From Amazon facilities to drought-driven planning shifts, Central Texas is seeing rapid development activity. Here’s a closer look at seven trending stories from April shaping the future of the region.
1. Amazon Begins Site Work in Round Rock
Amazon has officially started mass grading for its proposed facility at CR 172 in Round Rock. This early construction phase comes after the city granted approval in March, signaling the beginning of the retail giant’s expansion plans in the area. The facility is expected to span over 223,000 square feet and function as a key distribution center. The next steps include securing a site development permit from the city before vertical construction begins.
2. Heirloom Georgetown Targets Early 2026 Groundbreaking
The long-anticipated Heirloom Georgetown project is gaining momentum. Spanning approximately 620 acres, this master-planned community is being developed by Columnar Investments. The project was first introduced to Georgetown’s City Council in April 2024, and developers now expect to break ground in early 2026. Officials are currently working with the city to refine infrastructure and zoning plans. The community will include residential, commercial, and recreational components aimed at supporting the area’s rapid population growth.
3. Questions Arise Over Atkinson Ranch Proposal
A proposed 362-acre residential project known as Atkinson Ranch is under scrutiny from Georgetown officials. Presented by homebuilder PulteGroup during an April 8 workshop, the development would sit near Williams Drive and Indian Springs Road. Council members voiced concerns over the project’s wastewater infrastructure, density, and architectural style. The city has not yet made a final decision, and further discussions are expected as developers revise the plan.
4. Cedar Park Breaks Ground on Full-Service Hotel and Convention Center
Cedar Park reached a major milestone on April 14 with the groundbreaking of its first full-service hotel and convention center. Located at 750 E. New Hope Drive, the upcoming Marriott Hotel will offer 300 guest rooms and 30,000 square feet of meeting space. Amenities will include a full-service restaurant, bar, breakfast café, and a swimming pool. The facility is expected to serve as a major economic driver, enhancing the city’s tourism and events capabilities.
5. Texas House Advances Cybersecurity Command at UTSA
Texas lawmakers have taken a big step toward centralizing the state’s cybersecurity efforts. On April 16, the Texas House passed House Bill 150, which would establish the Texas Cyber Command at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Proposed by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, the command would oversee digital defense, incident response, and cybersecurity training statewide. The initiative aims to bolster the state’s readiness in the face of increasing cyber threats, transferring responsibilities from the Texas Department of Information Resources to a more specialized command structure.
6. Texas Water Company Cancels Nine Comal County Utility Agreements
In response to prolonged drought conditions and population growth, the Texas Water Company (TWC) has revoked water service agreements for nine planned developments in Comal County. Announced on March 19, the cancellations affect projects that have not yet broken ground. TWC cited insufficient water supply as the reason but said it plans to tap into 6,000 acre-feet of new water resources by 2026. Developers have been urged to postpone construction until water availability improves.
7. Sendero Mixed-Use Development Breaks Ground in Bastrop
Bastrop celebrated a significant development on April 10 with the groundbreaking of Sendero, a 75-acre mixed-use project. Led by Pearl River Companies, the project is expected to bring new retail, dining, hospitality, and wellness options to the region. The development sits at the intersection of FM 969 and SH 71 and will be built in phases. Co-founder Mason Mote, a Bastrop native, called the project a labor of love, reflecting a five-year journey to bring more commercial vibrancy to the community.
These developments highlight Central Texas’s dynamic growth and the ongoing efforts to balance infrastructure, economic expansion, and community needs.
Credits: Community Impact
