Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | December 2025

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 9 DEC. 27, 2025JAN. 29, 2026

2025 Senior Living Guide

CapMetro evolves as habits shift

INSIDE

Passengers gather at a CapMetro stop as the agency revises its bus services to reect changing commuter patterns. (Haley McLeod/Community Impact)

Also in this issue

Development: Learn about HOPE Outdoor Gallery’s reopening in a new home near Austin airport (Page 15)

Community: Discover senior living options in Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs (Page 16)

Dining: Check out “rock and roll” dining in Southwest Austin with Culture Club (Page 25)

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

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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 Brian Davis Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Judy LeBas General Manager jlebas@communityimpact. com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Lindsee Sanchez Account Executive lsanchez@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI Careers

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Impacts Southwest Austin

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

Coming soon

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3 ATX Indoor Golf Club Chris and Meredith Roach are the local owners behind the golf club, which will offer 24/7 indoor golf simulations, including private and semi-private hitting bays. The bays will be equipped with seating, a TV and a refrigerator. Guests are welcome to purchase snacks and non-alcoholic drinks from the business’s “19th hole” pantry, or bring their own. • Opening Jan. 1 • 5446 W. Hwy. 290 Service Road, Unit 5, Austin • www.atxindoorgolfclub.com 4 Pure Dance Austin Owned by Denise James, the dance studio is opening its permanent location in Southwest Austin. The business offers ballet training with age-appropriate choreography, music and costuming. The business is currently operating out of the Southwest YMCA studio spaces. • Opening in 2026 • 7010 W. Hwy. 71, Austin • www.puredanceaustin.com 5 The Workshop The locally owned and operated climbing facility will offer a membership-based experience for ages seven and up. The space will open in phases. U.S. climbing athletes will be allowed in the space and youth programs will begin in the first phase of the opening. • Opening in 2026 • 6905 S. I-35, Austin • www.theworkshopatx.com

W. WILLIAM CANNON DR.

13 11

290

CIRCLE DR.

FITZHUGH RD.

PICKLE RD.

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E. ST. ELMO RD.

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MENCHACA RD.

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MCKINNEY FALLS PKWY.

TWIN CREEK RD.

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What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

2 Oak Haven Massage The business launched its third Austin-area location which features relaxation, deep tissue, therapeutic and lymphatic drainage massages. • Opened Dec. 15

Now open

6 Ross Dress for Less A new Ross may be coming to Southwest Austin next year. The TDLR filing states that construction is slated to begin in June and be completed in October. The chain retail store offers discounted clothing, accessories and household goods. • 801 E. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 135A, Austin • www.rossstores.com

1 The Backwood Bar The Backwood Bar is now open in Southwest Austin. Owned by locals Paul Hur, Rick Wright and JD Dunn, the patio bar offers drinks, live music, putt putt, pickle ball

• 900 S. First St., Ste. 150, Austin • www.oakhavenmassage.com

and bocce ball. • Opened Oct. 3

• 12010 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.thebackwoodbar.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT, DACIA GARCIA & SIENNA WIGHT

7 AutoZone South Austin residents may soon have another option for auto repair parts and support. The Tennessee-based company offers parts, tools and free testing. • 11801 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.autozone.com

Now open

Coming soon

Relocations

8 Monks Jazz Club Monks Jazz Club is relocating from its previous location at 501 Pedernales Street, Ste. 2E, Austin. The venue hosts jazz programs with a capacity for approximately 60 guests per show, featuring local and touring musicians. General Manager Leila Sunier said the business is relocating to gain a more long-term space and expand offerings to patrons in an email to Community Impact . • Relocating February • 310 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin • www.monksjazz.com

12 Cheba Hut The third location of this Austin-area sandwich shop, helmed by franchisee Joe DeMaioribus, is now offering signature sub sandwiches, cocktails and other “munchies” in Easton Park, near Circuit

15 Integral Pilates Co-founded by Leg Gibbons and Marli Kimball Johnston, the business offers reformer and mat classes. The mat room can host 20-25 attendees at once and features infrared heating panels. • Opening in January

of The Americas. • Opened Nov. 21 • 7101 E. William Cannon Drive, Austin • www.chebahut.com

• 10030 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.integralpilatesatx.com

In the news

9 34 Wine & Spirits The local liquor store celebrated 10 years of business Dec. 4. The store was co-founded by Ricky Williams, the former Heisman Trophy-winning running back at The University of Texas at Austin whose No. 34 jersey is retired by the Longhorns. • 4601 Southwest Parkway, Ste. 100, Austin • www.34wineandspirits.com 10 Armadillo Den The neighborhood bar celebrated five years of business on Dec. 10. The 3-acre property includes a full bar, food

13 Simona’s Coffee + Cocktails The coffee shop located inside the Colton House Hotel celebrates five years of business in December. Patrons can also visit food truck La Taquicardia, located inside

16 McLane Family Dental James and Deidra McLane have been offering dentistry services since 2010. • 5000 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 200, Austin • www.mclanefamilydental.com

Simona’s, for Mexican cuisine. • 2510 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.coltonhousehotel.com/simonas

trucks and live entertainment. • 10106 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.armadillodenaustin.com

Closings

14 Cosmic Cosmic’s south Austin location has undergone renovations including an expanded covered patio, a double-sized deck, a new traditional seated bar, upgraded bathrooms, an added walk-up service window, newly enhanced landscaping and a reimagined chicken

17 Limbo Jewelry & Triple Z Threadz After over 20 years, the two businesses are looking for a new space to relocate. • Closing in January • 1708 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.triplezthreadz.com; https://limbojewelrystore.com

11 Colton House Hotel The three-story, 80-suite boutique hotel celebrated five years since opening in December.

coop and green spaces. • 121 Pickle Road, Austin • www.cosmichospitalitygroup.com

• 2510 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.coltonhousehotel.com

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Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY ELLE BENT

1826 5 Texas Trust Law The estate planning and probate law firm is opening a new office in Dripping Springs, located inside of Fuse Workspace. Clients can visit by appointment only. • Opening Jan. 1 • 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Bldg. 2, Office 139, Austin • www.texastrustlaw.com 6 GLO30 The studio will offer facials backed by an AI powered skin analyzer. • Opening in January • 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.glo30.com/dripping-springs

290

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3 Frost Bank The financial center offers notary services, banking services, mortgage, insurance and more. • Opened Nov. 10 • 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 1201, Austin • https://locations.frostbank.com/austin/13341-w-us-290 162

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1 The Learning Experience The business offers programs for children from infancy to preschool, with curriculum varying by age group. • Opened in October

PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

What’s next

• 12400 Hwy. 290, Ste. 600, Austin • www.thelearningexperience.com

7 Zen Nail Lounge A new nail salon may be slated to open in the Ledgestone development. • 12680 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 100, Austin • Facebook: ZenNail Lounge

Coming soon

4 Band Aid School of Music The music school will be offering music lessons to both children and adults. This will be the school’s third location in Austin. • Opening Jan. 4 • 30305 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs • https://dripping.bandaidschoolofmusic.com/home

2 Folklore Spa at Camp Lucy The wellness spa is now open at Camp Lucy, offering a variety of treatments including massages and facials. • Opening Dec. 26 • 3509 Creek Road, Dripping Springs • www.folklorespa.com

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON & SIENNA WIGHT

Austin’s trimmed budget, lower tax rate approved Austin ocials unanimously approved a reduced $6.3 billion budget and tax rate for scal year 2025-26 in November, weeks after voters rejected a tax hike under Proposition Q. The specifics The proposition’s failure in the Nov. 4 election automatically dropped the city’s tax rate from the level set under Proposition Q, removing about $100 million from Austin’s general fund covering public-facing departments. City nance sta recommended cutting most extra Proposition Q spending, which had centered largely on homelessness response, public safety and parks upkeep. Further adjust- ments in the November budget review shifted some funding toward medic overtime and mental health response, homeless shelter and services, city employee benets and park maintenance. Mayor Kirk Watson said ocials responded to Proposition Q’s failure by providing for “basic services through basic budgeting.” “I believe the budget amendment that we just adopted reveals that we trusted the voters, we heard the voters and we reacted to the voters,” he said Nov. 20. The cost The Proposition Q election was called after City Council passed a budget this summer backed by the higher tax rate to fund a range of their priorities, most of which had to be trimmed. Austin’s FY 2025-26 tax rate is $0.524017 per $100 property valuation, a 5-cent decrease from the Proposition Q rate but still about 10% higher

Dripping Springs sets parks master plan Dripping Springs adopted its Parks, Rec- reation and Open Space 2026 master plan in November to guide park development and recreational programming. The big picture Parks and Community Services Director Andrew Binz said the plan was created over 12 months using input from thousands of Dripping Springs residents. Public outreach included a survey, open-house events, stakeholder meetings, engagement booths at festivals and a parks visioning tour. Based on community input, top investment priorities include: • An indoor community center and restrooms • Outdoor adventure, special events and environmental education • Nature trails and new connections between destinations

Taxpayer impact City property taxes and other charges will rise about 4% in the coming year, and are expected to rise more than 6% next year.

Utility charges Property taxes City fees

Fiscal year 2024-25

$2,557.92

$1,969.56

$920.04

Fiscal year 2025-26 (revised)

$2,603.76 $2,074.28

$988.8

Fiscal year 2026-27 (planned)

$2,732.4

$2,242.8

$1,042.92

NOTE: ESTIMATES BASED ON AUSTIN'S MEDIAN HOMESTEAD VALUE, TYPICAL CUSTOMER UTILITY AND SERVICE USAGE, AND TYPICAL SINGLEFAMILY HOME

CHARACTERISTICS AS DEFINED BY THE CITY. SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

than last year’s. The owner of a home valued at about $495,000, the city median, can now expect to pay about $100 more in property taxes along- side other increased city and utility charges. Steeper city cost increases are on the horizon. One more thing Ocials also moved to: • Launch a public website logging city audits, studies and consultant reports, and track their recommendations • Solicit more budgeting feedback from city boards and commissions • Update nancial accountability policies for council oces • Develop new budgeting best practices

“This plan is about more than parks. It’s about creating spaces that bring people together, nurture

wellness and celebrate what makes Dripping Springs such a special place to live.” ANDREW BINZ, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR

Hays County ocials plan to issue $100M certicates of obligation for facilities

“These projects … are about ensuring that our residents can access services in spaces that are safe, modern and equipped to meet today’s demands,” commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe said in a news release. What’s next County ocials will issue public notices and begin the bond rating process. The CO sale could be approved Jan. 20.

Hays County intends to issue up to $100 million in debt for new public facilities. The overview County commissioners estimate a tax rate of $0.0102 per $100 valuation will be levied to pay the debt service of the certicates of obligation. Commissioners cited the county’s projected 267% population growth from 2015-45 as a reason to invest in new facilities given rising demand and service needs.

The Eastside Campus, a new administrative building A remodel of Hays County Government Center Animal shelter facilities Precinct oces Facilities funding Hays County’s latest debt issuance would fund:

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Education

BY SIENNA WIGHT

Dripping Springs ISD breaks ground on 18+ facility Dripping Springs ISD officials broke ground on the 18+ program facility on Nov. 13 near Sycamore Springs elementary and middle schools. The big picture The 18+ program, or adult transition services, RACHELS CANYON DR. 1 18+ program facility 2 Sycamore Springs elementary and middle schools

DSISD officials OK new library materials Dripping Springs ISD approved about 300 new library materials, following a report from the School Library Advisory Commit- tee on Nov. 17. What’s new The SLAC was established this year after Senate Bill 13 passed in the 89th legislative session, which aims to give school boards and parents more oversight over library materials. Through the Destiny Parent Portal on Tiger Den, guardians can now: • View all library materials available • Edit what their child may check out • View a log of materials their child has previously checked out The system will block the checkout of a book restricted by a guardian.

prepares special education students aged 18-22 for post-school life. There are 15 students currently enrolled, and Director of Special Services Rick Roberts said the district anticipates future growth. “Guided by each student’s needs, abilities and their rights, the adult transition services program provides personalized instruction and real-world experiences that promote independence, employ- ment readiness and meaningful community participation,” Roberts said at the groundbreaking. The 18+ facility includes: • Faculty spaces • A simulated living environment, featuring a kitchen, laundry facilities and bathrooms

COOL SPRING WAY

• A life skills classroom • Outdoor learning spaces “Historically, our classrooms were not designed for these unique purposes,” Superintendent Holly Morris-Kuentz said. “But this new building represents a powerful new opportunity, a space created specifically for their growth and goals.”

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Austin ISD voted to close 10 campuses next school year at a Nov. 20 board meeting. Seven of these campuses have received three consecutive F ratings from the Texas Education Agency and require state- mandated intervention through turnaround plans. Three of the campuses offer school- wide dual language programs that will relocate. In total, 3,796 students will be reassigned, and 6,319 vacant seats will be eliminated under this plan. The plan is expected to save around $21.75 million in costs for the district. Austin ISD to close 10 schools

School closures (School’s A-F Rating, according to the Texas Education Agency) 1 Barrington Elementary (F) 2 Becker Elementary (B) 3 Bedichek Middle School (F) 4 Dawson Elementary (F) 5 Martin Middle School (F) 6 Oak Springs Elementary (F) 7 Ridgetop Elementary (B) 8 Sunset Valley Elementary (B)

What else?

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The board approved turnaround plans to provide intervention at 24 campuses with two or more unacceptable ratings—seven of which are closing. The district will reassign students from these campuses and restart Linder, Sánchez, Pecan Springs and Wooldridge elementaries as well as Paredes Middle School using the Accelerating Campus Excellence, or ACE, model. The model involves restaffing the schools with high- performing teachers and principals as well as providing extra support staff and academic resources. If AISD does not see improvement in reading and math, the district may partner with a charter school to operate the campuses. The TEA commissioner may close a school or takeover the district if a campus receives five consecutive unacceptable ratings.

183

9 Widén Elementary (F) 10 Winn Montessori (F)

Austin

COLORADO RIVER

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BEGINS EARLY OOD AL HEALTH thing more important our child’s smile! AISD delayed voting on districtwide rezoning and the potential closure of Palm, Bryker Woods, and Maplewood elementaries until the fall of 2026.

MOPAC

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

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BY HALEY MCLEOD

MOPAC

FLETCHER LN.

RIALTO BLVD.

Upcoming projects

1 Sawyer Ranch Road Project: The current two-lane roadway is being redesigned as a four-lane divided thoroughfare to allow for easier access to Hwy. 290, according to Hays County documents. Update: Design work is underway for 3.2 miles of the roadway from Hwy. 290 to Darden Hill Road. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $1.4 million • Funding source: Hays County

290

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Ongoing projects

2 William Cannon Drive Project: Austin crews are busy with several projects along William Cannon Drive as part of a larger corridor improvement project spanning from A Southwest Parkway to McKinney Falls Parkway. The project aims to increase safety, mobility and connectivity. Update: Work is underway on signal and pedestrian improvements west of MoPac, according to an interactive map on the project’s website. The project will add travel lanes, upgrade traffic signals and pedestrian hybrid beacons, introduce shared-use paths for people walking and biking, and include landscaping, mobility enhancements, and improvements to street drainage and water lines. A new traffic signal is planned for the intersection of B William Cannon Drive and Rialto Drive. • Timeline: 2023-26 • Cost: $21.37 million • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bonds 3 Slaughter Lane Project: Another of the city’s outlined corridor improvement programs, work along Slaughter Lane includes widening the roadway from four to six lanes, adding shared-use paths, signal upgrades and landscaping enhancements. A Spanning FM 1826 to Old Lockhart Road, the project is aimed at increasing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as increasing mobility, according to Austin’s transportation and public works department. Update: The most recent phase of work from MoPac to Brodie Lane, known as C2, kicked off this past summer.

290

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Work also includes new traffic signals and crosswalk upgrades at the intersection of B Brodie Lane and Bowie High School. At Zuniga Drive, there will also be a new pedestrian crossing light and other safety improvements. • Funding source: 2016 Mobility Bond as well as federal grant funding allocated by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 4 Oak Hill Parkway • Timeline: 2025-27 • Cost: $23 million Project: The 7-mile stretch of highway has been undergoing a $677 million facelift since 2021. The Texas Department of Transportation is currently reconstructing Hwy. 290 in Oak Hill, transforming the existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 14 miles

of shared-use paths, according to TxDOT documents. Update: The William Cannon Drive bypass bridge is closed as crews connect it to the new main lanes and flyovers. Eastbound drivers are being detoured to the Hwy. 290 frontage road; the bridge will reopen for westbound traffic once construction wraps up. • Timeline: William Cannon bridge access closed until 2026 • Cost: $677 million allocated for the entire project • Funding source: TxDOT Texas Clear Lanes

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Development

BY ELLE BENT, BEN THOMPSON & SIENNA WIGHT

Sports club opens ex space, seeks funding The Dripping Springs Sports Club is raising $20 million to fund a facility near the Headwaters and Sunset Canyon neighborhoods. Groundbreaking is expected in late 2026 ahead of a 2028 opening. The company is seeking investors in the greater Austin area who want “their legacy established in something that is going to stand for several genera- tions,” according to founder and CEO Drew Rose. The overview The DSSC plans to construct a 150,000-square- foot sports facility including: • 6 outdoor pickleball courts • 4 outdoor beach volleyball courts • 1 outdoor basketball court Additionally, an indoor gymnasium with the capacity for: • 4 basketball courts

HOPE Outdoor Gallery reopens in new home HOPE Outdoor Gallery ocially reopened in its new home near the airport, bringing the outdoor art park and creative campus

The proposed Dripping Springs Sports Club could open in 2028.

back to Austin. The background

The gallery launched in 2010 o Baylor Street near 24 Diner and became known as the only art park of its kind in the United States. The original location ocially closed in 2019 to make way for its future home. Opening was delayed to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and permitting. What’s happening The free gallery features outdoor park space, mural walls, a 6,000-square-foot gallery event space, a coee bar, gift shop and art supply store.

• 12 volleyball courts • 16 pickleball courts

The facility will also include a cafe and recre- ational areas. Residents can expect additional commercial development in the area, according to Rose. To help bridge the gap until the new facility is operational, the DSSC team recently opened a ex space on Fitzhugh road. The ex space has been open for about three months, and Rose said over 250 families have participated in programming.

Balance Dance Studios wins city incentive for performing arts expansion project A South Austin performance studio was one of two local businesses to be awarded under the city’s revised economic development incentive program this fall, supporting the facility’s planned multimillion-dollar expansion. The overview City Council approved two local incentive deals Nov. 20 including $547,623 to Balance Dance Studios. The funding will support a $10.52 million, 33,000-square-foot expansion of Balance’s studios with a new theater, green rooms, and multipur- pose event and performance spaces. The new performing arts center will serve as a “cultural hub” increasing the area’s capacity for year-round events, city sta reported. It’ll support more than two dozen jobs and net Austin more than $2.2 million in economic benets. 290 360 Balance Dance Studios

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Community Senior Living Guide

BY SIENNA WIGHT, CHLOE YOUNG & DACIA GARCIA

Opened: over 20 years ago Cost: $4,610-$9,525 per month Total units: 59 Amenities: pet-friendly, concierge services, salon • 7709 Beckett Road, Austin • www.brookdale.com The Legacy at Oak Hill Type: assisted-living, memory care Opened: 2016 Cost: $4,795-$8,500 per month Total units: 65 (assisted living), 20 (memory care) Live Oak Estates Assisted Living Homes Type: assisted-living Opened: January 2008 Cost: not shared Total units: not shared Amenities: 24-hour staffing, medication supervision and monitoring, daily activities, housekeeping • 10212 English Oak Drive, Austin; 3123 Sunland Drive, Austin; 11611 Circle Drive, Austin • www.liveoakestatestx.com Amenities: theater, art studio • 7501 W. Hwy. 290, Austin • www.thelegacyatoakhill.com

Opened: not shared Cost: not shared Total units: not shared

2025

This list is not comprehensive.

Amenities: full-time concierge, transportation, beauty salon, religious services, pet friendly, housekeeping

• 7017 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.sodalissenior.com/austin

Arbor View Type: independent living Opened: 2021 Cost: $1,635-$2,899 per month Total units: 152

Avir at Dripping Springs Type: nursing home/skilled nursing Opened: 1980s Cost: $183 per day Total units: 60 beds Amenities: 24/7 skilled nursing care, pet therapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy, respite care • 1505 W. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs • www.avirhg.com Barton Valley Rehab and Healthcare Center Type: nursing home/skilled nursing Opened: 1968 Cost: covered by most insurance Total units: 122 beds Amenities: TV services, field trips, garden room, beauty and barber shop, therapy gym, Wi-Fi, outdoor area • 4501 Dudmar Drive, Austin • www.nexion-health.com/bartonvalley

Types of communities

Southpark Meadows Nursing and Rehab Center Type: memory care, nursing home/skilled nursing Opened: 2012 Cost: varies Total units: 120 beds with 16 memory care beds Amenities: recreational activities, beauty salon, transportation, outdoor courtyard, secure memory support unit • 9801 S. First St., Austin • www.wellsentialhealth.org/location/southpark- meadows-nursing-and-rehabilitation-center Village on the Park Onion Creek Type: independent living, assisted living apartments Opened: 2016 Cost: $4,510+ per month Total units: 124 Amenities: housekeeping, butterfly garden, transportation for medical appointments

Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care.

Amenities: business center, pool, dog wash and park, movie theater, fitness center, library, community garden, on-site hair salon • 12100 Archeleta Blvd., Austin • www.arborviewlife.com The Auberge at Onion Creek Type: memory care Opened: 2011 Cost: $6,000-$8,400 per month (all-inclusive pricing) Total units: 52 units Amenities: 24/7 on-site or on-call nursing, pharmacy service, medication management, in-house physical, occupational and speech therapy, visiting dental service • 11330 Farrah Lane, Austin • www.aubergeonioncreek.com

SoCo Village Type: assisted-living, memory care Opened: October 2020 Cost: $4,675-$7,215 per month Total units: 99

Amenities: dining room, courtyard, movie theater, rehab gym, salon, art room, game room, library, transportation, walking path, outings • 3700 Payload Pass, Austin • www.socovillage.com

Sodalis Senior Living Type: assisted-living, memory care

Brookdale Beckett Meadows Type: assisted-living, memory care

• 11300 Farrah Lane, Austin • www.voponioncreek.com

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

Community

BY SIENNA WIGHT

Cafe Monet’s ArtReach program brings art therapy to seniors For 25 years, Cafe Monet has provided Austinites with the tools and space to let their creative juices ow. One Cafe Monet program caters to older adults, allowing them to create clay art and engage with their community. “The heart of it all is that it’s designed to sup- port not only the emotional wellness of the older generation, but the social engagement and their own creativity,” owner Jules Winson said. About the program ArtReach is a mobile program that brings clay- art therapy classes to senior communities. In these sessions, they are engaging their minds, bodies, and social skills. The Cafe Monet team oers clay and chat gath- erings; themed workshops; and legacy creations,

where participants craft personal heirlooms to share with their loved ones. According to the website, ArtReach is for independent and assisted living communities; memory-care settings; senior centers and adult day programs; and older adults at home seeking community through creativity. The team teaches close to 25 classes per month in the community. For those with dierent needs or abilities, Winson said she can alter the program to accommodate those individuals. Winson said Cafe Monet plans to expand into more senior communities in Austin and Bastrop, where the business has a second location, in 2026.

290

WESTERN TRIALS BLVD.

4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 560, Austin www.cafemonet.org

The ArtReach program was started almost 10 years ago to support senior communities around Austin.

COURTESY CAFE MONET.

Short-Term Rehab and Long-Term Care Helping Austin get back to living life at its fullest

2101 Frate Barker Rd | brodieranch.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY SIENNA WIGHT

List of services MOWCTX oers various meal and nutritional programs, including: • Home-delivered meals • Healthy Options Program for the Elderly, which provides grocery delivery • Groceries to Go, which has volunteers provide support for grocery shopping • Congregate lunch centers Other services include: • Home repair • Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors, or PALS • Personal care services, such as medication reminders or personal hygiene • Homemaker services, such as laundry, shopping or light housekeeping • Supportive services, such as respite care for caregivers, prescription pickup or company to medical appointments • Concierge services

Meals on Wheels Central Texas relies on volunteers to help deliver daily meals. (Courtesy Meals on Wheels Central Texas)

Meals on Wheels helps Central Texans age with dignity For over half a decade, Meals on Wheels Central Texas has been supporting seniors and function- ally homebound Texans to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

SOURCE: MEALS ON WHEELS CENTRAL TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

scope of its services over the past 52 years. MOWCTX also provides daily social connection and community. Assessing the need A 2024 presentation by the Texas Demographic Center showed that the population 65 and older grew approximately ve times faster than the total U.S. population. “We do not have the infrastructure in place and don’t have the time to build an entire aging network from scratch,” Van de Putte said. MOWCTX services support the elderly pop- ulation, but a lack of government funding has put pressure on the organization. Over the past three years, there has been a de facto 35% cut in

government funding, according to Van de Putte. Additionally, the recent federal government shutdown, which lasted 43 days, resulted in administrative delays. MOWCTX is partially funded by federal and state reimbursement grants, meaning the organization spends money that is later repaid by the government. Van de Putte said any delays in reimbursements are “really hard to deal with.” Quote of note “As we enter the holiday season, ... a lot of the people we serve have outlived a lot of their family and friends,” Van de Putte said. “And so, please don’t forget about those who have no one.”

From meal delivery to home repairs, the nonprot conducts various eorts in the Greater Austin area. “Our mission is to help those who are aging or functionally homebound age in place,” MOWCTX CEO Henry Van de Putte said. “Because that’s the most dignied way to live, and it’s the most economical way to live, and it’s the most humani- tarian way to live.” The big picture Founded in 1972 as a part of Meals on Wheels America, MOWCTX has grown the number and

Ben White ReStore 500 W Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78704

Every ReStore purchase helps build brand new homes for Central Texans.

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Community

BY SIENNA WIGHT

Dripping Springs Community Library raises funds for new mobile library

Mobile resources The Library on Wheels will offer the following:

STEM labs

Story times

The Library on Wheels will offer programming, technology and materials such as books to the community. Immediate plans for programming for the Library on Wheels include the area in and around the Dripping Springs ETJ, Communications Man- ager Christina Thompson said. Anyone who lives, works or attends school in Hays County is eligible to receive a free library card. The ETJ of Dripping Springs spans approxi- mately 110 square miles. Due to the large area of service, some populations, such as senior citizens, have a more difficult time accessing the DSCL. “The two barriers [to access] we’re seeing are lack of transportation ... and the geographic distance,” Thompson said. Library officials plan for the mobile library to be

Dripping Springs residents may soon have increased access to library materials as the Drip- ping Springs Community Library plans to expand its offerings. DSCL is fundraising for a “library on wheels” to bring materials and programming to Dripping Springs and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The DSCL team has secured a funding source that will match every community donation until the end of the year for up to $100,000. The big picture “The Library on Wheels is our next big step forward,” Executive Director of DSCL Mindy Laird said in a news release. “[It’s] a creative, hands-on way to reach more people and share the joy of learning wherever people live, work and play.”

Cultural programs

Books

Technology

SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS COMMUNITY LIBRARY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

operational in April. Those interested in donating can visit www.dscl.org/LibraryOnWheels. As the Dripping Springs population has grown, DSCL has also outgrown its current facility, with officials also raising funds for a new, larger library, as previously reported by Community Impact . The library moved to its current facility in 1998, when it served about 12,000 residents. Now, the it serves over 54,000 residents.

WHEN MEMORY FADES HOPE DOESN'T.

Cognitive decline can steal the past, but it doesn’t have to steal the future. Pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline, Circle of Friends® is a unique, evidence-based program for building brain fitness. It was developed by Belmont Village in collaboration with the nation’s top universities and healthcare institutions — and it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem. BelmontVillage.com/Lakeway 512-253-8507

LAKEWAY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

December

Austin’s New Year Austin’s annual New Year’s event with Visit Austin will feature a drone show, fireworks, food trucks and live music this year. The celebration will be broadcast nationally by CNN. • Dec. 31, 7 p.m.-midnight • Free • Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year

January

Save Our Springs Polar Bear Splash Austinites can “wash off the old and dive into the new year” by jumping into Barton Springs. Hosted by nonprofit Save Our Springs, attendees can also pick up coffee, donuts and pick up a commemorative shirt. • Jan. 1; group jump at 9:30 a.m. • Free • Barton Springs Pool; 2131 William Barton Drive, Austin • www.sosalliance.org Red River Cultural District Free Week The annual Red River Cultural District live music series will return at downtown venues such as Stubb’s Bar-

Texas Brewery Running Series 5k Beer Run Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to enjoy a 5K at the brewery, where they will receive a craft brew, a collector’s pint glass or a seasonal swag item and a chance to win door prizes. The event will also feature live music, games, gifts

and giveaways. • Jan. 24, 11 a.m. • $45.28-$65.74

• St. Elmo Brewing; 440 E. St. Elmo Road, Austin • Eventbrite: 5k Beer Run x St. Elmo Brewing

B-Q, Mohawk and Flamingo Cantina. • Jan. 9-10, performance times vary • Free • Multiple venues across downtown Austin • https://redriverculturaldistrict.org

Who Killed The Love Interest? Hosted by detective Lin Cognito, the small group singles event will bring participants 55 years old and older together to complete puzzles, look for clues and discuss literary tropes. • Jan. 17, 1:30-3 p.m. • Free • 5326 Menchaca Road, Austin • Eventbrite: Who Killed The Love Interest? MLK Community March and Festival Community members can gather in downtown Austin for the annual event to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The festival portion of the event will feature local vendors and musical artists at Huston- Tillotson University.

• Jan. 19, 9:30 a.m.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free

• Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin • www.mlkcelebration.com/celebration-events/ march-and-festival

Dripping Springs Gun Show Big Tex Gun Show Productions will host this event, highlighting a range of vendors selling gear, handbags, blades and more. • Jan. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • $10 (general admission); free (children 12 and under and uniformed officers) • Dripping Springs Ranch Park; 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs • www.bigtexgunshow.com/show-schedule

February

Give & Take: A Partner Yoga Experience Duos will learn guided forms and practices of Thai yoga, acupressure and additional Chinese Medicine practices. • Feb. 7, 2-4:30 p.m. • $70 (early bird price per couple before Jan. 23) • 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 420, Austin • www.flowyogatx.com

Proud to be the only school in Austin fully accredited by the American Montessori Society, serving Infants through Middle School An authentic, compassionate, & joyful Montessori community

() - • www.mariposamontessori.com • Paisano Trail, Austin

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

CapMetro evolves as habits shift From the cover

MOPAC

Rethinking the ride

Transit access across Austin CapMetro’s service area includes a range of route types that move riders within neighborhoods and across the region.

As CapMetro celebrates its 40th anniversary, the agency isn’t just looking back—it’s looking ahead. Four decades after Austin voters created the transit authority, CapMetro finds itself at a crossroads, navigating a region whose commuting patterns look different than they once did. The rise of hybrid work and the decline of the traditional nine-to-five commuters have forced Austin’s public transit agency to confront the problem of how to adapt a system built for a past era to meet the needs of today’s Central Texans. CapMetro’s Transit Plan 2035, adopted Oct. 20, marks what CEO Dottie Watkins calls a sweeping “recalibration” to create a more equitable and widely used transit system. The plan coincides with the agency’s partner initiative Project Connect—the multibillion dollar build-out of Austin’s voter-approved light rail, which is set to begin construction within the next few years. In parts of the metro like Southwest Austin, accessibility, reliability and frequency remain large concerns from public transit advocates and users. City Council member Paige Ellis, who also serves on the CapMetro board, said the agency must “get creative” as it works to increase frequency while managing the costs of operation personnel. CapMetro’s long-term strategy aims to close mobility gaps by bringing access closer to where people live and work. However, providing frequent, fixed-route service remains difficult— especially amid flat sales tax revenue that limits CapMetro’s funding resources, Watkins said. Instead, the agency is leaning on new flexible solutions, such as CapMetro Pickup, an on- demand microtransit service that operates like a shared ride-hail within defined zones. Using smaller vehicles, Pickup helps riders reach bus routes, grocery stores and medical centers, the “last-mile” solution for those that do not live directly near transit stops, agency documents state.

North Austin

Rapid routes

183

1 High frequency 2 Introductory service

MOPAC

Regular bus routes

3 High frequency bus 4 Bus service to and from Austin along major streets 5 Bus service in outlying areas including crosstown, flex and feeder options 6 Express, Flyer 7 UT Shuttle

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183

Rail

MOPAC

Rail Rail shuttle 8 South Congress Transit Center

STATE CAPITOL

183

Austin

MOPAC

South Austin

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CAPMETRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

183

Increased frequency

improvements for other corridors, including Route 310 in Southwest Austin, which is expected to move from its current 30-minute service, to running every 15 minutes and seeing an extension from the South Congress Transit Center to the Eastside Bus Plaza, per the agency’s five-plus-year outlook.

way to attract riders and keep them using transit. The agency aims to achieve a consistent 10-min- ute frequency on its two newest MetroRapid routes—Route 800 and Route 837, serving East Austin—by next summer. The plan outlines additional frequency

Under Transit Plan 2035, CapMetro plans to increase transit frequency primarily to core high-ridership corridors, specifically focusing on its MetroRapid lines and converting several existing bus routes to run more often. Watkins said frequency is the single most effective

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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