Northwest Austin | April 2026

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Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 20, ISSUE 3 MAY 129, 2026

Northwest Austin country clubs evolve Renovations across 5 local facilities reect broader shift to lifestyle hubs

said Chip Gist, general manager of Great Hills Country Club. “People used to come to a private country club and say, ‘I’m just going to play golf.’ Well, today’s private club members embrace the entire lifestyle.”

the green, blending golf with wellness, social events and family programming to meet modern member expectations. “These private country clubs are lifestyle choices,”

BY JESSICA MCLAREN

On any given weekend at a country club, the rst tee is still busy—but it’s no longer the only draw. Northwest Austin country clubs are moving beyond

CONTINUED ON 16

Golfers exit golf carts at River Place Country Club, one of several local clubs undergoing renovations. (Jessica McLaren/Community Impact)

Also in this issue

River Place Country Club

LOVE BIRD LN. RANGE VIEW DR.

Impacts

Page 4

Transportation Page 9 See details about a project to transform Parmer Lane

RIVER PLACE BLVD.

Read more about Sichuan restaurant Spicy House

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About Community Impact

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Impacts

2 Hounds Town The center offers a variety of pet services including dog daycare, overnight boarding for dogs and cats, and dog spa and grooming services such as baths, fur dematting, nail trims and oral care. • Opened in March • 10700 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 207, Austin • www.houndstownusa.com 3 Soleo Health The business launched a new center in Austin, providing specialty infusion therapy. • Announced opening in April • 8015 Shoal Creek Blvd., Ste. 113, Austin • www.soleohealth.com 4 Kilwins The store is known for its hand-paddled fudge, caramel apples, heritage chocolates, over 30 ice cream flavors, Dubai chocolate, caramel corn and heritage chocolate

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lined waffle cones. • Opened April 14 • 3500 E. Parmer Lane, Ste. 3120, Austin • www.kilwins.com

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5 Yellow Ranger North The Asian-American fusion dive offers burgers, such as the mala chicken sando served with wonton chips. • Opened April 18 • 12164 MoPac, Austin • Instagram: @yellowrangernorth

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CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

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Coming soon

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6 HIT Athletic Wellness Center HIT Athletic will open a wellness center at the gym offering cryotherapy, red light therapy and body composition scanners. • Opening in June • 7797 Burnet Road, Austin • www.hitathletic.com 7 Halftime Sports Bar & Grill A new sports bar with pizza, an LED wall and 50 draft

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dumplings. The drink menu includes a honeydew melon smoothie. • Opened in January • 11630 N. RM 620, Austin • www.spicyhouseaustin.com

Now open

1 Spicy House The Sichuan restaurant serves dan dan noodles, konjac beer duck, pork with spicy garlic sauce and chili oil pork

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BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & KATLYNN FOX

beers will open in the Lakeline area this summer. The business is owned by Jeremy Tracy and Ramon Kreher. • Opening in summer • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. F-18, Cedar Park • www.halftimebg.com 8 Kathy Manning Athletic Center T&C Sports’ Town & Country Optimist Foundation broke ground on the first phase of the 40,000 square foot facility March 30, which will include indoor basketball, volleyball and futsal courts. • Opening in November • 13398 Morris Road, Austin • www.tandcsports.org

Now open

Coming soon

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

12 Cranky Granny’s The bakery, located near Lakeline Mall, serves sweet rolls with an assortment of flavors. Owner Sianni Dean said the bakery would offer seasonal flavors and serve ice cream. • Opened in March • 10900 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. 300, Austin • www.crankygrannys.com

15 Birds Barbershop Owners Michael Portman and Jayson Rapaport will expand Birds Barbershop this summer with a new location in Austin, according to a representative from the business. The barbershop offers color services, cuts and styling. • Opening in July • 9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. A-215, Austin • www.birdsbarbershop.com

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

9 Allday Pizza The pizza shop sells classic slices like cheese and pepperoni, as well as house specials like the Sweet Sausage, made with ricotta cheese and drizzled with Calabrian honey. Wine, beer and cocktails are also available. • 2720 RM 2222, Austin • www.allday.pizza 10 Eldorado Cafe The business will add 4,402 square feet in restaurant space after becoming the tenant of an adjacent suite, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. Construction is estimated to last from

13 Hold Out Brewing Hold Out Brewing took over the former Turnstile Bar and Restaurant location on Burnet Road, Hold Out owner Mark Stowe said. Since taking over, Hold Out Brewing has expanded the breakfast menu and hours.

16 Blaze Pizza The restaurant previously offered specialty pizzas, cheesy bread, salads and drinks. The pizza spot on Research Boulevard was the brand’s only Austin store. • Closed late 2025 • 14009 Research Blvd., Ste. 103, Austin • www.blazepizza.com 17 Westlake Eyecare Patients will be directed to Dr. Amy Jones and Dr. Haley Nguyen at Westlake Eyecare’s additional branches. • Closed April 10 • 7301 N. RM 620, Ste. 165, Austin • www.westlakeeyecare.com

June to April 2027 and cost $1.5 million. • 3300 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 301, Austin • www.eldoradocafeatx.com

• 10025 Burnet Road, Austin • www.holdoutbrewing.com

In the news

11 Stack City BBQ North Austin-based barbecue restaurant and food truck SLAB BBQ rebranded as Stack City BBQ in February. The restaurant sells barbecue sandwiches; sausage wraps; brisket, chicken and other meats by the pound. • 9012 Research Blvd., Austin • www.dopebbq.com

Closings

14 Wonderspaces The interactive art gallery featured installations combining light, color and interaction. • Closed late 2025 • 1205 Sheldon Cove, Ste. 2A, Austin

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NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

TRAVIS COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL

54% of Travis County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

46%

54%

Protested 1

Didn’t Protest 1

177,605

204,405

residential properties

$122.0M total missed potential savings

$160.2M total realized savings in 2025

Protestors won 89% of the time in Travis County1

WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 94%

IMPORTANT DATES

deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026

Travis County 2025 win rate

41,730

Travis County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025

property tax protest deadline

23% of Travis County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025

$744 average annual property tax savings for Ownwell clients in 2025

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON & CHLOE YOUNG

Travis County to withhold some of Tesla’s tax rebate Travis County is lowering its tax rebate to Tesla due to “partial noncompliance” with a perfor- mance-based local incentive agreement. Since 2020, the county promised Tesla tax breaks to build the 10-million-square-foot Giga Texas car manufacturing plant near Del Valle. On April 7, Travis County commissioners voted to withhold 9% of funds for 2020-22 after receiving “incomplete documentation” from the Colorado River Project, a Tesla subsidiary, County Judge Andy Brown said. “We have to continue to demand accountability in future compliance conversations,” Commissioner Ann Howard said. “I’m grateful for the work and the good, but it comes with a price, and we need to be accountable to the people for that.” The overview Under the agreement, Tesla would receive a 70% rebate on its maintenance and operations property taxes for the rst $1.09 billion invested through Giga Texas. The company could receive a 75% rebate for investments beyond $1.09 billion and up to an 80% rebate for investments beyond $2 billion. Tesla was projected to receive a $14.65 million rebate over 10 years, according to initial county estimates from 2020. A Travis County spokesperson said the county has not yet calculated how much of a rebate Tesla will receive for 2020-22. To acquire these rebates, the company was required to create at least 5,001 new full-time jobs—50% of which had to be lled by Travis County residents—among other requirements. All employees had to receive a minimum base wage of $15 per hour and at least $47,147 a year for full-time jobs, according to county documents.

Austin moves to expand mixed zoning City Council took the rst step toward broadening the types of multi-unit housing that can be built in Austin neighborhoods and allowing more mixed-use development citywide. What happened On March 26, council advanced the creation of two new zoning categories over the year ahead meant to support: • Multi-unit “missing middle” housing at scales in between single-family homes and bigger apartment complexes • Transit- and pedestrian-oriented develop- ments blending residential and commercial space, from smaller corner stores to larger mixed-use buildings Council member Paige Ellis said improved mixed-use zones can support a wide variety of development, from denser apartment proj- ects desired near downtown and transit lines to smaller businesses near neighborhoods. And Mayor Kirk Watson called missing middle a “logical step” toward improving housing aordability and choice. “Having a well-rounded, robust, and active housing market means addressing what’s missing, and these mid-density developments are what’s missing,” he said. The two concepts, laid out in a resolution from Ellis, will now be worked into new zon- ing in the year ahead. Her measure built on a recent city study into Austin’s current housing stock and recommending policy changes.

Tesla tax breaks Travis County extended tax relief to Tesla for the development of its Giga Texas plant.

County grant percentage:

• 70% in all payment years for irst $1.1 billion invested • 75% for investments over $1.1 billion up to $2 billion • 80% for investments over $2 billion

As of 2022, Tesla:

Invested over $5.8 billion

Created 12,300 new jobs

Jobs averaged hourly pay of $39.72 , and $26.53 for construction contractors

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“We are holding Tesla accountable,” Commis- sioner Brigid Shea said. “They have also met and signicantly exceeded the key requirements in the contract of creating a very large number of very good paying jobs for people who have less than a college degree.” The update Tesla provided incomplete documentation on its building standards, construction site safety, mini- mum hourly wage, and janitorial and food contrac- tors. Tesla also exceeded many of the agreement’s provisions, Christy Moett, the county’s director of economic development and strategic investments, said. As of 2022, Tesla invested over $5.8 billion into the property, surpassing the original target of nearly $178 million.

Ocials breaks ground on $1.5B expansion of Austin’s largest wastewater plant City ocials marked the groundbreaking of the expansion of Austin’s largest wastewater plant at an April 14 ceremony. “This is needed generational investment to

odor control, eliminating chlorine gas use in water disinfection and more. The big picture The more than $1 billion expansion will boost the plant’s wastewater treatment capacity by 33%, from 75 million gallons daily to 100 MGD by the early 2030s. Hundreds of millions of dollars more are also being spent to improve and modernize other parts of the facility, which will remain opera- tional throughout several years of construction.

expand and modernize the Walnut Creek Waste- water Treatment Plant, and it fullls our responsi- bility as a city to provide basic but critical services for today, tomorrow and the next 50 years,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. Improvements also include upgrading water treatment processes, implementing advanced

The Walnut creek Wastewater Plant provides service to much of the Northwest Austin area.

BEN THOMPSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Transportation ocials outline next steps for Parmer Lane Corridor study

What they’re saying

Some respondents cited concerns with environ- mental impacts the project could have, including increased noise and air pollution. Hundreds of public comments have already been collected from the 2023 and 2024 open houses, including:

Local transportation ocials have completed the nal round of gathering public comments on the Parmer Lane Corridor study. The project from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation could bring various safety and mobility improvements along Parmer Lane from MoPac in Austin to Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park. According to TxDOT, the corridor is a “critical arterial route” for the Austin metro, serving tens of thousands of trips each day. Increasing demand and congestion is necessitating the evaluation of potential improvement alternatives. CAMPO’s Transportation Policy Board adopted 10 regional corridors to study and prepare for future multimodal transportation improvement projects in 2021. “These corridors connect signicant and growing residential, employment, and activity centers throughout the region, experience higher-than-average crash rates, and complement existing studies and projects throughout the region,” TxDOT ocials state on its website. Ocials held an in-person public hearing March 25 where community members were able to submit comments about the project. A virtual public comment period was also open between March 25 and April 27. In-person attendees were able to review hard copies of project materials, discuss the project with CAMPO and TxDOT ocials and project consultants, and leave written comments,

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

Prioritize multimodal public transportation options to connect residential and commercial areas and alleviate roadway trac Make mobility and safety improvements, such as optimizing signal timing, adding turn lanes and reducing speeds at existing intersections and roadways Make bike and pedestrian improvements, such as wider shoulders, dedicated bike lanes and shared-use paths

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The study will use public input to help the agencies more clearly dene and identify feasible improvements to make on Parmer, CAMPO ocials said. This process will include an analysis of previous plans and studies, current and projected trac volumes, crash hotspots, environmental features, and other needs or concerns identied through public input. The agencies will then use the information and recommendations gathered to complete additional environmental analysis before moving toward the design phase.

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according to TxDOT, with the virtual meeting featuring the same information.

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Conservation Rebates, Tools, Tips, and more

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

3 transportation updates for Northwest Austin residents

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1 183 Mobility Project Project: The project features two express lanes in each direction on US 183 and a general purpose lane to bring the number of nontolled lanes to four in each direction. Update: According to the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, ongoing nighttime lane closures are expected through at least May. • Timeline: 2022-26 • Cost: $612 million • Funding source: federal funding, sale of toll revenue bonds

2 Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction Project: The project will improve the storm drain system in part of the Oak Knoll neighborhood to reduce the risk of ooding. Update: According to Austin Capital Delivery Services, crews will next install storm drains along Woodcrest Drive and Columbia Oaks Court, with a 24-hour agger station on Columbia Oaks Drive and J. Gregg Cove set up to control trac. • Timeline: 2025-27 • Cost: $9 million • Funding source: city of Austin 2018 bond

3 Burnet Road Mobility Program Project: The project will feature updated trac signals, improved crossings, bus stop improvements, raised medians and more on Burnet Road from White Horse Trail to US 183. Update: Construction on Segments C2 and C4 began March 5. Per Austin Transportation and Public Works, two sets of crews will work along the corridor toward US 183 throughout 2026. • Timeline: 2026-28 • Cost : $64 million • Funding source: city of Austin 2016 Mobility Bond

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Education

Development

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & CHLOE YOUNG

Nonprot to take over 3 Austin ISD middle schools

RRISD OK’s campus improvement plans Round Rock ISD will allocate resources at some campuses to support instruction and student performance, based on account- ability performance and with the backing of grant funding. What you need to know Trustees approved improvement plans for six campuses March 26, including Anderson Mill Elementary, Wells Branch Elementary School and Deerpark Middle School in Northwest Austin. These campuses were identied for improvement based on state and federal accountability requirements, or because a recent grant award required them. Anderson Mill received an “F” rating for 2025, while Wells Branch and Deerpark earned “C” ratings, district documents show.

Terafab facility coming to Austin

Texas Council for International Studies will begin operating Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools this fall. At a March 26 meeting, the AISD board of trustees voted on a three-school year contract with the education nonprot, which specializes in the International Baccalaureate, or IB, program. What you need to know Burnet, Dobie and Webb middle schools each received their fourth consecutive F rating from the Texas Education Agency in 2025. If a Texas public school receives ve or more consecutive failed ratings, the TEA commissioner is required to close the campus or take over the district. School districts can receive additional funding and a two-year exemption from state account- ability interventions by partnering with a charter school, higher education institution, govern- ment entities or nonprots, according to TEA information.

1 Burnet Middle School 2 Dobie Middle School and College Prep Academy 3 Webb Middle School

MORRIS RD.

The world’s largest semiconductor plant could be coming to Austin after billionaire Elon Musk announced the project at a March 21 livestreamed event in downtown Austin. Diving in deeper Terafab—a joint venture between Tesla, SpaceX and xAI—would be “the largest chip manufacturing facility ever,” producing a combined compute capacity of 1 terawatt annually, according to a post by Tesla on X. Terafab would produce two types of articial intelligence chips—one for electric cars and the Optimus humanoid robots, and another designed for space, Musk said. In a post on X, Musk said Terafab could be 100 million square feet. Several potential sites are under consideration for the facility, he said.

The project will feature indoor basketball, volleyball and futsal courts.

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RENDERING COURTESY T&C SPORTS

Kathy Manning Athletic Center breaks ground T&C Sports’ Town & Country Optimist Founda- tion broke ground on the rst phase of the Kathy Manning Athletic Center on March 30, part of T&C’s Next 50 Capital Campaign. The details The 40,000-square-foot KMAC facility at 13398 Morris Road, Austin, is slated to open this Novem- ber and will include indoor basketball, volleyball

and futsal courts, providing year-round opportuni- ties for practices, games and more. The facility is named after Kathy Manning, who founded T&C’s basketball and volleyball pro- grams. Donations made to T&C’s Next 50 Capital Campaign go toward improvements across T&C’s 90-acre campus, including the KMAC. What they’re saying “This is ... a visible sign of momentum and a promise to the next generation of families who will grow, compete, and connect here,” said Todd Brooker, board president of Town & Country Optimist Foundation, in a news release.

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TCIS is required to help Burnet, Dobie and Webb receive D or C ratings in the 2026-27 school year, according to the contract. The schools are expected to receive an acceptable rating of C or higher for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years.

From the cover

Northwest Austin country clubs evolve

The local impact

A larger trend

and Regulation ling, though representatives for the club declined to comment. Renovations are funded through member assessments, with members helping shape the scope of projects. The largest project is underway at Great Hills Country Club, where a $22.3 million multiphase renovation includes a full course redesign, clubhouse upgrades, including a new grab-and-go cafe, and replacement of a 50-year-old irriga- tion system. “Personal service is still the staple of private membership. That will never change. But every- thing around it is evolving,” Gist said. Redesigned greens, nearly twice their original size, will expand the number of playable pin locations from two or three to as many as 10 to 12.

In Northwest Austin, that national shift is driving millions in local investments. At Twin Creeks Country Club in Cedar Park, a multiyear renovation completed in early 2025 added updated dining and lounge areas, a redesigned patio, and an 8,000-square-foot tness center. River Place Country Club has also invested in racquet sports and is planning additional club- house upgrades for 2026. Both clubs are operated by Arcis Golf, which described the updates in a news release as part of a strategy to position its properties as “lifestyle hubs.” Austin Country Club has a $500,000 terrace din- ing room and bar renovation planned for fall 2026, according to a Texas Department of Licensing

Private clubs in Austin are shifting into full- service lifestyle hubs, driven by demand for wellness amenities, family programming and social experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures sparked increased interest in outdoor private amenities, including golf and club memberships, Gist said. “The demographics for country clubs are getting younger and younger, and COVID[-19] is the real reason for that,” Gist said. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show membership costs have nearly doubled since 2005, with more than half of that increase occurring since 2020. Sports like pickleball are also reshaping how clubs allocate space and programming, while the average member skews younger than a generation ago, Gist said.

Country clubs across Northwest Austin

Country clubs across Northwest Austin are investing in renovations and new amenities, reecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-focused membership experiences.

Country club membership costs

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183

Using 2005 as a baseline of 100, data shows golf course and country club membership dues and fees have increased about 92%.

Twin Creeks Country Club

Great Hills Country Club

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LAKE TRAVIS

620

A new grab-and-go cafe at Great Hills Country Club is part of a $22.3 million renovation.

125 150 175 100 0

River Place Country Club

UT Golf Club

100

620

Austin Country Club

2005 2010 2015 2020 2025

COLORADO RIVER

Year (in December)

360

Austin

SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COURTESY GREAT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

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BY JESSICA MCLAREN

Why now?

Why it matters

accelerated pace. “It is inconvenient, there’s no doubt about it,” Gist said of the ongoing construction. “But it’s short- term pain for long-term gain.” Great Hills board President Tom Schoelkopf said participation has exceeded expectations during construction, with members often returning after playing elsewhere rather than leaving.

Once centered primarily on golf, clubs are increasingly positioning themselves as a “third space” where members can gather, stay active and build community. “People look for their home rst, their school second and their club third,” Gist said. That shift reects how clubs are adapting in a fast-growing region—and for longtime members, it’s personal. “It’s about family,” said Schoelkopf, who joined Great Hills with his wife in 2005 and raised his son there. “The club is a fabric of our lives.”

The timing of these renovations is not coinciden- tal. Many country club facilities in Central Texas were built decades ago and are now due for major updates, just as demand is surging in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. “The demand for privately owned, premier country clubs in this market has never been higher than it is right now,” Gist said. “All of it ties back to the member experience. If you’re not modernizing, you’re going to get left behind.” With various projects, River Place and Twin Creeks country clubs are part of this modernization wave. “There’s a lot of competition in the area, … so it was about how we provide that to our membership so they don’t have to go to a competitor,” Senior General Manager Kyle O’Brien, who manages both facilities, previously told Community Impact . A combination of aging facilities, increased demand and heightened member expectations is pushing clubs to renovate and invest at an

Quote of note

"Golf’s become so popular, and it’s such a family activity. … We’ve had almost a million people move here over the last

Renovation timelines at a glance River Place UT Golf Club Austin Country Club Twin Creeks

1520 years. We’re probably half a dozen courses short of where we need to be." STEVE TERMEER, GENERAL MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS GOLF CLUB

Great Hills

2024

April: Twin Creeks begins Phase 2 of renovations

2025

February: Twin Creeks completes dining, tness center renovations September: River Place reopens tennis facilities October: Great Hills begins clubhouse renovations December: Great Hills closes golf course

Put in perspective

2026

April: River Place clubhouse upgrades underway

General Manager Steve Termeer emphasized the vital role of alumni support, as golf, unlike football or basketball, does not generate much revenue. “To have those kinds of contributions through The University of Texas is a key element to keep their facilities top-notch,” he said. The updates show that even as clubs expand beyond the course, golf quality remains a dening factor in attracting and retaining members.

A dierent model is playing out at the private University of Texas Golf Club, where a roughly 90-day summer project will upgrade its prac- tice facilities. Known as Sche’s Kitchen, the $2.2 million eort is partially funded by former Longhorn and PGA Tour player Scottie Scheer, who contributed $1 million. Improvements will also include target greens, fairways, bunkers, irrigation and drainage on the driving range.

June: Great Hills to reopen cafe and dining areas June-September: UT Golf Club practice facility upgrades nished Fall: Austin Country Club $500,000 terrace dining room/bar renovation nishes Late 2026: Great Hills plans to reopen golf course

SOURCES: ARCIS GOLF, GREAT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS GOLF CLUB, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Business

BY KATLYNN FOX

Timur Takhtaganov continues his lifelong trend of teaching and making music with others through Austin music school Stereo Lizard in Northwest Austin. Zooming out Takhtaganov had an early introduction to music. Growing up in Uzbekistan, his mother was a composer, and Takhtaganov picked up his rst instrument—a guitar— at nine years old. As he grew up, he played with several famous bands from Central Asia. Music took Takhtaganov to festivals all over the world for six years. From Asia to Europe to Austin, Takhtaganov moved to Texas nearly a decade ago to be closer to relatives. He and his wife, Nataliya Tselik, part- nered to open Stereo Lizard nearly three years ago to help local musicians grow. “It’s a blessing to see how our students grow, because they come here actually knowing nothing about music,” Takhtaganov said. “They don’t know how to play [or] how to sing ... but after a little while, it’s great to see them playing dierent songs.” How it works The music school features 110 students and a team of 10 professional instructors in piano, voice, guitar and drums. Takhtaganov teaches guitar, ukulele, bass and sometimes piano. Stereo Lizard oers classes for children starting at ve years old, going up to 80-year-olds. Each lesson is planned around the student’s abilities and attention spans. “All of my colleagues ... understand that there’s a big dierence between being a good musician and being a good teacher,” Takhtaganov said. Stereo Lizard also hosts between three and four recitals a year to showcase student talent and help them build condence in performing. Stereo Lizard instructors are constantly working on their curriculum to improve lessons and show parents tangible results, Takhtaganov said. His thoughts He encourages both children and adults to invest in their education to help with interper- sonal skills and mood. “Musical education is so important, and I just need to remind adults that music heals,” Takhta- ganov said. “When you’re not only listening to Stereo Lizard amplies local talent with private, group lessons

Individual lessons range from $165-$220 per month. Group sessions cost $105 per month.

PHOTOS BY KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Takhtaganov toured the world before accomplishing his lifelong dream of opening a music school.

music, but when you’re actually playing it, it’s pure magic.” One last thing Takhtaganov hopes community members understand that the school is more like a family. “We are all professionals [and] each of our teachers graduated from [a] conservatory music academy,” Takhtaganov explained. “Usually when people come to our school ... they feel [at] home.”

A N D E R S O N M I L L R D .

183

9801 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 206, Austin www.stereolizard.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Dining

BY KATLYNN FOX

A few doors down from Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex on Parmer Lane, dynamic duo Jason Carrier and Forrest Higdon opened Happy Slice Pizza last October, serving specialty pizzas, baked fornatas, salads, desserts and a full drink menu. The backstory For business owners Carrier and Higdon, their journeys with restaurants began long before they collaborated over a healthier kind of pizza. Higdon spent the last 16 years specializing in pizza at Gumby’s Pizza in San Marcos, which opened in 2009. Following his experience as a restaurant owner, he shared advice with Carrier, his neighbor, who opened Mama Betty’s Tex-Mex in 2022. Three years later, owners of 600 Degrees Austin approached the pair about buying the restaurant, and they jumped into action—going from neigh- bors to business partners. “Being next door [at] Mama Betty’s ... we’re already here, so it made sense 150 feet away to sign another lease and start doing pizza with my Happy Slice Pizza owners strive to ‘elevate the pizza experience’

Classic pies at the pizza spot include the Margherita pizza ($25.99), which can be served on a gluten-free 14-inch crust.

KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

neighbor,” Carrier said. What’s special about it?

“When I had the opportunity to start over and just do a pizza place like I would want now, it was about the better ingredients,” Higdon said. Happy Slice dough is made with unbleached and unbromated our, cellulose-free cheese and no articial citric acid in the tomato sauce. The menu also oers gluten and dairy-free options for people with dietary restrictions. “I want ... people that are gluten-free or dairy- free to not feel like we’re having to make excep- tions for them—they get the same experience that everyone else gets,” Higdon said. One of the most popular specialty pizzas at Happy Slice is inspired by Carrier’s Tex-Mex restaurant. Known as the Barbacoa Betty, the pie is served with Mama Betty’s barbacoa, diced onions, cilantro, jalapeno crema and adobo sauce. Another bestseller is the Sweet Heat, which features tradi- tional and cupping pepperoni with sweet ricotta, basil, hot honey and red sauce. Happy Slice Pizza is also the rst pizza restau- rant in Texas to serve the San Nicola tomatoes in its sauce, the owners said. A family aair The pair crafted Happy Slice with the intention of

The venue features a large patio with shade trees and several large TVs.

KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

From the left, Forrest Higdon and Jason Carrier are the co-owners of Happy Slice Pizza on Parmer Lane.

Happy Slice also oers an array of cocktails.

COURTESY HAPPY SLICE PIZZA

creating a welcoming, family-friendly environment. “I think what has made Happy Slice work is that we’re building the place that we would want to take our families to,” Higdon said. “It’s just an extension of our neighborhood and our house.” The restaurant includes an outdoor patio with fans, TVs, tables and turf to make a relax- ing and comfortable space. Happy Slice hosts neighborhood parties, birthdays and team sports celebrations.

45 TOLL

9900 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 100, Austin www.happyslicepizza.com

NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

There were 47 fewer homes sold in Northwest Austin in March compared to the previous year, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

March 2025

March 2026

+50%

-47.83%

-12.5%

+100%

+20.83%

+61.11%

45 TOLL

78726

78727

78729

78730

78750

78758

78759

78729

MOPAC

620

78750

183

78727

Median home sales price

78726

78759

LAKE TRAVIS

March

2025

2026

2222

78758

$866,000 $500,000 $466,900 $1,200,000 $560,000 $425,000 $637,500

$702,500 $479,000 $457,450 $1,016,500 $635,000 $325,000 $599,750

78726 78727 78729 78730 78750 78758 78759

360

78730

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM

Northwest Austin

Average days on market

March 2025

March 2026

+480%

+93.88%

-19.35%

-44.66%

-5.56%

+86.67%

+8.51%

March

2025

2026

241

194

New listings

118

116

Closed sales

78726

78727

78729

78730

78750

78758

78759

Median home sale price

$527,500 $480,000

Homes sold by price point in March

Homes under contract

115

146

78726 78727

78729 78730 78750 78758 78759

- -

9 3

8 5

$900,000+

Median price per square foot

3 2

$700,000-$899,999

$300 $281

4 5 6 8

6 6 5 8 10 12

$500,000-$699,999

Average days on market

- -

$300,000-$499,999

10 2

<$299,999

Events

BY KATLYNN FOX

• Q2 Stadium, 10414 Mc Kalla Place, Austin • www.austinfc.com

May

David Koechner live The actor and comedian known for his roles on “The Oce,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Anchor Man” will hit the stage at Cap City Comedy Club two nights in a row. • May 8, 7 p.m., 9:15 p.m.; May 9, 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m. • Starting at $34.96 (balcony and general admission), starting at $199.92 (couples package) • 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Bldg. B, Ste. 100, Austin • www.capcitycomedy.com Parent & Me: Muns for Mom Parents and children can celebrate Mother’s Day by baking muns from scratch at Over The Top Cake Supplies. Participants will make blueberry and banana muns, and can enjoy light snacks and juice. • May 10, 10 a.m.-noon • $45 (ticket price per couple), $10 (additional child)

Sip & Sculpt: Pottery with a Purpose Beginner potters can visit Austin Beerworks to learn more about pottery basics, mingle, grab a drink and create a unique piece of pottery.

• May 21, 6-8 p.m. • $60 (admission)

• 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin • www.potterywithapurpose.com

Free Day at Zilker Botanical Garden Zilker Botanical Garden will host a free admission day for visitors to explore all 28 acres of the gardens. • May 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • 2220 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.zilkergarden.org/event/memorial-day-free-day Natures Treasures Rocks on the Green Community members can enjoy music from The Wooly Vicars and Couples Therapy at the family-friendly outdoor concert. • May 30, 1:30-4 p.m. • Free • 11055 N. I-35, Austin • www.ntrocks.com

ATX Fashion Week Models will walk the runway at The Domain for ATX Fashion Week, with a full weekend of events, shows and style. • May 7-9, times vary • $50-$210 (admission)

• 9070 Research Blvd., Ste. 203, Austin • www.overthetopcakesupplies.com

• 10910 Domain Drive, Austin • www.atxfashionweek.com

Austin FC vs. Sporting KC Austin FC will face o against Sporting Kansas City at Q2 Stadium. • May 16, 7:30 p.m. • Starting at $60 (tickets)

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