wasn’t bringing in enough revenue to build all the needed infrastructure projects in Austin. Texas’ gas tax has not gone up since 1991, and it has lost nearly half its purchasing power due to ination, according to CTRMA documents. The growing number of electric vehicles and fuel- ecient cars have also limited gas tax revenue, CTRMA Executive Director James Bass said.

Texas Department of Transportation toll roads Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll roads

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority operates six of the 10 toll roads in the Austin area.

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The CTRMA has a ve-year plan for potential roads it plans to bring to the Austin metro using surplus funding. Bass said the group is looking into adding one or two tolled lanes on MoPac, south of Lady Bird Lake. The CTRMA is also considering extending Hwy. 290 past SH 130 to the east. The CTRMA could also use its surplus funding for nontolled transportation projects, such as shared-use paths or trails. “[We’ve] been at a growth stage, helping bring on new roadways and then stabilizing,” Bass said. “I think we’re close to being at that point of stabilizing, and then maybe bringing on additional roadways, but maybe not, depending upon what the region wants.”

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATY MCAFEE & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Williams Drive Bridge project nears finish line Georgetown residents driving along Williams Drive will notice a significant mobility shift in early 2024 as the Texas Department of Transpor- tation completes construction of the Williams Drive Bridge and opens a new diverging diamond interchange. What’s happening Crews are in the final stages of construction, which includes making drainage improvements, constructing the DDI and restriping portions of the road. Drivers will notice several lane closures while crews complete the final steps, TxDOT Communications Officer Brad Wheelis said. Northbound drivers looking to enter I-35 will also regain access to the entrance ramp near Williams Drive, which closed in September. The ramp will reopen after crews complete the drainage improvements.

City identifies $30M in sidewalk projects Georgetown leaders are looking to finalize and adopt the city’s updated Sidewalk Master Plan by the end of the year. The plan aims to prioritize connectivity in Georgetown’s existing network. The approach The projects are broken down into four tiers in order of priority: • Sidewalks providing access to schools • Completing the downtown network • Gaps in connectivity • Improvements that are small in scale City officials have identified roughly 93 projects totaling $30 million, Ryan Graves, a Kimley-Horn team member said at the Oct. 10 City Council workshop.

The details A DDI is a safer, relatively low-cost type of interchange that allows cars to pass through busy intersections more easily by eliminating the need for making left turns toward oncoming traffic, according to TxDOT. Drivers navigating the new DDI will temporarily shift to the left side of the road when crossing over I-35. “Once drivers go through the DDI a couple of times, they typically get the hang of it,” Wheelis said. The $61.7 million project will be completed in January after over three years of construction.

Celebrat in The place for

Welcome the holidays on the most beautiful town square in Texas.

From a Square that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook to locally owned shops selling one-of-a-kind gifts, we welcome you to share in our traditions and make them yours this holiday season.

For more information visit Georgetown.org Wishing you and yours a very special holiday season!

#LoveWhereYouLive |

GEORGETOWN EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

Nolina to bring 1,341 homes to Georgetown Nolina, a master-planned community in George- town, is preparing to open seven model homes and an amenity center in April 2024. Zooming in The 524-acre development is expected to have 1,341 homes once fully built out. A variety of homebuilders are building in the neighborhood, including Chesmar Homes, Taylor Morrison, Westin Homes and Perry Homes. The rst phase of the community’s 7-acre amenity center The Wildower House—which broke ground in August—will include a resort-style pool, a splash pad, a park, a tness studio, and an outdoor lounge area and re pit, said Michael Cox, president of Johnson Development Services—the community’s developer. There will also be an event and yoga lawn, a food truck area, and nature trails, he said.

Mixed-use site to bring ex space

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183

Westinghouse Crossing, a 35-acre mixed- use development in Georgetown, is set to break ground in January. The details The development will be located near the intersection of Westinghouse Road and North Mays Street. Brooke Harlander, regional partner with project developer St. John Properties, said while there are no tenants lined up as of mid-November, 170,000 square feet across four buildings will be designed for exible research and development space. There will also be commercial oce and retail space, and a nearly 2-acre pad site for restaurant or health care uses. The rst two buildings are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The Nolina master plan also includes 30 acres of commercial retail and multifamily development. Learn more Located 8 miles north of the Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard intersection, Nolina is zoned to Florence and Georgetown ISDs, Cox said. Home sales in Nolina are scheduled to begin in early 2024. While the timeline is subject to change, Nolina is expected to be fully built out in eight to 10 years, according to the developers.

Builders plan small-scale “boutique community”

Chelsea Timmons, vice president of commu- nity experience at Tri Pointe Homes, said the neighborhood will be a “boutique community,” meaning with its smaller scale, there won’t be some of the standard amenities typically seen in master-planned communities, such as a pool or a park. Instead, she highlighted its trail system. “It has more of what we like to call ‘natural amenities,’” Timmons said.

A 100-acre, 255-home community in west Georgetown called The Retreat at San Gabriel is set to be completed by 2025, according to developers. What they’re saying The community is being built out by Tri Pointe Homes, KB Home and Brightland Homes and will feature a total of 40 oor plans to choose from with prices ranging between $340,995-$679,990.

Tri Pointe Homes is building 53 homes in the Retreat at San Gabriel community.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

Real estate

Quail Valley, 78626 While the established neighborhood does not have any community amenities, it is located within 2 miles of the Georgetown Square, and it’s near Geneva Park, Raintree Park and the San Jose Park & Splash Pad. Located near Hwy. 29 and I-35, the neighborhood is also within a mile of Southwestern University. • Average square footage: 1,300 • Homes on the market: 2 • School district: Georgetown ISD, with Purl Elementary School, Tippit Middle School and East View High School in the area • Amenities: none 1 As of mid-November, the Quail Valley neighborhood had two homes on the market.

1460

NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY JULIE B. ANDERSON CENTURY 21 HELLMANN STRIBLING • 512-468-7200 WWW.JULIEANDERSON.C21.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

78626 Number of homes sold

October 2022

October 2023

Residential market data

Only one Georgetown ZIP code—78626—had more year-over-year home sales, with 17 more homes sold this October compared to last October, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors. In ZIP codes 78628 and 78633, year- over-year sales dipped by about 8%. Median home sales prices were also mixed. In ZIP code 78628 year-over-year prices were up over 4%; however, prices in ZIP codes 78626 and 78633 dipped by less than 3%.

+34.69%

78628

102

-8.82%

78633

-8%

130 TOLL

Median home sales price

2022

2023

78626

78628

78633

78626

-0.38%

$410,000

$411,555

78628

+4.27%

$550,000

$527,500

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

78633

-2.33%

$468,800

$480,000

Health care

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Ascension Seton Williamson to add 160 rooms, 400 sta

Ascension Seton Williamson in Round Rock announced Oct. 17 that the hospital will undergo a $230 million expansion that will add more patient and operating rooms, hundreds of new jobs and more. The specics According to a news release from the hospital, the expansion will include: • A 216,000-square-foot, six-story tower • 160 patient rooms • Two operating rooms • A 12-bed observation unit • Space for emergency, imaging, cardiac catheterization and surgery departments • 400 additional sta positions Next steps The project will also include a 34,000-square- foot expansion for outpatient wound care,

cardiac rehab and pediatric rehab. Ascension Seton representatives said a construction timeline for the project could not be shared. However, the nonprot health system launched a fundraising initiative this fall to support the expansion of services at Ascension Seton Williamson. What else? The hospital services much of Williamson County and saw nearly 64,000 patient visits in scal year 2022, 34% of which were uninsured or underin- sured patients, according to Ascension Seton. The latest eort to expand the hospital’s services comes on the heels of a new Surgical Intensive Care Unit it opened in August. At a cost of around $20 million, the 16-bed center opened to provide care for those who have been in a traumatic accident or have had a complex surgical procedure.

Ascension Seton Williamson is planning for a $230 million expansion of its hospital.

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

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Events

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

Breakfast With Santa Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown-Sun City, Georgetown ISD and the Georgetown Fire Department, attendees can enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast made by Georgetown firefighters. Additionally, children can get their photo taken with Santa Claus. Proceeds from the event benefit children and families in need during the holidays. • Dec. 23, 7:30-11 a.m. • $6 (adults), free (children age 12 and under) • San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown • https://visit.georgetown.org

GTX Wedding & Event Expo Hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, guests can meet wedding industry experts and local vendors while enjoying door prizes, a fashion show and a honeymoon giveaway.

• Jan. 28, noon-4 p.m. • $10 • Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center, 1101 Woodlawn St., Georgetown • www.gtxweddingandeventexpo.com

Courthouse and end with a keynote speaker. • Jan. 15, noon • Free (admission) • 710 S. Main St., Georgetown • https://georgetown.org

• 1003 N. Austin Ave., Georgetown • https://parks.georgetown.org

December

‘The Nutcracker’ presented by North Austin Ballet Theatre The Dance Academy’s nonprofit preprofessional ballet company will perform the Christmas classic. • Dec. 16, 6 p.m.; Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m. • $25-$30 • 1001 E. University Ave., Georgetown • www.thedanceacademytx.com Hype For The Holidays Teen Party The Georgetown Recreation Center will host a party for teens ages 12-15 with pizza, games and music. • Dec. 20, 1:15-4:30 p.m. • Free (Recreation Center members), $6 (nonmembers)

New Year’s Eve Tasting Menu at Alma Organized by award-winning chef Stephan Pyles, Alma will host a menu tasting party with three courses and an optional wine pairing to celebrate the new year. • Dec. 31, 5-6 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m. • $75-$135 • 60 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown • www.watermarkcommunities.com/alma-hacienda

Public Stargazing Night Volunteers from the Williamson County Astronomy Club will have telescopes and other tools to help visitors view the stars. Participants are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and preregistration is required. • Jan. 17, 7-9 p.m. • $2 (residents), $4 (nonresidents)

January

• 6450 RM 2243, Georgetown • https://parks.georgetown.org

MLK Day March The march will begin at the Williamson County

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GEORGETOWN EDITION

The road to manufacturing From the cover

The backstory

The gist

Texas] had a hard time recruiting manufacturers.” Woolery also said Georgetown has been preparing sites for industrial projects over the last few years. “[Developers have been] getting their zoning in place, [and] the city has supported them in getting their infrastructure in place,” Woolery said. “Having those sites ready to go has really helped us capitalize and see a lot of new employers and a lot of projects.”

Dave Porter, executive director of the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, said Georgetown is primed for industrial development, with suppliers interested in the city and county following successes from other developers. “Georgetown is positioned well. It’s got water; it’s got the infrastructure; it’s got the sites and buildings to attract employers,” Porter said. “Before, [Central

Georgetown has seen industrial growth pick up in the last three to five years, Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery said, as two major roadways—I-35 and SH 130—run through it, providing access to “all the places that a new business would need to go.” Ellis also said outside of the typical downtown Austin tech jobs, manufacturing tech jobs have usually been located north of the metro, something that has “set that whole area up.” With Georgetown at the north end of the toll road and along I-35, people are flocking to the area not just to build companies, but to find job opportunities, services and enjoy a more diversified tax base, Woolery said.

Georgetown’s industrial growth

Major projects 1 Crosspoint Business District • Overview: 7 industrial buildings • Total size: 488.7K sq. ft. (Phase I) • Status: Buildings 1-3 completed in Q4 2023; buildings 4-7 (Phase II) proposed 2 Gateway35 Commerce Center • Overview: 3 industrial buildings • Total size: 714.7K sq. ft. • Status: Building 1 occupied by CelLink; buildings 2-3 lease ready 3 Georgetown Logistics Park • Overview: 3 industrial buildings • Total size: 619.7K sq. ft. • Status: Building 1 completed; buildings 2-3 expected in Q4 2023 4 GTX Logistics Park • Overview: 5 industrial buildings • Total size: 3M+ sq. ft. planned • Status: Building 1 complete; Building 2 construction ready; buildings 3-5 planned 5 NorthPark35 • Overview: 9 industrial buildings • Total size: 1.7M sq. ft. • Status: buildings 1, 2, 3 and 5 completed; buildings 4, 8 and 9 delivering in 2024-25

Other ongoing projects 6 1300 Westinghouse 7 Blue Springs Business Park 8 Bridge Business Park 9 Dry Creek Distribution 10 Longhorn Junction 11 Wellhouse Business Park 12 Westinghouse35 13 Woodgate Business Park

972

195

Industrial developments boom in Williamson County

Construction completed Sales Leases signed

971

INNER LOOP

130 TOLL

1460

Georgetown

110

2020 2021

2022 2023

SOURCE: AQUILA COMMERCIAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: AQUILA COMMERCIAL, CBRE, COLLIERS, GEORGETOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JLL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Manufacturing workforce in the Austin metro

What residents should know

What’s next?

75K

+20.6%

The influx of industrial developments benefit the city by creating a more diversified tax rate, which lessens the tax burden for residents, Wool- ery said. That way, when a bond is proposed with capital improvements or other enhancements for the city, the cost burden will not fall completely on residents. Woolery added the city actively tries to recruit manufacturing companies, not only for this reason, but because they also create high-quality, high-paying jobs. For example, trade group Greater Austin Merchants Cooperative Association will open its new headquarters in a nearly 300,000 square foot facility in the NorthPark35 industrial park in April 2024. Chief Operating Officer Shane Walker said this will help to not only provide more tax dollars to the city but create an additional 80 to 100 jobs.

Ellis said Georgetown residents can expect to see more manufacturers come to the area. “Of course, it’s all about where the available space is,” Ellis said, saying that developments are being built off SH 130 due to land availability and where cities have already zoned for, or will zone for, industrial. With nearly 2,000 acres zoned as industrial within city limits, Porter said the sheer availability of industrial space—around 6 million square feet—makes Georgetown an attractive market. “[Georgetown has] product on the ground for companies to move quickly into facilities, and that puts them at a competitive advantage,” Porter said.

70K

65K

60K

2018

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“When you see the city provide some sort of [business] incentive, [manufacturers] are the ones we’re providing incentives for,” Woolery said. “[They’re the] ones that we’re trying to recruit and really where the interest has been.” While industrial developments are a priority, Woolery said they can also help open the door for more retail development, something east George- town residents have voiced their desire for.

Georgetown’s industrial future

What they’re saying

1,980 acres zoned for industrial use 2 facilities to be complete by 2024 5 projects planned or proposed

“[Manufacturing] enhances the tax base in Georgetown, which allows them to offer more services [and] better-paying jobs, and that’s

“[SH 130 and I-35] give us easy access to go in all directions for our many delivery locations in Central Texas and allow for direct access to

what this is really all about— bringing in opportunities that generate better-paying jobs.” DAVE PORTER, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

expand north. … When we were looking for a location to build, Georgetown was where we started and ended our search.” SHANE WALKER, GREATER AUSTIN MERCHANTS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION COO

SOURCES: AQUILA COMMERCIAL, GEORGETOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LET US BE

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