BY HALEY MCLEOD
What’s happening?
Looking ahead
City-backed downtown projects
City Council’s approval of a $1.8 million contract with Design Workshop on Feb. 8—for the planning and design of a new 20-acre park and trail along Brushy Creek—adds to nearly 15 years of elected o cials’ support for downtown revitalization. An initial Downtown Master Plan was adopted in 2010 and has since been updated through policies outlined in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The project, known as the Lawn at Brushy Creek, will expand the perceived boundaries of downtown toward Hwy. 79, according to city o cials. The contract also outlines plans to renovate the green area around the downtown water tower. In contrast, the paseo—described by city sta as an urban park—will bridge Main Street to the streets beyond. Free Wi-Fi will be available, extending the library’s public workspace to the outdoors.
Future development and revitalization in downtown does face some challenges, Nagle said, adding that land is expensive. He explained that in today’s real estate climate, he would not be able to do the same work he did 30 years ago. Ly echoed the sentiment, saying restaurants and bars in downtown are struggling to pay high rent prices. She said she can’t imagine a retail company—who would see less business and be open fewer hours—able to operate in the downtown area. City leaders remain hopeful, though, that the new trails, including the Lake Creek Trail and Heritage Trail West, will bring additional foot tra c to the downtown area and present new opportunities for business and growth on the north side of Main Street. “It’s guring out what downtown is going to look like 10 years from now or 50 years from now, and making sure that we have the infrastructure, the quality of life and amenities,” Bennett said.
Library and parking garage $48.1 million
Lake Creek Trail and Heritage Trail West $21.96 million
Total $104.37M
Gri th Building and paseo $19.5 million
Northeast downtown infrastructure improvements $13 million
Design costs of Lawn at Brushy Creek and Town Green $1.81 million
The impact
Project completion
preserve the historic feel along Main Street. City sta took physical brick samples along the street to ensure a cohesive design for the building. Lauren Putrino Stroud, owner of Bliss Salon and Med Spa, welcomes the city’s plans to attract people beyond Main Street. She said it’s a challenge to raise awareness about her business, despite its close proximity—just a block away on South Sheppard Street. Stroud is optimistic that the expansion e orts in downtown beyond Main Street will enhance visibility for local small businesses like hers.
Michelle Ly, a council member and the owner of several downtown businesses, said an increase of new residents will diversify downtown businesses. The city is working to attract more retail and day- time activity, said Jordan Robinson, president and CEO of the Round Rock Chamber. She explained that thriving communities often start with a vibrant downtown. She said the new chamber facilities in the Gri th Building will add to the diversity of businesses and visitors to the downtown area. Though the Gri th Building will see a signif- icant exterior facelift, great care was taken to
Round Rock Public Library: January 2023 Library parking garage: January 2023 The Depot townhomes: June 2024 Lake Creek Trail: summer 2024 Heritage West Trail: July 2024 Monarch townhomes: Early 2025 Gri th Building and paseo: summer 2025
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