Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | July 2025

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Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 11 JULY 11AUG. 11, 2025

2025 Home Edition

New homes surge Land availability, aordability spurs growth

BY GRACIE WARHURST

More than 1,000 new home starts have been permit- ted in Pugerville and Hutto since mid-2024, accord- ing to Bohlke Reports. The surge is driven by population growth, land availability and relative aordability, at a time when nearby cities oer fewer opportunities for large-scale residential expansion—a trend identied by builders, brokers and city ocials. “One of the reasons we’re seeing so much development in the Hutto and Pugerville areas is just because there is land to develop,” said Brooke Daniel, broker and owner of Hippo Realty. “A lot of times we see a lack of development in Austin because there really isn’t a lot of room to develop anymore, and the land has become so expensive.” Developers and home builders such as Taylor Morrison see both cities as prime markets due to accessible land and proximity to nearby Austin and east Round Rock, and city ocials say housing trends are

market-driven, with a mixed demo- graphic of residents searching for a diversity of housing options.

CONTINUED ON 34

Construction crews build a new home in Blackhawk, east of Hodde Lane in Pugerville. GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue Impacts: Learn about a new sushi bar planned for Pugerville (Page 7)

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We are excited to announce that our seven premier builder partners are now selling. Discover thoughtfully designed homes featuring beautiful exteriors, a variety of livable floor plans, and numerous customizable options. Offerings include alley-loaded 40’ homes and homesites ranging from 40’ to 60’, starting from the $300s. Just beyond your front door, enjoy a vibrant array of amenities designed to add color to your everyday. Tour our model homes or visit builder sales offices to find your home—and your home base— for a life that flourishes. Brightland Homes • Empire Communities • Highland Homes Meritage Homes • Tri Pointe Homes • Perry Homes • Westin Homes

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

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New Homes at Flora

from the mid $300’s HUTTO, TX

The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Maps not to scale. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. © 2025 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

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Grant Crawford Editor

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

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Note to our readers: Beginning this month, you’ll no longer see Texas Monthly content featured in Community Impact . We’re grateful for the partnership and proud to continue focusing on original, impactful reporting from our own CI journalists across Texas. As always, thank you for trusting us to keep you informed about what matters most in your community.

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Impacts Pugerville

Now open

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

RED BUD LN.

1 VITAS Healthcare The national hospice provider opened a new administrative facility in Pflugerville. VITAS provides hospice care to patients in their private residences, nursing homes and assisted living communities as well as inpatient settings. • Opened April 1 • 305 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Ste. 330, Pflugerville • www.vitas.com

45 TOLL

GREENLAWN BLVD.

TOWN CENTER DR.

3 8

685

Coming soon

WINDERMERE DR.

Pugerville

VISION DR.

2 Soccer Pups The indoor soccer training program for children 3 years and older will open in July. The youth program offers soccer leagues and an academy program, teaching the sport through games and skill-based activities focused on building confidence and team work. • Opening July 26 • 15803 Windermere Drive, Ste. 301, Pflugerville • www.soccerpups.com 3 Tumble 22 The Austin-based chicken chain will open a Pflugerville

130 TOLL

E. HOWARD LN.

OXFORD DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

The Junction Amenity Pavilion & Event Lawn • The Watering Hole Pool Complex & Splash Pad • Fishing Dock & Pond • Expansive Playground Future On-site Elementary School • Future Dog Park & Pocket Parks • Disc Golf • Outdoor Fitness Stations • Extensive Trail System and More!

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Regulation, the new build should finish construction by the end of the year. • Opening December 2025 • 601 Oxford Drive, Pflugerville • No website or phone number is available 6 GLO30 The a facial spa franchise will move into a space in the Stone Hill Town Center. The company is physician- founded and women-led, offering customized treatments and at-home skincare products. According to a filing with the TDLR, the store renovation will be completed this August. • Opening TBA • 1608 Town Center Drive, Ste. 400, Pflugerville • https://glo30.com 7 Smiling Donuts The shop filed a permit with the TDLR to open a new shop in Pflugerville. The tenant, Jamie Muor, owns another location in the city and one in Round Rock. According to the filing, the store should finish its build out by August. • 1041 E. Wells Branch Pkwy., Ste. 120, Pflugerville • 512-919-4334

location “in the near future,” Director of Operations Doug Lyons told Community Impact . The chicken joint serves Nashville-style hot chicken, salads and sides, as well as house-made pies. Drink options include beers and specialty cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options. Tumble 22 has several other Austin-area locations including in Cedar Park and Round Rock. • Opening late 2025 • 18725 FM 685, Ste. 100, Pflugerville • www.tumble22.com 4 Monument Pilates The pilates studio plans to open in Pflugerville this summer. The business will offer three types of classes: classical, contemporary and a beginner “fundamental apparatus” class. • Opening summer 2025 • 1900 E. Howard Lane, Pflugerville • www.monumentpilates.com

Coming soon

8 Kura Revolving Sushi Bar The sushi bar will open in Pflugerville, Newton Hoang, vice president at Kura Sushi, announced on LinkedIn. Kura offers classic sushi dishes, as well as soups, noodles and deserts, served on a conveyor belt. The restaurant will finish its $1.4 million build out in February 2026, according to a filing with the TDLR. • Opening in 2026 • 18725 FM 685, Ste. 140, Pflugerville • www.kurasushi.com

What’s next

5 MinuteFuel A new 4,500-square-foot convenience store is coming to Pflugerville, off Dessau Road and Oxford Drive. The MinuteFuel mini-mart will accompany a gas station near the Cambridge Estates neighborhood. According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and

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Impacts Hutto

3 What’s the Tea? Owners Lisa and Diana Nguyen plan to open a boutique cafe specializing in coffee and tea. The menu will feature noncaffeinated herbal teas, mushroom-infused espresso, matcha lattes and bubble tea. The cafe will also offer Hawaiian-style kolaches and miniature versions of popular Vietnamese street foods, such as banh mis and sticky rice bowls.

Now open

119

1 Zedcor Security Solutions The security service, which provides mobile surveillance towers for commercial and industrial applications, recently opened in Hutto. The business offers live monitoring and will send updates in case of an incident or emergency. Industries that use this type of service include construction sites, manufacturing warehouses, office and retail space, automotive dealerships and more. • Opened May 30 • 806 Tradesmen Park Loop, Hutto • www.zedcor.com

• Opening September 2025 • 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.facebook.com/whatstheteashop

1660

TRADESMENS PARK LOOP

ED SCHMIDT BLVD.

110

What’s next

4 Abbott’s Frozen Custard The frozen custard shop has plans to open in Hutto, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. According to the filing, construction began July 16 and is expected to be completed by the end of August. Abbott’s offers cones and scoops of its signature frozen custard flavors, as well as sundaes, milkshakes, floats and other sweet treats. • 100 Chris Kelley Blvd., Hutto • www.abbottscustard.com 5 Luv Braces The Austin-area orthodontics practice has plans to open a new location in Hutto, after leasing a 3,200-square-

Coming soon

1660 2 Tiny Texan Exchange The children’s store will sell gently used clothing, toys, gear, maternity wear and other items. Owned by Stephannie and Steven Trudeau, the business will also host a variety of in-store events, such as weekly story times, shopping events and other activities. Tiny Texan Exchange will also offer kids’ tables and chairs for rent, while the space will be available for hosting small gatherings, such as baby showers. • Opening in July

TRADESMENS PARK DR.

CARL STERN DR.

130 TOLL

Hutto

685

130 TOLL

1660

• 3333 CR 119, Ste. 24, Hutto • www.tinytexanexchange.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD

foot space in The Commons at Star Ranch, according to commercial real estate firm RESOLUT RE. The practice, which has locations in Austin and Bee Cave, offers metal

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braces, clear braces and Invisalign. • 1101 Muirfield Bend Drive, Hutto • www.luvbraces.com

6 El Pollo Rico The fast-casual Mexican chain plans to open in Hutto. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, construction on the new restaurant is set to begin Aug. 1 and be completed in June 2026. The restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican charcoal-

grilled chicken and carne asada. • 901 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.pollosricos.com

7 The Victorian House of Hutto The venue, owned by Mike and Kathy Teeter, offers a space for parties, weddings, luncheons and other events. The space—the earliest recorded deed for which dates back to 1890—can accommodate up to 50 guests. It features a carriage barn, bridal suite and the main house. Some of the equipment included for those who rent the space include chairs, tables, charger plates and an audio speaker. • Opened June 7 • 402 East St., Hutto • www.victorianhouseofhutto.com

The Station Waggin The mobile dog grooming salon that caters to small breeds recently announced it is expanding its services to include Hutto. The business, which utilizes a luxury grooming van to meet pet owners, offers haircuts, baths, deshedding and defleaing services. • Expanded June 7 • www.thestationwaggin.com

Closings

Hutto Flower Market & Boutique The flower shop announced its decision to permanently close on social media in late May. The business, owned by Misty and Shawn Faglie, first opened in 2019. For nearly six years, the shop offered flowers and arrangements to the Hutto community. • Closed May 30 • www.facebook.com/huttoflowermarket

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Impacts

Round Rock

gelato flavors such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Specialty flavors will be available, as well, including passion fruit, mango and coconut. • Opened June 20 • 1500 S. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Ste. 160, Round Rock • 512-975-9670 5 Purely Provisions The coffee bar and mercantile will bring craft coffee by day and cocktails by night to downtown Round Rock. Co-owner Cory Shaw told Community Impact the shop combines southern charm with “elevated ambiance,” with quality coffee and a menu featuring light bites

6 8

1431

Round Rock

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

130 TOLL

123

from local sources. • Opened June 17

• 212 W. Main St., Round Rock • www.purelyprovisions.com

620

KENNEY FORT BLVD.

SnackTex The vending machine business began installing, stocking and servicing machines at a variety of businesses. Owner Jean Pinner said his machines can include an AI model that allows customers to swipe their cards and grab their choice of items without having to input selections. • Opened April 15

GATTIS SCHOOL RD.

45 TOLL

• Round Rock-based • www.snacktex.co

• Opened May 9 • 1207 Hwy. 79, Ste. 200, Round Rock • www.lamexiquenseaustin.com

Coming soon

Now open

6 Starbucks Coffee A new Starbucks Coffee location is coming soon to the Round Rock Premium Outlets, a representative of the shopping center shared in June. It will be located near the Sunglass Hut. • Opening TBD • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.starbucks.com 7 The Monk’s Indian Fusion An Austin-area franchise of The Monk’s Indian Fusion will open in mid-July in the University Commons retail center. Franchise owner Jagadish Vallabaneni said the restaurant will offer a fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisine. The menu will consist of noodles, curries, biryanis and street-style starters.

1 Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet The mediterranean restaurant has expanded in the Austin area with a new location in Round Rock. The menu includes a range of rice dishes that come with ground beef, lentils, mixed vegetables, vermicelli or dill weed. Patrons will also find meatballs, kafta, fried chicken, lamb shank and more. • Opened June 11 • 1651 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.dimassis.com 2 La Mexiquense Paletas Mexicanas The paleteria offers a variety of frozen desserts, including a variety of ice and cream-based popsicles, ice cream and savory snacks.

3 Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet The restaurant serves seafood, including snow crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, oysters and more. Patrons will find an assortment of sushi and sashimi, such as tuna rolls, crab rolls, eel nigiri, salmon nigiri and other options. A Sichuan hot pot and various ramen bowls are also available. The restaurant has locations throughout the country, including another in Houston and multiple in New York. • Opened May 8 • 2000 S. I-35 Frontage Road, Ste. D1, Round Rock • www.umibuffet.com 4 The Gelato Lab Owner Andres Botero said the business offers traditional

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What’s next

8 New Balance A New Balance store is set to open at the Round Rock Premium Outlets later this year, according to project information filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The retailer offers a variety of athletic shoes and clothing. • Opening TBD • 4401 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.newbalance.com 9 McDonald’s A new Round Rock location of McDonald’s is under construction near the intersection of SH 45 and A.W. Grimes in Round Rock, a site permit for the development shows. The site development permit from the city of Round Rock shows it was issued in April. • Opening TBD • 795 Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock • www.mcdonalds.com

12 Chef’s Oldtime BBQ The business is owned by Hope Esperanza, Mares Gainey and Joshua Lien. The menu consists of breakfast tacos, sandwiches, individual meats,

15 Instill Coffee Co. Owned by Michelle and Ryan Bell, the shop sells coffee, cold brew, matcha and avocado toast. The coffee shop’s first location is in Cedar Park. Customers can order a variety of coffee options including a smoked, house-made vanilla coffee; a 20-hour cold brew; and a chocolate banana coffee with house-made banana syrup. • Opening in September • 1551 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock • www.instillcoffee.com

combo plates and sides. • Opened in early May • 4000 CR 123, Round Rock • Facebook: Chef’s Oldtime BBQ

In the news

10 Christian Brothers Automotive The Round Rock location near Louis Henna Boulevard is under new ownership. On May 1, Aharon and Jenn Kreiter, who also own the Hutto location of the auto shop, announced via Facebook that the Round Rock location had come under their ownership. • 413 Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock • www.cbac.com/round-rock 11 Jersey Mike’s The sandwich shop in Round Rock, owned by Josh Kuebler, will hit its five-year anniversary after opening in July 2020. This is the fourth Jersey Mike’s location Round Rock. Kuebler also owns the Jersey Mike’s that opened in Hutto last year. • 3800 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 120. • www.jerseymikes.com

13 Viva Day Spa + Med Spa The Austin-based spa is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company launched its first location in Central Austin and now operates four locations throughout Austin and Round Rock. The brand offers cosmetic injectables, laser treatments and advanced skin care services as well as massages, facials and more. • 603 S. Mays St., Round Rock • www.vivadayspa.com 14 Center Pointe Pilates Center Pointe Pilates celebrated its 10-year anniversary on June 1. The business recently finished a small renovation that has expanded its equipment and hours. Customers can now find six Wunda chairs and six reformers/towers in addition to private instruction and

small group instruction. • 1001 S. Mays St., Ste. 105, Round Rock • www.centerpointepilates.com

Closings

16 Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings A note posted to the door stated that the location closed for the last time at 5 p.m. on June 8. The restaurant offered chicken fingers and buffalo wings, with 12 sauce options. • Closed June 8 • 2700 Red Bud Lane, Round Rock • www.zaxbys.com

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

Government

Williamson County market value up by $14B Williamson County’s total market value is $184.69 billion in 2025, according to preliminary data from the Williamson Central Appraisal District. The big picture Since 2024, the county’s total market value, which includes residential, commercial, multifam- ily and land properties, has increased by $14.41 billion, or by 8.47%. Williamson County’s total residential value in 2025 is over $108.72 billion, although WCAD Chief Appraiser Alvin Lankford said the total market value will drop slightly after protests are settled. Something of note Lawsuits against appraisal districts have increased “dramatically” over the past few years, specifically since 2022 after values increased significantly, Lankford said. In Williamson County,

Hutto council creates efficiency commission Hutto City Council voted unanimously to create an Accountability and Efficiency Commission at a June 18 meeting. The gist Council voted 7-0 to direct city staff to begin working on what the commission might look like. The commission will be run by volunteers who apply. “The boards and commissions are a fan- tastic opportunity to serve,” Place 5 Council Member Evan Porterfield said. “They are a fantastic opportunity to learn what we do here at the city.” Mayor Mike Snyder said he believes the commission will bring collaboration and not be as “political” as the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Williamson County total market value 2020-25 Total market value includes existing property value growth and new improvements.

$89.64B

2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020

$106.88B

$161.85B $158.92B

$170.27B

$184.69B

$50B

$100B $150B

$200B

Total market value

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

most lawsuits are coming from commercial property owners, he said. In 2024, 674 individual lawsuits were filed. There were 262 lawsuits filed in 2020 and 42 in 2014, according to Lankford’s presentation. Lankford said the WCAD recently hired an in-house attorney to handle the increasing amount of litigation.

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Hutto weighs new $150M police center amid fast growth

City of Pflugerville begins FY 2025-26 budget work Pflugerville City Council began hosting workshops for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget in June. Overview Pflugerville officials, who have until mid-September to pass a budget, began meeting in June to shape spending plans. Dates for council to discuss the budget include: • Aug. 12 : Proposed budget presentation to City Council • Aug. 26: City Council work session for budget ques- tions; public hearing on budget at regular meeting • Sept. 9: Public hearing on tax rate and planning fees; adoption of budget and tax rate More info about budget updates can be found at www. pflugervilletx.gov. With a current police department facility of just under 10,000 square feet, and as one of the 15 fastest growing cities in the state, the city of Hutto identified the need for a new public safety facility. City Council considered a preliminary presentation for size and cost options from architect firm Brinkley Sargent Wiginton at its June 5 meeting. The details Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects worked on design and cost projections as a consultant with the city of Hutto. Although the consultant team and city staff have not identified a site for a new Hutto public safety facility, the firm recommended at least 37 acres to house: the main police facility, police asset support areas, dispatch, Office of Emergency Management and Emer- gency Operations Center, municipal courts, training center, gun range and exterior training structure. “This is purely concept. This will change,” said Denny Boles, president and CEO of Brinkley Sargent

“Hutto’s growing like a new family, and my personal opinion is [that] we can’t aord $60 million on a public safety building." MIKE SNYDER, MAYOR OF HUTTO

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Pflugerville police chief resigns, interim in place Police Chief Jason O’Malley retired from the Pflugerville Police Department May 29, ending a five-year stint as chief with the city. Overview O’Malley, who previously served as a com- mander for the department, was named in an active administrative investigation, according to a news release from the city of Pflugerville. The city stated it does not comment on active investigations. O’Malley was appointed to serve as police chief in September 2021. Stephen Griffith was named the interim police chief. Griffith has over 33 years of law enforcement experience and over 10 years of experience in city management. He was the first director of the Advanced Law Enforce- ment Rapid Response Training Center at Texas State University. The city also stated it will “begin the selection process which will bring the next police chief into this growing, vibrant and diverse community.” Wiginton Architects. “This is just a starting point for conversation.” What else? Preliminary proposals include two facilities at about 53,000 square feet and two larger facilities at 82,000 and 136,000 square feet. For the two smaller facilities, the cost ranges from $56 million to $57 million based on a limited scope with less features. The two larger concepts account for the “20-year outlook” and would cost $88 million and $150 million, respectively.

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PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

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Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON, GRANT CRAWFORD & BROOKE SJOBERG

City, PfISD extend skilled trades training The city of Pflugerville and Pflugerville ISD will continue partnering to provide students an opportunity to explore water and waste- water careers, after City Council approved an agreement with the district in May. Overview As part of the summer Skilled Trades Academy, area high school seniors unsure if they want to attend college can learn about careers in the water and wastewater sector. Pflugerville Public Utility Director Bran- don Pritchett said at the end of the course, students are able to test for and earn a Provisional Class D Water Operator license.

Salaries in Pflugerville ISD

0 $55K $57.5K $60K $62.5K $65K $67.5K

Key district median market salaries PfISD salaries Did you know? House Bill 2 increased school funding for salary raises for teachers and staff.

10 year

15 year

0 year

5 year

20 year

Salary year

SOURCE: PFLUGERVILLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PfISD adopts budget with $10.3M shortfall Pflugerville ISD is heading into the 2025-2026 fiscal year with a $10.3 million budget shortfall, but budget amendments could be made later this year as district officials receive guidance on bills passed during the 89th Texas Legislature. Breaking it down The general fund budget consists of $293.7 million in revenues, with $216.5 million coming from local taxes, $74.4 million from state aid and $2.7 million from School Health and Related Services funding. It also includes $305 million in HISD offers second chance after vaping Hutto ISD launched a partnership with Williamson County Juvenile Services in May to provide second chances to students caught vaping or in possession of THC and nicotine products on campus. About the program Students found with these items can participate in the program with their guard- ians, and will receive an email outlining the program on their first offense, according to HISD. Participants enter a one-year probationary period during which they are provided a structured program with online education, written reflection and weekly mentorship meetings with an officer. If students in the second chance program reoffend, both the original and new offenses will be filed, the district shared.

expenditures, with $249.7 million funding salaries and benefits, $46.1 million for campus budgets and $9.1 million in recapture payments. The food service budget is projected to have a $60,523 surplus against $14.8 million in expendi- tures, mainly utilities, and $14.9 million in revenues, mainly from federal reimbursements. The debt service budget is also projected to have a $324,879 surplus against $91.9 million in expendi- tures and $92.2 million in revenues. The budget was created utilizing current law, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Land said. House Bill 2—an $8.5 billion school funding bill to provide increases to the basic allotment, safety and special education allotments, and teacher and staff raises—could impact revenues and expendi- tures within PfISD’s budget, Land said.

“Most people don’t understand that there’s a lot of skilled trades people that are involved in water and wastewater.” BRANDON PRITCHETT, PFLUGERVILLE PUBLIC UTILITY DIRECTOR

HISD board of trustees approve FY 2025-26 budget

Hutto ISD trustees approved the district’s operating, debt service and food service budgets for the 2025-2026 financial year in June. What you need to know The $129.3 million operating budget and $45.6 million debt service budget will be supported by a maximum property tax rate of $1.2052 per $100 of valuation, comprised of $0.7552 for mainte- nance and operations, and $0.4500 for interest and sinking. This is the same tax rate passed in the 2024-25 financial year, Chief Financial Officer Caleb Steed said, and represents a not-to-exceed amount that could be lowered as the district awaits a final version of its maximum compressed rate from the Texas Education Agency. The Food Service budget also includes a $258,000 shortfall, which Steed said is part of a mandated spend-down plan, as regulations don’t allow districts to make a profit on food services.

The breakdown

While Hutto ISD officials are likely to make amendments in August or September, the approved budget for FY 2025-2026 includes: Maintenance and operations budget:

Expenses: $129.36 million Revenue: $125.83 million Shortfall: $3.5 million

Interest and sinking budget (also known as debt service budget):

Food service: Expenses: $6.29 million Expenses: $45.6 million Revenue: $46.6 million Surplus: about $1 million

Revenue: $6 million Shortfall: $258,777

SOURCE: HUTTO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PFLUGERVILLE - HUTTO EDITION

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Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Pflugerville begins paving Kelly Lane The city of Pflugerville began paving the roadway on Kelly Lane as part of the city’s ongoing transportation project June 18. The gist Phase 2 of the Kelly Lane project to widen the road to a divided four-lane section, from Falcon Pointe Boulevard to east of Moorlynch Avenue, is expected to be completed this year. Phase 2 also includes a roundabout at Vilamoura Street.

New East WilCo Highway segment boosts travel, safety for drivers Williamson County officials celebrated the opening of East Wilco Highway segment 3 at a ribbon cutting ceremony June 20. The newest segment, which officially opened to traffic June 21, is a part of a long-range project to improve north and south travel within the county. “This road is going to bring economic devel- opment to this region in the county,” Williamson County Judge Steven Snell said. “This road is going to make it a lot safer to travel for our school buses [and] for our first responders.” About the project The scope of work included widening the existing two-lane FM 3349 and CR 101 roadways into a four-lane divided road, including bridges over Hwy. 79 and the Union Pacific Railroad. This

Segment 3

Taylor

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UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD

Hutto

3349

segment also includes an interchange between Hwy. 79 and FM 3349/CR 101. Construction on segment 3 began in 2022. Funding for the project came from Williamson County voter-approved 2019 road bonds and the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT contributed $80 million in state funds for con- struction, according to the county. “The best thing [is] it was completed on time,” Snell said.

VILAMOURA ST.

MOORLYNCH AVE.

FALCON POINTE BLVD.

Pflugerville street reconstruction back on track After utility relocations delayed the project, Pflugerville City Council passed a change order for the neighborhood street reconstruction pack- age 1B at its June 10 meeting. The change order accounts for increased scope of work needed due to defects in previous road work. About the project The neighborhood street reconstruction project

Streets under construction Willow Creek, Section 1 subdivision

will rehabilitate 18 neighborhood streets in the Saxony and Willow Creek Section One subdivi- sions. The scope of work includes resurfacing, curbing, pavement markings and signs. Construction is anticipated to start early this summer and will last approximately six months, according to city documents. The $728,555 change order brings total project costs to almost $6 million.

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Nonpro t

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Pebbles, a 9-month-old sulcata, could grow to weigh as much as 60 pounds.

Brenda Bush, a former teacher, began volunteering with the rescue ve years ago before taking over the operation.

GRACIE WARHURSTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Central Texas Tortoise Rescue in Pugerville gives lifelong companions a second chance

The tortoise rescue has 20 enclosures on the property that allow Bush to care for the animals.

In Brenda Bush’s backyard, a sulcata tortoise named Otis roams his muddy enclosure after a rainy night. At just 11 years old, he’s already 60 pounds—and will keep growing over his projected 100-year lifespan. Otis isn’t just Bush’s pet—he was also the rst permanent resident of the Central Texas Tortoise Rescue’s Pugerville facility, which operates out of Bush’s home. The history Bush, a former special education teacher, began volunteering with the rescue ve years ago. Just two years after becoming founder Krista McDermid’s rst foster home, Bush took over the nonprot organization, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this year. Today, Bush cares for upwards of 20 animals with a network of enclosures on her property. Along with two other facilities in Bertram and Bandera, CTTR has 12 foster homes around Texas. CTTR receives box turtles and tortoises from across the U.S.—over 15 states to date—as one of the few rescues in the region able to handle such volume. “In the northern states, there’s very few tortoise and turtle rescues,” Bush said. “And in the south, they’re few and far between.”

The impact Bush takes care of most of the rehabilitation for the animals that come in with health issues like metabolic bone disease and shell deformities that often occur from improper care. In these cases, the biggest issue is education, Bush said. Many owners who adopt tortoises or box turtles don’t realize how long they live, how large they get or what they need to thrive. CTTR also takes in healthy animals whose owners have passed away or can no longer care for them. “It’s just somebody else’s turn,’” Bush said. What’s next Soon, the rescue will take on a partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M University to help temporarily house wild Texas tortoises conscated from illegal captivity. Once healthy, they’ll be released back into the wild. “This August they’ll start a small group, and then next spring it’s going to be this huge state- wide push,” Bush said. Get involved CTTR takes monetary and supply donations, but Bush said right now, the biggest need is more adopters. To adopt, applicants need to have a proper

Central Texas Tortoise Rescue has some permanent residents.

enclosure and be able to answer questions about feeding and care. Adoption fees range from $75 to $150, depending on the species, and go toward food, vet care and materials. CTTR also oers tours of its Pugerville facility to educate the public about tortoises. Visitors can book an open time slot online to see the enclo- sures, ask questions and interact with the animals. “Lots of times people will come to learn how to build an enclosure, which we love,” Bush said. “We’re like, ‘yes, please come and see how to do this.’ It’s not that hard, you know?” More information about Central Texas Tortoise Rescue can be found at www.texastortoiserescue.com.

PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

Business

BY DACIA GARCIA

The store sells items like jewelry, spices and cards.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

The Merc is owned by Rebecca and Derrick Davis.

Co-owner Rebecca Davis opened The Merc in 2023 featuring local artisans and her product line, Grace & Charm.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

The Merc celebrates artisan talent with local goods

in the bathroom, for example, while home decor goods enhance the kitchen and dining area. “Before we had opened the store, I was in here one night working and I was sitting on the oor and I was like, ‘God, this really feels like a home. It’s so homey in here,’” Rebecca said. “The light was coming in the windows and it was kind of an emotional moment for me. I don’t know if I could picture this working anywhere else.” What they oer With 15 vendors, the shop prioritizes shining a light on a variety of artisan products, such as clay jewelry, candles, planters and terrariums. Rebecca said more than half of the vendors on display at the business have been part of the home since the beginning. She said she makes a point to tell customers about vendors they are purchasing from and builds relationships with them as part of the small town shopping experience she hopes to create. “I want it to be kind of an escape for them,” Rebecca said. “I want it to be a relaxing atmo- sphere. I’m not going to be on top of them. Of course, I’m here to help but getting to know the backstory and getting to know their family—that’s been really cool for me.” In addition to the T-shirts, hats, pillows and more Pugerville merchandise made and sold at the store, customers can nd earrings specically designed for each local high school.

After traveling across the world with her individual jewelry business, Rebecca Davis was inspired by the amount of artists she met crafting unique handmade products. Once Davis established roots in Pugerville, she and her husband, Derrick, opened a storefront to bring together local artisans under one roof. Some context Rebecca worked in the big box retail space and smaller shopping space before deciding to start her own jewelry line 11 years ago. When opening The Merc in Pugerville, the couple was determined to create a space for Rebecca’s own product, but also a place to support local artisans in their business journeys. “There’s so many people who do great work and we’ve been fortunate to get a chance to see a lot of those,” Derrick said. “So, how can we nd a way to incorporate that into what we do?” Dig deeper The Merc lls the inside of a home built in the 1940s. Rebecca said the location has housed sev- eral dierent businesses throughout the decades— from a boutique to a library, which supported a local food pantry. While the duo changed some of the lighting and landscaping, Rebecca said they still organize the business like a home. Handmade soaps and bath bombs are displayed

A dedicated section displays Pugerville merchandise.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

Derrick Davis recently launched a men’s section.

DACIA GARCIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

403 W. Pecan St., Pugerville www.shopthemerctx.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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