Round Rock Edition | February 2026

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Round Rock Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 6 FEB. 7MARCH 6, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

2026 Private School Guide

Round Rock ocials weigh neighborhood compatibility for Skybox data center

industrial,” Mayor Pro Tem Kristin Stevens said. “We just have to make that decision. Unfortunately, it’s not zoned residential.” The proposed data center is one of many in Williamson County and throughout Central Texas, promising to yield a large amount of property tax revenue for cities.

residents. Among the concerns are noise pollution, and energy and water consumption on the property, which is zoned for light industrial use but is under consideration for a zoning change. Some have asked that the land be considered for other uses, such as residential or multifamily. “We do have to gure out the highest and best uses of land, and currently that is zoned light

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Amid a statewide surge in demand for digital infrastructure, a Skybox data center is proposed for a property near East Old Settlers Boulevard and A.W. Grimes Boulevard in Round Rock. The property also backs up to the Chandler Creek neighborhood, prompting concerns among some

CONTINUED ON 26

Skybox data center details 29.69 acres

150,000 square feet

Water usage: 20,000 gallons annually SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK COMMUNITY IMPACT

The city of Round Rock is reviewing a proposal to change zoning that would make way for a new data center. RENDERING COURTESY SKYBOX DATACENTERS

Skybox data center

1460

Also in this issue

Elections: See who is on the March 3 primary ballot (Page 14)

Business: Read about area dog boarder Hip Hounds (Page 31)

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

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16225 Impact Way, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases rrknews@communityimpact.com Advertising rrkads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising Connect on social @communityimpactatx @communityimpactatx

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts

Round Rock

• Opened in November • 795 Louis Henna Blvd., Round Rock • www.mcdonalds.com

Round Rock

N. A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

MAYS ST.

1431

Coming soon

5 Bee Cave Orthodontics The practice uses a variety of orthodontic treatments to remedy dental issues, such as cross bites, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, protruding teeth and more. The practice, led by Dr. Adriana Da Silveira, also offers Invisalign virtual appointments, as well as free virtual consultations. • Opening in February • 1499 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock • www.beecaveortho.com 6 Rowdy Cowboy The sports bar and grill will have 32 different beers on tap, as well as 64 different television screens broadcasting live sports. • Opening this spring

JOE DIMAGGIO BLVD.

130 TOLL

TEXAS AVE.

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

620

45 TOLL

2 12

• 2401 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.rowdycowboy.com

CROSSROADS DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

MOPAC

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Round Rock

• Opened Dec. 24 • 3203 S. I-35, Ste. 560, Round Rock • www.simplysuperusa.com

7 Barrio Burrito Bar A new Tex-Mex restaurant could be coming to the Greenlawn Crossing retail center in Round Rock, per a recent project filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The filing shows Barrio Burrito Bar could open a franchise location in Round Rock later this year. As a Tex-Mex restaurant franchise, Barrio Burrito Bar offers tacos, quesadillas, burritos and bowl-style meals. • Opening TBD • 661 Louis Henna Blvd., Ste. 330, Round Rock • www.barrioburritobar.com 8 Digital Brands Group A project filed with TDLR shows the California- based e-commerce company could open an office in the EastGroup industrial park. The filing shows a 4,375-square-foot space in the industrial center would be renovated for the business.

Now open

3 Casita on the Main The restaurant serves street tacos, menudo, enchiladas, tortas, burgers and more. Customers can choose from pork, chicken, beef or carnitas. For dessert, Casita on the Main offers tres leches, empandas with cream and cookies. Patrons can also stop in for breakfast with a menu featuring huevos rancheros, huevos con chorizo, micas, pancakes and breakfast tacos. • Opened Dec. 24 • 109 W. Main Street, Round Rock • www.casitaonthemain.com 4 McDonald’s The fast-food chain offers a variety of burgers, chicken entrees, breakfast and children’s meals. This is one of several locations in the Round Rock area.

1 Evolve Social Wellness The business offers a variety of wellness-focused services and amenities. This location of Evolve is owned by Isaiah, Jenn and Sam McPeak. • Opened Dec. 20 • 2601 S. I-35, Ste. B600, Round Rock • https://roundrock.evolvehumanlabs.com 2 Simply Super Indian Cuisine & Bar In the space where Recuerdo’s Tex-Mex was previously located, the restaurant offers a variety of Indian dishes, including appetizers like pakodi, samosas and bajji; and main dishes including curries, different varieties of tikka masala, noodles and pulao. The menu also includes different beverages, such as chai and fruit lassis.

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• Opening TBD • 350 Texas Ave., Ste. 250, Round Rock • www.digitalbrandsgroup.co

Now open

9 Rivian A Jan. 13 project filing for a $9.5 million sales and service center for the electric vehicle brand shows plans for a 46,018-square-foot building on an undeveloped site at the northwest corner of O’Connor Drive and SH 45 in Round Rock. • Opening TBD • 140 Crossroads Drive, Round Rock • www.rivian.com

Relocations

12 Claw Galaxy The claw game arcade offers a selection of collectors items such as blind boxes, plushies and anime figures as prizes. • Opened Dec. 31 • 3203 S. I-35, Ste. 520, Round Rock • www.instagram.com/clawgalaxyroundrock

13 Marble Slab Creamery The ice cream shop offers scoops, sundaes, shakes, smoothies and ice cream cakes. • Opened Dec. 22 • 200 University Blvd., Ste. 630, Round Rock • www.marbleslab.com

10 Arepitas The restaurant shared a Facebook post announcing the relocation Dec. 8. It will reopen in the space formerly occupied by The Point ATX, which closed in November. The restaurant offers Venezuelan cuisine such as empanadas, tostones and arepas, as well as a variety of tacos, sandwiches and burgers. • Opening TBD • 910 RM 620, Round Rock • www.arepitasusa.com

Expansions

11 Lone Star Circle of Care The healthcare provider is expanding offerings at Texas A&M Health Science Center in Round Rock to offer local specialty care and launch a new endocrinology program. Services in the new specialty will be led by Dr. Avinash Ravipati, a board‑certified internist and endocrinologist. • Opened Jan. 12 • 3950 N. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Round Rock • www.lonestarcares.org

operated, its members have raised over $750,000 to support speech and hearing health. • www.rrsertoma.org

• Closed Jan. 4 • 3001 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Round Rock • www.thekenneyfort.com

15 Top Notch Axe Throwing The entertainment venue closed its Round Rock location due to “leasing issues” at the Mays Crossing retail center, according to a social media post shared in December. Per the post made on the business’s Facebook page, the same owners will be returning to the area with a new concept, Top Shot BB Gun Bar, later this year. • Closed in December

Closings

14 The Kenney Fort Pub The restaurant and pub announced via Facebook that it plans to close in early January. The English pub, owned by Tim Jones, first opened in November 2020 after Jones and his family moved from England to Round Rock. The restaurant’s menu has featured American fare, but also included English options such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, and sticky toffee pudding.

In the news

Round Rock Sertoma Club The organization dedicated to assisting the hearing impaired marked 50 years of service in the Round Rock area in December. In the 50 years the organization has

• 1201 S. I-35, Ste. 312, Round Rock • www.topnotchaxethrowing.com

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts

Pugerville

HILL TOP COMMERCIAL DR.

685

Now open

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

RED BUD LN.

45 TOLL

1 Black Rock Coffee Bar The Pflugerville location is drive-thru only and offers customizable coffee and espresso drinks, teas, smoothies and the company’s signature Fuel energy drinks. The company has positioned itself as a drive-thru-focused brand, catering to customers looking for quick service. • Opened Dec. 21 • 19140 Colorado Sand Drive, Pflugerville • www.br.coffee 2 Bojangles The national fast-food chain opened its first Central Texas location in Manor. The eatery is known for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. • Opened Jan. 20 • 12432 State School Road, Manor • www.bojangles.com

TOWN CENTER DR.

GREENLAWN BLVD.

685

130 TOLL

COLORADO SAND DR.

Pugerville

130 TOLL

VISION DR.

STATE SCHOOL RD.

685

290

GREGG MANOR RD.

Manor

Coming soon

WEISS LN.

3 Pinkorchids Nails The salon, spanning 1,300 square feet, will feature

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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seven pedicure chairs and six manicure tables. They plan to offer traditional services such as dip and acrylic nails, while also emphasizing modern options like Gel-X and builder gel for manicures. Owner Binh Nguyen said her goal is to prioritize quality and health- conscious nail care. • Opening in May • 2512 W. Pecan St., Ste. 130, Pflugerville • www.instagram.com/pinkorchidds 4 Service Street Auto Repair The national automotive repair chain offers both routine maintenance and major mechanical repairs. Service Street locations provide services ranging from oil changes using Valvoline synthetic or blend oils and tire rotations to brake work, engine and transmission repairs, cooling system service, suspension work and advanced computer diagnostics for check engine and electrical issues. • Opening TBD • 915 Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville • www.servicestreet.com

interior finishes as part of a planned renovation. No construction timeline has been confirmed. • 18820 Hill Top Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.cinemark.com/theatres/tx-pflugerville/ cinemark-stone-hill-town-center 6 Avalon Tech Ridge The development will include infrastructure and site preparation for blocks of two-story townhomes across roughly 670,000 square feet. Avalon Tech Ridge apartments and townhomes with amenities such as a resort-style pool, 4,800-square-foot fitness center, work and game lounge, pickleball court, barbecue areas, and two pet parks. • 14100 John Henry Faulk Drive, Pflugerville • www.avaloncommunities.com/texas/pflugerville- apartments/avalon-tech-ridge 7 Spare Time Texas The indoor entertainment venue reached its 10-year anniversary in December. The facility includes an arcade, a laser tag arena, bowling alley, lounge, a bar and dining area, and private event spaces.

Now open

8 Kura Revolving Sushi Bar More than 100 menu items are served via a two- level conveyor belt system that delivers sushi plates directly to guests’ tables. The experience is enhanced by automated drink delivery robots and a prize system tied to plate returns. The Pflugerville location marks the second location in the greater Austin metro area and the 15th in the state. A South Austin location is expected to open later this year. • Opened Jan. 15 • 18725 FM 685, Ste. 140, Pflugerville • https://kurasushi.com/

In the news

• 1724 FM 685, Pflugerville • www.sparetimetexas.com

5 Cinemark Stone Hill Town Center Management confirmed that the theater, located at 18820 Hill Top Commercial Drive, will replace existing auditorium seating with luxury recliners and update

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Impacts

Hutto

Relocations

Now open

3 Lucky Hippo The social club offers sweepstakes machines and other arcade games that donate a portion of the proceeds to local charities. • Relocated Jan. 15 • 409 W. Front St., Ste. 208, Hutto • www.myluckyhippo.com

119

1 Hippo Massage The business offers full body massages with options ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. Customers can also receive couples massages, pregnancy massages and foot massages. To enhance the experience, customers can choose from a selection of add-ons, including cupping, essential oil and CBD oil. • Opened in December 2 Amy’s Ice Creams The Austin-based ice cream shop offer handcrafted scoops with flavors like Mexican vanilla, Belgian chocolate, Zilker mint chip, coffee and more. The new location will also offer pre-made ice cream cakes and chocolate-covered strawberries. • Opening Feb. 4 • 150 Alliance Blvd., Ste. 220, Hutto • www.amysicecreams.com • 567 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 103, Hutto • https://hippomassage.dingliuads.com

INNOVATION BLVD.

1660

In the news

ALLIANCE BLVD.

4 What’s the Tea? The tea shop is temporarily closed, according to a social media post. The business does not have a timeline for when it will reopen. • 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 450, Hutto • www.whatstheteaatx.com 5 Temple College - Hutto Center The college now offers an Associate of Arts in Business degree at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. The program can help students transfer to a bachelor’s program or the workforce.

W. FRONT ST.

130 TOLL

Hutto

MURIFIELD BEND DR.

1660

137

• 1600 Innovation Blvd., Hutto • www.templecollege.edu/hutto

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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Now open

In the news

6 Enchanted Gardens Soapery The business, owned by Marlena Johnson, offers a variety of bath and body products to help with skincare. Customers will find handmade bar soap, bath bombs, body butter, body lotion, sugar scrubs and more. Products include ingredients such as shea butter, coconut milk and raw silk. • Opened Jan. 13 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 47, Hutto • www.enchantedgardenssoapery.com

7 Animal Hospital of Hutto The practice provides comprehensive wellness exams designed to detect early signs of illness, prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle for both dogs and cats. The office, led by Dr. Natasha Knight, also provides vaccines, dental care, spay and neuter services, urgent care, surgery and end-of-life care. The clinic is providing free first exams for new clients until April 5. • Opened Jan. 5 • 126 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 200, Hutto • www.ahhutto.com

8 Buffalo Wild Wings Plans for a Hutto location of the chicken wing restaurant are underway, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Per the filing, construction on the 6,070-square- foot space is set to begin in February. The restaurant offers wings, burgers, salads and sandwiches. • 2270 Muirfield Bend Drive, Hutto • www.buffalowildwings.com

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Government

Joanne Land Playground under construction, to open this year

As the city of Round Rock continues an expansion project at Old Settlers Park, construction recently began on the new Joanne Land Playground. Overview The playground, which is expected to open sometime this spring, will be the largest in the city’s inventory. The structure is twice the size of the original playground and will feature integrated lighting to allow for visitors after dark. It also includes rubber surfacing and plastic components designed to minimize heat absorption, according to the city. The playground is located next to the new Lakeview Pavilion and Stage—the latest milestone part of the city’s expansion project. How we got here The $1.8 million project is

Construction crews work on the new Joanne Land Playground at Old Settlers Park.

COURTESY CITY OF ROUND ROCK

funded through a 2023 voter-ap- proved bond. WeBuildFun, which installed the original Joanne Land Playground in 2016, is installing the new version. Former city of Round Rock city secretary Joanne Land is the name- sake of the playground. She served in the position from 1970-2002, during which the city’s population grew from less than 3,000 people to more than 60,000

WilCo to remove detailed contract info from agendas due to AI attacks

Williamson County commission- ers court meeting agendas will no longer include detailed contract information, following a vote at a Jan. 13 meeting to enhance the county’s security measures due to artificial intelligence attacks it has faced. What residents need to know Although documents between the county and contractors will not be included on the public agenda items, individuals can still access the contracts through a public information request, said Richard Semple, chief information officer of the county’s Public

“The county is victim to a lot of scams ... and a big source of that is the information that’s on the agenda.” RICHARD SEMPLE, WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Lariat

200

FIND YOUR HOME

183

Safety Technology department. Agendas will still include who the county is contracting with, and the cost of the service or equipment. To request specific documents or information from the county, individuals can email piarequest@wilco.org.

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WilCo renews Bluebonnet Trails mental health, homelessness deal

Georgetown Community Center at San Gabriel Park 445 E Morrow St • Georgetown Sat, Feb 14th, 10a-6p Sun, Feb 15th, 10a-4p Hourly Door Prizes

Williamson County renewed its annual partnership with Bluebon- net Trails Community Services for three behavioral health resources totaling almost $500,000 during a Dec. 30 commissioners court meeting. The overview Child welfare court care coordi- nators work with families involved in Child Protective Services cases. While CPS case workers often experience high turnover, care coordinators can help facilitate completion of court orders, according to county documents. Under the agreement, BTCS will hire and provide two case coordinators, and Williamson County will fund up to $144,000 for salaries and benefits during fiscal year 2025-26. What else? BTCS began its homelessness prevention program in January 2024, helping find permanent housing for individuals at Community First Village, a 51-acre affordable housing community for those experiencing homelessness, as well as alternative options. New regional task force to combat vehicle crimes Plans for a regional task force to tackle vehicle burglaries are underway in Williamson County. The gist Round Rock City Council approved an agreement with the cities of Hutto, Cedar Park, George- town, Leander and Pflugerville, as

The three initiatives made possible by the BTCS partnership are:

Providing child welfare court case coordinators to help with court- ordered treatment Offering services to reduce homelessness and increase housing sustainability in the county Providing dedicated, qualified mental health professionals in 911 dispatch

Scan for Details

Save the Date: Feb 25th

WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We’ve been very successful with helping place about 33 individuals with chronic home- lessness issues from here in the county to long-term permanent housing,” Bluebonnet Trails CEO Mike Maples said. Williamson County will fund $180,981 for two homeless prevention or peer specialist staff as well as housing, transportation and clothing costs. The program aims to place 15 individuals into Community First Village and provide support to 35 others. well as Williamson County, to cre- ate the Regional Vehicle Burglary Suppression Taskforce. The agreement will allow the participating entities to coordinate investigations and enforcement efforts to address vehicle-related crimes, such as auto theft, burglar- ies, and catalytic converter theft. Each agency will be responsible for its own personnel and equip- ment, although grant funding could be pursued to support the task force.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Election

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day

During early voting, Williamson County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting. However, voters must use a polling location in their specified precinct on Election Day. Read more about this change to Williamson County voting locations on page 15.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

R Elvis Lossa R Offer Vince “Shamwow” Shlomi

R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick* R Esala Wueschner

R Bo French R Hawk Dunlap R James “Jim” Matlock R Katherine Culbert Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice R Jimmy Blacklock* R Steve Smith D Cory Carlye D Maggie Ellis Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 7 D Gordon Goodman D Kristen Hawkins Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 R Alison Fox R Brent Coffee R Lesli Fitzpatrick R Thomas Smith Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9

Sample ballot

Federal elections U.S. Senate R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale

D Justin Early D Caitlin Rourk D Stuart Whitlow State elections Governor R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Evelyn Brooks

D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head

D Marcos Velez Attorney general R Joan Huffman R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson Comptroller of Public Accounts R Christi Craddick

R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton

R Charles Andrew Crouch R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos R Nathaniel Welch D Patricia Abrego D Jose Navarro Balbuena D Chris Bell

D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassa D James Talarico U.S. Representative District 11 D Claire Reynolds D Pedro “Pete” Ruiz U.S. Representative District 17 D Milah Flores D J Gordon Mitchell D Casey Shepard U.S. Representative District 31 R William Abel R David L. Berry R John Carter R Steven “Steve” Dowell R Ed Ewald

R Don Huffines R Kelly Hancock R Michael Berlanga

R Jennifer Balido R John Messinger

D Michael Lange D Sarah Eckhardt D Savant Moore Commissioner of General Land Office D Benjamin Flores D Jose Loya Commissioner of Agriculture R Sid Miller* R Nate Sheets Texas Railroad Commissioner R Jim Wright*

State Senator District 5 R Apollo Hernandez R Larry Nance R Charles Schwertner* D Kevin Nelson D Paul Thomasson State Representative District 52 R Caroline Harris Davila R Blayre Pena

D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa

D Faizan Syed D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz D Andrew White Lieutenant Governor R Timothy Mabry

R Abhiram Garapati R Valentina Gomez R Raymond Hamden

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY GRACIE WARHURST

The Williamson County Republican Party will require voters to use a polling location in their specified precinct on Election Day for March primaries, a county official said. This change will also require the Democratic Party to move to precinct-based voting in response, according to Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo. Historically, Williamson County voters have been able to cast their ballot at any county- run polling location. However, on Election Day, March 3, voters must use a polling location in their specified precinct. Republicans plan to operate 79 WilCo voters to cast ballots within precincts

Ballots cast in Williamson County in past March primary elections

What else?

Total ballots cast

Residents can also check their voter registration card to determine which precinct they reside in. Specific polling locations haven’t been released yet. More information will be released on the Williamson County elections page. Voters in Williamson County will use hand-marked ballots, rather than a machine, following a commissioner court vote in June to switch to a ballot-on-demand system. The hand-marked ballots are electronically scanned through a printer to record votes, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Texas has open primaries, which means registered voters can cast their ballots in either the Republican or Democratic primary, and do not need to register with a specific party, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

105K

99K

80K

75K

64K

32K

2020*

2018

2014

2022

2016*

2024

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT *2016 AND 2020 SAW A SPIKE DURING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEARS

polling locations, combining some of the 177 voting precincts. The Democratic Party plans to operate 46 polling locations. An up-to-date map can be found at www.wilcotx.gov.

Get Moving This Heart Health Month Getting outside and moving your body can support heart health and overall well-being. Our network of Shared Use Paths makes it easy for our commuters to stay active, no matter how you choose to move. Learn more at www.MobilityAuthority.com/Shared-Use-Paths

ROUND ROCK EDITION

We are so proud to unveil our new Founders Wall in our beautiful new Chamber offices at the Griffith Building

Thank you to our donors for your incredible support! City of Round Rock Community Impact Dell Technologies Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships R Bank Big Boy Hester Fishing Trip Rockin' Ladies Retreat

Learn about the Round Rock Chamber Foundation

Ascension Seton Williamson Jim & Monti Boles Russ & Kathy Boles Corridor Title Don Quick & Associates, Inc. Cynthia & Rene Flores Halff Charlie Haraway, Millennia Park Happy State Bank Henderson Professional Engineers Hill Country Payroll Hot Dog Marketing Leadership Round Rock Class of 2025 Lott Brothers Construction Company LTD Loyal IT māk studio

Maxwell Locke & Ritter Mayor Alan and Kathy McGraw MOD: Architecture + Design Lucia Murguia Nagle Family Okafor & Associates, P.C. Certified Public Accountants Oncor PNC Bank Rotary Club of Round Rock Round Rock Area Serving Center SALT Service Co. Plumbing, Air & Electric Sanchez-Adame Family SERVPRO of East Round Rock Sean and Kristin Stevens Family Trade Management Solutions (TMS - LP) Watkins Insurance Group

Independence Title Kalahari Resorts &

2025 Round Rock Chamber Board of Directors Anchor-Ventana Glass Atmos Energy Debbie Rippstein Bond Scott and Stacie Feller Frost Bank The Honorable Larry and Marie Gonzales

Conventions Knowmadics

MARK IV CAPITAL Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation St. David’s HealthCare Switch Lora and Jay Weber

Visit us at our NEW address: 216 E. Main St., 2nd Floor, Downtown Round Rock

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & BROOKE SJOBERG

Texas State takes flight with maviation program at Round Rock campus Texas State University is offering an aviation science degree program at its Round Rock campus this spring, according to a news release. What’s happening The university announced Jan. 14 that it partnered with Georgetown-based Genesis Aero to expand its aviation program to the Round Rock campus. The program will provide students with a pathway to certification and licensure required for professional pilots, and Genesis Aero will provide the flight training at the Georgetown Executive Airport. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing the future generations of professional pilots through high-quality flight training,” Kyle Keeling, owner of Genesis Aero, said in the release.

$31M Early College High School complete Round Rock ISD marked the opening of a new campus in January. What you need to know Funded by a combination of 2018 and 2024 bonds, the campus will provide a cen- tral building for the district’s Early College High School. Prior to its construction, students attended class in portables on the Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus. Students attending the campus take both high school and college-level courses and can potentially graduate with an associate’s degree. The facility cost around $31 million to build, per a release from the district’s bond management firm, HPM.

Pilot jobs by 2032

Pilot demand to increase by 2032 5,600 positions

Commercial pilot openings per year 16,800 positions

SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What else? Those who completed the program could find a variety of opportunities for professional piloting jobs, including working for commercial passenger airlines, cargo airlines, delivery services, federal gov- ernment services and more. Nearly 17,000 openings for commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The program under the Department of Organiza- tion, Workforce and Leadership Studies has begun admitting students to the aviation program at Round Rock immediately for classes starting in spring 2026.

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Private School Guide

2026

This list is not comprehensive.

1:30-3:30 p.m., summer camp for registered students Enrollment: 45 Tuition: contact for information • 1420 East Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.strichardspreschool.org

Round Rock

Challenger School - Avery Ranch Type: traditional

Pflugerville

Grades served: pre-K-8th Enrollment: more than 500

BASIS Pflugerville Type: college preparatory, STEM Grades served: kindergarten-12th Extracurricular activities: visual arts, theater, engineering and technology and music Enrollment: not provided Tuition: free • 1217 E. 10th St., Pflugerville • www.enrollbasistx.com/pflugerville Concordia High School Type: college preparatory Grades served: 9th-12th Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: theater, photography, choir, band, yearbook, sports, Science Olympiad Enrollment: 115 Tuition: $14,495 per year • 1201 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.chsaustin.org Extracurricular activities: before and after school programming, cooking, soccer, summer camps Enrollment: 95 Tuition: $1,135 per month • 4109 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.crosslifepf.academy E3 Christian Academy Type: religion-based, college/career preparatory Grades served: kindergarten-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: experiential learning and community service opportunities Enrollment: 6 Tuition: call for information • 14400 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville • www.e3.academy CrossLife Christian Academy Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K-5th Religious orientation: Lutheran

Tuition: $1,540–$1,855 per month • 15101 Avery Ranch Blvd., Austin • www.challengerschool.com/campus/ texas/austin/avery-ranch

ESTEAM Academy Type: STEAM Grades served: pre-K-12th Extracurricular activities: art and technology project- based learning, ESTEAM Learning Labs Enrollment: 55 Tuition: $13,700 per year

Harmony Science Academy - Pflugerville Type: early college high school Grades served: 6th-12th Extracurricular activities: drone team, VEX Robotics, academic competitions, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, art clubs Enrollment: 790 • 1421 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 200, Pflugerville • www.hsapflugerville.harmonytx.org

• 12 Lake Drive, Round Rock • www.esteamacademyrr.com

IDEA Public Schools-Round Rock Tech Type: STEM Grades served: kindergarten-12th Extracurricular activities: soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, cross country, various clubs Enrollment: more than 1,300 Tuition: free • 3301 Greenlawn Blvd., Round Rock • www.ideapublicschools.org Kids ‘R’ Kids of Round Rock Teravista Type: traditional Grades served: pre-K-kindergarten Extracurricular activities: sports classes, music lessons, dance lessons, camps Enrollment: 217 Tuition: $340 per week

Great Minds Learning Community Type: Caters to students with learning differences Grades served: 5-12 Enrollment: 31 Tuition: $17,800 • 3400 Rowe Lane, Pflugerville • greatmindslc.com IDEA Pflugerville Academy and College Preparatory Extracurricular activities: soccer, cross country, baseball, basketball, volleyball, dance, track, flag football and cheerleading Enrollment: 1,332 Tuition: free • 1901 Wells Branch Parkway, Pflugerville • www.ideapublicschools.org Pflugerville Montessori School Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-6th Extracurricular activities: chess, piano, dance and soccer Enrollment: not provided Type: academy, college preparatory Grades served: kindergarten-12th

• 4341 Teravista Club Drive, Round Rock • www.kidsrkids.com/round-rock-teravista

Round Rock Christian Academy Type: religion-based, college preparatory Grades served: pre-K-12th Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: athletics, student council, book club, Spanish club, choir, theatre, dance Enrollment: 730 Tuition: $895-$1,150 per month • 800 Westwood Drive, Round Rock • www.rrca-tx.org St. Richard’s Episcopal School Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K-kindergarten Religious orientation: Episcopalian Extracurricular activities: extended care hours

Endeavor Montessori Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-3rd Extracurricular activities: not provided

Enrollment: not provided Tuition: call for information • 18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd., Bldg. 2, Pflugerville • www.endeavormontessori.com

Tuition: contact for information • 2500 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.pflugervillemontessori.com

CONTINUED ON 21

ROUND ROCK EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Pflugerville

Round Rock

Austin Achieve Public Schools Type: colleg e preparatory, STEM Grades served: pre-K-12th Extracurricular activities: soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, cheer, art, robotics and band Enrollment: 587 Tuition: free • 1900 E. Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville • www.austinachieve.org

Challenger School - Round Rock Type: traditional Grades served: pre-K-1st Enrollment: 100+ Tuition: $1,540–$1,855 per month • 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock • www.challengerschool.com/campus/texas/ round-rock

Meridian World School Type: International Baccalaureate Grades served: K-12th

Extracurricular activities: around 45 student-led organizations in grades 6-12, sports for grades 7-12 (including volleyball, soccer, tennis, cross country), band, orchestra, theatre, Model UN, student council Enrollment: 1,700 Tuition: free • 2555 N. I-35, Round Rock • www.mwschool.org

Extracurricular activities: not provided Enrollment: not provided Tuition: $6,950 per year (preK-kindergarten),

• 14406 Summit Drive, Austin • www.chaparralstaracademy.com

CONTINUED FROM 19

Premier High School Type: career & technical education, credit recovery & early graduation Grades served: 9th-12th Extracurricular activities: not provided Enrollment: 120 Tuition: free • 616 FM 685, Ste. 204-B, Pflugerville • www.premierpflugerville.com

$5,730 per year (grades 1st-8th) • 4301 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville • www.stonehill.school

Hutto

The Fellowship Christian Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: K-6th Religious orientation: nondenominational Extracurricular activities: chess club, coding club and soccer club Enrollment: not provided

Austin

Chaparral Star Academy Type: college preparatory Grades served: K-12th Extracurricular activities: gymnastics, horseback riding, acting, music, hockey and dance Enrollment: 387 Tuition: free

Stonehill Christian Academy Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K-8th Religious orientation: Seventh-day Adventist

Tuition: not provided • 6655 Hwy. 79, Hutto • www.fellowshipacademy.org

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, MANUEL HOLGUIN JR. & BROOKE SJOBERG

Arts center, chamber now in Grith Building The newly renovated Grith Building in Down- town Round Rock now serves as the home for the Round Rock Chamber, the Round Rock Visitors Center and The City Arts Center. Overview The 44,000-square-foot building features an art gallery, space for visitors to learn more about the city and, on the second oor, multiple conference rooms and oces for the Round Rock Chamber. Diving deeper The $19.5 million project was funded by the city’s Type B sales tax revenues, hotel occupancy tax revenues and around $4.2 million came from the city’s general self nance construction budget. The Grith Building previously played several roles in Round Rock’s downtown area, including serving as a re house, auto shop, city hall and the

Paseo in downtown area now open The paseo walkway connecting Prete Plaza to the courtyard of the Round Rock downtown public library, is opened. The setup City ocials said the paseo is designed to improve pedestrian circulation, link major civic spaces and support downtown tourism. The walkway sits alongside recent infrastructure upgrades, including a raised pedestrian crossing on East Main Street.

Regional park to receive eld upgrades The Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander will receive arti- cial turf upgrades for four elds. About the project The Lonestar Soccer Club and Williamson County will fund the $8.9 million project.

Rezoning to make way for shopping center A roughly 9-acre tract of land near the inter- section of Gattis School Road and South Kenney Fort Boulevard is on track for future commercial development. What happened? Round Rock City Council voted to adopt measures to annex, provide utility services and rezone parcels making up the property at the northwest corner of the two roadways Jan. 8. Developers told the city’s planning commission that plans for the property could yield a small retail center. Ethan Harwell, with consulting rm Kimley-Horn, said plans for the property would see only about 4.5 acres of the property developed, as the oodplain occupies some of it. Two acres of the property are owned by Paul Cates Stables, who seeks to sell the property. The stables will remain in operation on about 5 acres of

Rezoning area

The Round Rock Chamber recently moved into its new home within the Grith Building.

MEISTER LN.

COURTESY ROUND ROCK CHAMBER

property north of the 2-acre piece. Remember this?

former library. The Chamber held a reception on Jan. 22 to celebrate the building’s Founders Wall—a display honoring the businesses and community members that have helped support the Round Rock Cham- ber Foundation’s initiatives. “There was a lot of talk of where we would put the [Chamber] building ... We looked at a number of locations, and it’s exactly where it’s supposed to be—right in our downtown,” Mayor Craig Morgan said at the reception.

Parks getting turf upgrades

The measure was previously approved by the Round Rock Planning and Zoning Commission in early December by a 4-2 vote. Harwell said the property owner and project developer hope to build a small-scale shopping center on the property with space for retail, oces and restaurants. “We think we can t about 30,000 to 40,000 square feet on this site and provide a nice little amenity for east Round Rock,” Harwell said.

1 Southwest Williamson County Regional Park 2 Williamson Count Regional Park Soccer Field 1

Round Rock paseo

B L

175

BORHO DR.

ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696

PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070

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