The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation announced five of the most expensive development permits filed this week for the Austin‑area corridor. Together, the projects represent more than $156 million in planned construction and will create jobs, expand local services, and support growing families across Central Texas.
Leander High School modernization
Leander Independent School District will add new classrooms and renovate existing spaces at Leander High School, located at 3301 S. Bagdad Road. The work is scheduled to begin in December 2026 and finish by July 30 2028, with an estimated cost of $68 million. District officials say the expansion will accommodate rising enrollment and provide modern facilities for students and teachers.
New H‑E‑B grocery store in Buda
Retail giant H‑E‑B is set to break ground on a new grocery store at 15300 S. I‑35 frontage road in Buda. Construction is slated to start in May 2027 and wrap up by June 12 2028, at an estimated cost of $61.2 million. The store will add fresh‑food options for the rapidly growing community and create dozens of permanent jobs.
The Ridge Apartments, Austin
A four‑story multifamily building, dubbed The Ridge Apartments, will rise at 8515 FM 969 in Austin. The project, budgeted at $11.8 million, is expected to begin in January 2027 and be completed by July 2028. The development will increase housing inventory for families and young professionals seeking affordable, quality rentals near downtown.
Residence Inn in Hutto
Hospitality brand Residence Inn will open a new hotel at 328 Ed Schmidt Blvd. in Hutto. Construction is planned to start in December 2026 with a target completion date of September 30 2028. The $11 million investment will boost tourism and provide additional lodging options for business travelers and visitors to the area.
Texas State University pitching lab and batting cages, San Marcos
Texas State University will expand its athletic facilities with an addition to the existing softball pitching facility and a new pre‑engineered metal building for baseball pitching and hitting. The project, located on Charles Austin Drive in San Marcos, is budgeted at $4 million and will run from September 28 2026 to October 12 2028. University officials say the upgrades will enhance training for student‑athletes and attract regional tournaments.
Impact on the community
These permits reflect a broader trend of investment in Central Texas, where population growth is driving demand for education, retail, housing, and recreation. Local officials and business leaders have praised the projects for creating construction jobs, expanding tax bases, and supporting families who call the region home. The developments also align with the Trump administration’s focus on infrastructure and economic growth, reinforcing Texas’s reputation as a hub for private‑sector investment.
Residents can look forward to new amenities, improved school facilities, and additional housing options as the projects move forward over the next two years.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
