Cedar Park Edition | February 2026

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Cedar Park Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 FEB. 17 MARCH 16, 2026

2026 Private School Guide

Life in the express lane 9-mile stretch of US 183 expansion nears nish line

INSIDE

183 project area

45 TOLL

183

MOPAC

620

Northbound express lanes along US 183 headed toward Cedar Park are now open. (Matthew Brooks/Community Impact)

Also in this issue

Impacts

Page 6

Government Page 8 Learn more about upgrades at Brushy Creek Sports Park

Private School Guide Page 14 Check out this list of over 20 private schools in your area

Read about a new entertainment venue opening

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About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Denise Seiler General Manager

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

Haley McLeod Editor

Beth Burton Account Executive

Correction: Volume 3, Issue 9 Jason’s Deli is celebrating it 20th anniversary. Community Impact incorrectly categorized the news in its previous edition.

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CEDAR PARK EDITION

Impacts

and children, including cowboy boots, work boots and hiking boots. Additionally, the store oers a range of hats, clothing and home decor to capture a Western aesthetic. • Opened Nov. 2025 • 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Cedar Park • www.bootbarn.com 3 Café Java Café Java has a selection of coees, teas and juices and a range of breakfast and lunch oerings including pancakes, breakfast tacos, soup and salads. Specialty coees include the “Butter Beer,” which features espresso, caramel and English toee syrup, half and half, whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. • Opened Jan. 12 • 12129 RM 620, Ste. 120, Austin • www.thecafejava.com 4 Desi District A fast-casual Indian street food concept, the restaurant oers a modern take on classic dishes, alongside an adjacent market featuring Indian groceries, snacks and pantry staples. The business was founded by a group of Dallas locals seeking contemporary Indian street food options. • Opened Oct. 2025 • 12301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 801, Cedar Park • www.desidistrict.com 5 Estância Brazilian Steakhouse The restaurant oers a traditional Brazilian-style dining experience featuring premium meats carved tableside, along with gourmet side dishes, an expansive salad bar, handcrafted cocktails and a curated wine list. • Opened Jan. 28

RAIDER WAY

CABALLO RANCH BLVD.

Leander

8 9

183A TOLL

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183

CBAR RANCH TRL.

BRASHEAR LN.

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

183

Cedar Park

LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

PECAN PARK BLVD.

620

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 2132 Raider Way, Leander • www.estancia.com/leander

6 Far Horizon Coee Co. The coee truck is now operating at The Secret Lantern Books and Games in Cedar Park. The menu boasts a collection of traditional coee shop favorites, including lattes, cold brew, matcha, hot cocoa, lemonade, Italian

• Opened Jan. 23 • 610 Brashear Lane, Ste. 106, Cedar Park • www.bestbrains.com

Now open

1 Best Brains Learning Center Best Brains oers “academic enrichment programs in math, English, abacus and coding for children ages 3-14,” according to the owners. They say the center’s services are centered around small group instruction taught by board-certied teachers.

2 Boot Barn One of the largest Western wear retailers in America moved into the space formerly occupied by Bed, Bath & Beyond, which led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023. The retailer sells a wide variety of boots for men, women

soda and ice cream. • Opened Jan. 2026

• 151 S. Bell Blvd., Cedar Park • www.farhorizoncoffee.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATLYNN FOX, HALEY MCLEOD & DANIEL SCHWALM

7 Urban Youth Park The kids’ movement center oers classes for children ages 2 and older, birthday parties, camps and a monthly kids’ night out event. Benets of the classes include spatial and body awareness, balance, condence, friendship building and team bonding, the website states. • Grand opening Jan. 31 • 12800 Anderson Mill Road, Bldg. E, Cedar Park • www.urbanyouthpark.com

Coming soon

8 Monkey Sports Monkey Sports will bring sports gear, apparel, shoes and accessories to The Crossover, with a planned opening in late spring or early summer. Owned by John Naaman, the sporting goods retailer will oer equipment for hockey, soccer, baseball and lacrosse, with selections for men, women and youth. • Coming spring or summer 2026 • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 100, Leander • www.monkeysports.com 9 Strong Sprouts A new indoor gym and playground for children is headed to The Crossover later this year, according to co-owner David Fiori. The space will include an indoor playground, event space, rooms for homeschooling, age-based gym classes, organized and free play. • Coming summer 2026 • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.strongsproutstx.com

11 PopStroke The mini-golf and entertainment company has announced plans to open a second Austin-area location in Cedar Park. The $5.8 million venture will feature two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a full-service scratch kitchen restaurant and an ice cream parlor. The venue will include indoor and outdoor restaurant seating, three bars, an outdoor beer garden, yard games and soft-surface playground. • Opening spring 2026 • 817 C-Bar Ranch Trail, Cedar Park • www.popstroke.com

13 Sky Zone Construction on the 29,000-square-foot location is expected to begin in March. The new indoor trampoline park is slated to open in late 2026 or early 2027, according to a representative from Sky Zone. Features of the new space also include a cafe and kitchen area, private event spaces, lounge areas and o¤ce space.

• Coming late 2026 or early 2027 • 1611 Scottsdale Drive, Leander • www.skyzone.com

In the news

Closings

12 Genesis Red Light The wellness studio celebrates half a decade providing services such as red light therapy, which can help reduce in©ammation, shrink fat cells and reduce joint pain. • 103 N. Bell Blvd., Ste. A2, Cedar Park • www.mygenesismethod.com 14 Whitestone Brewery The brewery celebrated 10 years of business in Cedar Park last month. Whitestone Brewery sells a selection of beer, wine, cider and hopwater. • 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. A-108, Cedar Park • www.whitestonebrewery.com

15 The Williamson County Bagel Company The Williamson County Bagel Company in Cedar Park is permanently closed. The owners of the bagel shop said in an Instagram post that it closed in the fall. • Closed October 2025 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park Though some of the following businesses are located outside Cedar Park, they are included because of their relevance to the community.

Relocations

10 Afterglow Integrative Esthetics & Wellness

The beauty and wellness concept relocated to a new Cedar Park storefront this past fall, according to owner Dana Kataoka. • Relocated fall 2025 • 2901 Caballo Ranch Blvd., Ste. 3B, Cedar Park • https://afterglowwellness.glossgenius.com

CEDAR PARK EDITION

Government

BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR., DANIEL SCHWALM & GRACIE WARHURST

Cedar Park eyes spring completion of Brushy Creek Sports Park improvements

More details

Millis Development & Construction is overseeing the project after being selected by the city this past July. Additionally, athletic elds will remain natural grass rather than being converted to turf.

The city of Cedar Park expects to complete improvements at Brushy Creek Sports Park by spring, according to an update from Randy Lueders, the city’s director of engineering and capital projects, during a Jan. 22 City Council meeting. The project, currently in progress, includes sports eld fencing and nets, softball eld drainage and ineld improvements, a parking lot expansion, additional trails and upgrades to existing trails, including replacing decomposed granite paths with concrete, as well as a new maintenance building. The improvements are funded through Cedar Park’s 2022 bond package and are expected to cost about $1.7 million, within the originally budgeted amount.

Sports park improvements 1 Trail upgrades 2 Expanded parking 3 New fencing 4 New nets

5 Maintenance storage 6 New ineld drainage

WILSON RANCH PL.

174

Improvements at Brushy Creek Sports Park, including upgrades to athletic elds and trails, will be completed by spring 2026.

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Government

BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR., DANIEL SCHWALM & GRACIE WARHURST

WilCo renews mental health, homelessness support Williamson County renewed its annual partner- ship with Bluebonnet Trails Community Services The three initiatives made possible by the BTCS partnership are:

Multicity police force to ght auto theft Plans for a regional task force to tackle vehicle burglaries are underway. In a nutshell An interlocal agreement between the cities of Cedar Park, Round Rock, Hutto, Georgetown, Leander and Pugerville, as well as Williamson County, was approved Jan. 22 in order to create the Regional Vehicle Burglary Suppression Taskforce. The agreement will allow the participating entities to coordinate investigations and enforcement eorts to address vehicle-re- lated crimes, such as auto theft, burglaries and catalytic converter theft. Each agency will be responsible for its own personnel and equipment, although grant funding could be pursued to support the task force.

for three behavioral health resources totaling almost $500,000 during a Dec. 30 commissioners court meeting. The overview Under the agreement, BTCS will hire and provide two child welfare case coordinators, while the county will fund up to $144,000 for salaries and benets during scal year 2025-26. Child welfare court care coordinators 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

Providing child welfare court case coordinators to help with court- ordered treatment

O ering services to reduce homelessness and increase housing sustainability in the county

Providing dedicated, quali ed mental health professionals in 911 dispatch

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

for individuals at Community First Village, a 51-acre aordable housing community for those experienc- ing homelessness, as well as alternative options. The county will fund $180,981 for two new sta members as well as funding for housing, trans- portation and clothing costs. The program aims to support around 50 individuals.

documents. What else?

BTCS began its homelessness prevention pro- gram in January 2024, nding permanent housing

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Election

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Williamson County voters participating in the March 3 primary election will use precinct-specic voting locations on election day. Although the Williamson County Elections Department manages early voting, the Republican and Democratic parties are responsible for election day procedures, County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo said. For the rst time since 2013, the Williamson County Republican Party opted for precinct-specic polling locations, which in turn requires the local Democratic Party to follow suit. Countywide polling locations will remain available through early voting. WilCo moves to precinct voting on election day

Early voting information The county will operate 21 early voting locations from Feb. 17-27. Williamson County voters can cast a ballot at any of these vote centers, though they can only vote in one party’s primary election. Cedar Park-area early voting locations, include: 1 Anderson Mill Limited District 11500 El Salido Parkway, Austin 2 Cedar Park Recreation Center 1435 Main St., Cedar Park 3 Leander Senior Activity Center 709 Municipal Drive, Leander 4 Park at Crystal Falls 7740 183A Toll, Leander 5 Round Rock ISD Harteld Performing Arts Center 5800 McNeil Drive, Austin 6 Spicewood Springs Library 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin

Leander

175

MUNICIPAL DR.

183A TOLL

1431

MAIN ST.

Cedar Park

183

EL SALIDO PKWY.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The why

What we know

be combined to get the smaller number of polling locations. Although the parties are not running a joint primary, they could share polling locations on election day depending on space availability. If that happens, each party will operate sepa- rately, using dierent rooms or distinct areas with separate entrances, check-in stations and voting equipment. Republicans and Democrats will also have procedural dierences in how ballots are cast on election day.

Republicans plan to operate 79 polling locations on election day, combining some of the 177 voting precincts. The Democratic Party plans to operate 46 polling locations. These numbers have not been nalized and are subject to change, Williamson County Republican Party Chair Michelle Evans said during a Jan. 27 commissioners court meeting. Voters can check county voter precinct maps to identify their updated precinct, which went into eect Jan. 1. However, it has not been announced how certain precincts will

Williamson County Republican Party Chair Michelle Evans cited voter integrity as the main reason for this change. “We all share the same goal of having a successful primary election with voters that are condent that their ballot is condential, that their ballot is counted and that their ballot matters,” Evans said. Williamson County Democratic Party Chair Kim Collins Gilby said the party strongly opposes precinct-only voting.

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Education

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & HANNAH NORTON

Leander ISD ocials talk safety processes Following a Jan. 9 bomb and active shooter threat to Leander High School that activated a campus lockdown, Leander ISD o cials discussed its emer- gency communication protocols and reunication process with Community Impact . The big picture Though parents voiced frustration about how the LISD’s reunication was conducted, the process follows a standard protocol which varies based on the type of incident, the campus involved and law enforcement guidance, LISD o cials said. According to o cials, families are informed through ParentSquare with reunication instructions. LISD o cials also said the timing and detail of emergency communication can vary based on the incident, and that updates are usually sent directly to the impacted campus community.

LISD advances plans to repurpose Faubion The Leander ISD board of trustees approved P uger Architects as the archi- tecture rm to provide services for the repurposing of Faubion Elementary during the Jan. 22 board meeting. The gist The board voted Dec. 17 to close Faubion in 2026-27 due to the campus’ projected low enrollment and LISD’s budget shortfall. District o cials said they could consider utilizing the campus for New Hope High School’s expansion, the Leander Extended Opportunity Center or the Early College High School. Per district documents, P uger Architects will help establish the new campus use and provide full design services.

What you need to know District o cials encourage families to:

Ensure contact information is current in the district’s student information system so they receive messages promptly Monitor o cial LISD communications, including ParentSquare, email and text notications Follow updates from the lead investigative agency, as law enforcement is the lead agency in assessing threats and determining safety status Avoid arriving at the campus during an active incident, as it can interfere with emergency response eorts and delay reunication processes Be cautious about sharing unconrmed information and allow time for the district and law enforcement to verify details before updates are released

SOURCE: LEANDER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Local private schools approved for ESA program Hundreds of private schools and prekindergarten providers have been approved to participate in the state’s $1 billion new education savings account program. Eligible families will receive thousands of dollars to send their children to a private school or • Children’s Lighthouse of Cedar Park - Brushy Creek • Evoke Acton Academy • Goddard School

• Hill Country Christian School • Holy Family Catholic School • Kids ‘R’ Kids • Summit Christian Academy of Cedar Park

homeschool them beginning in 2026-27. Eight Cedar Park-area schools have been approved to accept ESAs: • Bluebonnet School of Cedar Park

Holy Family Catholic School oers private education for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.

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Education Private School Guide

2026

• www.nextgenacademy.school • Other af¢iliated campuses: Alpha School, GT School, Texas Sports Academy

This list is not comprehensive.

Far Northwest Austin

Cedar Park

Challenger School Avery Ranch Type: traditional Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: no activities listed Enrollment: more than 500 Tuition: $1,540-$1,855 per month • 15101 Avery Ranch Blvd. • www.challengerschool.com

Apogee Cedar Park Type: microschool Grades served: pre-K-9 Religious orientation: None Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: Up to 50 Tuition: $1,400 per month • 12129 N. FM 620, Ste. 650 • www.apogeecedarpark.com

Harmony School of Endeavor Type: charter, STEM-focused Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: none

St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School Type: religious-based, college-preparatory Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: 15 athletic teams, numerous faith formation clubs, honor societies, ne arts clubs, foreign language clubs, recreational clubs, social awareness clubs, technology clubs and more Enrollment: 440 Tuition: $15,464 per year

BASIS Cedar Park Type: charter, college preparatory, liberal arts Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: Biology Olympiad, chess, robotics, MathCounts, Science Olympiad, speech and debate, programming, Key Club, Impact clubs, athletics Enrollment: 1,400 Tuition: Free • 165 N. Lakeline Blvd. • www.enrollbasistx.com Cedar Park Montessori Type: Montessori, Association Montessori International (AMI) accredited Grades served: toddler through grade 6 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: art, chess, computing, dance, multi-sports, piano, soccer, STEAM, Spanish Enrollment: Not disclosed Tuition: Available upon request • 400 E. Whitestone Blvd. • www.cedarparkmontessori.com Guidepost Montessori at Brushy Creek Type: Montessori Grades served: ages 6 weeks to 6 years Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: sports, music, dance, art, gymnastics, cooking Enrollment: 130 Tuition: $1,300-2,000 per month • 3017 Polar Lane • www.guidepostmontessori.com Harbor Leadership Academy Type: private therapeutic school, training those who learn di¦erently to succeed Grades: 4-12 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: music, tness, art, social skills, production Enrollment: 50 enrolled on and o¦ campus Tuition: Starting at $15,000 annually • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 103 • www.harboracademy.org

Extracurricular activities: drone, HOSA, MathCounts, rocketry, VEX Robotics, Science Olympiad, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, track and eld, ag football Enrollment: 1,296 Tuition: free • 13415 Ranch Road 620 North • https://hsaleander.harmonytx.org Hill Country Christian School of Austin Type: religious-based, college-preparatory, classical Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports, bible club, chess club, coding, DECA, drumline, history club, pep squad, run club, robotics, student council, theater, book club, Future Health Professionals, National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society, Private School Interscholastic Association, soccer club, speech and debate, yearbook and more Enrollment: 714 Tuition: $13,515-$21,792 per year • 12124 Ranch Road 620 N. • www.hillcountrychristianschool.org Holy Family Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: Pre-K 4-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: 9 athletic teams and numerous before- and after-school activities and clubs Enrollment: 643 Tuition: $9,815 per year • 9400 Neenah Ave. • www.holyfamilycs.org

• 9300 Neenah Ave. • www.saviochs.org

Innovation Learning Lab Type: homeschool center Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: secular

Extracurricular activities: clubs, art, theater, performing arts, STEM and engineering projects, leadership cohorts, eld trips Enrollment: over 60 Tuition: starting at $225 per day • Location not disclosed • www.innovationlearninglab.com The Master’s Christian Academy Type: religious-based, classical Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: martial arts, theater, music Enrollment: 40 Tuition: $13,500-$18,500 per year • 3003 Blue Ridge Drive • www.mymasters.academy Sapienta Montessori School Type: Montessori, Association Montessori International (AMI), accredited Grades served: toddler through grade 6 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: art, chess, computing, dance, multi-sports, piano, soccer, STEAM, Spanish Enrollment: Not disclosed Tuition: Available upon request

NextGen Academy Type: private Grades served: 2-8 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: no activities listed Enrollment: rolling admission Tuition: $25,000 per year • 13915 US 183

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BY KATLYNN FOX, HALEY MCLEOD & DANIEL SCHWALM

Enrollment: 282 Tuition: $13,086 average annually

ag football, basketball, soccer, track and eld, chess club, running club, theatre club, choir club, garden club, French club Enrollment: 800 Tuition: Free • Grades K-2: 906 Crystal Falls Parkway; Grades 3-10: 168 Kauffman Loop • www.valoreducation.org/valorleander

Cedar Park

• 2121 Cypress Creek Road • www.summiteagles.org

Leander

Harmony Science Academy Leander Type: charter; STEM-focused Grades served: Pre-K-7 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: drones, VEX Robotics, FIRST LEGO League, arts, tness, creative writing Enrollment: 649 Tuition: free • 3250 Hero Way • https://hsaleander.harmonytx.org Invictus: An Acton Academy Type: Montessori, accredited through the International Association of Learner Driven Schools Grades served: Pre-K-8 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: entrepreneurially focused, hosts a children’s business fair every year Enrollment: 28 Tuition: $1000 non refundable enrollment fee and $1279 per month for 11 months • 10000 W. Hwy. 29 • www.invictusleander.org Grades served: 6 weeks-K Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: coding, chess, drama, dance, sports, Primrose Summer Adventure Club Enrollment: up to 215 Tuition: rates available upon request • 1781 Osage Drive • www.primrosecrystalfalls.com Valor Leander Type: charter Grades served: K-10 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: women's volleyball, boys' Primrose School of Crystal Falls Type: private preschool

Liberty Hill

Divine Savior Academy - Santa Rita Ranch Campus Type: religious-based, college preparatory Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports, music, art, drama, clubs, student council, national honor society Enrollment: 364 Tuition: $13,695-$17,880 per year • 23857 Ronald Reagan Blvd. • https://santaritaranch.divinesavioracademy.com Fellowship Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: K-8 on campus, 9-12 homeschool support Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: art, P.E., music Enrollment: 67 Tuition: $6,000 per year • 3600 RM Road 1869 • www.fellowshipacademylh.org Fortis Academy Type: religious-based, classical university model, hybrid in-person-homeschool Grades served: Pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: soccer, volleyball, ag football, basketball, theatre, art Enrollment: 280 Tuition: starting at $3,600 per year • 15611 Hwy. 29 • www.fortisacademy.net

The Goddard School of Cedar Park Type: STEM Grades served: infants-kindergarten for full day, after school care for K-5 Religious orientation: none Extracurricular activities: music, STEAM enrichment, chess, Spanish, yoga, soccer, dance, martial arts, outdoor learning, gardening, cooking Enrollment: approximately 200 Tuition: varies by age and schedule, call for more information • 1905 El Salido Parkway • www.goddardschool.com

• 1220 Cottonwood Creek Trail • www.sapientiamontessori.com

Summit Christian Academy Type: religious-based, college preparatory Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: sports, ne arts, music, dance, theater, media club, National Honor Society, student council

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CEDAR PARK EDITION

Life in the express lane From the cover

A closer look

About the project

who need to travel between Austin and the northwestern suburbs. Arthur Jackson, Cedar Park’s chief economic development ocer, said that the project will benet Cedar Park economically. Jackson said that congestion along the 183 corridor costs local businesses tens of millions of dollars in lost productivity each year. By reducing congestion, he said, the project will reduce those losses. He also said that the improved connectivity the project creates will help to attract new businesses to the area—and new customers to the existing businesses. “This is really support for local businesses and commercial development,” Jackson said. “Reducing that travel time really improves access and makes commercial sites along the corridor–whether it’s oce parks, retail development centers or industrial parks— more viable and attractive to those types of investments.” He explained that the construction itself was a boost for Cedar Park, as jobs were created and money was spent at local businesses. Beyond the economic benets, Jackson said he believes the project’s most important impact will be improved trac safety. “When you look at congestion and the impact that heavy trac has on accident rates and deaths, this will be a huge impact,” Jackson said.

A yearslong project to expand and improve US 183 headed toward Cedar Park is nearing completion. The last major piece, the southbound express lanes, could be open as early as March, said Mike Sexton, director of engineering for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. The northbound express lanes opened in January. The 183 North Mobility Project is an infrastructure project undertaken by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority with the goal of improving the 183 corridor along a 9-mile stretch from MoPac to SH 45. The Mobility Authority says the project “aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion and provide more reliable travel times for transit and emergency responders.” At the heart of the 183 North Mobility Project is the construction of two tolled express lanes and one additional nontolled lane in each direction, as well as a yover connection to MoPac. The project also includes building new sidewalks and shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists along the 183 corridor. From 2000 to 2025, the population of Cedar Park grew by about 60%, according to the city’s Development Services Department. To the north, Leander and Liberty Hill continue to see similarly explosive growth. Sexton said the project was necessary to keep up with the growing number of people

183 North Mobility Project New 183 North express lanes Express lane entrance and exit Flyover from 183 express lanes to MoPac express lanes Existing MoPac express lanes

183

183A TOLL

VD.

LAKEL

EXIT

ENTER

45 TOLL

Cedar Park

PECAN PARK BLVD.

734

RSON MILL RD.

EXIT

ENTER

MCNEIL DR.

OAK KNOLL DR.

ENTER

Great Hills

EXIT

New express lanes Northbound lane

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

ENTER

Southbound lane

Discontinuous lane Sidewalk addition

Express lane addition

Continuous lane addition

Existing

General purpose lanes

MOPAC

EXIT

360

Frontage road

North Austin

STECK AVE.

ENTER

General purpose lanes

CTRMA express lanes (tolled)

General purpose lanes

Future

EXIT

Frontage road

183

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY¤COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DANIEL SCHWALM

Drivers heading north on the US 183 express lanes would pay $2.33 with a toll tag or $3.51 by mail to travel the full 9-mile stretch to the 183A Toll/Avery Ranch Boulevard. Price subject to increase during peak demand. Toll rates

How it works

What’s next

Sexton said crews will continue working to put the nishing touches on the project through at least the end of the year, including nishing some connections, painting and planting vegetation. “There’s a lot of the smaller, ner elements of the project that still need to be completed,” Sexton said. “Those will be done mostly nights and weekends so that they’re not impacting tra c during rush hour periods.” Sexton said he looks forward to wrapping up the project and opening it fully to the public. “With all these improvements, everyone benets,” Sexton said. “It’s been ve years, and I know people are ready to move on—we’ll be wrapping this up, the part that impacts the public the most, by the summer. ... People will get to enjoy the corridor moving forward for years to come.”

The new express lanes will use variable tolling. That means the rates will uctuate based on demand. Sexton said the goal is to maintain a steady ow of trac in the express lanes even when the nontolled lanes are congested. Tolls are charged by segment—the span between an entrance and the next exit. Initial toll rates start at $0.73 per segment with a toll tag or $1.10 per segment by mail and will increase as trac gets heavier. Tolls will be displayed on electronic signs at the entrances to the express lanes. Drivers will be charged tolls based on the rates in eect when they enter the express lanes, even if those rates change before they exit. Sexton said authorities hope to keep trac in the express lanes moving at least 45 miles per hour at all times. Some vehicles can use the express lanes for free, including: • Public transit buses • Emergency responders

Cost using a toll tag

Cost using pay-by-mail

Base rate

$0.73

$1.10

Additional charge to use direct connect to MoPac

$1.46

$2.20

SOURCE: CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

• Capital Metro registered carpools and vanpools • MetroAccess vehicles • State and federal military vehicles The total cost of the project is approximately $612 million, according to the Mobility Authority. The nontolled lanes were built with $104 million in federal funding allocated to the project by the state. The remaining cost is covered by a combination of federal loans and toll revenue bonds, which will be repaid with revenue from the express lanes.

CEDAR PARK EDITION

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183

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

Upcoming projects

SCOTTSDALE DR.

1 New Hope Drive expansion Project: The trac changes come as the city is working to expand New Hope Drive from four to six lanes at New Hope Drive and 183A Toll. The expansion will span from the west end of New Hope Drive near RM 1431 to Lakeline Boulevard. Update: The project is in the design phase. • Timeline: expectedcompletion summer 2027 • Cost: $1.8 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond 2 Lakeline Boulevard shared-use path Project: The project will add a 10-foot paved path connecting New Hope Drive and Little Elm Trail. Update: Design is 90% complete. • Timeline: expectedcompletion winter 2026 • Cost: $2.5 million • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation 3 183A Toll at Scottsdale dedicated U-turn Project: This project will shift through-lanes west and construct a new right turn lane at Scottsdale Drive. Update: Design is underway. • Timeline: expectedcompletion winter 2027 • Cost: $1.3 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond 4 Parmer Lane, Ranch Trails intersection improvements Project: The project includes the widening of Ranch Trails at the Parmer Lane intersection. The proposed improvements include an additional lane on both the outbound and inbound lanes at the intersection. Update: The project has been designed but is on hold until development of the vacant land at the northeast corner of the intersection begins. • Timeline: outlined completion winter 2026 • Cost: $1million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond 5 RM 1431 Expansion Project: The project will widen RM 1431 from four to six lanes between New Hope Drive and Bagdad Road.

TORO GRANDE BLVD.

183A TOLL

1431

RANCH TRAILS

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

183

1431

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

734

STAKED PLAINS DR.

Cedar Park

45 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

7 183A Toll frontage roads Project: This project will add two lanes on either side of 183A Toll from East Whitestone Boulevard to Avery Ranch Boulevard. Update: Construction is underway to build north and southbound frontage roads along 183A. • Timeline: expectedcompletion fall 2027 • Cost: $139 million • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation 8 Bell District to 183A shared-use path Project: Construction is underway on a shared-use path that will connect 183A to Bell Park. It will be a 10-foot- wide concrete path following along Brushy Creek Road. Update: Crews have begun building the path itself, working on utility relocations and drainage infrastructure. • Timeline: expectedcompletion fall 2026 • Cost: $3.3 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond

Update: The project is in the design phase. • Timeline: expected completion winter 2027 • Cost: $8.15 million • Funding source: TBD

620

Ongoing projects

6 Toro Grande Boulevard expansion Project: A The north section from RM 1431 to New Hope Drive will receive intersection and signal improvements, turn lanes and utility upgrades. B The south section will connect RM 1431 to Parmer Lane, and expand Toro Grande Boulevard from Whitestone Boulevard to New Hope Drive. Update: The project is under active construction. • Timeline: expected completion spring 2027 • Cost: $36.5 million • Funding source: 2022 transportation bond

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CEDAR PARK EDITION

Community

BY KATLYNN FOX

The Cedar Park and Leander areas are transitioning into hubs for independent bookstores to plant their brick-and-mortar locations. Between Leander and Cedar Park, six new bookstores opened in the last two years–four alone opening in 2025, including Adventures in Ink, The Kids Bookshop, Secret Lantern Books and Games and Phat Tracks Books & Records. The shops sell a range of comic books, children’s books, fantasy, romance, horror and a mixture of other physical media and entertainment. The cohort of bookstores that opened in 2025 joined Paper Bark Birch, a family-owned children’s book shop that began operations in December 2023. The store specializes in children’s products, Local bookstores expand options for readers

More details

What’s next

Cedar Park and Leander bookstores 1 Paper Bark Birch: opened Dec. 2023 2 Adventures in Ink: opened Feb. 2025 3 The Kids Bookshop: opened Aug. 2025

N. GABRIEL ST.

In 2026, Lioness Books is headed for Old Town Leander, eyeing a spring opening date, said owner Sarah Ambrus. The Williamson County-based mobile bookstore oers a range of titles, as well as a selection of physical books, audiobooks and rare and collectible books. Lioness Books will mark the third Leander bookstore to open in the last two years.

When planning her goals for the year, Robertson hoped to encourage collaboration across the di erent booksellers in Cedar Park. Between Paper Bark Birch, Secret Lantern Books and Games and Phat Tracks Books and Records, the local stores have formed a community, each o ering a unique niche. On Feb. 28 the shops will host a Boozy Book Fair at The All Good in The Railyard shopping center. The fair will have a live DJ, food and drinks for purchase from JABS and The All Good and a variety of books, games and gifts. “As we continue to grow this,” Robertson said. “I’m really hoping that some of the bigger authors that tend to go to Austin will also come out to Cedar Park.” In addition to the emergence of locally-owned bookstores opening in recent years, the new Cedar Park Public Library also commemorated it’s rst year of operations. Since opening, the library has welcomed 655,785 visitors, a 143%

2243

4 Secret Lantern Books and Games: opened Oct. 2025 5 Phat Tracks Books & Records: opened Dec. 2025 6 Lioness Books: opening in the spring 2026

183A TOLL

Leander

events and storytimes, with a small selection of adult books, owner Stephanie Robertson said. As a member of several online bookseller organizations, Robertson was inspired by the range of events that other stores can host. It can be challenging to adapt what general-interest stores or adult-focused niche shops do and apply it to the children’s bookstore space, Robertson said. “But, as Cedar Park has grown, the literary community and we’ve added more bookstores here, we’ve really expanded who we reach,” Robertson added.

183

1431

Paper Bark Birch hosts a range of events for readers, including a book club and storytimes with characters like Waldo and Princess Tiana.

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

COURTESY PAPER BARK BIRCH

Cedar Park

increase from 2024, according to previous Community Impact reporting. The growth signals to a developing interest and network centered around literacy and community-focused events.

Secret Lantern Books and Games hosts recurring hobby nights and game nights.

SOURCE: COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY SECRET LANTERN BOOKS AND GAMES

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

ARBORETUM 10515 N Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

across the Austin metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie

Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from

Austin

Round Rock

Poeta The Michelin Guide-recognized Italian restaurant, helmed by chefs Krystal Craig and Ian Thurwachter, opened inside East Austin Hotel. The menu’s oerings include the rigatoni with tomato butter and Italian sausage or marinated mushrooms, and the chevre cheesecake with pistachio and cherry. • Opened Jan. 8 • 1108 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.poetarestaurant.com

High Road DelicaTexan A new all-day cafe, deli, market and cocktail bar helmed by chef Russell Dougherty, salumist Ryan Wilson, beverage director Chadwick Leger—the team behind East Austin’s The Cavalier—has opened in South Austin. The new concept focuses on partnerships with local farms and producers. • Opened Dec. 12

Saté Texas Eugene and Tina Villarreal recently marked one year of operating Saté Texas at its rst brick-and- mortar location in Round Rock. The restaurant specializes in Indonesian-style satay and grilled dishes inuenced by Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern and Indian avors. • 150 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 400, Round Rock • https://sate-texas.square.site

• 915 W. Mary St., Austin • www.highroaddeli.com

Leander

Hutto

Bastrop

House of Chettinad The new restaurant is serving dishes from executive chef Mahendran Gunasekaran. Specialties include Kaatu Kaalan Kalavai Thokku, which is wilted and roasted foraged mushrooms with onion and spices served with rice. The menu also includes biryani, curry, grilled meats and desserts. • Soft opened Dec. 4 • 15241 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 114, Leander • www.houseofchettinad.us

Bites & Basil The restaurant oers Vietnamese cuisine with a Texas twist, featuring dishes like the pho wagyu, pho beef rib, marinated pork chop and rice, and a variety of vermicelli options. Customers can also order wagyu bò lúc lăc, which comes with a hot cooking stone for diners to cook the beef. • Opened Dec. 29 • 150 Alliance Blvd., Ste. 240, Hutto • www.bitesandbasil.com

Pluto’s Wine Bar Bastrop’s downtown hospitality scene is poised for another boost, as Bastrop resident John Wayne Formica is set to open Pluto’s Wine Bar in early 2026. Pluto’s Wine Bar will feature wines by the glass and by the bottle, beer, a seasonal menu, educational tastings and themed events. • Opened in January • 924 Main St., Bastrop • Facebook: Pluto’s Wine Bar

CEDAR PARK EDITION

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