Northwest Austin Edition | December 2025

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Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 19, ISSUE 11 DEC. 30, 2025FEB. 3, 2026

Arboretum area sees growth over 40 years

BY DACIA GARCIA

As one of Texas’ rst lifestyle hubs for dining, shopping and entertainment, Austin’s Arboretum neighborhood has evolved from a booming attraction to a family-forward residential neighborhood, The Arboretum Property Manager Kelly Bohart said. The area is home to a handful of

shopping centers, including The Arbo- retum, its namesake that celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. “It was the new Austin back in the

day, it was The Domain back in the day. But now if you want a place to go where you can just relax, be authentic and feel like you’re in Austin, and have the real traditional Austin hang out, that’s what The Arboretum has become,” Bohart said. The shopping center and its surrounding com- munity have since grown, with additional shopping experiences such as The Domain and Domain Northside shifting the role of the neighborhood. The Arboretum shopping center has seen a variety of business changes throughout the decades as a result of the developing community. The Arboretum may be impacted by more change in the near future, due to the proposed partial demolition of nearby shopping center Arboretum Crossing, as stated in city site plans. Arboretum Crossing is on the east side of US 183 North, across the highway from The Arboretum shopping center.

Amy’s Ice Creams opened during The Arboretum’s inaugural year, making it the longest-lasting retailer at the shopping center today. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Impacts: Check out new coee shop Neon Belly o Burnet Road (Page 6)

Development: Find out more on UT, MD Anderson’s plans for North Austin (Page 11)

Transportation: See the latest updates on 5 Northwest Austin road projects (Page 12)

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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. About Community Impact

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

Taylor Stover General Manager tstover@ communityimpact.com

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

LYNDHURST ST.

Giza in Egypt. Tickets for the experience range from $26-$32 and are open to anyone 8 years old or older

45 TOLL

and at least 4’6”. • Opened Dec. 5

KRAMER LN.

620

• 11000 Middle Fiskville Road, Ste. A1, Austin • www.horizonkheopsexperience.com/austin

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

AMY DONOVAN PLAZA

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

4 Smashed N’ Sauced The restaurant serves smash burgers made from premium-grade beef and covered in one of the business’ signature sauces, along with Nashville hot chicken, hot dogs and fries. • Opened Nov. 7 • 12129 N. RM 620, Ste. 448, Austin • www.smashednsauced.com 5 Zzim Korean Grill The restaurant serves a variety of Korean cuisine such as grilled premium meats, stews, appetizers such as corn cheese and its signature galbijjim dish, or braised beef short ribs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. • Opened in November • 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. B-204, Austin • Instagram: zzim.korean.grill

POND SPRINGS RD.

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6 Eterna Jewels The jewelry store will sell rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, charms and bridal items at The Domain. • Opening late December • 3220 Amy Donovan Plaza, Ste. 116, Austin • www.eternajewels.com 7 Austin Padel Center The 22,000-square-foot sports facility will feature six indoor and three outdoor climate-controlled padel courts along with other amenities such as a recovery lounge, locker rooms, pro shop, sports bar and private meeting rooms. • Opening in 2026 • 1205 Sheldon Cove, Bldg. 4, Ste. A-H, Austin

MIDDLE FISKVILLE RD.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Glo30 The skincare space offers cosmetic services such as facials, Botox, wrinkle relaxers, filler and more. • Opened in mid-December • 3310 W. Braker Lane, Ste. 400, Austin • www.glo30.com 3 Horizon of Khufu The 45-minute long virtual reality experience takes users through the Giza Plateau and Great Pyramid of

Now open

1 Dominican Delights The food truck serves Dominican street food such as empanadas, chimichurri burgers, chicharrones and salchipapas. • Opened Oct. 4 • 907 Kramer Lane, Austin • Instagram: dominicandelightsatx

8 Skin Pharm The medical and beauty spa provides a variety

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of cosmetic services such as Botox, fillers and microneedling, and carries its own skincare line. • Opening in fall 2026 • 11515 Burnet Road, Ste. 780, Austin • www.skinpharm.com 9 Staybridge Suites The hotel will feature 100 rooms with standard amenities such as guest laundry facilities, outdoor grilling stations, a fitness center, a pool and meeting facilities. • Opening in October

Now open

Coming soon

• 7710 N. RM 620, Austin • www.ihg.com/staybridge

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

13 Neon Belly The coffee shop serves locally-roasted coffee, matcha, pastries and gelato. Owner Kathleen Wainwright and her husband Tony Latto developed the concept for the business, inspired by the couple’s love of the jujitsu, yoga and running

16 Donkey Mo’s Korean Fried Chicken The restaurant will open its second Austin location and serve double-fried Korean chicken wings, tenders, nuggets, sandwiches, shrimp baskets and other snacks and sides. • Opening in April • 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 502, Austin • www.donkeymos.com

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

10 Crunch Fitness The franchised gym is slated to open another location in Austin, per a TDLR filing. The gym offers cardio and strength training equipment, personal training, and a High Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, area. • Opening TBD • 8716 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin • https://info.crunch.com

scenes in the city. • Opened Nov. 15 • 8312 Burnet Road, Ste. 101, Austin • www.neonbellycoffee.com

Relocations

11 Blessed Ink Tattoos The tattoo parlor relocated from North Lamar Boulevard and features several tattoo artists specializing in a variety of tattoo styles. • Relocated in November • 2007 Kramer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin • Instagram: blessed.ink.atx

14 K-Pop Austin The store relocated from its location at Hana World Market to inside the Anderson Mill and RM 620 H-E-B Plus. The store sells a variety of K-pop merchandise. • Relocating Dec. 16

Closings

17 Nagoya Steak and Sushi The restaurant closed in November, citing challenges finding a teppanyaki chef to take over the kitchen as a contributing factor. The restaurant served authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi and hibachi- grilled meats, as well as a variety of steaks and sides. The location will be the future site of an authentic Sichuan Chinese restaurant, according to a Facebook post from the business. • Closed Nov. 22

• 11521 N. RM 620, Austin • Instagram: kpopaustin

12 Cafe du Bliss The coffee shop will relocate from its current location at Hana World Market when the market closes. The shop serves a variety of lattes, frappes, smoothies, teas and matcha drinks, along with snacks such as croffles and taiyaki. • Relocating in January • 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 136, Austin • www.cafedubliss.com

In the news

15 Austin Screen Printing and Embroidery The business offering screen printing and embroidery services celebrated its 50th anniversary in August.

• 11630 N. RM 620, Austin • www.nagoyaaustin.com

• 8613 Cross Park Drive, Austin • www.austinscreenprinting.com

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

Austin leaders enact budget revisions after Prop Q failure

Austin officials unanimously approved a reduced $6.3 billion budget and tax rate for the city’s fiscal year 2025-26, weeks after voters rejected a tax hike under Proposition Q and prompted the budget revision process. 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. The budget revisions largely addressed the nearly $1.5 billion general fund, which includes public safety departments; public health; home- lessness and housing programs; and parks, library, animal services, and arts and culture operations. Council members had advanced the overturned tax increase to support most of those areas given concerns about state and federal funding impacts, and to expand higher-profile city services. In November, city budget staff recommended a

Austin taxpayer impacts

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

Property taxes

Utility charges

City fees

$1,969.56 $2,074.28 $2,242.8

$2,557.92 $2,603.76 $2,732.4

$920.04 $988.8

FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 (revised) FY 2026-27 (planned)

$1,042.92

$1K

$2K

$3K

$4K

$5K

$6K

$7K

$8K

NOTE: ESTIMATES BASED ON AUSTIN'S MEDIAN HOMESTEAD VALUE, TYPICAL CUSTOMER UTILITY AND SERVICE USAGE, AND TYPICAL SINGLE-FAMILY HOME CHARACTERISTICS AS DEFINED BY THE CITY.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

and members spent the last few weeks reviewing how to trim that added spending. The Proposition Q tax hike would’ve been just over $300 for the median homeowner. A steeper rise in city costs is on the horizon. The typical resident can expect to pay several hundred dollars more in property taxes, utility bills and city fees next year—a roughly 6.2% increase—following this year’s 4% jump, based on city projections.

path to removing most extra Proposition Q spend- ing, which had centered largely on homelessness response, public safety and parks upkeep. They suggested further reductions to shift more than $7 million toward those and other council priorities. The big picture The Proposition Q election was called after City Council passed a budget this summer backed by a higher tax rate to fund a range of their priorities,

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Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

City reports on 1st year of ‘HOME’ building policy Hundreds of new units were cleared for construc- tion during the initial year of the Home Ownership for Middle-income Empowerment, or HOME, initiative’s first phase. The overview The policy allowing more housing on single-fam- ily lots was approved in late 2023 and became effective in February 2024. Over the following year, applications for 436 housing units in duplexes and two- or three-unit projects were approved along with 148 single-family infill projects. New developments under HOME averaged 4,172 square feet and covered an average of 41.62% of their sites with impervious cover, or surfaces such as buildings and driveways that don’t absorb rainfall. HOME doesn’t appear to have spurred a wave of residential demolition, a concern among some

The impact The economic agreement Austin City Council approved for Southwest includes: $180,000 average pay for Southwest’s new employees $2,750 -per-job incentive from city of Austin for Austin resident employees 10% of Southwest’s incentives will support a city child care assistance fund 4-year firefighter contract approved City and Austin Firefighters Association leaders agreed to a new labor contract on Dec. 18, capping off months of negotiations. What happened A new working schedule with reduced weekly hours will be implemented as staffing increases under the new contract, expected to cost about $63 million over four years. Officials said the deal will improve hiring, promotions, pay and firefighter wellness. The agreement also maintains fire depart- ment operations unless the city ever reaches a “severe financial crisis.” If such budget issues arise, a new collaborative framework was created for both sides to agree on next steps and possible impacts to fire engines or stations.

HOME review Austin’s one-year HOME report found:

Declining residential demolitions Slightly lower sales prices for homes on smaller lots A slightly higher share of applications in areas at risk of displacement Minimal impacts on traffic, trash service, drainage and tree canopies

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

opponents to the initiative. One- and two-unit demolitions were already slowing before HOME’s implementation and continued to fall after it went into effect. The impact on residential displacement isn’t clear up to this point. Based on limited results so far, city staff reported HOME is potentially playing out as officials had hoped—encouraging smaller housing units at lower price points—although they said more time is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Southwest Airlines to expand at Austin airport City and state officials gathered Dec. 12 to mark Southwest Airlines’ planned expansion at Aus- tin-Bergstrom International Airport, a day after City Council signed off on a $5.5 million economic incentive deal with the airline. The big picture Southwest’s relocation of its command center and establishment of a new pilot and flight

attendant base at the airport is expected to bring 2,000 new jobs to ABIA by mid-2027, plus thou- sands more related jobs throughout the commu- nity. The crew base will open in March with about 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants. Southwest’s growing footprint also ties into the city’s ongoing expansion of ABIA, including the development of a second terminal where the airline could lease up to 18 new gates.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Development

BY BEN THOMPSON

UT, MD Anderson Medical Center may move to North Austin

North Austin is under consideration. “We’re not just building an integrated academic medical center, we’re building a district for the future. For that reason, we are looking at a larger site on UT land north of campus near The Domain to allow for a long-term vision for this monumental step forward,” he said Nov. 20. UT owns several North Austin properties, and it’s unclear which are under consideration for the future medical center. An alternate location hasn’t been nalized yet, and the Erwin Center property remains under consideration. The timing of a decision for the location hasn’t been determined and the medical center is still expected to open in 2030.

The University of Texas at Austin and MD Anderson Cancer Center may develop their new medical complex in North Austin, a potential change to the institutions’ original plans to bring a “state-of-the-art” hospital and research campus downtown on the former Frank Erwin Center site. The UT Medical Center was rst announced in summer 2023, envisioned as a pair of medical towers with an MD Anderson clinical and research cancer center and UT Austin specialty hospital. Following the Erwin Center’s demolition at 1701 Red River St., the UT Medical Center’s groundbreaking on the old arena property was expected in 2026 ahead of a 2030 opening. However, UT System board of regents Chair Kevin Eltife recently announced an expanded campus in

Moody Center

New arena and housing project

Original proposed UT Medical Center

OAKWOOD CEMETERY

Something to note

In other news

Moving away from a downtown medical center would represent a reversal from just months ago, when Texas law was adjusted to remove develop- ment restrictions and allow taller hospitals on the Erwin Center site. Legislators this spring passed House Bill 3114 from state Rep. Charlie Geren, RFort Worth. The bill removed several Capitol View Corridors—reg- ulatory limitations that block new development within certain sightlines of the Capitol dome—that spanned the medical district property. While UT didn’t comment on the legislation, Geren cited the hospital plans when laying out his bill, and MD Anderson thanked the university for steering HB 3114 through the Legislature.

University regents also voted to open a solicitation for a new multipurpose arena, student housing complex and parking facilities on 4 acres of UT Austin’s campus. It will be situated between Martin Luther King Boulevard, Robert Dedman Drive and I-35, a nearly 30-acre property already containing the Moody Center and Mike Myers Stadium. A request for proposals for that project will proceed through the 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation, which supports UT real estate activity.

A new multi-use arena and housing complex for student athletes will be developed next to the Moody Center o I35 downtown.

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

with completion TBD • Cost: $68.39 million • Funding source: TxDOT, city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond 3 Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction Project: improvements to the storm drain system in the Oak Knoll neighborhood to reduce the risk of ooding, including new storm drain pipes and inlets on several roads and easements, and increasing the capacity of the detention pond on Chelsea Moor Update: trac control measures being placed along the construction area, potholing in progress to verify and install the waterline along Columbia Oaks Court • Timeline: completion is expected in 2027 • Cost: $9 million • Funding source: city of Austin 2018 bond 4 Spicewood Springs Road Regional Mobility Project Project: expands Spicewood Springs Road from two lanes to four lanes with a center median, shared-use paths Update: crews are working on drainage infrastructure, including retaining ponds, storm drains and rain gardens on the south side of the street • Timeline: completion expected in late 2026 • Cost: $31 million • Funding source: city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond

Ongoing projects

Ongoing Projects

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

BROAD OAKS DR.

1 Burnet Road Mobility Program Project: updating trac signals, improving crossings and bus stops, trail connections, curb extensions, drainage improvements, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant shared-use paths, raised medians and more on A Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to US 183, B Bright Verde Way to MoPac and C US 183 to Bright Verde Way Update: work will begin at Burnet Road and Koenig Lane in January and continue north to approximately 500 feet south of US 183 • Timeline: construction on A expected to begin in January, construction on B is expected to begin in summer 2026, and C in the spring • Cost: $13.8 million A , $23 million B , $16 million C • Funding source: city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond, CapMetro 2 Loop 360 Courtyard Drive/RM 2222 Project: removing trac signals from mainlanes and constructing an underpass at Courtyard Drive; reconguring RM 2222 to include a diverging diamond interchange; and adding shared-use paths and sidewalks Update: excavation ongoing on the west clis adjacent to the southbound lanes • Timeline: construction expected to begin mid-2026,

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CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

5 North Burnet/Uptown Station Project: rail station located along North Austin’s Red Line featuring two double-length platforms, pedestrian and bike pathways, local bus route connections and safety and security enhancements

Update: full construction began in November after initially breaking ground in January 2022 • Timeline: completion expected in mid-2027 • Cost: $49.3 million • Funding source: CapMetro and Brandywine Realty Trust

183

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316 NORTH LAMAR 914 North Lamar (512) 214-6665

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expy (512) 342-6893

Business

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Finance experts explain dierence between credit unions, banks As the Austin region grows with more nancial institution options, Carlos Espinosa, vice president of communications and marketing for Texas Bank- ers Association, and Pamela Cotton, vice president of member services for Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, shared key dierences between banks and credit unions and best practices for joining. What are some of the major dierences between banks and credit unions? Espinosa: They both look and operate in very similar ways, and it’s easy to get confused. ... Credit unions [are] member-focused, so that’s typically a pretty narrow scope of who the membership is, whereas banks tend to have a much broader range of the community. You’re looking at people that run the gambit from your average kid to most businesses I would say in any community, so I think the membership of banks are very dierent from credit unions. ... Credit unions are accountable to their membership, so because of that, they aren’t regulated in the same way, whereas banks are accountable to regulators. Cotton: When you’re part of the credit union, you’re a member, whereas when you belong to a bank, you’re a customer. So in the credit union, you’re a member-owner, and you have more say in what your credit union does. We have annual meet- ings where you’re going to come and you’re going to vote on board [of directors] members and things like that. ... We are for-prot in the sense that we’re operating a business, but our earnings go back to our members in dividends, so they’ll get a better rate of return and dividends on their deposits; they’ll have better interest rates on their loans. How do online nancial service platforms such as CashApp, Venmo and Chime dier from traditional banks? Espinosa: People, I think, mistakenly categorize them as nontraditional banks, but the truth is they’re not banks, period. They’re not regulated; they’re not operating in the sense of [having to] answer to regulators. ... You’re kind of just depen- dent on whatever the leadership of that company is doing. I think the most important part to that is the fact that if your money is sitting in those apps, your money isn’t protected by [the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]. ... You saw the uptick and real growth in these nonbanks [during COVID-19].

Pamela Cotton

Carlos Espinosa

COURTESY AUSTIN TELCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

COURTESY TEXAS BANKERS ASSOCIATION

They oered the advantage of having really good apps so you can manage your money. Most [com- munity] banks had an online portal of some sort, but not too many of them actually had full operating apps that oered everything that you could get from going into a physical bank. ... There was, I would say, an advantage to that during COVID, and in the last two years, that gap is pretty narrow right now to almost nonexistent. Cotton: They totally rely on technology to serve their customers, but in a credit union, we have the technology but we also have that personal connec- tion where we have branch locations. Members have that immediate access to us. ... You’re a member of the credit union, but you’re also part of an orga- nization that’s also going to provide service to the community. What should customers consider when deciding which nancial institution works best for their nancial needs and goals? Espinosa: It really is more important along the lines of when you start asking the question, what is it that I want out of the institution? There’s a reason why a lot of these community banks are where [they are]. You’re not going to go to see a growing town and not see more and more banks, because they’re all oering what the community is needing. ... Which one’s going to suit me for where I’m trying to get to? ... Data that came out of the Federal Reserve a couple of years ago showed that [about] 70% of all mid-to-small businesses bank with community banks, and that’s just because they oer products that are more geared toward small business owners. Cotton: Do your research rst. You denitely have multiple options when it comes to credit unions, especially locally. ... See what a credit union is going

to oer you—the best rate on the vehicle that you want to buy; the best dividend on the certicate that you need. ... Who’s going to oer you the best rate for that length of time, or who’s going to oer you the most convenience to access that money? What best practices do you have for customers opening a bank or credit union account for the rst time? Espinosa: Community banks have really adjusted and are staying in line with what’s happening today. ... I think where it’s really the biggest appeal is they really want people to come in and talk to them about what it is that you want to do. I think the rst step, if you’re up for it—if you’re really looking to learn more about what you can get out of your bank—there’s entire teams dedicated to onboarding somebody and helping them and educating them on what the opportunities are. If you’re looking for more than just setting up a place to park your money, my suggestion is always to go to a bank near you and see what you know they can do for you and how you guys can grow together. Cotton: In doing that research, it’s going to depend on where you are, and that’s the thing that we look at. Are you a student, a young teen, a young adult, middle aged or senior? Where are you in your walk in life? ... You want to look at even the stability of the credit union. ... Those kinds of things you want to know—who’s running your credit union and what they’re doing with your money.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

2 financial institutions coming to Northwest Austin in 2026

Offering input

Frost’s new location is part of the bank’s expansion across the region and state, said Bill Day, Frost Bank’s senior vice president of corporate communication. In 2023, the institution announced plans to double its number of branches in the Austin area by 2026. “The Arboretum area, like so many other areas around the Austin region, is growing rapidly, and local residents and businesses need more banking services,” Day said. Similarly, UHCU is expanding in Northwest Austin to reach new members in a “rapidly expanding part of the city,” Chief Operations Officer Deena Massa said. “Opening a branch here allows us to provide more convenient access to personalized banking for families and local businesses in the area,” Massa said.

Banking that goes the extra mile now goes all the way to you Our newest location is coming soon to the Arboretum area because being there means actually being where you are. So stop by, say hi and let’s get to know each other. 11680A Research Blvd Lobby Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm Sat, 9 am–1 pm Motor Bank: Mon–Fri, 8 am–6 pm Sat, 9 am–1 pm ATM 24/7 Frost Bank is slated to open a new 4,500 square-foot branch Jan. 27, which will include a drive-thru bank and offer services such as checking and savings accounts, personal financing, personal and commercial loans, trust services, treasury management, wealth advising, insurance, and investments. United Heritage Credit Union also broke ground on a new branch in October, which officials say is slated to open by next summer. Along with general financial services such as checking and savings accounts, insurance and personal and commercial loans, the credit union will feature 24/7 drive-thru ATMs and on-site investment services.

United Heritage

Frost Bank 2

Credit Union 1

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Arboretum area sees growth over 40 years From the cover

Mapping it out

The background

Domain Northside. Each center differs in size, retail options and dining options, offering various experiences for shoppers.

The Northwest Austin area is home to several major shopping centers, including: The Arboretum, Arboretum Crossing, The Domain and

The Arboretum shopping center has been part of the Northwest Austin community for four decades. The center is the birthplace of city event Blues on the Green, and original tenant Arbor Cinema Four was one of the venues for film festival South by Southwest, Bohart said. Founding shopping center tenants include Banana Republic and Polo Ralph Lauren. The center’s longest tenant to date is Amy’s Ice Creams, which opened in 1985 and is currently operated by General Manager Saretta Piña. Since its opening, the center changed ownership several times before acquisition by its current owner, Washington Prime Group.

Northwest Austin shopping centers

ALTERRA PKWY.

JOLLYVILLE RD.

Arboretum Crossing The Arboretum The Domain Domain Northside

ESPERANZA CROSSING

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DOMAIN DR.

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ARBORETUM BLVD.

TUDOR BLVD.

360

JOLLYVILLE RD.

RESEARCH BLVD.

1984: Office spaces in the center open 1985: Retail portion of property opens 1986: Renaissance Hotel opens 1991: Trammell Crow Company sells to Connecticut General Life 1998: Simon Property Group purchases the property 2014: Washington Prime Group separates from Simon Property Group, becomes new owner

Remember this?

After The Domain opened in 2007 followed by Domain Northside’s launch in 2016, Bohart said The Arboretum became a space for Austinites to dine and shop at local businesses. “Rather than The Domain where it’s a lot of flashy things and a lot of people, it just feels more close-knit,” Piña said. The center wanted to be a destination for fami- lies to get all of their needs met instead of having to travel beyond their neighborhood, also known as ZIP code shopping, Bohart said

North Austin shopping center differences

Shopping center

Size (sq. ft.)

Total retailers

Local retailers

The Arboretum 195,010 40

The Domain

1.1M 146

Domain Northside

758,000 135

SOURCES: THE ARBORETUM, TRAVIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: THE ARBORETUM, THE DOMAIN, DOMAIN NORTHSIDE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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What’s changed

In case you missed it

Additionally, by the end of January, the shop- ping center is expected to welcome two dining options: Korean dessert house and cafe Cafe du Bliss, located in the previous Cinnaholic space, and Ugly Dumpling, located near Juliet Italian Kitchen.

The Arboretum has seen a variety of changes from 2019-2025, including restaurant openings and clothing store closures. According to previous Community Impact reporting, in the past five years, 12 retailers have opened in the area, and five have closed.

Business changes have surfaced beyond the shopping center throughout the entire Arboretum area. In 2024, Regal Arbor 8 Cinema at Great Hills was demolished after 30 years in the community. The demolition was the result of a 2017 redevelopment proposal that outlined plans to repurpose Great Hills Market retail center, according to previous Community Impact coverage. The proposed redevelopment was put on hold due to ongoing leases at the center, including Manuel’s, a Mexican restaurant that joined the property in 1998. As of September, owner Jennifer McNevin said the redevelopment has been put on hold indefinitely, and Manuel’s lease has been extended past its December end date.

Changes at The Arboretum

The shopping center has gone through several retail and dining tenant changes, including recent openings and closures.

Openings

Closings

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024 2025

SOURCE: COMMUNITY IMPACT

Arboretum Crossing proposed demolition

Going forward

Arboretum Crossing

Proposed demolition

cannot be submitted until the city completes a site plan or site plan exemption,” the department stated. In January 2024, City Council approved rezoning the Arboretum Crossing shopping center, which shifted the maximum building height from 180 feet to 350 feet and opened the opportunity for larger structures to be added. Stockdale Capital Partners did not respond to inquiries for a statement as of press time.

The neighborhood may be looking at upcoming developments if a proposed site plan for Arboretum Crossing is approved. As stated in the site plan, developer Stockdale Capital requested to demolish five of the existing buildings on the land. A representative with Austin Development Services stated since the site plan hasn’t been approved, a demolition permit has yet to be filed with the city. “For this type of project, a demolition permit

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Real estate

The number of homes sold was up year-over- year for November in the Northwest Austin area, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

November 2024

November 2025

+18.75%

+10.53%

+35.71%

+6.67%

+11.11%

45 TOLL

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

78729

620

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Median home sales price

78727

78750

78759

November

2024

2025

78758

360

$530,500 $450,000 $542,500 $370,000 $637,000

$417,000 $470,000 $740,000 $457,841 $726,000

78727

2222

78729

78750

78758

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

78759

Average days on market

Northwest Austin

November 2024

November 2025

+20.63%

+7.14%

+38.98%

+15.48%

+16.36%

November

2024

2025

New listings

Closed sales

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

Homes under contract

Homes sold by price point in November

Months of inventory

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

- -

5 6 2 3 4

$900,000+

Price per square foot

$700,000-$899,999

$285 $271

7 5 4

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

353

397

<$299,999

Business

BY DACIA GARCIA

The business also oers bowling, axe throwing and arcade games.

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The main attraction at the center is its skating rink, which hosts themed skating nights frequently.

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Managing partner Stephanie Moxley has been part of the business since her parents purchased it in 2002.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

Attendees can take part in skating, axe throwing, bowling, karaoke and arcade games. Along with the updates to games, individuals can partake in the enhanced dining options. The impact As a locally owned and operated business for over 50 years, Moxley said the center has served as a place families can share generation to generation. “The heart of Playland is our roller skating and the memories that we’ve created for families,” Moxley said.

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The more you feed the blob the bigger it gets, becoming a monster clog causing expensive repairs, foul odors and sanitary sewer overflows! Fat, oil and grease comes from food like cooking oil, meat drippings, butter, sauces, gravy, dairy products, and even salad dressing. Help stop the Grease Blob! 7 Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost if you can 7 Collect cooking oil in a container then toss into the trash 7 Use paper towels or wipes to remove grease. DON’T FLUSH , toss them into the trash

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