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ROUND ROCK EDITION
VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 2 30, 2022
ONLINE AT
O cials urge safety as local wild res spike
Plans advance for Hwy. 79 in Round Rock IMPACTS
6
TRANSPORTATION
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A grass re burned several acres o Cele Road, east of P ugerville, on July 14. (Courtesy Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2)
BY BRIAN RASH & CLAIRE SHOOP Local data shows Wil- liamson and northern Travis counties are experi- encing more wild and grass res so far in 2022 than in the same time frame during
any of the last ve years. This re season is head- lined by the San Gabriel Fire that burned about 450 acres in late July just north of Leander. Figures from Travis
County Emergency Ser- vices District No. 2 and Williamson County Emer- gency Management show 630 wild and grass res occurred within the rst six months this year.
The last time those num- bers were close to that g- ure was in 2018, when both jurisdictions combined saw 484 wild and grass res. As record heat and months CONTINUED ON 30
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
20
Cities to expand water, wastewater treatment capacity as need increases
As Round Rock, P ugerville and Hutto grow, demand for water and wastewater service increases. Over the next decade, demand is expected to increase rapidly. ** Round Rock (2020-30) +5.78 MGD * 15.5% P ugerville (2021-31) +10 MGD * 97.1% RISING DEMAND *MILLION GALLONS PER DAY **DATA FOR HUTTO IS STILL BEING CALCULATED AND IS NOT YET AVAILABLE, ACCORDING TO CITY STAFF.
Summer 2022 in Williamson and Tra- vis counties is quickly becoming one of the driest in recent history, according to Brad Brunett, Brazos River Authority Lower/Central Basin regional manager. The BRA is responsible for develop- ment, management and protection of the Brazos River Basin, and contracts with local municipalities—including Round Rock, P ugerville and Hutto— for water supply. BY CARSON GANONG & BROOKE SJOBERG
Brunett said the 2011 drought that left more than 80% of Texas’ land area in extreme drought at the height of the summer was severe. “[2022 is] certainly a signi cant drought and for sure the worst that we’ve seen since 2011,” Brunett said. Despite recent late August rains in the area that temporarily improved local dry conditions, state experts proj- ect a drought status will likely continue CONTINUED ON 32
BUSINESS FEATURE
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SOURCES: CITIES OF HUTTO, PFLUGERVILLE AND ROUND ROCK COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
DINING FEATURE
29
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM AMY: September brings the beginning of fall and all the increased energy and activities of students being back in school. Parents today have many options for their children’s education. Last month in our Annual Education Edition, we included information about local public schools. In this issue, you can nd a Private and Charter School Guide (page 22), as well as a Preschool Guide (page 26). Amy Leonard Bryant , GENERAL MANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROM BRIAN: Several outdoor res have already occurred this year in Williamson and Travis counties, and experts maintain local prevention e orts remain crucial to help mitigate widespread damage. This issue's cover story is about local e orts to contain risk as drought conditions continue throughout our communities. Brian Rash, SENIOR EDITOR
Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.
WHAT WE COVER
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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Leonard Bryant SENIOR EDITOR Brian Rash REPORTERS Carson Ganong, Brooke Sjoberg GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gloria Gonzalez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ste anie Bartlett METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY CHIEF Andy Comer SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CORPORATE LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Tess Coverman CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 PRESS RELEASES rrknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING rrkads@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
ROUND ROCK NOW OPEN 1 Delizioso Delicatessen & Charcuterie opened Aug. 5 at 1207 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, next to Lonestar Kolaches. Delizioso offers sandwiches, soups, salads, sorbetto, gelato and other specialty items. 512-505-8123. Facebook: Delizioso Delicatessen & Charcuterie 2 El Estadio Restaurant & Sports Bar opened June 17 at 500 Parker Drive, Round Rock, where Deckhands used to be. The menu includes wings and appe- tizers, as well as a variety of seafood, burgers, chicken, pizza and salad. 737- 203-9047. www.elestadioatx.com 3 Fabulous Nobodies Curated Gifts and Fun opened in June at 109 E. Main St., Round Rock. Fabulous Nobodies of- fers paper goods, pet items, accessories, bath and body products, buttons and pins, home and garden products, candles and other gifts. 201-982-6634. https://fabnobodies.com 4 Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers opened July 5 at 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 395, Round Rock. The new lo- cation provides physical therapy through a holistic approach to customized care plans. Services include orthopedic reha- bilitation; audiology; and occupational, physical and pelvic therapy. 512-399-9059. www.fyzical.com
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BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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5 Mad Finds, Yo Resale + Vintage + Oddities opened in June at 109 E. Main St., Round Rock. The vintage shop offers a variety of vintage clothing, including tops, bottoms and accessories, as well as footwear and other specialty goods. 512-920-3463. Facebook: Mad Finds, Yo 6 A locally owned franchise, Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids , opened Aug. 27 at 4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 108, Round Rock. The salon owned by Renee Long is equipped with gaming stations, videos, mini-cures, lollipops and balloons, and each haircut includes a wash, cut and blow dry. 512-215-2040. www.sharkeyscutsforkidsroundrock.com 7 Next Level Urgent Care opened Aug. 19 at 3200 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock. The clinic provides care for chronic and acute illness, fractures, lacerations,
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Sharkey's Cuts for Kids
Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar
The Rock Shot Bar & Patio
Monster Mini Golf and Laser Tag
COURTESY SHARKEY'S CUTS FOR KIDS
BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
BROOKE SJOBERG/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
COURTESY MONSTER MINI GOLF AND LASER TAG
COMING SOON 10 Central Texas Pediatric Orthopedics will open a new location in September at 2051 Gattis School Road, Ste. 645, Round Rock. CTPO has operated for 30 years in Central Texas and has locations in Austin and Cedar Park as well as the Westlake and Four Points areas of Travis County. 512-478-8116. www.ctpomd.com 11 Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar will open Sept. 13 at 2600 N. I-35, Round Rock, according to a company represen- tative. Whiskey Cake serves appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts in addition to beer, wine, signature cocktails and whiskey flights. Biscuits, chicken and waffle plates, French toast, eggs and cocktails are included on the weekend brunch menu. www.whiskeycake.com
EXPANSIONS 12 The Rock Shot Bar & Patio opened June 16 at 112 E. Main St., Round Rock, next to The Rock Sports Bar. Co-owner Michelle Ly said the shot bar offers an ex- panded cocktail and shot selection, fro- zen treats, indoor and outdoor television sets, and an improved patio and deck. 512-358-1175. www.rocksportsbar.com ANNIVERSARIES 13 Monster Mini Golf and Laser Tag, located at 3916 Gattis School Road, Round Rock celebrated its fifth anniver- sary Sept. 22. The monster-themed mini- golf and laser tag venue also features a laser maze and arcade and is locally owned by Amy Smith. The venue is also available to host parties, field trips, fundraisers and
other events. 512-609-8180. https://monsterminigolf.com 14 Round Rock Garden Center , located at 901 Sam Bass Road, Round Rock, celebrated 20 years of operation Aug. 7. The garden center, locally owned by Jeff and Stephanie Ramert, offers a variety of flowers, herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, garden pottery and other gardening supplies. 512-255-3353. https://roundrockgardens.com 15 Texas Spanish Academy celebrat- ed 10 years in business in August at its location at 201 W. Bagdad Ave., Round Rock. Texas Spanish Academy offers Spanish-immersion programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Locally owned by Edina Morrison, Texas Spanish Acade- my has a second location at 2471 E. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock. 512-488-1975. https://txspanishacademy.com
contusions and other non-life-threatening injuries from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week. 281-783-8162. www.nextlevelurgentcare.com 8 Urban Euphoria CBD opened June 2 at 581 University Blvd., Ste. 100, Round Rock. Urban Euphoria offers CBD products as well as health and wellness products. The shop also offers special services available by appointment. Those include chiropractic adjustments and foot detoxes. 512-394-5777. www.urbaneuphoriacbd.com 9 A new Wash ‘N Roll Express Car Wash opened July 28 at 3050 FM 1431, Round Rock. Wash ‘N Roll offers machine car washes, free vacuums, a mat-cleaning machine and various cleaners for drivers to use on their vehicles. 512-361-1722. www.washroll.com
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
Minnesota, according to company informa- tion. Franchise owner Angela Barraza said the Pflugerville clinic will offer therapy for patients of all ages and has a team of licensed therapists with a variety of spe- cialties and certifications. 512-379-7728. www.elliementalhealth.com 6 A new neighborhood sports bar called The Victory Tap will open soon at 111 E. Main St., Pflugerville. Co-owner Rob Clem said he and partner Tripp Wiggins plan to open the bar in October or Novem- ber. The Victory Tap will be located next to the Prost Alehouse brewery that is also coming soon. Clem said The Victory Tap will feature 20 beers on tap, a large patio, ample indoor seating and multiple televi- sions for watching sports. The business’s website is still under construction. CLOSINGS 7 The Rio Grande Tex-Mex Restaurant location in Pflugerville at 15821 Central Commerce Drive closed permanently Aug. 7. General Manager Priscilla Orona said the location at 551 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto, will continue operating as normal, and she plans to expand the location by adding a tortilla station and a bakery. Rio Grande Tex-Mex serves a wide-ranging menu that includes fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos and nachos and offers a full bar. 512-759-1449. www.riograndemex.com
tables, board games, arcade games and bar accessories. Billiard Factory was originally planned to open in late 2021, but store manager Dominic Sperazza said construction hurdles delayed the opening. 512-271-7000. www.billiardfactory.com 3 A new strength gym called Home Barbell Club opened July 1 at 1900 E. Howard Lane, Pflugerville. Owner Jessie Contour said the local gym focuses on powerlifting, weightlifting and strength training and is open 24 hours a day for members. The gym also offers classes for powerlifting and weightlifting. 512-593-2044. www.homebarbellclub.com COMING SOON 4 An Austin Achieve Public Schools campus will open at 1900 E. Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville, by July 2023. Information from Digital Communication Manager Eloy Pacheco states construction, which began this year on a vacant lot east of Aldi and Chase Bank near FM 685, should be complete by next June, and the campus will accommodate 1,000 students. Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment charter school that has two other campuses in Austin. https://austinachieve.org 5 A new clinic called Ellie Mental Health is opening in mid-September at 701 FM 685, Ste. 450, Pflugerville, in the North Forest Office Park. Ellie Mental Health is a national chain that started in 2015 in
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PFLUGERVILLE NOW OPEN
services includes general primary care, preventive counseling and in-house lab work. 512-640-0641. https://arohamedical.com 2 A new Billiard Factory store opened in early July at 19116 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville. The Houston-based franchise sells pool tables and accessories as well as shuffleboards, pingpong tables, dartboards, game room furniture, foosball
1 Aroha Medical opened July 14 at 1317 Picadilly Drive, Unit C-302, Pflugerville. This direct primary care practice provides a type of health care for which patients pay a monthly fee for direct access to their physician. Aroha Medical’s scope of
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY CARSON GANONG & BRIAN RASH
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the spot formerly occupied by Pustka Family Barbeque, which moved to Tem- ple in early July. Warbiana said Kona’s also caters events including parties and 132
now Hutto. 512-642-6180. www.pollosasadoselnorteno.com
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5 Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened July 25 at 326 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 120, Hutto. The Georgia-based chain has a menu that includes smoothies, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. Tropical Smoothie Cafe has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. 512-846-4008. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com ANNIVERSARIES 6 Tiger Rock Martial Arts Academy at 503 W. Front St., Hutto will celebrate its 15th business anniversary Oct. 1. Tiger Rock employs several trained instructors and offers martial arts classes for all ages as well as summer camp and after-school programs. 512-846-1112. https://tigerrockhutto.com
weddings. 512-818-6580. Facebook: Kona's TX BBQ
3 A Mattress Firm opened July 6 at 722 Hwy. 79, Ste. 150, Hutto. Mattress Firm is a national retail chain that specializes in mat- tresses, bedding and bedroom furniture as well as bed frames and other accessories. 737-279-7474. www.mattressfirm.com 4 Mexican restaurant Pollos Asados El Norteno opened a second brick- and-mortar location at 133 E. Front St., Ste. 500, Hutto, in late July. The menu includes gorditas, tortas and its signa- ture roasted chicken. Pollos Asados El Norteno started as a food truck but has since opened restaurants in Austin and
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HUTTO NOW OPEN
Hutto, Baked ‘n Sconed serves an array of coffees, teas, fresh baked goods and
lunch dishes. 512-222-5200. https://bakednsconed.com
2 Food truck Kona’s TX BBQ opened Aug. 4 at 209 Farley St., Hutto. The menu at Kona's has a selection of Tex- as-style smoked meats and sandwiches. Owner Shawn Warbiana said Kona’s fills
1 After closing its dining room in March 2020, bakery and coffee shop Baked ‘n Sconed reopened for dining in, in mid- June, according to owner Tiffany Anders. Located at 143 Exchange Blvd., Ste. 100,
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
TO DO LIST
September & October events
Curious what is selling in your neighborhood? Scan me
*All prices shown are list price
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
realtyaustin.com/p/9194228
realtyaustin.com/p/2951750
$520,000
$535,000
SEPT. 16 17
CAMP OUT WITH THE FAMILY OLD SETTLERS PARK
5 bds
3 ba
2,246 sq ft
4 bds
3 ba
2,289 sq ft
The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department presents the annual Family Campout at Old Settlers Park. Participants will set up tents, eat dinner, play games, sleep under the stars and wake up for a sunrise breakfast. Participants must bring their own camping equipment, and online registration is required. 4 p.m. Sept. 16-8:30 a.m. Sept. 17. $15. 512-218-5540. www.roundrocktexas.gov
16806 Sabertooth Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681 Michelle Allen | 512-800-9155
5805 Livorno Cv, Round Rock, TX 78665 Lance Huebel | 512-848-7577
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
SEPTEMBER 10 SEE A BALL GAME AND A CONCERT The Round Rock Express play the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Dell Diamond as part of a Saturday night event that features ‘80s tribute group The Spazmatics. 6:05 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. 512-255-2255. www.milb.com/round-rock 10 SUPPORT LOCAL VENDORS AT AN OUTDOOR MARKET Get a jump on holiday shopping at an outdoor market featuring 50 unique vendors hosted by Shimmering Scents with Crystal and Cilla’s Sassy Creations. The event is both pet- and family- friendly. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. 1705 Gattis School Road, Round Rock. Facebook: Cilla’s Sassy Creations and Shimmering Scents with Crystal 10 LEARN ABOUT AREA BATS The Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District will host a family- friendly event at Community Center Park centered on educating participants about local bats. The Brushy Creek Bat Fest will feature live music, a bounce house, train rides and a dizzy bat race. Representatives from the Austin Bat Refuge and Texas Parks and Wildlife will also be in attendance. Noon-2 p.m. Free. 16318 S. Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock. 512-255-7871. www.bcmud.org 11 ATTEND A 9 11 CEREMONY American Legion George Johns Post 447 will host a Sept. 11 event at its post in Round Rock. Breakfast will be served from 8-9:30 a.m. The rst moment of silence will be at 8:46 a.m, and a ceremony will follow to honor rst responders and veterans. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. American Legion George Johns Post 447, 1000 N. Georgetown St., Round Rock. 512-244- 0480. Facebook: George Johns Post 447 11 PICK UP SOME LOCAL ARTISAN WARES The Hutto Silos Farmers Market will feature products from area farmers and
artisans that include handmade crafts and fresh food. The market was created to provide a cooperative and organized marketing alternative for small-scale agricultural and specialty products. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Hutto Co-Op, 420 Hwy. 79, Hutto. 214-304-0070 18 SEE CLASSIC CARS The Round Rock Police O cers Association and the city of Round Rock will host the Round Rock Car Show. The event is family-friendly, but organizers are restricting loud music and drag racing at the show. Cars and trucks may be entered in categories including classic, collector, sport and antique. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Old Settlers Park, 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. Facebook: Round Rock Car Show 18 RACE TO AN AUTOCROSS EVENT The Spokes autocross club will be in Hutto as part of the group’s ninth seasonal event to show o cars and their capabilities. An autocross uses tra c cones to make a mini roadcourse to see which driver can get the lowest time. The event in Hutto will take place at the Brushy Creek Amphitheater. Participants must register in advance at the Spokes website. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Entry fee starts at $26. Brushy Creek Amphitheater, 1001 CR 137, Hutto. www.spokes.org 23 LISTEN TO THE MUSICAL STYLINGS OF T.I. 102.3 The Beat will bring rapper T.I. to Round Rock Amp for an all-ages show. No outside chairs, food or drinks are allowed at the venue. 6-11 p.m. $40- $150. Round Rock Amp, 3701 N. I-35, Round Rock. http://roundrockamp.com 24 SEE RANDY ROGERS PERFORM KASE 101.9 and 98.1 KVET will bring country musician Randy Rogers to Round Rock Amp for a live performance as part of the Country Music Live series. The show is part of Rogers’ national tour. All guests over the age of 2 are required to purchase a ticket. 6-11 p.m. $35-$150. Round Rock Amp, 3701 N. I-35, Round Rock. http://roundrockamp.com
realtyaustin.com/p/4362559
realtyaustin.com/p/2700727
$676,900
$724,999
5 bds
2.5 ba 4,764 sq ft
5 bds
3 ba
2,647 sq ft
425 Boone Valley Dr, Round Rock, TX 78664 Kathy and Winona Team | 512-924-1644
11628 Yeadon Way, Austin, TX 78717 Rosalia Chiu | 512-470-6978
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
realtyaustin.com/p/4019705
realtyaustin.com/p/5380447
$835,000
$900,000
4 bds
3 ba
2,612 sq ft
4 bds
3.5 ba 3,434 sq ft
15313 Sisters Cir, Austin, TX 78717 Kevin Hutchison | 512-740-4663
15405 Prestancia Dr, Austin, TX 78717 Natalie Roush | 512-203-2895
ACTIVE
PENDING
realtyaustin.com/p/1907768
realtyaustin.com/p/7770924
$900,000
$730,000
4 bds
2.5 ba 3,362 sq ft
5 bds
4 ba
2,790 sq ft
14912 Cordero Dr, Austin, TX 78717 Brooks Lawson | 512-956-6031
6801 County Rd 110, Round Rock, TX 78665 Patti Simon | 512-913-4124
PENDING
SOLD
realtyaustin.com/p/1262956
realtyaustin.com/p/7804075
$820,000
$615,000
4 bds
3 ba
3,192 sq ft
3 bds
2.5 ba 2,271 sq ft
819 Blue Spring Cir, Round Rock, TX 78681 Kevin McCord | 512-784-9644
2927 Bluffstone Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665 Kelvin Glover | 512-400-6035
Be confident and secure in selling your home. Visit RealtyAustin.com/Sell to look up your home’s value.
10
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY CARSON GANONG & BROOKE SJOBERG
SEPT. 24
ATTEND A COMIC CON PFLUGERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The P ugerville Public Library will host the 6th Annual Library Con. The event will feature a full day of panels, crafts, live music and gaming. Special guests include comic authors, voice actors and cosplayers. Attendees are welcome to wear costumes. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. P ugerville Public Library, 1008 W. P uger St., P ugerville. 512-990-6375. https://library.p ugervilletx.gov
24 LEARN ABOUT LOCAL SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Casey’s Circle, a nonpro t organization dedicated to supporting families of special needs children, will partner with Round Rock Parks and Recreation to bring crafts, games, snacks and opportunities to teach about local resources in Play For All Abilities Park. The park will be closed to the public on this day for the event. Registration required. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Play for All Abilities Park, 151 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock. www.caseyscircle.org 27 LEARN LEADERSHIP SKILLS Round Rock Chambermasters, a local a liate of Toastmasters International, a global nonpro t that teaches communication and leadership skills, will host a lunchtime event at the Round Rock Public Library. Participants do not need to be club members to participate, but membership is open to all parties over 18 years old. Noon-1 p.m. Free. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. 512-218-7001. www.roundrocktexas.gov 29 LEARN ABOUT THE HOTTEST NEW BOOKS The P ugerville Public Library will host the Fall Book Buzz. Local librarians will review new and upcoming ction, non ction and adult graphic novels, and the rst 30 registrants will receive a book box that includes an advance copy of a book. Online registration is required. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. P ugerville Public Library, 1008 W. P uger St., P ugerville. 512-990-6375. https://library.p ugervilletx.gov 30 SEE LIVE MUSIC IN A PARK Austin-based Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda will bring its interpretation of the legendary Tejana star to P uger Park for the summer series Music in the Park. The annual outdoor concert series is pet-friendly, and attendees may bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. P uger Park, 515 City Park Road, P ugerville. 512-990-6350. https://parks.p ugervilletx.gov
OCTOBER 02 ATTEND A HARVEST FESTIVAL The Heritage House Partners’ annual Harvest Fest will feature music, family photo-ops, games, face painting, food and tours of the Heritage House Museum. There will also be antique bikes on display and a demonstration by the Austin Lace Guild. 1-4 p.m. Free. 901 Old Austin-Hutto Road, P ugerville. 512-990-6375. https://library.p ugervilletx.gov 07 THROUGH 08 PARTICIPATE IN AN ANNUAL CHALK WALK The annual Round Rock Chalk Walk Arts Festival returns with local artists creating chalk murals on sidewalks. The event draws tens of thousands of people and includes dozens of artists, vendors, kids’ activities, food, drinks, theatrical performances and a concert each night. 2-9 p.m. (Fri.), 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sat.). Free. Dell Diamond, 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. www.roundrockarts.org WORTH THE TRIP CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin • 512 600 5000 SEPT. 24 25 HEAD OUT TO COTA FOR A MUSIC FESTIVAL Blended Festival is coming to Austin at the Circuit of The Americas. Featuring headlining acts such as the Chainsmokers, G-Easy and Galantis as well as a 100-foot wine tent, various acts will perform on two stages at the venue. 2 p.m.-midnight (Sat.), 1 p.m.- 10 p.m. (Sun.). $149-$459. Circuit of The Americas, Lot F 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin www.blendedfestival.com
Find more or submit local events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION
Plans for Hwy. 79 improvements, upgrades continue in Round Rock
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
they do not control,” Hudder said in late July. Another mitigation e ort required under state law will be highway traf- c and construction noise abatement, pending results of a noise workshop and design considerations, according to TxDOT Public Information O cer Bradley Wheelis. The next steps in the project fol- lowing the environmental clearance will involve completion of rights-of- way acquisitions. Additionally, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is conducting a corridor study on an 18-mile section of Hwy. 79 from A.W. Grimes Blvd. to FM 619 in Taylor. That section of the highway connects Round Rock to Hutto and Taylor and is one of several regional corridors being evaluated, according to CAMPO Community Outreach Coordinator Doise Miers. CAMPO is undergoing evaluation of a number of corridors throughout the six-county region to assist TxDOT with preliminary planning and some early design and engineering,” Miers said. “With the CAMPO region grow- ing so rapidly, these corridor studies will identify needs and help prepare for future improvements.” During a July CAMPO Technical Advisory Committee meeting, con- sultants with BGE Inc. said the next steps include providing a timeline for the project. Planning and project development for the study is set for December, according to information from CAMPO.
As Round Rock and the surrounding area continues to expand, o cials are working to ensure a major east-west corridor running through the area can handle the growth and tra c. The Texas Department of Trans- portation released preliminary reports Aug. 4 for a project to widen and improve Hwy. 79 from the intersection at I-35 to A.W. Grimes Boulevard in Round Rock. The 2.5-mile project will widen the highway with an additional travel lane and add an underpass at Mays Street and an overpass at FM 1460. Project work also includes adding a raised median, modifying driveways and installing shared-use paths on both sides of Hwy. 79. Information from TxDOT states the project will have no signi cant impact on the existing human and natural environment beyond the relo- cation of a wall at the Texas Baptist Children’s Home at the highway’s intersection with Mays, and driveway pillars of the Henna House, a historic home located nearby. Proposed improvements to Hwy. 79 are pending the completion of right-of-way acquisition. Round Rock Transportation Director Gary Hudder said the city asked TxDOT to provide information regarding rights of way, as the city has taken over the design of the project. “Part of what we’ve asked [TxDOT] for, as we go through the early design phase, is to help establish what right of way is going to be established that
O cials recently proposed a plan to widen Hwy. 79 from Round Rock east to Taylor.
BROOKE SJOBERG COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
PROJECT IMPACT A report from the Texas Department of Transportation shows a project to widen and improve Hwy. 79 will have no signi cant human or environmental impact. These mitigation measures are required by environmental laws, according to the report, as well as the National Historic Preservation Act. 1 Relocation of wall at the Texas Baptist Children’s Home 2 Relocation of driveway pillars of the Henna House Timeline: TBD
AFTER COMPLETION After the project is completed, the 2.5-mile stretch of Hwy. 79 running from I-35 to A.W. Grimes Blvd. will have several new features and upgrades. O cials say the improvements will help reduce tra c slowdowns, increase safety and make the thoroughfare more pedestrian- friendly. Upgrades include: • An underpass at the intersection of Hwy. 79 and Mays St. • An overpass at the intersection of Hwy. 79 and A.W. Grimes to improve mobility and safety. • A recon gured intersection at I-35 and Hwy. 79. • Improved accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cost: estimated $50 million Funding source: unfunded
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SOURCE: TXDOT COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES O cials OK contract to update city's transportation master plan
COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG
ONGOING PROJECTS
RETHINKING THE ROADS A revision to the Transportation Master Plan in Round Rock includes studies on two large thoroughfares in need of improvements: McNeil and Sam Bass roads.
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A plan to update several major thoroughfares in Round Rock moved a step further this summer. Round Rock o cials approved a $574,000 engineering contract with Kimley-Horn for engineering services of the city’s Transportation Master Plan update during a July 28 meeting. The Round Rock Transportation Master Plan, last updated in 2017, provides a roadmap as the city plans for growth, determining the needs of current and future residents in terms of vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle tra c. Once revised, the plan will include an updated capital improvement
every ve years. Studies of McNeil and Sam Bass roads will also be conducted as part of the update. Both are considered right-of-way-constrained roadways, meaning that there is little room to expand the existing roadway. City documents state more detailed devel- opment concepts are necessary to make improvements to the roadways, and those applications can be used on other streets with similar constraints. Round Rock Transportation Direc- tor Gary Hudder said transportation master plans are typically updated every ve to 10 years.
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Kenney Fort Boulevard upgrades Round Rock o cials approved a funding increase for construction of Kenney Fort Boulevard Segments 2 and 3 on July 28. The increase will pay for added culvert parts, sprinkler system repairs, a striping adjustment and an additional month of barri- cades. The $89,000 increase brings the total to $25,243,268.04, up from $25,154,363.65. Timeline: January 2022-spring 2023 Cost: $25.24 million Funding source: city of Round Rock
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plan, which will serve as the basis for the city’s roadway impact fee pro- gram that is required to be updated Interlocal agreement extended for ACC Round Rock bus stop Round Rock City Council voted The contract will be paid through the city’s Transportation and Eco- nomic Development Corp. Timeline: July-TBD Cost: $574,000 Funding source: city of Round Rock 1460
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South Mays gateway improvements Round Rock city sta con rmed Aug. 8 that a project to upgrade portions of Mays Street is on track to be complete by late 2022. Work began in April and includes adding walls and screening to conceal dumpsters and utilities, new signage
Once the transit plan is nalized, some routes may see signi cant changes, although the o cial update to the master plan has not yet been released, Hudder said. The city of Round Rock extended its contract with Capital Metro through Sept. 30, 2022, at a Septem- ber 2021 council meeting to cover rider fare revenue shortfalls driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension raised the total cost by $388,201 from $4,858,242 to $5,246,443 to cover the $186,261 in fare box revenue shortfall, as well as the $201,940 cost of running the buses for an additional two months.
July 28 to extend an interlocal agree- ment with Austin Community College to continue use of a Capital Metro bus stop owned by the city and located on the ACC Round Rock campus. According to city documents, the terms of the extension will remain the same until new route changes are implemented Jan. 6, when the stop will be relocated o campus. The move comes as the city updates its Transit Master Plan, which is in the engineering stage, according to a July 28 presentation from Transportation Department Director Gary Hudder.
and a new lighting system. Timeline: April-late 2022 Cost: $2.52 million Funding source: Round Rock Transportation and Economic Development Corp.
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The agreement is underwritten through the city’s general fund. The city has contracted with Capital Metro since 2017 to provide public transportation to its residents, both locally and between Round Rock and Austin.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 22. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT RRKNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DEVELOPMENT BRIEFS
Projects underway in Round Rock
COMPILED BY BROOKE SJOBERG
Sabey Data Centers coming to Round Rock
The data center company will also make a total of $185 million in real property improvements and invest $5 million in business personal property. Site plans show a total of two buildings housing data storage will be built on the property. This is the second data center to locate in Round Rock in the past year. Site work began on the Switch data center adjacent to Dell Technologies property in March. "What we see is tremendous opportunity to bring what we do best to a community that can work with us to make it even better," SDC President Robert Rockwood said. John Sabey, CEO of SDC’s parent company, Sabey Corp., said the 535,000-square-foot project joins the company’s ve existing data centers in Ashburn, Virginia; New York City; and Quincy, Wenatchee and Seattle, Washington.
Construction will begin soon in Round Rock on a $185 million data center, though a rm date is not yet set. Seattle-based Sabey Data Centers broke ground on its rst Texas location July 20 at 1300 Louis Henna Blvd. SDC will construct its data center on property formerly occupied by a Sears call center. Once completed, the facility’s operation will bring 20 primary jobs to the area. In return, as part of an economic development agreement approved by Round Rock City Council in February, the city will pay out a total of $1 million in incentives in two payments. The incentives will reimburse SDC for half of its demolition costs. City Council approved a rezoning request in April for the property. The change allowed the land to be used for the construction of a data center.
Sabey Corp. and Round Rock o cials held a groundbreaking for the Sabey Data Center July 20.
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O cials execute agreement for a ordable housing development in Round Rock ETJ
New mixed-use project coming to Hwy. 79 and Kenney Fort Boulevard A new mixed-use project could bring up to 530 housing units and commer- cial space to the northwest corner of Kenney Fort Boulevard and Hwy. 79. Round Rock City Council on July 28 approved annexation and rezon- ing requests as well as a utilities service agreement regarding the residential project. The trio of action items included a request to rezone an 8.96-acre plot of land to a planned unit development, or PUD, to allow for mixed residential and commercial use. Additionally the development will be serviced by city water and wastewater utilities, and the city will
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any property tax exemptions or abatements. The agreement does not include any economic develop- ment incentives. Council also approved an out-of- city wastewater agreement for the development that will help the city bring its wastewater line closer to crossing SH 130, Utilities Depart- ment Director Michael Thane said.
By unanimous vote, city o cials on July 14 authorized Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan to execute a development agreement with property owner LSBD Inc. for a future a ordable housing option near SH 130. The 9.37-acre property is located in the Round Rock extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, and is adjacent to the SH 130 frontage, according to city documents. Under the agreement, the development could bring between 200 and 300 units, Planning and Development Department Director Brad Wiseman said. The city’s agreement stipulates that the developer will not seek
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annex 7.29 acres of the property. The city previously annexed the property’s frontage along Hwy. 79 in 1979, according to city documents. The development is located diag- onally across from Kalahari Resorts Texas to the southeast and north of Hwy. 79 across from another PUD approved by council in 2021. The commercial section of the property will operate under a limit- ed-use zoning, prohibiting commer- cial uses such as drive-thrus, fuel sales and auto service facilities.
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ROUND ROCK EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
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